Including Care Cards

[ajones17]

Hi All, 

I make leashes and collars, many of my clients use service dogs and handle their dogs on a daily basis. Latigo and bridle leathers, occasionally bullhide . I train dogs and use my leashes every day. I don't currently include any leather/hardware care information with items I ship. I've been looking around online for information on how other makers instruct customers to care for their products as I'd like to start doing so. It seems like there's a wide variety of care instructions depending on where you look. A lot of the information is written anecdotally and I'm a little overwhelmed what to recommend in terms of cleaning and conditioning dog equipment that's used daily.  Can anyone share what they include or what they recommend? For the record, I personally have Bicks and Aussie on hand here, I've used Aussie longer but not partial to either. Saddle soap as needed too.

 

Thanks so much. Pic of one of my latest leashes - Christmas themed bridle leather/unglazed harness from W&C for a customer. 

 

[johnv474]

Be vague. 

No matter what advice you give, you will have people who take it upon themselves to argue with you about it.  That can affect sales or create a rift with fans of other products.

Don't recommend specific products from particular companies.  If you include particular recommendations you also exclude all others as not making the cut.

If you decide to try and pick a favorite you will a) go down a very deep rabbit hole, and b) isolate yourself from others.  Being agnostic about it is about the most honest approach.

I would suggest general instructions such as the following examples: "For a longer lifetime of service, here are some tips: Store when dry.  If wet, allow to air dry.  Brush off loose dirt and dust, which are abrasive to leather.  You may also wipe with a damp, soft cloth.  As needed, use a leather-specific cleaner followed by a light application of a quality leather conditioner.  Apply waterproofing products as needed, if desired."

People who already have products will use them and ignore your card.  People who do not can Google one and pick one themselves.  If you recommend one and someone takes the advice and doesn't like the result, you will hear about it.

[bikermutt07]

1 hour ago, johnv474 said:

Be vague. 

No matter what advice you give, you will have people who take it upon themselves to argue with you about it.  That can affect sales or create a rift with fans of other products.

Don't recommend specific products from particular companies.  If you include particular recommendations you also exclude all others as not making the cut.

If you decide to try and pick a favorite you will a) go down a very deep rabbit hole, and b) isolate yourself from others.  Being agnostic about it is about the most honest approach.

I would suggest general instructions such as the following examples: "For a longer lifetime of service, here are some tips: Store when dry.  If wet, allow to air dry.  Brush off loose dirt and dust, which are abrasive to leather.  You may also wipe with a damp, soft cloth.  As needed, use a leather-specific cleaner followed by a light application of a quality leather conditioner.  Apply waterproofing products as needed, if desired."

People who already have products will use them and ignore your card.  People who do not can Google one and pick one themselves.  If you recommend one and someone takes the advice and doesn't like the result, you will hear about it.

That sounds like really good advice to me.

[kgg]

I agree that general instructions when dealing with dog owners generally is to give basic instructions. Like the dogs and forget about being to specific. Hell, we see it all the time that an owner buys a collar, puts it on the dog and forgets about it. The only time it is removed and hopefully cleaned is when the dog gets groomed. I have even had to cut collars off, particularly the metal choke chains. Drives me nuts. Just getting them to remove the collar everyday is a step in the right direction of keeping the dog healthy and the collar maintained. Personally I like the Martingale style collars leather or nylon because it is always worn slackish around the neck until you need it too slightly tighten.

kgg