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[Engine1]

Hello everyone,

I'm planning on setting up a a both at an event in about a month selling belts and key chains. I have not sold at an event yet I was curious if any of you have and how many belts and of what sizes you would suggest taking.

 

[Norton Custom Leather]

if the show is 2 days you should have no less than 50 per day. 

this allows you to have the most common colors & designs.

with color & design, don't be nervous about having blank & natural. you may be surprised. 

[NVLeatherWorx]

I participate in several shows/events each year including County and State Fair venues and such and the only belt that I take with me is my adjustable style belts (been making this one for years, modeled after the old leather slings that were used on the M1903 Springfield rifles that the military carried back in the day).  By having this as my only belt (available in 3 sizes with each one giving a 9 inch adjustment range for the wearer) I can cover every waist size from 28" to 50"; I have 4 hardware finishes to choose from and offer them in 7 colors (including Natural).  They are what I call Classic (plain) but if a customer were to request one with some stamping or carving & tooling then we can arrange for a custom order.  I typically have at least 4 of each size belt hanging at all times with the emphasis on the more commonly desired colors (black and browns) and hardware finishes (antique brass and nickel plate) but I have some on-hand under the table that cover all available options and sizes.  I have chosen this type of belt (and it has been very successful for me for quite awhile) because the base section (the buckle section) is standard across the board so the only variable is the running end of the strap; I can have 2 of each color and hardware finish for the bases and all I need to do is swap out a matching color (finish and hardware) strap if someone needs to swap out for a different size.  

I make them at 1-1/4" wide and they are made from 9 to 10oz. vegetable-tanned cowhide (Hermann Oak, Grade A).  All hardware is low lead solid brass so there is no tarnish or rusting down the road and I use Chicago screws to secure the buckles.  All hardware on each belt matches from the buckle to the screws to the rivets, it all is of the same finish and I get all of this from one source (who owns their production/manufacturing facility so there are no middle men in this process).

When trying to gauge standard styled belts in the past I found myself sitting on several finished belts because the size ranges were not commonly sought and it wasn't feasible to keep replenishing belts by predetermined sizes; way too time consuming when I could be making other things.  I put this adjustable belt out there and have never displayed another traditional belt since.  I will still take orders for them, and I do, but I don't openly stock them anymore.

[NVLeatherWorx]

10 hours ago, nstarleather said:

If I were you, I'd keep at least one of each color in sizes 30"-40" (2" increments each), if you have time and stock to do that ahead of time.  If you have extra time do one or 2 extra each in 34"-38".  Then, depending on how big the crowd is, I'd also keep a as many unsized blanks that you can pouch holes in and cut off to order for larger and smaller sizes.  If you have some slow spells you can size blanks to restock what you sell.  You'll need  a study table and something to punch holes and cut ends on.  Also, Bonus!: if people see you "working" they're more likely to come and look at your stuff.  

 

Here in our shop, because we have only 1-2 people stop in per week, I  keep all our belts unsized so we don't have to maintain a huge stock.

And this is the OPTIMAL concept when it comes to belts.  It is easier to have your belts pre-punched on the running (tip) end and then just "cut to fit" for the final length on the buckle end (and then just put the buckle, keeper, and whatever method of securing them together when you fit it).  I have chosen my Adjustable Belt concept as I don't have to have any tools lying around or extra hardware stashed somewhere to trim a belt and sell it; just adjust the belt to your waist size and off you go.  They sell themselves actually.

[Windrider30]

On ‎31‎/‎07‎/‎2017 at 1:18 AM, NVLeatherWorx said:

I participate in several shows/events each year including County and State Fair venues and such and the only belt that I take with me is my adjustable style belts (been making this one for years, modeled after the old leather slings that were used on the M1903 Springfield rifles that the military carried back in the day).  By having this as my only belt (available in 3 sizes with each one giving a 9 inch adjustment range for the wearer) I can cover every waist size from 28" to 50"; I have 4 hardware finishes to choose from and offer them in 7 colors (including Natural).  They are what I call Classic (plain) but if a customer were to request one with some stamping or carving & tooling then we can arrange for a custom order.  I typically have at least 4 of each size belt hanging at all times with the emphasis on the more commonly desired colors (black and browns) and hardware finishes (antique brass and nickel plate) but I have some on-hand under the table that cover all available options and sizes.  I have chosen this type of belt (and it has been very successful for me for quite awhile) because the base section (the buckle section) is standard across the board so the only variable is the running end of the strap; I can have 2 of each color and hardware finish for the bases and all I need to do is swap out a matching color (finish and hardware) strap if someone needs to swap out for a different size.  

I make them at 1-1/4" wide and they are made from 9 to 10oz. vegetable-tanned cowhide (Hermann Oak, Grade A).  All hardware is low lead solid brass so there is no tarnish or rusting down the road and I use Chicago screws to secure the buckles.  All hardware on each belt matches from the buckle to the screws to the rivets, it all is of the same finish and I get all of this from one source (who owns their production/manufacturing facility so there are no middle men in this process).

When trying to gauge standard styled belts in the past I found myself sitting on several finished belts because the size ranges were not commonly sought and it wasn't feasible to keep replenishing belts by predetermined sizes; way too time consuming when I could be making other things.  I put this adjustable belt out there and have never displayed another traditional belt since.  I will still take orders for them, and I do, but I don't openly stock them anymore.

what kind of buckle do you actually use though for this kind of belt?

[NVLeatherWorx]

59 minutes ago, Windrider30 said:

what kind of buckle do you actually use though for this kind of belt?

I just use a standard buckle; the design is just like any other belt with the exception of it consisting of two separate straps (one with a 2-prong strap hook and the other with 9 pairs of holes for the hook and a guide loop to keep it aligned) to create the adjustable feature.  I have a version from not so long ago posted on my website but am always finding ways to try and tweak the design (as I do with everything I make).  My buckle of choice is a heel-bar style because I always use a handmade leather keeper (yup, I make them too because I can add a little something to it and I use heavier leather than those thin things you get from suppliers).

[Engine1]

What is your web sight link 

[NVLeatherWorx]

19 hours ago, Engine1 said:

What is your web sight link 

It is in my signature block, just click the one that says Online.

[Rockoboy]

On ‎1‎/‎08‎/‎2017 at 6:43 AM, NVLeatherWorx said:

It is easier to have your belts pre-punched on the running (tip) end and then just "cut to fit" for the final length on the buckle end

Would it not be quicker and easier to have the buckle end punched and buckle fitted prior to attended an event or show, then size the belt and punch the tip end to customers requirements? Once a belt is cut to length and end shaped, mark out the tip end holes with a  template and punch the holes. I would think this is less work to do on the spot, than setting rivets ... IMHO.

[RockyAussie]

Another alternative wish I think is quick and easy if you make long belts all ready to go along the method I do many of my belts as in pics below. Just cut to length and punch 2 holes and attach the buckle and extension. Many customers buying as gifts just buy them over long and do it later.

[NVLeatherWorx]

1 hour ago, Rockoboy said:

Would it not be quicker and easier to have the buckle end punched and buckle fitted prior to attended an event or show, then size the belt and punch the tip end to customers requirements? Once a belt is cut to length and end shaped, mark out the tip end holes with a  template and punch the holes. I would think this is less work to do on the spot, than setting rivets ... IMHO.

Actually, if you have tooled the belt properly you started at the tip end and ran towards the buckle end.  By having the tip end already punched you are now only trimming from the end that you should be anyway, so the answer to your question would be "no, if you made the belt the proper way."

1 hour ago, RockyAussie said:

Another alternative wish I think is quick and easy if you make long belts all ready to go along the method I do many of my belts as in pics below. Just cut to length and punch 2 holes and attach the buckle and extension. Many customers buying as gifts just buy them over long and do it later.

Basically what I said, cut to length, attach the buckle, done and sold.

[Rockoboy]

30 minutes ago, NVLeatherWorx said:

Actually, if you have tooled the belt properly you started at the tip end and ran towards the buckle end.  By having the tip end already punched you are now only trimming from the end that you should be anyway, so the answer to your question would be "no, if you made the belt the proper way."

Of course! That's why you get paid the big bucks. LOL

I guess I was imagining a plain belt with no tooling, but when I think about it, I can see the correct way to make a belt.