Beautiful leather products are always popular. Of course, there are a lot of accessories made in the factory. But their quality will never compare with handmade products. Potential buyers are not even bothered by their very high price. After all, having a stylish item made of genuine leather at your disposal is prestigious and fashionable.
Before purchasing materials, you should first decide what exactly you would like to make. Most leatherworkers are self-taught. They mastered all the intricacies of business through trial and error.
Videos on Youtube and master classes can also help in mastering the craft. You can ask your colleagues on specialized forums about certain subtleties of the matter. They usually share them without any intention. Can be of great help.
You should start a business with simple, uncomplicated accessories. For example, from the production of leather belts. There is little work with them, but they are constantly in demand. This approach will allow you to get better and develop your own author's style. Later you can start making more expensive exclusive items.
Where to find suppliers?You can purchase the necessary leather raw materials in different ways. Usually craftsmen are not directly involved in tanning; they purchase leather that has already been tanned. The best prices are offered by special tanneries. But they, as a rule, sell leather only in large quantities. Which is an insurmountable obstacle at the initial stages of business development.
Also, in almost every major city there are specialized stores where you can buy not only leather, but also all the necessary accessories. Tanners living far from regional centers can shop online.
If you plan to make small souvenirs and accessories, then you should try to negotiate with small studios to purchase scraps. After all, they sometimes send whole skins for marriage, on the surface of which a very small flaw is found. Another channel for the supply of leather raw materials is second-hand. There are a lot of leather items sold there for a ridiculous price.
What equipment will be needed?Usually, novice craftsmen make the most minimal markup, just to cover the cost of materials. At the initial stages, there is no talk at all about compensation for the time and effort spent.
To determine the final assortment, you need to constantly study the sales market. Fashion for certain products is constantly changing. Typically, wallets, purses and business card holders are in consistently high demand.
We select personnelFinding good workers is not an easy task. Those who know their business well are worth their weight in gold. Perhaps the best option is to hire an apprentice who will learn the secrets of leatherworking with you.
You can also use unemployed relatives or just good friends as personnel. You can place an ad on specialized resources like Avito.
How and where to sell finished productsIt directly depends on how developed the sales market is. You should promote your products as actively as possible. It is worth working not only on individual orders, but also for the mass consumer. The profit will be significantly higher if you can combine the two work schemes presented above.
One of the most accessible sales channels is the Internet. Its capabilities are not limited to anything.
First, you can create a small online store on a free platform or use the power of social networks. It is also worth visiting special crafts fairs. Visual images play an important role in promoting products. High-quality, beautiful photographs with the appropriate surroundings can sell anything.
Offline stores are also capable. Perhaps in the first few days it will be most profitable for you to agree on handing over the goods for sale or renting a small display case. Later, if everything is successful, you can set your sights on opening your own department or small store.
Is it worth registering a business and certifying products?Whether it is a business or not, everyone decides for themselves. On the one hand, tax payments and other payments will take away part of the income, on the other hand, if you reach a higher level, you cannot do without registration.
If you have plans to seriously expand your business, you should probably think about product certification. The rules for passing certification and obtaining a declaration of conformity are stipulated in the technical regulations of the Customs Union.
To confirm the competitiveness of products and expand sales channels, it is necessary to undergo both mandatory and voluntary certification. For each of these procedures, its own is collected, which is then submitted to the certification center.
I believe that this type of business is quite profitable now, and has always been. But just like in any other field, it requires specific knowledge and skills. Therefore, you need to approach this issue with a certain amount of knowledge, or select competent personnel.
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I can sew several things out of leather, for example a clutch, a wallet, bracelets, and so on.
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Leather wallets are a very popular and sought-after accessory in the domestic space. Thanks to natural materials, the products are distinguished by style and quality. Compared to factory wallets, custom wallets have a unique design. Therefore, organizing the production of leather wallets will be financially profitable regardless of the region.
Setting up this business involves working in several separate directions at once, in particular, along the way you can produce watch straps, wrist accessories, wallets, chokers and many other popular products. To get maximum productivity, you will need to purchase special equipment and assemble a team of working personnel.
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Renting is a benefit for beginning businessmen.
Renting premises at the initial stage of doing business is most preferable as it allows the owner to save a lot of financial resources. You can select suitable rental options using advertisements or specialized web resources based on your specific region.
For a confident start, you should focus on small rooms with a total area of at least 250 square meters. The average cost of such rent in Moscow can be about 12 - 13 thousand rubles per year.
A big advantage will be the presence of connected communications, in particular centralized water supply and electricity. We can highlight the following amount of financial costs for rent: 13,000 (market prices) x 250 (area) = 3.25 million rubles per year. The cost is calculated without taking into account taxes and other various losses.
Procurement of technological tools.
To process leather, you will need special equipment that will allow you to maintain the high quality of raw materials and obtain an absolutely finished product. It is recommended to make purchases from certified dealers. However, if you do not have the funds to purchase new units, you should use the secondary market. To do this, it is better to involve relevant professionals who will help you choose the right type of equipment at affordable prices.
General list of working units for production:
1. Sewing machine (for leather) - RUB 89,000.
2. Machine for stitching in a corporate style - 56,000 rubles.
3. Equipment for applying a brand - 61,000 rubles.
4. Quality control system - 115,000 rubles.
5. Tools for fine processing - 40,000 rubles.
Total costs for the purchase of special tools and equipment: 89,000 + 56,000 + 61,000 + 115,000 + 40,000 = 361,000 rubles. Transportation and installation of working systems will require costs of at least 60,000 rubles. additionally.
Qualified personnel for business.
To establish an efficient production of leather wallets and other accessories, only 3 people are enough. The workforce may consist of the following specialties: master seamstress, leather processing specialist and general worker. The salary level for each specialty is selected taking into account the market average.
The approximate salaries of employees should be highlighted:
1. Master seamstress - 50,000 rubles.
2. Skin specialist - 45,000 rubles.
3. Handyman - 25,000 rubles.
In the future, you will need to hire an advertising and product sales manager with an average salary of 47,000 rubles. Total staff costs: 50,000 + 45,000 + 25,000 = 120,000 rubles/month, with possible expenses for the year - 1.4 million rubles.
Manufacturing technology and procurement of raw materials.
The technology for making leather goods, in particular purses and wallets, is quite simple. For production, high-quality raw materials are selected, which are subsequently processed using special equipment. The specialist performs most of the work manually, which has a positive effect on the overall quality of the product. For production, it is necessary to purchase 1st grade leather that meets all regulatory requirements. Processed raw materials cost around 2,500 rubles per meter. Prices may vary depending on the thickness of the material and the region of purchase.
To advertise finished products, it is best to use proven methods, in particular the most suitable are: creating your own website with a virtual store, press (newspapers, advertisements), radio (city), posting advertisements in transport, making booklets and ordinary leaflets. Due to their low cost and popularity, these methods will allow you to get maximum efficiency with a small investment. On average, an entrepreneur will need at least 300,000 rubles to organize high-quality advertising. The final cost depends on the region.
Sales of finished leather wallets and payback.
Ready-made branded leather wallets and other exclusive accessories can be sold through your store, buyers and individual orders. For more effective sales, it is recommended to take part in an exhibition or any other event in the city where you can demonstrate your own products. The average cost of one product is at least 1,500 rubles. Accordingly, if you sell about 500 pieces per month, you can get an income of 750,000 rubles. For one working year - no less than 9 million rubles, which is quite profitable. Business payback is 5 - 8 months.
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Things that are made with your own hands stand apart from the consumer goods that are pouring into the market in tons. That is why products created by painstaking labor in one-piece copies are popular and are quite expensive.
We talked with Nikita Trofimov, who runs a creative workshop for leather goods - TN HandMade. The conversation turned out to be quite interesting and informative.
Maxim: Nikita, tell us briefly about when and how the idea to create and then sell leather goods came about?
Nikita: Initially, this was not a planned business project. The idea came to mind suddenly in 2009, because... I liked similar accessories (wide leather wrist bracelets). Buying them was problematic; as a rule, such things were brought from abroad. I decided to try making it myself and for my friends. Then people I no longer knew started calling and asking about the products. And I realized that this direction is quite popular and exclusive, because... there is no mass supply on the market.
Maxim: That’s right, it’s difficult with wide bracelets, although they are quite popular. Where does the material come from? Is there a manufacturing facility on hand that can provide leather?
Nikita: For 3 years leather. The material was purchased from domestic tanneries. There are no such production facilities in the Vladimir region, so I can’t say that they are “at hand.” I went to neighboring regions to get materials.
Now I am purchasing leather material from Italy to order. This is due to the higher quality of leather compared to domestic leather.
Maxim: It turns out that the products are almost “Italian” :) Is the leather somehow additionally processed or does the product come already “ready-to-use”?
Nikita: Leather comes to me in large rolls. Some are further processed, for example hand-painted in the desired color, while some are used without treatment.
Maxim: Is this processing done by one person? How many people are employed in the workshop? Or are you alone the “workshop”?
Nikita: At first I worked alone and the workshop was in an apartment) now I have 4 people working for me. Everyone is busy with their own business)
Maxim: Did it all start with leather bracelets or watches with a wide belt? Tell us a little about the range that your workshop offers. Watches, bracelets... what else?
Nikita: At first I only made wide wrist bracelets. Then I made my first watch on a wide strap. It was a Luch watch, which I purchased in a company store when I was in Minsk. Watches with a wide strap are very popular, combining both a leather bracelet and the functionality of a watch. I also make leather belts; I recently started casting buckles to my own design from brass.
In the workshop I also make bags, purses, business card holders, key holders, camera straps, etc. In general, there are a lot of opportunities for development and ideas in this area. There’s not even enough time for everything)
Maxim: So, it turns out that you can make any designer item from leather? Were there any special orders that stood out from the general series?
Nikita: Actually, yes. But I don’t take on all the ideas that clients offer. Because I strive for my own style. I prefer to do what I myself like and suits my style and view of work. I mostly work on my creative ideas. Let’s say I’m currently working on a special order for a professional musician who plays the harmonica. I am sewing a case for 20 accordions for his performance at an international competition in Germany.
Where can I get money to start my own business? This is exactly the problem that 95% of new entrepreneurs face! In the article, we revealed the most relevant ways to obtain start-up capital for an entrepreneur. We also recommend that you carefully study the results of our experiment in exchange earnings:Maxim: So did you learn this craft somewhere or did you begin to understand the nuances along the way? Or were there any mentors?
Nikita: I learned everything on my own) gradually mastered technology, learned to sew on a sewing machine. Skills came gradually, and with them the quality and beauty of the products grew.
Maxim: Judging by the photographs, the quality is really high :) And the prices are quite reasonable. As for watches, where exactly do watches come from? Is this some kind of “noname” or purchases from some watch manufacturing company?
Nikita: Some of the watches are original. I buy Luch at the Minsk Watch Factory, this brand is distinguished by good quality and retro style, which is now popular) Copy dials are purchased by “noname”.
Maxim: How is the warranty issue resolved? Have there been cases when the watch was returned due to a breakdown?
Nikita: There is a guarantee for the watch mechanism. I always try to resolve such problematic issues in the most beneficial way for the client. Because I’m not chasing quick profits, but I’m working for a good name, so to speak) Cases, of course, happen:(
Maxim: Yes, earning a reputation is quite difficult, but it breaks in an instant. Do you distribute your products only through a social network or are there other channels? Tell our readers where they can read about your products and how to order them. Suddenly, someone decides to give themselves a gift.
Nikita: Currently I trade remotely via social media. VKontakte network, I have an officially registered individual entrepreneur. In the near future I will open my online store, the site is currently under development.
On the VK pages I have catalogs with available products, it is described in detail how to place an order, about delivery to other cities and guarantees.
Any product can be laser engraved with a memorable inscription or design.
This main page is
They say that Russia does not have its own production, they say, we don’t know how to do anything. Reconomica responsibly declares: “They’re lying!”
Today our guest is a master leatherworker who has created his own workshop and a new Russian brand of premium leather goods. Working with leather as a business is unusual and interesting; this is not the hundredth thing you’ll open in the city.
You will find out how handmade leather accessories are made, how much they cost, whether such exclusive products have a large markup and who generally buys Russian designer leather items.
My name is Evgeniy and I represent a leather goods workshop Salty Dog. We are located in Samara. The workshop has existed since 2012, but I started actively working in this business in 2015. Today, our audience on social networks totals about 60,000 people - this is Youtube , VC , Instagram. We employ 2 people, and we are planning to expand our staff in the near future.
This is what my workspace looks like in the workshop.
Where it all beganIt all started in 2012 as a hobby through trial and error. Over time, orders began to arrive for the production of small leather goods. For friends and acquaintances, I did everything at purchase prices, but then there was an understanding that the product itself - custom leather accessories - was in demand and you could make money on it.
It’s hard to call it a business as such; for now it’s more like home production, although before that I had experience in retail trade and catering. This direction became the main one after comparing the product margins.
How handmade leather goods are madeWe are located in one of the office centers of Samara. The workshop is quite ascetic - there is no abundance of machines and other devices, since production from cutting to stitching is carried out entirely by hand.
My tools.
As for the manufacturing process itself:
The first wallet I sold was completely assembled from scrap materials (almost every home has a hammer, a stationery knife and a ruler), and the first line punch was made from an ordinary dessert fork - if you have straight hands, you can get by with an ordinary awl. Therefore, at the start, the main cost can be considered the purchase of raw materials.
This is how stitching is done.
Over time, I began to purchase tools that help speed up and optimize processes. Although I can confidently say that all the necessary tools can be made by hand. In this case, it is very important to find your tool, for example, I still buy punches in the same place where I bought my first punch. It also happens that a tool is absolutely unsuitable or inconvenient for my needs, although it may be extremely popular and in demand among other masters.
Where do we get raw materialsAt the moment, we buy leather from different suppliers, mainly in Samara from our supplier Artkozhtorg, and we buy some in Moscow and other regions.
Leather is measured in decimeters, the cost is also estimated in rubles per decimeter. Prices range from 10 rubles per decimeter of lining material to 60 rubles for leather from a Brazilian manufacturer. There are some exhibits worth 500 rubles per decimeter, but these are more exotic or rare versions of leather.
The raw material looks like this.
The size of the skins, their grade, type of tanning, manufacturers - such a large topic that it is enough for another article.
Cost of one handmade leather productSometimes the cost of materials can be 200-300 rubles, but the time to make one item from leather takes 7-8 hours. Therefore, the question of the cost of each product is very individual. Moreover, we announce to the client the final cost of the product, taking into account delivery.
The production of a mini-wallet can take about 2 hours, the production of a large wallet can take about 4-6 hours, and a regular leather bag can be assembled in 7-20 hours, depending on the design features.
Our prices and examples of work.
We always try to maintain a balance in our pricing policy. I can't say that we have the lowest prices. When receiving an order for a product that we have not fulfilled before, I can name the price with a reserve, but after completion I understand that the price was too high, and there were cases when I made a refund or provided a gift for the purchase.
The more often we make a particular product, the less time it takes, so now you can buy a high-quality handmade wallet for 900 rubles, which a year ago cost 1,500 rubles.
Who is our client? Portrait of a leather accessories buyerThe main customers are men over 25 years old (and women who have men over 25 years old).
These are the bags we make. The brand on the bag looks cool, you can immediately see that it is not from the market.
Samara is the geographical reference of our location.
According to our statistics, 96% of orders are sold throughout Russia, 2% - Europe, 1% of products are sold directly locally in Samara and 1% - in the CIS countries. The main sales occur through social networks. We plan to enter new markets gradually, increasing our staff over time.
There is no exact figure for the number of products; I always get confused when calculating, since the business is small and a standard reporting form has not yet been introduced. Money issues are a trade secret, but for the readers of the magazine I can say that in terms of indicators, the growth of the second year of business compared to the first was doubled.
The history of the creation of the leather goods brand Salty DogSalty Dog is translated from English as “Salty Dog” or “Salted Dog”. Salty Dog sounds unusual and memorable. Question: “Is this dog skin?” - I heard it only twice; usually clients don’t have such associations.
From 2012 to 2015 we couldn’t come up with a name for the brand, we tried different options. In 2015, I got a dog, during training I accidentally bit the dog on the ear, it seemed salty to me, it was at that moment that my head was busy with the issue of creating a name for the workshop. Then I read on the Internet that “salty dog” in English is akin to our “Arrow sparrow” or “Grated kolach”; there was nothing obscene about the term, so the choice fell on it.
The dog in the logo is easy to remember!
The jargon dictionary defines the term as follows:
Salty Dog is nautical slang for a seasoned sailor who has spent most of his life aboard a ship at sea. The “salty dog” often manages to gain increased confidence from the ship’s crew on issues related to life and official duties on the corbal. The term “Old salt” is also used.
How does the custom order processing process work?We carry out work based on ready-made projects, or taking into account individual wishes. Nothing special is required from the client to prepare the order. Of course, if a client can draw what he specifically wants, that’s cool, but mostly we make do with photographs and examples of work that we like and like. And then we discuss everything we don’t like and what we would like to add - and in the end, voila, something new is born, a unique designer accessory.
What don’t people order!
Everything is quite standard, we identify needs, offer options that are as close as possible to what the client wants, and then we add touches taking into account the customer’s wishes.
Why Salty Dog products are better than regular store-bought ones from the factoryLet’s omit the vanilla words about the soul of the master in each product. Show me the factory? which produces leather products with a thickness of 2 mm, where there would be manual stitching, which is technologically more reliable than machine stitching. Our products may have drawbacks in practicality, but they have a huge margin of reliability - this is their main advantage.
Where do our clients come from?At the moment, the main source of traffic is YouTube; when searching in search engines, people find our videos with master classes, and from there they go to our social networks.
At the stand leather is waiting for customers!
We have no time to dream - we are always at work, but there are grandiose plans to open a showroom combined with a workshop and art space. An option for a non-standard place, having arrived there, a person could purchase a product or take part in a live master class.
What kind of advertising works to promote designer accessories?According to statistics, 50% of clients come from a Youtube channel, 20% are searches on social networks, 20% are searches in search engines, 10% are word of mouth. At one time I promoted photo master classes on various resources, sometimes real clients come through links that I posted 3-4 years ago on one or another forum and forgot about them.
The master's work is afraid. And the master himself is afraid of hurting his fingers.
We try different types of advertising - reposts on social networks, which is not the most effective way, the Google Adwords advertising system, advertising on YouTube channels, . I can’t say for sure about the budget; on YouTube and Instagram we mainly advertise through barter.
Due to the lack of constant advertising costs, it is difficult to talk about the impact on growth dynamics. Now I pay more attention to advertising the YouTube channel, so I can’t say with confidence that the client came precisely because of advertising, and not after the release of a new video.
Corporate ordersThere are regular corporate clients, retail stores, online stores, we help sell products at various sporting and other events, we also work with advertising agencies and young entrepreneurs who know how to sell, but do not know how to sew, there are interesting projects that completely sell the products we produce, but we will not reveal the names under our logo - this is a commercial secret.
Let's get acquainted!If you liked our story and have something to offer us, don’t be shy, write !
