Advice from the leather workers and makers please!

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presterjohn

Settler
Apr 13, 2011
727
1
United Kingdom
I popped into see my mate today who runs a business as a key cutter and cobbler. His business which was steady if not earth shaking has taken a downturn since a new bigger place opened nearby with a better location. His shop is tiny so his overheads are low but yesterday he had his worst day ever with only £8 taken for a full days work. He loves his shop and does not expect a massive wage out of it but obviously he needs a new revenue stream.

He has some knowledge and interest in military stuff and has made a few strapping items with canvas that have sold for solid money on ebay. I have suggested to him that this is an avenue to exploit and as he has a saddle stitching machine he had some other options he could explore.

What do you guys suggest would be some viable things he could make that he could make and sell that could keep his business going bearing in mind his limited space and spending money?
 

Culloch

Forager
Jun 22, 2008
196
0
Australia
He could try introducing small custom items that don't require large investments of time/materials just to test the water. Maybe some baccy pouches, zippo pouches or wallets...& display some of the bigger stuff he sells on eBay in the shop but offer them on a made to order basis?
If his work is good & his prising reasonable there are still people out there who are prepared to pay for handcrafted goods..
good luck to him..we need to support small businesses or one day we'll be stood in a mega market queue waiting to pay for the car, tv & groceries & wondering where it all went wrong!
 

Tony

White bear (Admin)
Admin
Apr 16, 2003
24,169
1
1,921
53
Wales
www.bushcraftuk.com
get him to ask people, the ones that come to his counter, they may well have the answer to what 's a good thing to make and sell. He can be fairly honest with them and he should get some good feedback.

As mentioned above, ebay, if he's got time in between people customers and the tools/space etc then he can work from there to supply ebay trading...

God luck to him
 

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