Holster Production Per Year

[Big O]

I was going to ask about how much a custom holster sells for, but I guess this answers that question. So I'll ask this question between the cost of materials and time spent making the holster are you actually making any money on these?

From a business model, considering time invested, no.

It's a hobby that pays for itself, plus a little extra. The time I put into it is "multi-tasked" with watching TV, which I'd be doing anyway, on my nights off from the real job. Most cutting and all stitching are done in my recliner.

[Rayban]

3 $65 holsters from one hide and the hide is paid for. I'd say time is where you make or break a profit. But then, I suspect that most are making more xcustomized items and sell more holsters +$100 ?

I'm doing it full-time to supplement my retirement......I only charge $45-$60 for a holster depending on style, enhancements, etc.

I consider it all custom because it's all made to order.....I don't have anything on the racks awaiting buyers.

I figure only the materials used are my "costs"...my time I consider profit. I'm making money doing it.

I don't worry about lights, heat, shop space, machinery amortization, etc...I let my tax guy take care of that at the end of the year.

I try to keep is as simple as possible.

[Chef niloc]

Gotcha,, I'm kind of just like you guys. Leatherworking is my hobby that I do in my spare time. All the work that I have sold has been due to people seeing something I have made, liking it and asking me to make them something. But I always have a hard time pricing my work out. Materials is the easy part but calculator labor into it It Is just about impossible, at least for me.

Now you guys that are selling hundreds of holsters or sheathes a year, where is that business coming from? Are you doing knife and gun shows, consignment with gun shops, have your own store front, or do you just get that many special requests? For all you guys that do this full time as a liveing do you calculate labor into, if so how?

[Rayban]

I've seen enough of others' work, so I rate my work where I think I fall with the competition....and price it accordingly,

Word of mouth, website, posting on other special interests forums...all add up.

And remember, you're just not getting paid for your time, but your talent too.