I'm a complete leather neophyte, although I have practiced some saddle stitching. Been building up my workbench based on the course list here and another blog's advice. My plan this year is to ease out of the IT business I started in 2014 and move into an RV full-time. In looking for a new profession that is portable, creative and skill developed, I decided that leatherwork would be perfect. Towards the end of the year my hope is to have the workbench set up in my RV (have to purchase it first) and to get an online store up so I can sell my leatherwork wherever I go. I'm interested in small/med leather goods like watch straps, wallets, computer cases, dog collars and bags. Writing out my plan makes things feel overwhelming since I'm at the beginning, so I better get to work honing my new craft! Hope to make your acquaintance.
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@Howard Welcome to the forum!
I really love your idea and think it's a great one.
If I could give you some advice, it would be to look at what you could make for other people who live in an RV first. Essentially, serve your community.
What problems do they come across that your products could solve? Are there things you can build to make their life easier?
The reason is this, you will be living that life, so you will understand what they need better than anyone else.
Other RV enthusiasts will instantly qualify you as understanding their needs because you are 'one of them'.
Is there a standard sized camping permit that people need to display that you could make a cover for? Is there perhaps a popular piece of tech in the RV community that could use a protective case? Is there a popular tool kit made for RV's that comes in a crappy nylon bag? (Making things up here).
Once you start selling these targeted items, other RV people will see and hear about them from your customers, then they will advertise FOR you.
RV people move around a lot and meet lots of other people on their travels.
THEN you can start making watch straps, card holders, wallets etc that bear an RV brand or slogan that they can buy from you too.
I doubt the hand made leather RV accessory market is as big as the general wallet market! Much less competition.
Scour RV forums for common problems and complaints that your products would help with.
That would be what I would do. Solve someone's problem first, then people will want to buy other things that you sell since they trust and know you.
If I have solved some leathercraft technique problems you were having, then I were to go and sell leather, hardware and tools, would you be more willing to buy them from me now?
How about if I just sold leather, hardware and tools but it appeared that I didn't do any leathercraft at all?
Solve a problem, gain trust, make valuable products.
Hello my new friend :)
welcome here :)
your plans sounds awesome to be honest :) and i wish you the best with it.
Your goals are not that overwhelming, once you master the basics, the rest is just practice and patience :)
All the best to you and good luck. My little plan and progress is similar. I find these classes to be best of their type that I’ve seen. Be well. Be happy. Smile too much. - w