Need Help With Business Name Ideas!

[zaynexpetty]

I have been racking my brain for the past few months and I have not been able to come up with a name that I am satisfied with for my one-man leatherworking operation.

I really would just like some filler words, for example: mercantile, brand, works, goods, etc...

I would love to use my last name (Petty), but unfortunately, the word "petty" also has a definition in the dictionary that is synonomous with lesser quality. But if I could insert a filler word, so that "Petty" isnt describing the type of leather, or the type of operation I am running, that would be ideal.

Something like "Petty (insert word here) leather goods".

Or am I just over-thinking this? Because, at the same time, I think that anyone with common sense would realize that no one in their right mind would use a negative word like "petty" to describe their own product, so they must come to the conclusion that "petty" is a surname. Am I right?

I don't know! Does anyone have any good ideas? What are some common generic words people use in their leather company names, or even words that people use in the trade business?

Thanks

Zayne

[Tinkerton]

What kind of leatherwork do you do?

[DavidL]

They probably won't think of petty as a last name. If its under petty and Co, it could work. I wouldn't take a chance and hope that the customer will know its your last name, some others will be unsure.

Large companies spend tens of thousands of dollars and 6-8 months on a business name, all through a firm that handles that sort of thing. So you aren't overthinking it,

In business theres no such thing as overthinking. If you don't go through the facts and do market research, don't bother going into business it won't end well.

It should have these things:

Memorable

Give off the main vibe of the company

short

non generic

[papaw]

D & L Mercantile Leather Goods -or Leather Works

[zaynexpetty]

What kind of leatherwork do you do?

For now, I do accessories, (belts, wallets, key fobs, etc...)

They probably won't think of petty as a last name. If its under petty and Co, it could work. I wouldn't take a chance and hope that the customer will know its your last name, some others will be unsure.

Large companies spend tens of thousands of dollars and 6-8 months on a business name, all through a firm that handles that sort of thing. So you aren't overthinking it,

In business theres no such thing as overthinking. If you don't go through the facts and do market research, don't bother going into business it won't end well.

It should have these things:

Memorable

Give off the main vibe of the company

short

non generic

I agree, thank you for your input. Looks like I wont be using my last name. I do have another good idea for a name (at least I think so) but I am slightly worried about trademark infringement. Do you have any experience on the matter?

D & L Mercantile Leather Goods -or Leather Works

I really like the word mercantile. Would that be appropriate for a business that sells just one type of good?

Thanks

Zayne

[rlpullman]

Does Petty imply inferiority? How about Richard Petty Racing? Take pride in your name. Your brand name should reflect your product. Focus on what your product will be, and develop a brand around it.

[LTC]

I do have another good idea for a name (at least I think so) but I am slightly worried about trademark infringement. Do you have any experience on the matter?

if it isn't unique enough so that people won't be confused by the name, don't use it. in other words, if there is a chance someone would confuse your product with some other company's product, i would strongly recommend not using the name.

Does Petty imply inferiority? How about Richard Petty Racing? Take pride in your name. Your brand name should reflect your product. Focus on what your product will be, and develop a brand around it.

i wouldn't personally buy anything from a company called "petty leather" or whatever for the same reasons the OP stated.

Edited May 21, 2014 by LTC

[DavidL]

Depends what your market is that you are selling to that should dictate your company name. "first name" Petty leather goods may work if you intend to keep it small. Only companies that works for retail market are louis vuitton, Phillip Lim, Versace ect and they are mostly high end. If I call it Dave's leather it sounds like its made out of my garage, which it may be and the quality could be very good, but the name of the company doesnt help convey that.

If you are selling home made soup, Dave's Garden selection makes it sound natural.

Your brand name and product should be on the same wavelength if that makes any sense.

It was easier in the past decades to incorporate your name into the business since everything was based off the quality of your product, now with all the internet and marketing thats available people make names that are catchy, unique and work to stand out in the market. Back in the day there were most likely a few big companies that sold X product now there are 20 times more that sell the same thing.

Edited May 21, 2014 by DavidL

[MojoGeorge]

1 man 2 hands leather

[sheathmaker]

"ZP Custom Leather", or "Zayne Petty Custom Leather". I have used "PFL Leather and Tack" and currently I use "Paul Long Custom Leather"

From that point the quality of your product and service defines you…..and the growth of your trade.

Paul

Edited May 21, 2014 by sheathmaker