Getting Started

[Hammered Leather]

I just wanted to say hello to everyone!

This is a new place for me to get involved and be part of a leather workers community.

I must say that I am really excited to have registered and can't wait to exchange my thoughts and ideas with you.

I should start by saying that this is an entirely new adventure I am on. I always had an artistic background carving in Soap Stone. I am 39 years old and specialise in working on historical houses in the city of Toronto. I like my work as it allows my work with my hands!

Four months ago I attended the Winter Fair and found myself attracted to a booth selling cow hides. As I looked through them inotice to the right of me an older gentleman working his hammer and stamping tool on a piece of leather. I must have spent the better part of an hour and a half talking to him. At first, he was a little guarded with answers to the seeming endless amount of questions I had. It didn't take long befor he opened up like a river who's dam just gave out. I found myself walking away with a $65.00 starter kit.

I won't for get looking down at it and shaking my head wondering what the hell I was doing?

I'm like that, I'll start something, then it ends just as quickly as it began!

Well, this time that was definitely not the case. It seems i have opened up a can of worms! To say the least.

I have found a new passion that I am sure won't end any time soon!

I suppose it would pointless to say that I am know needing someone, or more, people to help point me in the right direction...

I have made several belts and guitar straps and would like to start selling them.

I have absolutely no idea how to put a price tag on my work and would love to know how to do so.

If anyone has time to take a peek at some of my work you can see it on PhotoBucket under Hammered Leather.

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z423/HammeredLeather/Leather%20Belts/a049ab00.jpg

Thank you very much and please give me a comment and any tips.

Your newest member

Mike

Merry Christmas

[dirtclod]

Welcome aboard!! I looked at your picture and your things look nice. One question though what is the first piece ? The hat is covering it up.

[Chief31794]

Welcome to the dark side. As to putting a price tag on your work. A couple of thoughts, 1) Track and Cover all of your costs, if you're really business savy you should be depreciating tools and equipment for eventual replacement as well as materials and findings. Don't forget shipping charges, utilities, etc, 2) track and covr your labor, this is more difficult as you, like most of us will be "self employed" in this endeavor, if you were paying an employee that cost plus fringe, overhead, G&A, etc would be easier to track, as it is figure what your time is worth to you and be realistic. It's important to remember that your finished product (art, craft, etc) is only worth what the market will bear regardless of how much it cost you to produce, so you will wind up making a purse for $80 and selling it for $60. Not a good business model. Another trap some folks get into early is selling cheap because you like the customer and you aren't sure your merchandise is worth the asking price. Enough soap box, once you determine the actual cost of producing the item (materials, findings, supplies, labor, etc) then the sales price should be a retail price which in most businessess is "double plus one", that's an old saying that means you double the cost and add a factor of 10%. An item that costs you $10 should sell roughly for $21. Hope that helps, Just my thoughts, there may be folks out here that disagree. One thought is that while quality will help sell the item it shouldn't affect the price unless it takes longer to produce due to the increased quality (carving, construction, etc), still the price should be based on the cost + profit. The exception is if you are as good as some out here you could sell your work as "art" then that's a whole different business model.

Ken