Online leather supplier for makers

Leathercraft makers, bag and wallet makers, saddlers, bootmakers, upholsterers and small workshops.

You earn the gap between your bulk buying price and your price per hide, side or pack. Regular trade customers who reorder each month make income steadier.

• Knowing leather types, thicknesses and finishes
• Sales and customer service
• Organising stock and orders
• Basic photography and product descriptions

• Check council rules for running a home-based business and storing stock at home
• Imported animal products can have biosecurity and customs rules, and exotic skins may need permits, so check with the Australian Government agriculture and border agencies
• Check whether the leather is described accurately, as Australian Consumer Law applies to product claims
• Public liability and product or stock insurance
• Register for GST once you reach the turnover threshold, and keep the stock dry and pest-free

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your storage set-up and your website. Insurance for public liability and stock is also worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many hours you put in, the range you stock and how many makers you reach. These figures are revenue, before stock and other costs.

Check council rules for running a home-based business and storing stock at home. Imported animal products can have biosecurity and customs rules, and exotic skins may need permits, so check with the relevant Australian Government agencies. Also check Australian Consumer Law and GST.