Logo On Work

[TexasLady]

Wow, chriscraft. That sounds like your makers mark really saved the day. It protected your reputation. I have a question, and I'm sorry if it sounds 'picky'. How did the man find your makers mark that was "under each seat hidden away from view when mounted on his motorized builds"? Did they remove the leather from the seat in order to search for a makers mark?

[chriscraft]

TexasLady, the 1920's replica Motor Cycle leather seats I was making had three mounting points underneath. Two near the rear outer sides and one bracket towards the front. This center bracket just barely covered my makers mark so it was exposed but not directly in view. One would have to flip the cycle upside down to see it. These seats were also special ordered as an upscale leather seat. If you already owned one of his motorized builds you could upgrade to a better seat. At this time you would clearly see my makers mark before installation.

The customer didn't explain how his friend was able to find my makers mark. He did say he search with the word "leather" attached to my name and was able to find my website.

I also stamped a small serial number to log these seat builds. Type of leather weight, dye combination and finish coating, thread size, SPI and color. Date is was completed. I did this for future reference incase I ever had to replicate this build or make repairs to the seat.

[TexasLady]

Beautiful work. That's the kind of product we all want as our legacy. ...Oh, okay. Finding your makers mark makes sense now.

I hope the fellow will think of something else he can order from you.

I'm paraplegic. Got this way last year. I'll keep your info on hand in case anyone is willing to pay for a quality leather item. Some people actually have money for things like what you make,...things that give pleasure to have and use for years to come. I would hope whoever orders something would send you the cheapie version of what they want you to make an improved version of. (I just got through slaughtering the English language in that last sentence. Foreign language speakers Beware!)

Edited June 18, 2015 by TexasLady

[snubbyfan]

I use an American Indian Pictograph of a Bear Paw. It's small, unobtrusive and marks it as one of mine.

I actually get enough work by word of mouth to keep me comfortably busy.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Simply put, there are many opinions and ideas as to how to or not to mark your work. To each, here is pros and cons. For me, if it is too small to get my makers mark on it, it goes out of the shop "commando". If it is large enough, and the customer says he doesn't want it conspicuous, I mark it that way. As for my saddles, that is another story. I prominently mark each saddle in all the normal places, and then some. If the customer doesn't want it marked so, he will not be a customer.

Bob

[TexasLady]

I'm so grateful for the input from everyone on this Thread. When I do make my Makers Mark, I will have the advantage of getting to weigh the pros and cons from your collective experience.

Edited June 26, 2015 by TexasLady