Is Beargrass Leather an American company that makes its products in the USA?
Yes! Every Beargrass Leather is handcrafted by us (Samantha and Benjamin) in scenic Montana.
The item I want is sold out? When will it be restocked?
When we make an item (particularly handbags), we often make only one or two. Often, we will leave the listing one the website to function as a type of “look book.” Since we make a large number of custom designs, the older listings can help us to communicate the options available. If you see a style and/or color you like, send us an email to see if it is possible to recreate the item. Sometimes the style or color of leather may no longer be available. In these cases, we work with you to review options for available leathers.
Do you have a return policy?
Yes. Ready-to-ship items can be returned in new, unused and/or undamaged condition within 30 days of purchase for a full refund (not including the costs of shipping the item back to us). Items bought around the holiday season (November 15 through December 31) are eligible for returns within 45 days of purchase.
Custom orders without personalization (e.g. monogramming) are subject to a non-refundable 30% down payment.
Personalized items are not eligible for returns.
Items purchased through one of our retailers (not directly from Beargrass Leather) must be returned through the respected vendor in accordance to their return policy.
What should I do if something breaks?
We create each item to be long lasting. We feel that all good artisans should stand by their work.
Occasionally, a handbag needs to revisit our workbench. We can fix almost anything non-leather (stitches, rivets, bead work, etc...). We often fix it for free and split the cost of shipping (depending on the type of item, damage, and shipping costs).
The Repair Process:
1) Let us know about the problem. Send us a photo or description of the issue for a repair assessment.
2) We will assess the repair. Most damages that don't affect the leather directly will be repaired for free. Rivets coming undone are the most common fix.
3) We will reply with an estimate for the cost. We will also include shipping details (the vast majority of our fixes are free with the exception of the cost of shipping).
* Problems associate with rips, stains, or major damage to the actual leather will be addressed in the assessment. This type of damage is typically related to use, not craftsmanship. Regardless, we would rather see things fixed, if possible. The assessment is critical, as there are many factors regarding this type of damage: extent of damage, location, and availability of matching leather.
Will the leather be absolutely perfect?
Real, full-grain leather is a natural product. Each hide has a certain amount of “irregularities” which those in the leather business call “character.” Some hides even come with brand marks (which are awesome), nicks, bites, bumps, scars, and other awesome items of character. The tanning and dying process can also leave certain character marks. In the end, this is a sign that your leather is real, unadulterated, one of a kind, premium leather that will last for years. But it will rarely be completely flawless.
What efforts do you make to be good stewards of the land?
Leather working is a historical mixed-bag in regards to stewardship. In order to be responsible, Beargrass leather has developed a few general guiding principles. First, procure some of the best leathers from the top tanneries in the world. First-world tanneries adhere to stricter environmental regulations. In addition, most of the best leather is vegetable tanned rather than tanned with chromium. Where possible, we seek out leather from responsible tanneries.
Leather is a material that lasts an extremely long time and is mostly a by-product from the food industry. Building a slow-fashion, local, leather product rather than two or more inexpensive products leads to a net gain.
Finally, Beargrass Leather strives to use all scraps down to a 2”x 2” square (and even donate some to local jewelry makers). All usable leather should be utilized and avoid the landfill.
How much will it cost to ship? And where do you ship?
Beargrass Leather has always desired to hold a flat-rate shipping cost. Currently, that cost is $8 for shipping in the United States. We currently do not ship internationally.
Will my leather product be hand-stitched?
We consider a large part of hand made to include hand-stitching. Although, we do have an industrial sewing machine in order to prolong the health of our hands and reduce costs for items like zippers, straps, and pockets.
Beargrass Leather “Signature” designs still utilize hand-stitching for most of the visible stitching. Items in the “Essentials” product range are machine stitched.
How do I care for my Beargrass Leather item?
For most Beargrass Leather products, we recommend using Saphir’s Creme Universelle leather balm (especially with European or vegetable tanned leathers). For leather that includes hot stuffed waxes and oils (like bison leather), we recommend Montana Pitch Blend. If you are unsure, please contact us. If available, we can send you a sample to test any leather care product before treatment.
Will the dye in the leather run?
Each product is tanned and dyed by the tannery. Nearly any color or dye may rub off if vigorously rubbed or wet. Over years of use, very few products have shown any rub-off of color. Nevertheless, the use of a good conditioner may help. Regardless, use caution and pay attention (especially with leather goods dyed in dark or vibrant colors).
How is a leather lined item different than fabric lined, and will the leather separate?
A lining of leather (whether suede or finished leather) is a special touch. Unlike traditional fabric lining which often hangs loose, we utilize a leather contact cement to adhere the liner to the outer shell. However, this liner may pucker or pull away with time. This is a natural, and it is not a craftsmanship error.
Why this Happens: The leather lining is essentially bending backwards while the outer shell is bending inwards (or vice versa). This contradiction of forces will create areas where the liner may separate. The same applies to areas that move often, like handles. Other factors include our eco-friendly contact cement (which isn’t quite as permanent as the noxious stuff of yesteryear) and leather containing natural oils.
Design Considerations: We take care to create design elements that will allow the separation of the liner while containing it. Edge paint is one of those features. Edge paint seals the edges to contain liner separation. The same goes for stitching, pockets, reinforced bottoms, and hardware. While some separation is to be expected, being able to access the space between the liner and the outer shell is not.
Remedies for Exposed Seams: Should the liner peal away from the outer shell along an edge revealing an accessible pocket between the liner and outer shell, contact us for a remedy. Typically, we will reapply cement to the area that is accessible and add stitches (if possible) for little to no fee (shipping not included).
Will the hair rub off from a “hair on hide” product?
In short, yes it will. The hair on hide products will naturally lose some hair where the product receives a lot of friction from rubbing. This is why products like the Sadie, Sadie Petite, and Silver Gate have a finished leather back side. By using natural or finished leather along the contact points extends the life of the handbag by many seasons.