New here and to leatherworking

[CreativeName]

I did a few leatherworking projects when I was a kid, moccasin kits, wallet kits, etc. If you can really call sewing together pre cut parts leather crafting. 

Now I'm retired and looking to this as a side hustle.  Here is a belt I made.

[DieselTech]

Looks good. Nice work. Welcome to the group. 

[Mulesaw]

Nice looking belt.

Welcome to the forum :-)

Brgds Jonas

[CreativeName]

I got tired of all the trash belts for sale, so I decided to make my own.  I used 9-10 oz bullhide, a nice buckle and matching metal belt loop, and Chicago Screws.  I've sold 2 for $50 and $60. 

I'm interested in opinions and advice on Etsy.  I've seen a lot of cheap belts on there that look like someone bought one of those cheap pre-made belt blanks, added a buckle and put it up for sale.  Is it possible to sell a well made item for a decent price?

[Mulesaw]

@CreativeName I have never bought or sold anything on Etsy, so I can't give you any advice there. 

But if you have some well made products, I would think that a craft market or something along those lines would be a good way to sell some. I have no idea id there are any in your area, or what your local regulations say. But if you are allowed to apply for a vendors license in the state or city, then you could try to set up a small booth at a place where a lot of people come by. If there is a local grocery store, ask if you can set up a booth in the parking lot or something along those lines.

The good thing about belts is that:
1) they are not bulky to bring along
2) they are something that most people can /will use
3) they are not prohibitively expensive which means that people could decide to buy without having to give much extra thought to it (as opposed to a new saddle)

I know that I am old fashioned, so I would prefer to buy something I have seen and touched with my own hands. And just maybe there are more people out there like me. 

Brgds Jonas

[toxo]

Welcome @CreativeName From the UK. You'll find the selling part a bit of a learning curve because there are so many variables but, hopefully you'll enjoy the journey.

[Scoutmom103]

Welcome @CreativeName     I hope you have discovered  Landwerlen Leather in Indy.   Great place. eather

[Gezzer]

6 hours ago, CreativeName said:

 Is it possible to sell a well made item for a decent price?

Local cattle auction ( sale barn ) is a good bet for leather items  provided the owners will allow you to set up in the parking area . Cowboys and cowgirls don't mind paying for quality !!!!      

and WELCOME 

[Cattleman]

18 hours ago, CreativeName said:

I got tired of all the trash belts for sale, so I decided to make my own.  I used 9-10 oz bullhide, a nice buckle and matching metal belt loop, and Chicago Screws.  I've sold 2 for $50 and $60. 

I'm interested in opinions and advice on Etsy.  I've seen a lot of cheap belts on there that look like someone bought one of those cheap pre-made belt blanks, added a buckle and put it up for sale.  Is it possible to sell a well made item for a decent price?

I sell my belts for $100 (slickout) to $300+ (full floral carved and tooled)... So yeah its possible to sell for a decent price, but I wouldnt go near etsy. Anyone who is looking for a belt on there isnt going to pay what I need out of them... And they aren't going to get a good quality belt either for those prices.

[CreativeName]

I'm afraid that craft fairs and whatnot are beyond my current means.  When I say that I'm working on a shoestring budget,

I mean this...not this...

I'm on a strictly "make-to-order" basis.  If I have a firm order, I can justify ordering materials (Thank you Amazon free 2 day delivery) on the budget.  So far I've obtained 2 paying orders, but all the profit has gone to tools to make better belts.

Edited September 8, 2024 by CreativeName