Do These 3 Things FIRST if You Want to Sell Your Leather Work Online

When I started leather work, I made the decision to NOT sell what I made until it was a certain quality. I haven`t met a leather worker yet who was a prodigy right off the bat. This craft takes time and practice.
It is hard to sell your leather work (at first). There are so many skills you need to develop at the same time. Some of them aren`t even leather-related. You need to research and acquire your leather working tools, learn to use them, practice with them, make your designs, com up with a brand, market yourself, etc. It`s a tall order but unavoidable unless you are some kind of prodigy with a boat load of cash to throw at your new business.
I definitely started the hard way. I bought crappy tools and worked my way up to where I am now. If that`s the route you are taking, follow these 3 tips to help you sell your leather work.
Tools that I use every day:
John James Needles: amzn.to/3bzA0r8
Ritza Tiger Thread 1mm: amzn.to/3vfPloA
Owden Maul: amzn.to/3uabZ1t
Mallet: amzn.to/3dzohZK
Wing Dividers: amzn.to/3rXYYGg
Punching Mat: amzn.to/2NQ5QGS
Sandpaper: amzn.to/2QmJNbX
Burnisher: amzn.to/3cUMjhl
Tokonole: amzn.to/3tFmg4s
Copper Rivets #9: amzn.to/34BR2k6
Rivet Setter: amzn.to/3p9hZp1
Ball Peen Hammer: amzn.to/3vJoMZ0
End Nipper: amzn.to/2SNV9qK
Weaver 2lbs Maul: amzn.to/3unAQhm
Sinabroks Stitching Punch 1mm, 5mm Spacing:
sinabroks.com/...
Photography Light I use:
amzn.to/2QQ0xJi
Softbox:
amzn.to/3ccDgcf
If you liked this video, check out my Beginner Leather Working Playlist where I make beginner leather working tutorial videos, show you some tips and tricks, and give you a few beginner leather working projects to try out.
• Leather Working Tips a...
In This Video:
0:00 Intro and a Bit About Me and My Leather Working Journey
2:08 Tip 1: Don't Sell Your Leather Work Before You're Ready!
3:33 Tip 2: Learn Product Photography
6:05 Tip 3: Find Yourself a Critic
7:11 Bonus Tip!
8:20 Wrapping It Up
Find me on Instagram: / blackflagleather
Or Facebook: / black-flag-leather-109...
Join the mailing list: mailchi.mp/442...
Become a Patron: / blackflagleathergoods
For a small amount per month, you gain access to a private Discord server, exclusive content, get a shout out in my videos, and help me to grow the channel and produce more helpful content.
My name is Tim. Thanks for checking out my KZbin channel. I started leather working in July of 2020. My passion for leather work quickly grew as I learned and practiced. I received a ton of help from the leather working community when I was new and now I aim to pass on what I learn to other beginner leather workers. I post weekly leather craft videos that include tutorials, free pdf pattern templates, how to's, tips and tricks, and any other leather work content that I think could help you out!
#leatherworking #leatherwork #leatherworkingtips
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Disclaimer: Links to products/services in the description are often affiliate links that let you support my channel at no additional cost.

[@ProfessionalPrepper]

Tim, thanks for this kick in the pants and also for posting. I appreciate finding someone that is doing this craft as a side hustle as that’s what I’m looking to do.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, James! Glad you liked it! It is an awesome side hustle.

[@vladobaier]

Tim thank you, this is a highly motivational video for everyone willing to start with a “commercial” leathercraft but trying to find the right approach how to combine a a not so cheap hobby and a passion for leather with some income stream that would at least “compensate” the costs and time. Thank you !

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! That's exactly the angle I'm going for!

[@osa313]

Thanks! all your info videos helped me a lot, the business part can be so hard.

[@cameroaugustine4176]

Great tips. These can be used for anything youre selling..

[@triplecoutdoor7495]

just ordered a hair on brazil hide for my picture! thx for the advice

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Oh that'll look good!

[@wyomingwright]

I appreciated you sharing your honest assessment of your experience getting into the craft. Especially your bonus tip. I did leather work for 15 years before I sold anything. Just never valued my own work enough.

[@218cblue]

Good vid! Would you consider doing a vid on how you package and ship your goods?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! That's a great idea. I'll add it to my list!

[@algauthier]

Just a quick thanks. I've only been leather working for a few weeks but your videos and your style have been a great help. I'm always excited to turn my hobbies into small business so your suggestions are perfect.

[@gergemall]

Ditto

[@sid19862006]

These tips work when starting as a photographer as well. Definitely great tips and as they say, do what you love and do it well.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you, dude! It's crazy how much crossover there is between anything artistic.

[@derekmason7667]

Love your videos man, I hope I stick to this hobby. I'm going to blend my art skills into leather and see what booms from there

[@cannab-al9582]

I took my first order before christmas. I made a somewhat unique item and got requests right away. The first order was 40 pieces.. wasted so much leather since i didnt want to sell shit items. Didnt really make enough for it to be worth my time but my skills definitely improved because of it. Still have 3 orders to make, i took on way to much right off the hop. Be sure you can handle the orders before taking them and your prices is high enough to make it worth ur time. Been doing this for a couple months now and yes i need to hear more about how shitty the work is lol. Love the compliments but need more criticism. Luckily im pretty hard on myself so i guess that balances it. Thanks for the advice!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Haha it's so easy to overextend yourself when people start wanting to pay you. And it's even easier to short change yourself when someone asks how much something costs. Good on you for doing 40 pieces before Christmas, though. Stressful but that's how you figure out what works for you in the shop and you get better in a hurry!

[@abelrobles3331]

Thank you for those tips. This to is my side hustle. A year and a half into it. Everything you said is true. What your going through is what I'm going through at this moment. 😆 Keep up the great work. 👍

[@flmoose1]

Your last "bonus" tip, i think, is one of the most important tips out there. Don't under sell yourself. It's super hard not to do when competing with the likes of Amazon and even Etsy. I haven't released a online brand presence yet, but find myself selling simple wallets using higher end leather for good price. I recently made to large long wallets with zippers and linings and all and sold them for way more than i anticipated. The first one was my own design and took me months to complete. I'd get discouraged because it was pushing my skill level. I recently talked to the guy and he'd like my to make something for his wife for Christmas. What he said next really resonated with me and how I'll consider my wares in the future. It was simply, "I'll have this for 20 years." Crafters need to think of this when determining their price. That cheaply made wallet your customer bought online for $20 will need to be replaced five to ten times over the same period.

[@michaels2208]

Great info. I feel like you have been on my journey over the past 9 or 10 months. I've watched and followed you from cutting scraps with a utility knife. Now I'm getting close to selling items, given gifts and then get questions to buy stuff. Thank you for all your work.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I'm honoured! Thank you for watching! I'm stoked for you starting to get orders!

[@V3leathercraft]

Thanks 🙏. Third point 👌👌👌... Bonus point... Its a huge one. Those who know about leather will only be our King... What camera u use?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, brother I appreciate it! Oh my camera is nothing special. Looking to upgrade soon. It's an Olympus OMD M5ii.

[@irapelletier5506]

Great video man! Still working on my photography skills!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, brother! Photography is a grind got sure but makes a huge difference

[@every_day_dad_1550]

Fantastic video and points Very down to earth. Thanks

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you so much!

[@gergemall]

Thank you for sharing. Glad you’re experiencing success.appreciate your videos.

[@jbodiers6572]

thank you. It helps me out.

[@DECADENTCEF]

Very down to earth, best of luck to you.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@rondianderson4402]

New follower here. Keep it up. I have found your videos encouraging and helpful.

[@JCorLC]

Thank you bro.

[@doninvermont2008]

Hi Tim, Just found your channel. I like your attitude and style! Can you do a video on how you price your items? Just starting out myself and this would be very helpful.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

That's a good idea! I definitely will add it to the list. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelkim4743]

Great tips! One topic I haven’t seen too much of is the legal side of everything. Maybe that’s a business lesson more than leather crafting but getting a company name established and properly documenting sales for taxes and stuff.. that’s the most daunting part for me when I think of selling leather goods. Like how much can I sell on IG under the counter before I need to officially/legally start a business?

[@doukdouk2550]

Let the rich pay taxes.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks Michael! That kind of advice is definitely not something I'm comfortable giving. Especially since it varies so much country to country, province to province, state to state, etc. I did a lot of reading on it and luckily the Government of Canada and BC provincial government have pretty good resources right on their websites to get you started. I'm not sure where you'd live but I'd suggest starting with your provincial/state government and federal government websites for information.

[@michaelkim4743]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods thank you! I appreciate that and it makes total sense. Just that bit of info is helpful. I’m in the states so what worked for you may not apply to me but I’ll look up my state’s resources. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Wish I could be more help! That is stuff that I struggle with too. Complicated as hell.

[@michaelkim4743]

@@danholtbk7008 Right, I definitely don't want to evade taxes. Maybe "under the counter" wasn't the right word. For example, from what I've researched in my own state, I can make one wallet and sell it to a relative and not be in any legal trouble for evading taxes. I can't imagine any state would consider that taxable income or tax evasion. That said, I am doing all the research I can to start off doing it right in my state before selling anything just to be safe.

[@sifisochristianngcobo3610]

Thank you so very much for a helpful advice . Much appreciated, thanks a million.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks for watching!

[@fanieschoeman3414]

Excellent video and spot on tips. Thank you

[@charlesmoeller5051]

Thank you much. You gave me what I needed to get started!

[@Name-ps9fx]

Subscribed! Thanks for the tips and your videos!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks so much!

[@subhojitnaskar6276]

Thank you, this video helped me a lot , love from India , i am trying to make a leather products brand , lots of struggle here , but person like you , always try to motivated and support us to grow and fulfill our dream , Shukriya 🌼

[@51watty]

Great video, going to check a few more out.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, Stuart!

[@thejonathandoan]

Great advice. Thanks for the video!!

[@gregortiz2826]

What would be a good beginning camera to start taking better pictures of my work? Thanks

[@johnm4912]

Very motivational man! Great quality too.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you so much!

[@Voyagersk9]

Great video Tim! Love the information. 👍🏻

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, Tim! Really appreciate it, man!

[@Jarhead44706]

Thanks for these tips friend

[@janethakop878]

excellent information, thank you

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks for watching!

[@billhartman150]

My oops products, stay at home. We use them at home, you would be surprised how many people want one after seeing the oops.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Haha I have a mighty stack of oops products myself. My wife uses them quite a bit.

[@martinuzunov9346]

You guys, my home is no longer big enough to contain my oops projects.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Haha time to look at storage units? 😂

[@railwaymaniac]

Great tips, many thanks!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, Ian! I appreciate it!

[@josephgetti]

Great video, brother. Thank you. ✌️

[@JosephWolf]

I shared a simple belt that I made for myself on Instagram because I was proud and 3 friends all asked me to make them one.

[@lenklauck8268]

Great tips my man!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you, my brother! I appreciate it!

[@eddaly4160]

Thanks for sharing

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks for watching!

[@JLCByler]

Definite a key piece of advice to have critical input on your work. I get positive feedback, as people are largely just impressed by it resembling a quality product. I always notice most of my mistakes and in my gut know when I shouldn't try to finish much less sell a piece I'm working on. Is it reliable to trust your gut when this happens, is this likely going to result in unnecessarily frequent scrapping of pieces, or mostly reliable but not advisable because you don't have a more experienced opinion to understand and avoid the same error later on?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I think the reality of it is that everything handmade will have mistakes or at least just inconsistencies. Those little inconsistencies are what make it unique, but there's a fine line between them and a mistake. Us crafters will always see every single one, whereas the end consumer may not. I'd say your gut is probably right once you've been at it for a while.

[@JLCByler]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Great info👍👍👍

[@Annalorraine67]

Very glad I found u

[@toxic-waste]

You kind Sr. deserves a suscription. thanks.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you so much!

[@toxic-waste]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods thanks to you for all the valuable information provided

[@slic_sinatra5891]

I'm in month 2 of everyday leather working, was just thinking sooner or later I got to up the photo game.

[@StacieMaheurin]

Loved the video! Do you have anywhere specific that you'd recommend going for photography tips? That's definitely a weak spot for me

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! I do have one video so far on photography here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHekap-ufKeroas But you honestly could watch videos all day about it on here. It is important to just start taking pics and editing them as practice. For leather-specific photo tips, Ryan from Little King Goods has a good video about it up on his channel. I think Parker at Stock and Barrel does as well. Otherwise I'd watch Peter McKinnon's past videos and maybe just do some youtube searches for "product photography tips". I do plan on doing more photography tip videos as well. I had a ton of positive feedback from the last one. Hope that helps!

[@TFGanXiouS]

He has an amazing video on picture and how to edit and keeps it simple, also Peter McKinnon has a good video on flat lay linked below kzbin.info/www/bejne/omHNeJpjgrqXY7c

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Peter has taught me a TON! It's worth going through his old photography videos.

[@TFGanXiouS]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I was telling my wife last night that I finally found someone who speaks my language when it comes to leather craft and your videos are how I want to base my own KZbin journey once I start here in a few weeks! I appreciate you my dude!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you, dude! I'm honoured! Send me a link when you start up on KZbin!

[@PhillipDrumz]

How long did you train with leather prior to posting etc online

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I started posting immediately. If you go to my Instagram account and scroll to my first post, it's the first thing I ever made.

[@edcubberly8907]

How do I know what to charge for a minimalist wallet and also a classic bifold wallet ? I have no idea what the appropriate cost should be

[@MrFullcount13]

Awesome video Tim! Exactly what I needed to hear being a beginner myself! When you first started, how many different products did you offer? Would you suggest picking one wallet design and get really good at that, or pick multiple things and work on improving them all at the same time? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@Twisted_stitches_leather]

Great video

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, Keith! I appreciate it!

[@TrufatFisseha]

Leather Goods working saleriy in usa how machine?

[@austins_leather_design]

I'm 13, I've been leather working since 2020, and I'm thinking about starting to sell some wallets. Should I?

[@pavelastraukh9905]

I know that video is old, but maybe you still will read my comment :). How do you price your goods? I am just starting leatherworking as my hobby. I have a pretty decent paying job. Do you price $ per hour comparatively equal to your main job rate or you have different algorithm?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

You need to come up with a shop rate that you feel is worth it for you. That plus the cost of materials used. Time yourself making all your products because I guarantee they take longer than you think.

[@seanreed6780]

I think the only thing I don't totally agree with is the kind of people who cant necessarily afford it straight out the gate. I was gonna get a knife made by a pal of mine but I needed to know about what I'd be spending before I could throw down a deposit and get it all rolling. Penny pinchers are a total waste of time though, those guys can go buy a cheapo knockoff product if they don't wanna pay.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Fair, point, Sean! I think I worded it poorly. I've done the same. I have people who message me on Instagram somewhat regularly, having never talked to me before, who just ask "how much for _____?" When I give them a quote, they either never reply or tell me where they can get it cheaper. Those are the people I was referring to. Thanks for watching!

[@seanreed6780]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods Now that, I can agree with. I don't think people realize just how much time goes into a product made exactly to their specifications. I've experienced the exact same thing. I appreciate your reply!

[@JosephWolf]

I'm guessing I should create a unique Instagram with my product branding on it. Should I link it to my regular Instagram or should I start from scratch with a new email address and everything. Thanks

[@beyondformal1]

1 year later, you're close to 10k

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

It's absolutely crazy! Never thought anyone would wanna watch me make leather things

[@beyondformal1]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I just followed you on Instagram. I'm hoping to get into simple leather work I'm a former firefighter(stopped about 10 years ago). May be a good way to incorporate an important part of my life

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

What's your name on instagram? I'll follow back. Fire fighting and leather work go hand in hand!

[@beyondformal1]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I just made it today. Leather49

[@beyondformal1]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I know, it's a little lame haha

[@aliazmat2676]

I m a laptop leather bag manufacturer from India Calcutta how I can sell it to European clients please someone help me in this...

[@a.p.60]

Nice Video🙏🏻 How much Money do you make per month with leather goods?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! I don't sell anything anymore. All the money I make in leathercraft comes from KZbin.

[@a.p.60]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods Thanks for the feedback. I would also like to start selling it. It's hard to estimate how much you can earn with small EDC wallets, key chains, etc. on Etsy and Instagram. What do you think? :)

[@donaldmcdaniel1773]

interesting

[@thelandsavior402]

One question, why black flag? 🤨 Im also new to leather, i hope can learn from you more. Great speech bro!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Haha it's dumb but I kind of liked the whole pirate theme thing. Black Flag just represents the Jolly Roger. My original logo was actually a play on Blackbeard's flag. Good luck with starting leather! Reach out any time!

[@thelandsavior402]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods 😂 nice, im creating my own name now. Wish i get a cool name like yours ;)

[@evelkauchnotqa1488]

Make a cog sheet Pay yourself Know your market Plus the video let’s see how far I am

[@mal_v_ado]

Awesome video, a lot of great tips, and information. Maybe a little too much info on the personal side of things. Instead of telling everyone how good things are going for ya, maybe you could've used that whole minute to give another quick tip, and tell people to "be unique" and design their own items, and try not to download any patterns/templates. It's definitely more rewarding designing something, than taking the easy way out and tracing templates. Also, the point on being able to accept constructive criticism is very important. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks for watching! I'll keep that in mind! Bragging certainly wasn't my intention but rather to talk about how I've managed to get things going in one year as a small brand. I definitely see your point though. Oh man I feel the same way about templates. I love designing my own stuff from scratch! Thanks for the comment!

[@mal_v_ado]

There's something pretty awesome about having a blank piece of paper, a few measuring items and a pencil, and starting a new design. What you said about constructive criticism is very important because let's say you spend hours or days on a design, and you finally make a prototype. Then the feedback isn't very good at all, it takes a lot of determination to go back to square one, and start over. (The same with messing up an item when you're close to finishing it, jeez that stings! )

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

@@mal_v_ado yes man exactly! Nobody ever got better because someone spared someone else's feelings when something they made was sub-par. Mistakes, properly pointed out, make for a better end product!

[@kodolimited]

On the other hand, a lot of beginners are learning the "whole craft" from templates (and maybe additional videos on YT) and then they starting to make their own patterns ;)

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Definitely! Using other people's patterns definitely helps you understand how they are made too. Mine are definitely loosely based on other templates I tried early on. Thanks for watching!

[@earlelzy9975]

I'm a new leather crafter and I have a stack of stuff to sell so I can buy a sewing machine.

[@handmade83]

GEMS OF KNOWLEDGE HERE! IF YOURE a cheap ass, go to Walmart. If uou do it well, people will pay top $$$ for premium leather goods.

[@shantalnono8611]

l always get those pipo A ur soo expensive ha ur to much. thank u the bonus

[@tommygamba170]

This is click bait! His advice is basic common sense things. What a waste of time.

[@muffemod]

I've never had a vendor reply back to me on instagram 🤷‍♀️