Members K-Man Posted August 15, 2011 Members Report Posted August 15, 2011 Thanks to all for the feedback - I plan to click out the various strap patterns I have, with measurements on them, so everyone can see what is what. I have various patterns/sizes that will go with the button covers, as I set those up to be 'universal'. What I'm interested in mostly is what would most of you consider to be a 'fair' amount for each set of blanks? Bear in mind that I can 'customize' to a degree, as I own a 16" band knife that I can level these if you are interested in making a higher end strap that would be lined and stitched...I would probably upcharge only a buck for leveling the straps to your desired thickness. I'd like a 'range' of what you all consider a fair amount, so I can do a bit of research on my end, and come up with an appropriate amount to charge. I normally sell my basket stamped spur straps, not lined, but with the stitched button cover, and a nice stainless steel buckle, stitched and riveted in place, for $65.00 per pair. This is a 3/8" long basket, in case you are wondering, sometimes smaller, never larger than this. I can charge more for lined/stitched. Because this is my retail price, and, not knowing how everyone here may feel about what they charge for a retail price, I feel the feedback is important. Will be posting pix later - stay tuned! Shelly There's a guy currently on eBay selling clicked out sets for $15 + shipping. Has a couple of different styles. There was another leathercraft guy a few years ago who used to sell the clicked out parts, to include basic buckles, on eBay for approx $20 if I remember correctly.
Contributing Member Ferg Posted August 15, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) Shelly, We manufacture an item, not leather, in our family business. We sell strictly wholesale and have for 35 years. I take every movement made to make the product, time it. Every item of leather plus a percentage for waste, electricity for lighting, insurance, absolutely everything. Total those costs and realistically figure the number of items you can make in say, 8 hours. Being a family business we figure $25.00 per hour. Now you know how much it costs for each pair of straps. Take one half of the total costs, add it to the cost, add 10 percent of that total for profit. That is the way we do it. There are definitely other methods. This has worked for us for 35 years. We are living our fruits of the labor in our beautiful Log Home for the last 16 years and I hope a lot more. ferg Thanks for the compliment on the article!! Edited August 15, 2011 by 50 years leather
Members Shelly Posted August 15, 2011 Author Members Report Posted August 15, 2011 OK Everyone! Here is the sample page - bear with me, I'm sure I could probably do this with the computer, but, this was 'fast and nasty'! I will charge $15 per pair, and will include your choice of buckle ends. Button Covers will cost $1 extra per pair. The two pull thru patterns use the simple strap, which can also be used with just a buckle end for a simple pair. They are all measured with length, widths, etc on the straps, and have a reference number or letter with each. The page shows all Chestnut Hermann Oak blank patterns, and we can send these in Russet HO as well. These can be split to the desired thickness for each customer - no charge. Price Break - $12.50 per pair, when ordering a dozen or more pair per order. No price break on button covers. Let me know if anyone is interested! Thanks for your patience and feedback, Shelly Shelly
Members Shelly Posted August 17, 2011 Author Members Report Posted August 17, 2011 Had a question from someone about how the button covers are put on - here are a series of pix for anyone interested. I used the strap that already comes with the buttonhole, etc - you would need to cut your buttonhole first, before stitching on the button cover. On this series, I've lined the strap with scrap kangaroo - stitched the main strap, trimmed it. Then I will stamp or carve it. Next, apply a little contact glue around the edge of the button cover, and place it where I've previously marked it in - I will usually edge and rub these prior to stitching on - easier. Anyway, you can probably get the general idea of how they work. I've got the strap finished in the last pic, with the exception of a little oil and sealer, which I will do when the whole set is finished, and do them all at the same time. Hope this helps anyone that is looking...! Shelly
Members ghan Posted September 5, 2011 Members Report Posted September 5, 2011 Hey Shelly great idea is is feasable to send these to an intenational destination (Australia) the price is great but im not sure what the postage would be Cheers Adam Had a question from someone about how the button covers are put on - here are a series of pix for anyone interested. I used the strap that already comes with the buttonhole, etc - you would need to cut your buttonhole first, before stitching on the button cover. On this series, I've lined the strap with scrap kangaroo - stitched the main strap, trimmed it. Then I will stamp or carve it. Next, apply a little contact glue around the edge of the button cover, and place it where I've previously marked it in - I will usually edge and rub these prior to stitching on - easier. Anyway, you can probably get the general idea of how they work. I've got the strap finished in the last pic, with the exception of a little oil and sealer, which I will do when the whole set is finished, and do them all at the same time. Hope this helps anyone that is looking...!
Members K-Man Posted September 9, 2011 Members Report Posted September 9, 2011 Shelly: Please check your pm's.
Members KRig Posted September 27, 2011 Members Report Posted September 27, 2011 Shelly, I'm starting a project that requires a specific type of spur strap. What I require is pretty simple: A bib that is at least 8 inches wide. No holes or slits needed. Pretty simple, just the blank. Also, I'd like to cut and stamp the strap portion myself so all I'd need are strips about a foot long (allowing for some mistakes since I fairly new to tooling) and anywhere from 1, 1 1/8, 1 1/4 inches in width. Also, no holes or slits needed. Best if all 4 pieces come from the same hide. How much for each set? Thanks, Frank Helton kickinrig@gmail.com PS: Do you tool by hand or have a large die for each strap? If the latter, I might be interested in getting some pre-stamped.
Members DavidMillsSaddlery Posted December 27, 2011 Members Report Posted December 27, 2011 Are these still available?
Members Shelly Posted December 27, 2011 Author Members Report Posted December 27, 2011 Are these still available? Hi, Yep, we can still make these up - just let me know which blanks you are interested in, your shipping info, and I will send you a quote for them... Shelly Shelly
Members shedhunter Posted February 27, 2012 Members Report Posted February 27, 2012 Just wondering if anyone here would be interested in buying spur strap blanks that I've clicked out of my scrap leather (decent stuff) - I save my scraps for these types of things. Chestnut and Russet Hermann Oak, mostly. I can put up pix of the different sizes, styles, etc, and can sell them in 'kits' as blanks - would include a pair of spur straps, with or without button covers, and the buckle ends, with or without a stainless steel buckle, etc. I am trying to figure out what people would be willing to pay for the blanks, and see how much interest there is in this venture...we've already clicked up a big box of straps and button covers, and buckle ends... Is it possible to get any blank spur straps (both sides)? I love doing the stamping but not real good at cutting and edging the leather. This is the first pair I've ever made but I'm not happy with the edges. Just let me know. Thanks!
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