What leather goods would people be interested in right now?

[mooreleatherworking]

I am looking for advice on what products I can realistically get commissions for right now. I need some funds for more tools. I just think the versatility of leatherworking lends itself to all economic cycles so I want to hear from others, what people think would sell in this current time.

Watch Bands
Wallets
Tool pouches
Journal covers
Bags and Pouches

Are small leather goods considered an accessory where people wouldn't buy during economic slowdowns?

Edited yesterday at 02:56 PM by mooreleatherworking

[toxo]

1 hour ago, mooreleatherworking said:

I am looking for advice on what products I can realistically get commissions for right now. I need some funds for more tools. I just think the versatility of leatherworking lends itself to all economic cycles so I want to hear from others, what people think would sell in this current time.

Watch Bands
Wallets
Tool pouches
Journal covers
Bags and Pouches

Are small leather goods considered an accessory where people wouldn't buy during economic slowdowns?

Wow! That's a question and a half. Until you get established be prepared to work hard with small profits. If you sort out decent ways to promote and sell your work you'll still need to make your work stand out against all the other sellers out there. If you can do that you're half way there but you're up against other countries who churn out inferior product that many people find acceptable. Fortunately there are people out there who appreciate hand made, well turned out products but you have to get your work where they can see it. And when it comes to pricing, don't be mislead by the prices you see online. A product listed online for a good price doesn't mean that product actually sells for that price. 

A couple of points, when you find something to make, do 5 or 10 at a time. I've noticed a lot of eye catching stuff I see lately has an eye catching painted design so something to look at.

[chuck123wapati]

What country do you live in?

[Darren8306]

I'm lurking curiously. Hoping that @chuck123wapati has answers that will make me a wealthy leather sewer in northern Canada

[Handstitched]

In my lil' local country  town, I just did some basic market research. I simply talked  to people, and when I told them I'm getting into  leather, the common response  was " we can't get a decent belt , or a knife case" . So thats pretty  much where it all started....20 years later....

I just made what appealed to the local market. 

What you may be referring  to may  not be as simple  as that

HS 

[Dwight]

Handstitched ^^^^^ gave you the best advice.  Talk to people  . . .  you either have to become a good salesman . . .  or you need to wear your wares.  

Show off a gorgeous belt . . .  wallet . . . maybe a hatband . . . key fob . . . vest . . . 

AND . . . carry a pocket full of business cards . . . 

When you strike up a conversation with a new person . . .  make sure you let them know that their new belt of wallet . . . etc . . . does not have to come from China or Pakistan.  

Create a website . . . get on facebook . . . and put some stuff on Etsy or Facebook marketplace.  Get your face and examples of your wares in front of people is how it starts.

And don't be discouraged if it takes 2 years to get the "groove" you wanted.  Took me several different tries . . .  and I'm still adding newer products.

May God bless,

Dwight

[chuck123wapati]

13 hours ago, Darren8306 said:

I'm lurking curiously. Hoping that @chuck123wapati has answers that will make me a wealthy leather sewer in northern Canada

Northern Canada, lemme see maybe beach sandals lol. They would be great sellers at this time of year when you're looking at -20 dont you think?

[chuck123wapati]

If it were me. Considering my location in the US, and the time of the year I would make a ton o stocking stuffer/ OH no I need a small gift right now but don't know what to buy type stuff. Then post on local fb, put flyers up on bulletin boards, local Christmas craft fairs etc., easy stuff that you have time to make a bunch of like card holders, knife sheaths, key fobs, wallets, belts, maybe if you're good and fast. Then plan ahead for next spring/ buying frenzy when folks start to buy their summer crap, whatever that may be in your area.

But not knowing your location makes it pretty hard to give reliable answers; it's a global forum.

[AlZilla]

I don't generally make things to sell, but i'm often asked about things I'm carrying or wearing. Be a walking billboard for your work. Be that "leather guy".

Lots of times the conversation will include the difference between some item that puked out the back end of a factory in an unpronounceable province in some far off land and the bespoke, one of a kind item at hand. 

[Darren8306]

4 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

Northern Canada, lemme see maybe beach sandals lol. They would be great sellers at this time of year when you're looking at -20 dont you think?

That's not bad. Might consider baseball hat patches, too. Actually, everyone here wears the same black parka when it's cold. Sweetheart used to make crochet flowers to help spot yours in the pile...come to think of it, there are a heck of a lot of steiger boots here, with the same problem.

 

But sandals are tricky to get right. You need the correct tread for ice, AND the thong has to be no-stick, so the medic can extract it without damaging frostbitten toes...

 

This could require some thought...