Leather commission and selling questions
How much does a custom leather wallet cost?
It depends on the leather, the stitching, the edge finish and any personalisation. As a pricing example, Weaver Leather Supply's formula takes materials plus labour, doubles it for wholesale and doubles again for retail. Use the estimator for a ballpark, then post your brief free and compare real bids.
Where can I sell handmade leather goods?
Common options are your own website, craft fairs, Etsy and other marketplaces, and commission platforms. On The Spool List you can list finished pieces on Forge and bid on buyers' commission posts, with no listing fee; the free plan takes 10% per completed order.
How do I price my leatherwork?
Add up materials (leather, thread, hardware, finishes), multiply your hours by an hourly rate, and add a markup for overhead and profit. Weaver Leather Supply's published example doubles materials plus labour for wholesale and doubles that again for retail. Our free leather pricing calculator does the maths and shows platform fees.
What does Etsy charge to sell leather goods?
For US sellers: $0.20 per listing, a 6.5% transaction fee on the order total including shipping, and payment processing of 3% + $0.25 per order, plus an Offsite Ads fee on orders that come from Etsy's ads (figures reported in July 2026). Check Etsy's fee page for current rates.
What's the best leather for a wallet or a belt?
Wallets usually use thinner full-grain leather, around 2–4 oz (0.8–1.6 mm) per layer. Belts use thick vegetable-tanned leather, often 8–10 oz (3.2–4 mm), so they keep their shape. Full-grain leather ages best; ask your maker what they recommend.
Is hand stitching better than machine stitching?
Hand saddle stitching uses two needles on one thread, so if a stitch breaks the seam doesn't unravel the way a machine lockstitch can. Machine stitching is faster and very even. Both can be excellent; say which you prefer in your brief.
Can leather be laser engraved or embroidered?
Yes. CO2 lasers engrave and cut leather cleanly, which suits logos, artwork and batches of personalised pieces. Embroidery machines can stitch onto leather with the right needle and backing. Send your artwork and say where it goes.
How do I get my belt size right?
Measure a belt you already wear from the buckle's fold to the hole you use most, or take your trouser waist size and add about 2 inches. Give the maker that number, the strap width and the buckle you want. Our belt length calculator shows the full strap length.
Can I commission a knife sheath?
Yes, for knives and tools. Trace the blade and handle on paper, give the blade length and thickness, and say how you'll carry it (belt loop, angle, left or right side).
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Not to a leatherworker directly. You pay the full bid when you accept it, and the platform holds that payment. The maker isn't paid until you confirm delivery, so you're never sending a deposit into a DM and hoping.
When does the leatherworker get paid?
When the buyer confirms the piece was delivered. Until then the payment stays with the platform. If something goes wrong, there's a dispute process that looks at the agreed scope, the progress photos and the messages.