Customer doesn’t want a maker’s mark

[Cleatherdesigns]

So I do mostly custom leather goods. Lately I’ve had a man and his both placing orders but they are both requesting no Maker’s Mark. Now I’ve never thought about it much and I am doing custom items for people, so I do everything to fit their needs. But this?  I’ve never ran into this. I’ve suggested putting it in an inconspicuous area but they both prefer no mark whatsoever. I know them very well so not worried that they are wanting to resell my stuff.  Anyone have any advice? Especially if I start running into it more often. 

[Sturme]

I do a lot of custom holsters, in my opinion a custom piece means no makers mark. I have never had an issue with it. The work sells itself and i feel has actually gotten me more work. people like to brag about their quality and custom items and tend to show them off. as long as the work is superior they will let others know it was you that did it. and the product will advertise itself well.

[JLSleather]

I did custom work for YEARS without a "mark".  I do have a couple here, but I think it's mostly just an ego problem.  Much like the small guy often feels the need to be loudest.  If you're in it to sell goods, and you are selling goods, I dont see a problem.

 

[Rhale]

I think there are a few pieces that there just isn’t a good place to put a Maker’s mark but most anything else I make gets a Maker’s mark! It’s just like anything else you buy, it’s going to have a brand, a label, or identifying mark no mater what the item is big or small.  Granted I don’t do this for I living but I have made and sold I lot of leather work in 50 plus years of making and building leather goods, if you don’t want my Maker’s mark on something I make then you can get it elsewhere! Just my policy right or wrong! Thanks Rodney 

[JLSleather]

12 hours ago, Cleatherdesigns said:

but they are both requesting no Maker’s Mark.

You will absolutely find that these "maker mark" things are important only to the mind of the maker.  Customer really doesn't care about that at all.

I'm in the middle... use a mark, don't use a mark, whatever - no matter to me either way.  Just don't get the cart before the horse - I've seen SO many "makers" with a shiny "maker stamp" who really don't do so well with the leather.  $50 for a "maker mark" and $4 leather just isnt' the way to go... put teh leather first and you'll do fine.

Personally, I put the 'mark' NOT at the top of the list of things to do to my leather.  Sometimes, projects get out the door without it.  And if somebody were to request there NOT be one, not a problem here.  More important to make the GOODS memorable (if they aren't , you don't want your name on there anyway, right?)

[Chakotay]

I have a fairly large (1.5") custom makers mark that I very proudly put on every piece . . . when I first got it.

Now it usually gets left off because I just forget . . . or maybe I'm just lazy.---j

[chuck123wapati]

You could put your mark on a leather tag, then they can remove it and keep it if they want. Everyone is happy. 

[robs456]

I have a customer that insists on a mark, and I even had to put some in after delivery because I forgot.
Why do they keep bugging me about it?
Because an artist should sign their work...

 

[Tugadude]

If they are paying for a custom piece, I would have no qualms about them not wanting a mark.  As far as resale, as soon as they buy it from you they are free to sell it because they now own it.  So I don't think that is an issue either.

The only negative I could see is if you made something for somebody and they tried to pass it off as their own work.  But that is certainly not the case with this couple.

[Cleatherdesigns]

A lot of good opinions on here. Thank you all. You’re definitely correct in saying that the product should come first.  I also feel that all of the custom orders I do are all created by me using their vision as a guide, so it kind of makes me want my stamp on it as the creator/artist. At the end of the day, I am confident that they love their pieces enough to spread my name regardless of whether I stamp it or not.