Why Are We, As Craftspeople

[DJ1935]

Gold coloured hardware isnt just for "old" people. I sell heaps of belts in several different shops as well as at shows. The belts with plain, solid brass buckles outsell anything else. Of all the bags, cases etc I have made in the last five years not one of them has had chrome fittings - our customers always ask for brass. Generally our clients are in the 20-30yr age group but some teenagers are starting to get "into" leather now and they still want the brass look.

DJ

[Hilly]

I still use my checkbook 4 times a year, when I pay my water bill. They don't take payment online, and they don't accept credit cards.

If you want to make something very likely to sell, try making bi-fold credit card wallets.They are about the size of a business card holder. I wet form the inside of a pocket over a stack of about 6 credit cards. The other pocket is flat, and can hold business cards, more credit cards, or folded cash money. I make them from petite tooling calf to keep the size and weight down. You can make several in a day if you have all your wet forming done ahead of time. They make great gifts, too.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Latest news I heard is that people are cutting credit card use way back , and trying to get out of debt, so checks may come back into fashion.

One company I worked for lived on their daily planners. I was issued one, but generally left it alone except when I HAD to bring it with me. They don't suit type B go with the flow personalities like myself.

I prefer solid brass over chromed hardware, now if you are talking silver then it has its place too.

[B Milla]

Well as was said before, its not just older people. Im 25 years old and still carry a checkbook AND a day planner. Most of my customers (I'm a rural Ag Banker) carry both too. for farmers and cattlemen, the check is the best way to pay, since it provides easier record keeping. An in this part of the world, the farmer and cattleman are the normal, average leather customer.

[Somawas]

I absoluttely despise cell phones, but I guess we've all made cell phone cases. I've made 3 for myself and half a dozen as gifts.

[ItzKat]

I was at Tandy last weekend and noted that they checkbook kit was on sale for under $10. I bought a couple but then I couldn't think of anyone to make them for.

[bentley]

Some of the banks are going to charge a fee for having a debit card, when my bank decides to do that I will turn my card in and start carrying my checkbook again.

[Denise]

That is the neat thing about leatherwork. You can make chequebook covers for those of us who still use them (count me in!), but cell phone cases, I pad covers, etc. etc. for all the new technology too. If Tandy isn't selling kits made up for these new things, that would be a great opportunity for a leatherworker to step up and fill that niche. The world changes, but leather just goes on, and on, and on...

[Heligan]

I agree about the brass not being for older people. Its just about what fits a design really and I think especially with earthly colours it looks way better than chrome.