WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE ME A DIRECT ANSWER TO MY QUESTIONS

[Wykoni]

I am a very limited seller and producer of leather goods.  I know several of the people that has given you advice.  As all have said this is a tough business.  Like someone said holsters are common place items here in the U.S.  Those that are successful in this categories fall into two camps.  They are either very large, or very good.  I know saddlers in Texas that do beautiful work and are very successful, but not to the point where it’s totally there day jobs.  The big guys, have good prices, in some cases are a bit high but are almost totally automated, ie sewing machine, pattern cutting machines even to some cases power Bevelers. Time is money, and they reduce there time.  
I think you received the best advice, get out look around, see what sells, go to gun shows, see what leather goods are there, is it tooled or not....what are the prices, California gets better prices for stuff then let’s say Minot N.D.  There’s a lot of factors here, as Lumpendoodle said, find your niche.  Hope I have helped a little.  

[Alexis1234]

I answered and tried to be as helpful as I could in your personal messages.The rest of your questions I think have been answered- I wouldn't get into leather work for the money.  In my area, people don't want to spend $30 on a leather belt, let alone a leather tote or horse harness. I was told last summer at a show- it's a $25 leather bag.  I think your best bet is to go online and find a niche market offering items that are unique.  

[bryan4christ]

Alexis I did not mean you by any means.....

and to be honest I did not think anybody out there would even care enough or even bother to respond to me......

I didn't think anybody would even read what I had to say!  

The person I was talking with stated how "obvious" it was that  I was new to leatherwork and that I needed more experience before he/she would even answer my questions......it wasn't the first time this sort of thing has happened to me by respected sources here........I guess I took it too far.  

 

My apologies if I offended anybody.

[Constabulary]

I would not contact people by PM asking for a business idea. Thats what the forum is for and you for sure get more answers here than by PM - kinda crowd intelligence I´d say.

Starting a leather business when you come from zero (meaning w/o any skills) is probably a very hard way. It´s easier when you come from a hobby (and you are good at it / have developed certain skills) and then try to start a business. From zero to hero is very hard I´d say. Start making leather goods for you and your family & friends or your community (maybe even for free?) and ask for their "not sugar coated" opinion. And I tell you there is a lot of sugar coating. People often tend to say ooooh, thats so nice even when it´s not.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Constabulary

[Tugadude]

Suggest you go to the 'Marketing and Advertising' part of the forum.  Lots of interesting threads and good information there.  For example, this one from Johanna:

 

Regarding asking people for their advice, it doesn't surprise me that people in the business would be reluctant to share information.  Some are very generous while others (probably most) are more protective.  In my opinion, the leather business doesn't NEED any more leatherworkers.  What it does need is innovative companies providing quality goods.  Companies that move the ball down the field rather than walking over already trodden ground.  There has been an explosion of sorts in the "minimalist wallet" segment over the past few years.  What will be the "next big thing"?  Find it or create it and you just might find your niche.

If you're just going to make belts, bags and holsters, the market is flush with those already.

Just my opinion.

[eglideride]

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

― Henry Ford

[lostcaggy]

The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you

[chuck123wapati]

On 5/9/2020 at 8:34 PM, bryan4christ said:

I won't name any names but I've asked some of the "best" here on this site some simple questions and all I've gotten is crap in response

Can somebody please tell me....

.....what leatherwork will bring in the highest rate of return?   I Live in Northern California.....

.....does handmade leatherwork sell for more or does it just take too much time?

.....what outlets do you use to sell your leather goods?

....I just need some honest straight forward answers

Simple questions are vague questions. So answers are usually vague in reply."

....what leatherwork will bring in the highest rate of return?   I Live in Northern California....." Are you just going to sell in Northern California? Are you going to sell on line? are you going to advertise in magazines? Are you going to buy in bulk, do you  have the capitol to start a large business? work out of your garage and buy from Tandy?All these things affect your rate of return. How can someone answer you without more info? 

."....does handmade leatherwork sell for more or does it just take too much time?"   If you mean more time than mass produced then yes it takes more time to make, to much is a matter of how fast you are at making it, and usually sells for more than mass produced items unless it is crap workmanship then it doesn't sell at all. How long does it take you to build something compared to another leatherworker? People buy handmade for a reason and that reason is almost always quality and how fast you are at providing that quality also affects your rate of return. How can someone answer that without knowing the quality of your work?

".....what outlets do you use to sell your leather goods?" I use word of mouth, local advertising and consignment. BUT I'm not trying to make a living at this.

Those are as straightforward as I can get, My best advise to you if you are planning to make a viable living at this is to enroll in a college level business course and then with that knowledge you will be able to answer all your questions no matter what you decide to sell, you can then create a business plan that has a much better chance of success and understand better the nuances of the business world. Good luck to you!!!! 

 

[kiwican]

On 5/11/2020 at 10:10 AM, eglideride said:

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”

― Henry Ford

This is brilliant !

[Old Coach Saddlery]

Well crap. Lol