First Satchel

[pnozzer]

Thanks for the pricing advice, I'll keep that in mind if this becomes more than a hobby, for now am happy to do a few hours here and there

[PsychoSmart]

Had some interest in making more but would have to charge ridiculous money for it to be economical Still all good fun.

What is ridiculous money in your mind? and then What did this cost you strictly in materials?

[bluesman1951]

Nicely done !

[pnozzer]

Hi psychosmart, your question made me think what I meant when I said that initially, and realised it was based on a feeling rather than hard numbers. Here's what I've worked out (sorry am working in pounds UK, will convert to usd at end!). All materials cost £45 (roughly 70us), and I think after putting the planning for the first one I could make one in two full time days. For it to be economical, I'd be making at least £100/days work, so would have to charge £245+ (~$400+), which to me sounds like a hell of a price for a satchel! I suppose the time side of the equation could be reduced quite a bit from practice and economies of scale. But I'm completely naive, I see lots of great buts on here and they might be selling for what I would call ridiculous money...

Edited January 3, 2014 by pnozzer

[PsychoSmart]

Your question made me think what I meant when I said that initially, and realised it was based on a feeling rather than hard numbers. Here's what I've worked out (sorry am working in pounds UK, will convert to usd at end!). All materials cost £45 (roughly 70us), and I think after putting the planning for the first one I could make one in two full time days. For it to be economical, I'd be making at least £100/days work, so would have to charge £245+ (~$400+), which to me sounds like a hell of a price for a satchel! I suppose the time side of the equation could be reduced quite a bit from practice and economies of scale. But I'm completely naive, I see lots of great buts on here and they might be selling for what I would call ridiculous money...

I'm new to the world of leatherworking, every other hobby I have been around has been called more a labor of love so the idea of charging that much for your time is astounding to me. But that being said if someone will pay it, maybe it isn't as crazy as it sounds. It is a really great bag. Thanks for the numbers. $70 isn't outside of my price range when I get a little more skilled. Maybe that is the secret, make something you can use, and then if it doesn't sell, you got yourself a new bag!

[pnozzer]

You may be on to something there! You're right thought, it is definitely a labour of love. In that calculation I was more thinking of economical as in a proper income as opposed to a hobby (no plans for that any time soon!). Good luck with your projects in future!

[Spindrift57]

Great satchel. Love the clean lines. Seems to have been a Christmas for satchels - will upload pics of the one I made for my wife.

As to selling you work. Kwelna is right, some people will recognise the craftsmanship and individuality of a truly hand made piece and will be happy to pay. You have to decide whether you want to compromise on any aspects of your work. I recently threw out a price and have my first serious commission. Probably not cost effective but then it's not my 'day job'.

Take a look on Etsy, e-bay and this site for craftsman you'd like to emulate. I'm relatively new to leatherwork but would like to think that eventually I'd get somewhere near the sort of quality people like Nigel Armitage produce. When your work is that good people don't quibble on price.

Having mentioned him, Nigel Armitage has 2 videos on YouTube showing him making a messenger style bag with a 3 part gusset. We'll worth a watch.

[robin62]

Do you have any more pictures of the brown bag that is in the background of the first picture? It looks like a nice bag too.

[bigorange]

like that

[bwillielv]

Very nice.