You have spent countless hours refining your saddle stitching, burnishing every edge to perfection, and developing your signature leather finish.
Now, a big question looms: Should you offer custom leather goods, build stock inventory, or pursue a combination of both?
This decision is not just about product types. It will shape how you manage your time, attract clients, and grow your business long term.
This guide will help you explore the pros and cons of custom, stock, and hybrid models, allowing you to carve a path that reflects your values, goals, and skills.
What Are Custom Leather Goods?
Custom leather goods are made-to-order pieces tailored to a specific customer’s needs. These include personalized wallets, engraved belts, bespoke handbags, or even complex items like custom holsters.
Why Custom Work Appeals to Leather Crafters
- Creative Freedom: Custom requests often challenge you creatively and allow you to stretch your capabilities.
- Higher Profit Margins: Clients are willing to pay more for personalized, one-of-a-kind goods. According to The Really Useful Information Company (TRUiC), custom businesses can command premium prices due to their exclusivity and craftsmanship.
- Customer Connection: Custom orders allow you to build relationships with your clients. Each interaction becomes an opportunity to tell your story and explain your process.
Common Challenges with Custom Orders
- Time Management: Every new order often comes with a learning curve. From designing to communicating with clients, custom work can consume more hours than anticipated.
- Difficult Expectations: If communication is not crystal clear, a customer may expect something different from what you deliver. Setting clear timelines and using visuals or sketches can help avoid misunderstandings.
When Custom Is the Right Choice
If you love storytelling through craftsmanship, and if every piece you make feels like an artistic statement, custom work might be your sweet spot.
This model works well for crafters selling luxury or niche products—think equestrian gear, historical reenactment accessories, or personalized journals.
What Is Stock Inventory?
Stock inventory refers to ready-made products that are available for immediate purchase. Think of cardholders in standard colors, pre-sized belts, or minimalist wallets with no personalization.
Advantages of Stock Products
- Efficiency: Making multiple versions of the same item saves time. You can streamline processes like cutting, stitching, and finishing.
- Scalability: Stock is easier to mass-produce and can grow with your business as demand increases.
- Immediate Gratification for Customers: People love quick shipping. Ready-to-ship items meet that demand.
Potential Drawbacks
- Inventory Risks: If a product does not sell, you may be left with unsold stock.
- Less Personal Engagement: You may miss the one-on-one experience that comes with custom orders.
- Upfront Investment: Building an inventory requires materials, space, and financial resources without guaranteed sales.
When Stock Makes Sense
If you sell at markets, run an e-commerce store, or want to maximize revenue with limited time, stock is an ideal foundation.
Products like coasters, keychains, and basic wallets are excellent for starting small and testing your audience’s interest.
Should You Do Both?
Many successful leather crafters strike a balance between custom and stock. This hybrid approach provides stability through stock items while allowing for creativity and premium pricing on custom work.
The Best of Both Worlds
- Attract Two Types of Buyers: Quick buyers can grab ready-made items, while detail-oriented customers can commission personalized pieces.
- Revenue Diversification: If one stream slows, the other can keep your business afloat.
- Market Research: Custom orders often reveal trends. If multiple people ask for the same type of leather journal, you can add a simplified version to your stock line.
Balancing Strategies
- Design Once, Sell Many: Turn your most requested custom orders into stock patterns.
- Use Stock Sales to Fund Custom Tools: Profits from stock can help cover the cost of dies, stamps, or higher-grade leather used for custom pieces.
- Schedule Wisely: Dedicate specific days to working on stock inventory and others for handling custom projects.
What to Consider When Making Your Decision
1. Your Strengths and Interests
Ask yourself where your strengths lie. Do you enjoy intricate design and personalization? Or do you prefer efficiency and repetition? There is no wrong answer—just an honest one.
2. Your Ideal Customer
Understanding your customer is key. If you are selling to gift buyers, they may want personalized items. If your audience values speed and convenience, they may prefer ready-made pieces. Explore resources for insight into buyer behavior in the leathercraft space.
3. Your Financial Situation
Stock inventory requires an upfront investment in materials and tools. If funds are limited, starting with custom orders can help you earn money as you go. Over time, you can reinvest profits into building stock.
4. Space and Storage
Custom orders typically require less storage. On the other hand, if you are creating stock items, you will need bins or shelves to store finished goods safely and organize them for easy access.
5. Seasonality and Events
Some leather businesses do well with stock around holidays or at events like craft fairs. During the off-season, custom orders can keep income flowing. Crafting a flexible schedule allows you to take advantage of both.