Bespoke Commission Builds

One-of-one items brought to life just for you.

The Process

  • CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR IDEAS. No project is too simple or small. We will talk through the options, ask the necessary questions, and gather all the information we need.

  • WE WILL DEVELOP A PLAN.

  • REGROUP AND REVIEW. This will include materials and design options, estimates of the time frame and costs. Until we reach a consensus and decide to move forward with the build, there is no commitment and no costs involved.

  • AGREE, PAY A DEPOSIT, AND BEGIN THE WORK. The balance isn’t due until completion.

FAQ

  • What is the #1 thing people should know before ordering?

    • This goes for any of our products… leather is an organic material. We try to ensure that it’s reasonably free of defects, holes, cuts, or large scars. And unless you specially request it (and some people do), we won’t include a huge cattle brand anywhere on the item. But there aren’t many hides that are as pristine as manmade synthetics. It is common to expect the possibility of slight variations in color (especially over items with larger panels) and minor fat creases / wrinkles. Leathers with a high oil or wax content will show “pull up”, which is the rustic look in the form of uneven coloration and minor scratch lines. Most people who seek out this type of leather are specifically looking for this quality; but if you are not, please let us know.

  • How do department store leather goods look so clean and even in finish and color?

    • Know that most of ultra-clean looking leather products you see at the store look that way because the leathers are surface sanded and then coated with some kind of urethane or heavy lacquer / paint that eventually flakes off. Many of them even use a composite they call “genuine leather” but are the equivalent of leather plywood. They look perfect in the shop, but quickly turn tattered and terrible once used. High quality, reputably-tanned leather that appears closer to a natural state will tend to wear less, patina more, and last exponentially longer.

  • Does the bespoke item have to be anything specific?‍

    • Not at all! It can be something as small as a wallet, dog collar, or watch strap… or as big as a backpack or overnight bag. Contacting us to make you an item doesn’t have to be a huge production. If you just have an idea on how we can tweak a product you see on our site to be more suitable, that is more than enough.

  • Will you make me a copy of a “designer” bag?

    • Unfortunately, no. We won’t directly copy an existing product from another maker or company, as this is both legally problematic and morally questionable. However, we can discuss how to take inspiration from something and make it personal to you. Our goal is to build it better.

  • What if I don’t want to get into a complicated and lengthy conversation about it? Can I just keep it short and simple?

    • Absolutely. Most people aren’t looking for a fully ground-up custom item. The more info you provide, the more closely we can follow your vision; but you are under no obligation to spend a ton of time and energy discussing it.

  • What kind of questions will you have for me?

    • As an example, let’s assume your finest good boy is looking for a collar. (If you’re interested in a wallet or bag, these would be very different; but this gives you an idea of the process.) I would need to know size obviously. However, I’d ask if the dog pulls hard on the leash, to know if we need to take steps to strengthen the build. Is there a risk that the doggo will chew / eat the collar at any point? If so, we’ll ensure we only use vegetable-tanned leathers. Will the collar get wet? This determines if we need to focus on water-resistant leathers. In fact, if the dog is a very frequent swimmer, I’d probably suggest at least a quick-detach buckle — or perhaps recommend that we pass on a leather collar altogether. Why would I talk you out of buying something? Because we believe in building a relationship on trust and honesty.

  • Why do I need to pay a deposit before the item is completed?

    • Depending on the specific build, a fair amount of work will need to go into planning and design. Additionally, specific materials will often need to be sourced. All of this is an investment of time and money, and represents a risk. Unfortunately, sometimes some people will take advantage of this and fail to act responsibly and fairly.

  • What if I change my mind or I’m not satisfied?

    • Until we reach an agreement and start designing / building, there is no commitment or cost. After that point, it depends on circumstances. If you simply decide you no longer are interested, only the deposit would be forfeited. If you change your mind about some details, and the build hasn’t progressed to an irreversible point yet, we might be able to change things around. Fully custom bespoke commissions are non-returnable for obvious reasons. However, if there is something that you’re unsatisfied with, please let us know! We will do everything reasonably possible to address your concerns.

Ready to get started? Book a consultation for a bespoke commission Build

We’ll prepare a proposal and walk you through every step of the process.