Let’s be real—times are tough. The economy’s looking about as sturdy as an old belt that’s been cinched one notch too tight for way too long. Inflation, tariffs, and taxes are chomping away at your profits like a hungry dog on a leather scrap pile. And customers? They’re holding onto their cash like it’s the last roll of full-grain leather on the planet.
So, what’s a leathercrafter to do? Pack up and call it quits? No way. This is the time to get smart, get scrappy, and make sure your business weathers the storm. Here’s how you can keep those sales coming, even when the economy’s running on fumes.
1. Think Local, Sell Local
With import costs soaring and big retailers struggling, people are turning to local businesses more than ever. Your customers want something made close to home, not mass-produced in a factory overseas.
Show off your local roots! Go to craft fairs, team up with nearby shops, and let folks know your work is made right in their backyard. A simple sign that says "Handcrafted Locally – No Sweatshops, Just Sweat" can do wonders for sales. For example, a leather crafter at a farmers’ market in Portland, Oregon added a sign that said, “Made Right Here with Premium Italian Leather,” and saw a 30% jump in sales. People love buying local, but sometimes they need a little reminder.
2. Stand Out with Unique Designs
Let’s be honest—basic wallets and tote bags are everywhere. If you want customers to open their wallets, you’ve got to give them something fresh. Think bold colors, limited-edition releases, hand-tooled designs, or even one-of-a-kind custom pieces.
When money’s tight, buyers aren’t spending on just anything. They want something unique that they can’t find in a department store. Be the crafter who gives them that. One leatherworker started offering custom-engraved initials for free and saw a 40% sales boost in just three months. People love the personal touch, and it doesn’t cost much to add.
3. Invest in the Good Stuff (Seriously, Don’t Cheap Out. Because it matters to your customers.)
It’s tempting to cut costs by buying lower-quality leather and cheap hardware for projects, but that’s a bad move. Cheap materials lead to cheap-looking products, unhappy customers, and a reputation that’s harder to fix than a botched saddle stitch. So upgrade your materials as you upgrade your skills.
Go for high-quality leather that lasts in the hands of your customers. It may sound counter intuitive when your goal is to sell and make revenue. It might cost more upfront, but it pays off in the long run with happy customers, repeat business, and glowing reviews. A well-made wallet or bag becomes an heirloom, not a regret.
Why Leather Grading Matters
Not all hides are created equal. That’s where THOL comes in. We don’t just buy and sell leather. We put our 40 years of technical expertise to work, scouring tanneries to find the best leathers, even ones that aren’t household names with our crafter friends yet. These are leathers that may not have the marketing hype behind them, but they outperform the big-name brands in durability, feel, and craftsmanship. We evaluate every hide, making sure it’s something a serious leathercrafter would be proud to work with. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting leather—you’re getting decades of knowledge and a promise of quality. A high-grade hide isn’t just about looking pretty—it has a higher “cutting value” (CV), meaning less waste and more usable material per square foot. When you invest in better leather, you’re not just paying for quality; you’re paying for efficiency and for optimizing your dollars spent. Lower-grade hides may be cheaper upfront, but you’ll waste time and money cutting around defects, wrinkles, and scars.
Like the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”. You know what we mean. A crafter who switched from low-grade leather with 30% unusable areas to a high-grade full-grain hide with a 90% cutting value saved nearly $5 per square foot in hidden costs. That’s real money back in your pocket.
4. Get Loud Online
If you’re not showing up online, you might as well not exist. Customers do their homework before buying, especially when money is tight. So make sure you’re easy to find and hard to ignore.
- Show your process on Instagram and TikTok.
- Explain why full-grain leather is worth the price.
- Offer behind-the-scenes looks at your craftsmanship.
- Create limited-edition drops to create excitement.
For example, a crafter friend who started posting daily Instagram videos of their work saw engagement jump 300%—and online orders doubled in six months. People love to see how their products are made!
5. Give Customers an Easy Buy-In
Not everyone can drop $300 on a leather duffle right now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t buy something smaller. Offer more affordable, high-quality pieces to get them in the door—keychains, cardholders, small pouches. Once they see the craftsmanship, they’ll be back for bigger purchases later. We were excited to hear from one of our customers that they started selling $15 custom keychains and saw those same customers return months later to buy $200 bags. Small products build trust.
6. Adapt and Experiment
Tough times call for creative solutions. Think outside the box with new income streams:
- Subscription-based leather care kits ($25/month for conditioner and cloths)
- Workshops and DIY classes ($50-$100 per session—people love learning hands-on skills)
- Custom engraving and personalization (an easy $10 upsell that customers love)
When people are careful with their spending, they want their purchases to be meaningful. Offer that extra touch, and you’ll beat the mass-produced competition.
Final Stitch: Tough Times Don’t Last, But Good Leather Does
The economy might be rough, but that doesn’t mean your business has to suffer. Focus on local markets, create standout designs, build an online presence, and invest in quality materials. The crafters who adapt now will be the ones thriving when things turn around.
And when it comes to materials, remember that quality leather makes a difference. THOL isn’t here to just push leather—we’re here to help you get the best, backed by decades of experience, with the strength and experience of our partnering tanneries. Because when your materials are top-notch, your reputation (and revenue) will be, too.
So don’t panic—pivot. Like any Hobby or profession you choose, learn, get better, live for the challenge and make your mark. Keep making amazing leather goods, tell your story with confidence, and keep your customers engaged.
Now, back to the workbench—those wallets won’t stitch themselves! ;)