How We Work - Bespoke Service

BESPOKE / CUSTOM PRODUCTS

In order to make our working with you on your own special products simpler and more efficient we have developed some guidelines by which we need to work. We hope that these will be clear to you from the start so that errors are minimised and time is not lost, both in sampling and production. Below are some pointers to help you prepare to develop your own products more easily.

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN PRODUCTS WITH US

We are experienced in this field and are very happy to work with you to develop a range of highly attractive, unique and sellable items for you. We are able to make a very wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and finishes of leather boxes and other products. We have developed a ‘standard’ range of leather boxes, small leather goods, frames and other products.

All products have to be sampled first and the samples have to be fully approved before production can commence.  Any alterations that need to be made to the first samples will require further samples to be made. If the alterations needed are our fault, we will re-sample free of charge. If, however, you require alterations to the original designs agreed, a charge will normally be made.  

We can work from any clear black on white artwork (photocopy, photograph or transparency). These could be taken from a textile, a detail of furniture, ceramic, carpet design, book cover, wallpaper etc. We are happy to advise you on what is possible to emboss well and the sorts of products that really sell. We can often work to price points that may be important to you.

1. You will need to determine if there is a particular theme you wish to pursue such as something from a specific exhibition you are planning, a period of art, a collection of motifs etc.

2. Next we will need to find suitable images in your library or other material you may have. At this point we will advise you what we can make using the selected images.

3. Particular colours may be relevant to fit into a theme. Our standard colours are black, brown, blackberry, burgundy, dark red, red, dark purple, purple, navy, blue, dark green and green. There are some further colours, which have a 10% surcharge: fuchsia, emerald green, orange, royal blue, gold and aqua and 15% surcharge for tan and natural. This covers the extra wastage of leather incurred. We can often match Pantone colours if required. This will attract an extra 15% charge. Please also note that some colours are sensitive to light and may change over time. We will advise you of this when discussing your requirements.

4. The size and placement of your logo and/or design come next. We will be able to assist you with this. We are specialised in blind embossed work (raised embossing) but are able to stamp, gold and silver block and even screen print. Our standard prices include one blind embossed surface per item. Extra and other forms of embossing will be quoted to you as necessary. Each item needs its own specifically sized metal block for each surface embossed.

Once the final samples have been approved and your order processed, no further alterations can be made.  

TIMING

Sampling normally takes 4-6 weeks from receipt of your artwork in our office. In periods of maximum production, our suppliers sometimes require even longer but we will inform you if this is the case. Please note we will communicate with you when we have received your artwork with a full list of what you have requested, for your signature of confirmation.  In this way we both understand what is being sampled on your behalf and the costs involved, (costs may be approximate in the case of special sizes etc.)

Production of your subsequent order normally takes 6-8 weeks from receipt of your order. Timing can depend on the quantity required and also the time of the year you are ordering. We can give you a verbal idea of timing but the confirmed date of dispatch to us by our suppliers will be given to us only a few days after receipt of the confirmed order by them and this will be communicated to you.

If there are specific deadlines involved, please let us know before we begin sampling so that we can be sure to fulfil them or inform you at once if it is not possible for us to meet them.

Terms & Conditions - Bespoke Service

SAMPLES

All products have to be sampled first and the samples have to be fully approved by the customer before production can commence.

We charge for all samples including their related block charges, our sample administration charge and the cost of sending them to you for your approval. Everything is clearly set out for you in writing for approval and signature before we make any samples.

Should you not go forward with an order for all the samples made for you in good faith you will still be liable to pay for them including the second set of samples we make for reference, and their ancillary charges.

There is a Sample Administration Charge (SAC) which is  reduced for a single sample. This contributes towards the very real administrative costs we incur in preparing your samples for you. The block charges and SAC are both one-off charges.

Our prices, block charges (B/C) and minimum order quantity (M/Q) per item are listed on our Standard Small Leather Goods Price List (for more information, please email us on info@themuseumleathercompany.com).  These are for the standard products and depend on the colours chosen. Items not on these lists will be quoted separately.

Please note that unlike most embossing, the method we use is different and so each item has to have its own block to cover the whole surface of the item (Effectively we stamp the whole item except for the logo or design).  Thus a smallish pouch requires quite a large block to cover the whole piece of leather used.

If we make an error we will correct it free of charge.  If you change your mind or require alterations to the original sample requested, the new sample will be charged again, including a new block if needed. 

ORDERING

Orders can only be accepted on fully approved samples.

You will receive a fully detailed list of the items we have sampled for you, with prices and minimum’s listed clearly. If you are happy with the samples you can order immediately, otherwise we will need to resample, (which we will do as quickly as possible). Your order will be prepared and returned to you for signature of confirmation.

If you require story cards and/or barcodes to be placed on the products / packs there will be an extra charge to be confirmed before ordering. Any special packing requirements must be notified at time of order and maybe chargeable.

QUALITY CONTROL

Every item is checked in London before it is sent out. As all products are hand made we do have some items which reach us in less than perfect condition.  This means that our deliveries are not always 100% of the goods actually ordered. In case you need a minimum number of an item for a special event for example, you will need to increase the order by 10% [5% on orders over 300 pieces per item]. In this case you are obliged to take all good product, which may be up to 110% of the original order.

PAYMENT

The invoice for all the goods supplied will be sent with them including shipping / carriage costs. Our payment terms are 30 days from invoice.

PACKING

We will pack your products individually (except for key rings) and we normally group them into suitably sized packs.

CARRIAGE

We will ask you where and how you would like your goods to be sent. When your goods are ready to ship we will fax or email you the final invoice and the packing list in order to notify you that the goods are being dispatched.

Any missing or damaged goods received must be notified to us in writing within 14 days of receipt. Any errors will, of course, be corrected at our cost.