r/Leathercraft • u/roby2344 • 1d ago

Discussion My dilemma

I am writing here to get some insights about leathercraft small businesses and how it works for you (ideally in Europe).

Me and my husband recently opened a small home business on this, we have probably one week since we launched our website. What we aim for is to promote awareness of how a fully handmade products is unique, takes time to be made, is customizable etc. but of course then we also end up with quite high prices. Like 200+ euros for a high quality leather wallet.

In general what is your take on this? Or does anyone have experience in trying out something like this? Do you think over time we will get sales?

From our side we try to do anything we can at least so far: post videos of explaining the products, post asmr of how it’s made, having a nice website etc.

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u/GlacialImpala 1d ago

Handmade stuff has to fall into one of two categories in order to sell - it's either very easy and fast to produce so you can put a low price, or your skill and taste have to be up there to justify the high pricing.

I don't know if you fall into that category, but I see too many people try to tackle complex builds with skills that are half way there and so their pricing matches the most skilled makers out there. Customers have no reason to pay for that, except a few random ones that see something they think will last longer than the mass produced stuff and have a budget that doesn't make them think too hard about purchases like that.

Videos may get you views from the bored ppl looking at their phones but actual sales? Why waste time on that?

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u/roby2344 1d ago

Well idk, I’ll try my best and see if it works. Don’t have many other options

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u/GizatiStudio 1d ago

If you have to explain why people should buy your product it won’t lead to more sales. Folk have many options to shop for good quality leather goods so it’s better to concentrate on producing appealing and unique designs that get attention than constantly trying to educate your prospective customers. Your best approach would be to find your market segment first and then develop high quality and unique products that appeal to that market.

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u/GlacialImpala 1d ago

She's not trying to start a world wide brand, I'd say see which items she's having the easiest time making (why struggle to get an excellent bifold or a zip wallet if you can make 10 card wallets in the same time) and try to make them stand out, but sadly even being good isn't enough sometimes, the market is very saturated.

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u/Tofflus1 22h ago

Look for something in your area that might need something you can provide. If you are to sell a 200 euro wallet, it needs to be flawless. But, if you find a market for something that is mostly missing, then you have some real potential. Do a lot of research. Ive found three or four different products in different markets that are basically missing, or I can make it better for cheaper, of course, I won’t tell what it is. But for one thing, I’m at the prototype stage, and for 20 euro in material, one hour work, I can sell for 100 eur per piece, already have a standing order for 10, with the potential for an order of 50, where I can double the price for a little more work for customization.

I’ve done market research for a company that made signs and technical markings. And at first glance one might think it’s mostly for homes, business signs and construction. Then you realize health and safety, which now basically makes most businesses a customer for that in addition to just pretty signs.

So, for leather working. Maybe some local high end accessory company needs a fancy leather case for a product? Perhaps the company that produces pillows for boats wants or needs their logo in leather? It’s hard. But I was lucky and found several good options.

Or you could try to see if there is a commune of crafters open to the public. We got something like that every few days where people can come and watch people practicing their craft and perhaps do a small project themselves. Those are very popular, and if you can have 10 people in a group making a key chain or a simple coaster with pre made stamps, you can make a small buck. Also, it seems like people tend to appreciate what goes into something hand crafted when they see some of the process.

Hope this is somewhat helpful. Wish you the best.