Custom-Branded leather goods supplier

Small clothing and accessory brands, corporate gift buyers, event organizers, restaurants and bars, and groups ordering branded gifts.

You quote per unit with a markup over the manufacturer's price, plus setup fees for samples, embossing dies or custom designs. Larger repeat orders add up.

• Clear communication with clients and factories
• Basic design or mockup skills
• Managing orders and deadlines

• Supplier minimum order quantities and deposits, which can tie up your cash
• Make sure you have the right to use any logos or designs you are asked to produce
• Check federal labeling rules and any state rules, such as California's Proposition 65, on materials and dyes
• Clear terms on proofs, approvals, delays and returns, since custom items usually can't be resold
• Check your state's sales tax and resale certificate rules
• General liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on order sizes, samples and supplier deposits. Minimum order quantities and deposits can tie up your cash, so check them with each manufacturer before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you win and the size of their orders. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit after production costs.

Check you have the right to use any client logos or designs, plus federal labeling rules and state rules such as California's Proposition 65 on materials and dyes. Also check your state's sales tax and resale certificate rules, and insurance.