Hi, I'm Eric, the founder of The Kilted Leatherworker LLC. If you've been following my journey for a while, you know that this business started from a place of genuine passion for honest materials and the kind of durability that seems to have disappeared from modern shelves. I've spent countless hours in my Texas workshop, ensuring that every stitch is perfect and every edge is burnished to a mirror finish.
As you may have guessed, we've been growing. What started as making a few pieces for friends and neighbors has turned into a mission to get high-quality, Texas-made leather goods into the hands of people who truly appreciate them. That's why I'm so excited to finally open up our Wholesale & Retail Partner program.
I'm looking for a few good partners: boutiques, travel retailers, and outdoor outfitters: who want to offer their customers something more than "fast fashion." If you've been looking for a way to stock your shelves with items that have a story, a soul, and a lifetime of utility, you're in the right place. To me, a wholesale partnership should be as refreshing and straightforward as an ice-cold root beer on a hot July afternoon. No hoops to jump through, just great gear and a solid business relationship.
Why Partner with The Kilted Leatherworker?
I get asked all the time: "Eric, what makes your stuff different from what I can find at a big-box store?" It's a fair question. The answer is simple: I don't take shortcuts. I use what I call "honest materials": full-grain hides, solid brass hardware, and heavy-duty thread that won't quit.
But I also know that running a retail business is tough. You need more than just a good product; you need a partner who values handmade quality, clear communication, and manageable starter runs. That's why I've built this wholesale program to stay straightforward and practical for small shops.
Fast Turnaround for Small Batches
I know how frustrating it is to wait months for a restock. Because I manage the production right here in Texas, I'm able to offer a 7–10 day production lead time for our standard starter runs. If you realize you're running low on a specific item, you won't be left with empty shelves for half a season.
Tier 1: The High-Volume Pilot (Card Sleeves)
If you're looking for a high-turnover item that fits perfectly in a travel gift section or as a point-of-sale impulse buy, our Card Sleeves are the answer. These aren't your typical flimsy wallets. They are designed for the minimalist who wants their gear to last.
I love making these because they allow me to showcase the natural character of the leather in a compact form. They are slim, rugged, and get better with age as they develop a unique patina.
The Numbers:
- Quantity: 24–48 units.
- Wholesale Price: $12.50 per unit.
- MSRP (Retail): $25.00 per unit.
This tier is designed to be a low-risk way for you to test the waters with our brand. Whether you're a boutique in a busy downtown area or a shop at a regional airport, these card sleeves are a great way to introduce your customers to Texas-made quality.
Tier 2: The Artisan Showcase (Highland Nomad & Traveler 2.0)
For partners who want to offer something more substantial: items that truly stand out as centerpieces on a shelf: I've put together the "Artisan Showcase" tier. This tier focuses on our larger, more intricate pouches. These are the items people stop and touch. They are the conversation starters.
The Highland Nomad (Buffalo Belt Pouch)
This is one of my personal favorites to create. Formerly known as our Buffalo Belt Pouch, The Highland Nomad is a rugged, heirloom-quality piece. Made from genuine buffalo hide, it has a texture and strength that is immediately recognizable. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, or anyone who needs a reliable way to carry their essentials on their belt.
- Wholesale Price: $95.00 per unit.
- MSRP (Retail): $190.00 per unit.
The Traveler 2.0
The Traveler 2.0 is our flagship item. It's the ultimate EDC (Every Day Carry) companion. I designed it for the person who is always on the move: someone who needs their phone, notepad, and tools organized and protected. It's a piece that screams "adventure."
- Wholesale Price: $155.00 per unit.
- MSRP (Retail): $310.00 per unit.
The Artisan Showcase Details:
- Quantity: 10–15 units.
- Selection: A mix of The Highland Nomad and The Traveler 2.0.
This tier is perfect for specialty outdoor stores or high-end boutiques that cater to a discerning clientele. When you put these on your shelf, you're not just selling a bag; you're selling a piece of Texas craftsmanship that will likely be passed down to the next generation.
Who Are We Looking For?
I'm being selective about our retail partners because I want to ensure our brand values align. I'm looking for:
- Boutiques: Shops that value the "handmade" story and want to offer unique, artisan-made accessories.
- Travel Retailers: Locations that cater to people on the go who need durable, functional gear for their journeys.
- Outdoor Outfitters: Stores that serve the hiking, camping, and bushcraft communities: people who know the value of a good piece of leather.
If you run a shop where people ask, "Who made this?" or "Will this last?", then we are probably a great fit.
My Promise to You: Quality Over Everything
There is something about working with leather that teaches you patience. You can't rush a good stitch, and you can't fake the quality of a good hide. When I'm in the workshop, I'm thinking about the person who will eventually own that piece. Will it survive a rainy hike? Will the buckle hold up after ten thousand uses?
When you become a stockist, my promise to you is that I will treat your orders with the same care as I do a custom order for an individual client. I want your customers to be thrilled with their purchase because that means they'll keep coming back to your store.
Little did I know when I started my leatherworking journey that I'd be in a position to scale like this, but I'm ready. I've refined my processes, invested in the right tools, and sourced the best materials so that I can support retail partners without losing that "handmade in Texas" soul.
How to Get Started
If you're ready to bring a touch of Texas to your store, the process is simple. I want to make this as easy as possible for you.
Right now, for our first few retail partners, we are offering a special introductory "Starter Run" hook. If you're one of the first 10 retailers to sign on, I'm willing to discuss additional support to help get our products moving off your shelves.
Steps to Partner With Us:
- Review the tiers above to see which fits your shop best.
- Click the link below to fill out our quick application.
- I'll personally review it and get back to you within 48 hours to discuss pricing, lead times, and how we can best support your business.
If you have questions about specific items, like The Wayfarer's Tote or The Chronicler's Cover, feel free to reach out via our contact page. I'm always happy to chat about leather, business, or even the best spots in Texas to find a good orange soda.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about what we do. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to share my craft with your customers. Let's build something durable together.
Warmly,
Eric
Founder, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC