Leather goods workshop selling to shops and brands

Independent retailers, gift shops, small brands and companies ordering branded or corporate items, plus direct customers online.

Wholesale sales at a lower price per piece but in volume, plus higher-margin direct sales and custom orders. Batch production keeps your time per item down.

• Production planning and batch making
• Leatherworking and finishing to a consistent standard
• Costing and wholesale pricing
• Selling to shops and handling orders

• Check zoning and your lease terms for light manufacturing at the premises
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock and equipment are worth checking
• Ask your provincial workers' compensation board (such as WCB or WSIB) about coverage once you hire help
• Shops may pay late or order less than expected, so consider deposits or payment terms
• Leather and hardware prices can change, so review your pricing regularly
• Check labelling and product rules for items you sell, and for exports if you plan to sell abroad
• Check the GST/HST or provincial sales tax rules for wholesale sales

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, depending on your premises, equipment and how much leather and hardware stock you buy for your first batches.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on your product line, how many shops you supply and how many custom jobs you take. Plan for around 30 hours a week or more.

Check zoning and your lease terms for light manufacturing, and ask your provincial workers' compensation board about coverage once you hire help. Also check insurance, labelling and product rules, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax rules for wholesale sales.