Overview of our services
– What services do you offer?
We provide bespoke product developments, consultancy, material sourcing, pattern making, prototyping, designing and production services of bags, accessories, soft furnishings and selected types of garments.
– What is your minimum order for production?
Our minimum order for production is five pieces of the same style, size, materials and colour.
– Do you work with leather only?
We are experienced in working with leather, vegan leather, most types of fabric and PVC.
Prototyping costs
How much does prototyping bags cost?
The cost of prototyping a bag can vary significantly based on several factors, including complexity, materials, the number of iterations, and the specific services required (e.g. pattern making, sampling, logo debossing). Below is a general price range:
Basic Prototyping (Simpler Designs)
Price range: £250 to £500
Mid-Range Prototyping (More Detailed or Mid-Complex Designs)
Price range: £500 to £1,200
High-End Prototyping (Complex Designs, Premium Materials, or Custom Requests)
Price range: £1,200 to £3,000 or more
Included in the above prices:
Pattern making and prototyping for one iteration of the design.
Not included:
Consultancy services, material sourcing, creation of technical packs and materials.
Example Price Ranges by Bag Type (for Artisanal Work)
Prices depend on the final features — these are general guidelines only.
| Bag Type (standard features) |
Estimated Prototyping Cost (ex. VAT) |
| Flat leather pouch |
£350 – £700 |
| Unlined tote bag |
£500 – £900 |
| Lined, structured tote |
£850 – £1,500 |
| Medium crossbody bag |
£850 – £1,500 |
| Bucket bag with drawstring |
£750 – £1,400 |
| Top-handle box bag |
£1,200 – £2,500 |
| Backpack or briefcase |
£1,500 – £3,000+ |
Additional Costs to Consider:
– Product development: Charged per hour. The cost depends on the level of assistance needed to finalise and clearly communicate your project idea.
– Material sourcing service: You may source materials independently or opt for us to do this on your behalf (charged per material).
– Materials: Generally not included unless otherwise specified.
– Revisions: Additional costs may apply for multiple rounds of changes or customisations.
– Shipping: Must be arranged and covered by the customer.
– Debossed logo stamp: If we need to create a custom logo stamp for you, the cost typically ranges between £40 and £150 depending on size and complexity.
– Project managment: projects that require ongoing direction, sourcing, or iterative decisions may be charged additional design/consultation fees
VAT: All prices are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.
Quotation of your project
– How do I discuss a design/prototyping/production project?
Before starting a project we can offer a 15 minutes free consultation by appointment at our studio where we discuss all the details.
The consultation can also be provided remotely via video call or by phone. In this scenario, we recommend our customers provide us with as much information as possible about their project via email before the consultation, so that we can use the time in the most effective and convenient way.
We are able to provide a free consultation only once we have determined that your project is something we can assist with. To help us make that determination, we kindly request that you share visual references and a description of the main details of the project.
– Could I have a meeting with you to discuss my project out of working hours?
Yes. Through an appointment, we are available to meet our clients in person or remotely via video call on weekday evenings.
– How do I receive a bespoke quotation for prototyping?
By contacting us via email, specifying that you would like to receive a quote for your project. We will reply by providing you with a form to fill in which will guide you in providing us the correct information needed to understand your design.
Alternatively, you can provide us with all the information you currently have about your project. If the information provided is only partial and does not enable us to quote you, we will investigate your idea so that we can then quote you for the work that your project requires.
– How do I receive a bespoke quotation for my production?
An initial quote for production can be provided once all aspects of your project have been clarified.
A precise quote for production can be provided once the prototype has been approved and the quantities needed confirmed.
– Why can’t I have a precise quote for production once I have explained my idea?
Production cost per item depends on:
A) quantities needed
B) features of the design
C) materials used
If any of these aspects change or are unclear, then the cost per unit would also change or could be impossible to calculate, that’s why we can only provide a precise quote once all aspects are clarified and defined.
– Why can’t you provide me with a quote based on another, similar project you have done in the past?
Because no project is the same and any variable can lead to a completely different type of labour being required for its realisation.
We always provide the customers with a rough, initial quote for production once we have a clear idea of the project. The quote can only be confirmed after the prototype has been approved.
Prototyping & Production
– What is included in the prototyping process? How does it work?
Depending on the project’s requirements, we may need to create a mock-up, an initial sample and a final prototype.
For simpler projects, it may be possible to skip the mock-up and sampling stages and proceed directly to prototyping.
The quoted price includes minor alterations to the mock-up and pattern. However, major alterations may incur additional charges, which will be calculated based on the estimated hours required. An estimate of these costs will be provided before work begins and will only be carried out with customer approval.
Our prototyping quotes do not include the cost of modifying the prototype or creating additional iterations. These extra services, if needed, are quoted separately based on the amount of additional work required.
Unless otherwise specified, materials and fittings are not included in our quotes.
– What is your capacity for production?
We can produce up to 400 bags and 1,000 wallets/purses per month. However, this capacity is strictly dependent on the features of each project and the workload at the time of commision.
– Can you guarantee continuity of production?
Yes, if arranged with sufficient notice at the start of production, we can guarantee continuity for months or even years if required.
Providing as much notice as possible allows us to manage our availability and, if necessary, hire additional support to meet demand.
Please note that we cannot commit to any new orders before receiving a deposit payment.
– Can you assist in sourcing materials for my project?
Yes, we can search for and provide materials for you. Alternatively, we can advise you on the most suitable materials and suggest reliable suppliers if you prefer to source them yourself. This service is only available to customers who have booked our services.
You may also purchase leather from our stock of upcycled, rescued leathers. However, please note that our stock is limited and cannot be reordered.
Can I review the project before completion?
Yes, we are happy to arrange meetings during the development of your project.
Lead Time
– What are your lead times for your services?
The lead times below are calculated from the date we receive either the required deposit or full payment (depending on the service) and once all necessary materials have been received (where applicable).
A precise completion date can only be confirmed once the project has been booked and all required materials have been received.
Product Development
Product development is required when a project has not yet been fully defined.
Once the service has been booked, we are usually able to schedule the initial consultation within 1 to 2 weeks.
The overall duration of the development stage depends on several factors, including:
• how advanced the project is when we receive it
• the complexity of the design
• how quickly feedback and approvals are received from the customer
Some projects can be fully developed in a single meeting over the course of one week, while others may require several meetings over a number of weeks.
Technical Drawings
Technical drawings are only required if the customer does not already have a complete technical pack.
Once the project has been finalised, we can usually prepare the full set of technical drawings, including all measurements and construction details, within 2 to 3 weeks.
Pattern Making
Once the technical drawings have been approved, pattern making typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Mock-up
Following completion of the patterns, a mock-up can usually be produced within approximately 2 weeks.
Prototyping
Once the mock-up has been approved, prototype production typically takes between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on our current workload and the complexity of the project.
Production
Production lead times depend on our workload at the time of booking, the complexity of the product and the quantities required.
We can typically begin production within 2 to 4 weeks of receiving confirmation to proceed.
Bulk production may take anywhere between 2 weeks and 3 months, depending on the complexity of the design and the quantities ordered.
A confirmed production schedule will be provided once the prototype has been approved and the final order quantities have been confirmed.
Tech Pack Realisation
Once all the required information has been received, a complete tech pack can usually be prepared within approximately 2 weeks.
Logo Stamp
Once we have received the final approved artwork, a custom logo stamp can usually be produced within approximately 1 week.
Tight Deadlines / Expedited Projects
Where our production schedule allows, we are able to prioritise projects with tight deadlines through our expedited service.
This service may involve an additional priority fee, depending on the amount of work required, the timeframe requested and any changes needed to our production schedule.
If you have a specific deadline, please let us know when you first contact us. We will assess its feasibility and advise you of the fastest realistic delivery date together with any additional costs that may apply.
Prices and payment terms
– How much do you charge?
Our hourly rate start from £24 depending on the project and the type of service.
The final price for a prototyping, design or production project depends on the number of hours required to realise it.
A quote can be provided once all aspects of the project have been clarified.
– Do you offer any discounts for larger orders?
Yes, production becomes proportionally cheaper when ordering larger amounts.
How much discount we can provide depends on the project’s specifications and can be confirmed only once all aspects of the product to be produced are confirmed.
– What are your payment terms?
– Deposit:
1) For prototyping and production services, we request 50% of the total amount to be paid upfront and 50% to be paid before delivery/collection. If a production is delivered in smaller bulks and not all at the same time, we require the payment of each bulk to be received before collection/delivery of the goods.
For remaining balance payments made via bank transfer that is due in order for us to be able to arrange the collection/delivery of the finished goods, please allow a minimum of 48 hours for the payment to reach our account.
2) For face to face or online tuition and consultations, we require full payment to be made upfront.
3) For any other services carried out online or remotely, we require full payment to be made upfront.
4) For any materials, we require full payment to be made upfront.
We cannot start working on any project before receiving the deposit.
If the deposit is not paid 48 hours from receipt of the invoice we cannot guarantee the delivery time agreed or our commitment/availability to the project.
In this unfortunate circumstances, we will remove the planned dedicated time from our diary.
– Balance:
We don’t deliver any work before having received the balance due.
– Credit:
Unfortunately, we do not offer credit facilities.
– How do I pay?
You can pay via cash, online bank transfer as well as any credit or debit card that displays a Visa, VPay, MasterCard, Maestro or American Express logo.
Deliveries & Collection
Please find detailed information about this service here.
Copyright & Confidentiality
– Who owns the copyright of the patterns if created by The London Leather Workshop?
You own the copyright of any patterns made by us, and we are not allowed to use them for any other project or sell them to a third party.
If you wish to purchase the patterns in the future, you can buy a physical copy and/or a pdf file can be sent to you for a fee.
Do you share the material and/or information I provide with third parties?
We do not share any of your design materials (e.g., sketches, technical drawings) with third parties. Additionally, we will not use your pattern for any other project unless you request it or it is necessary for carrying out the work.
Unless the customer specifies otherwise in writing before booking the service, we reserve the right to take photos/videos while working on your project for promotional purposes, including use on our website and social media channels.
Patterns
– Can I have a copy of the patterns you have made for me?:
Our patterns are created for internal use and include internal communication systems that allow them to be clearly understood and used by our team.
We can provide a copy of our patterns by adapting them for third party use. A standard fee applies to cover the cost of this service, as follows.
Small items (for example card holders): £100
Small to medium items: £125
Medium sized items: £150
Medium to large items: £175
Large items: £200
Extra large items (for example rucksacks): £225
Plus £10 per pattern piece.
Patterns will be sent via email in PDF format, to scale, ready to be printed or sent to third parties.
We can also print the patterns for you to collect in person, at a cost of £25 per paper sheet.
Important to Know:
We retain patterns for up to 12 months after your project is completed. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, we will dispose of your patterns after this period. However, if we maintain ongoing communication or schedule future work, we will continue to store your patterns as needed.
Glossary of Terms
Mock-Up – A preliminary, scaled representation of the product, used to showcase the design or concept, typically made from inexpensive materials suc uf reinforcements. It is used for testing the customer’s design and obtaining approval for the patterns before the prototype/sample is produced. Its scope is to verify dimensions, proportions and visual aspects of the design, without focusing on refinement details.
Prototype – An early working version of the product, created to test the customer’s ideas, features, and functionality using the intended final materials. Depending on the project, it may or may not represent the final version and is often used as a basis for further development and refinement. Prototyping frequently requires more than one version, although for simpler designs and previously tested materials, a single prototype may also serve as the final product.
Finalised Product – The completed and fully developed version of the product, which has passed all stages of testing, revisions, and approvals. It is ready for production and meets all agreed design, quality, and functional standards. While in some cases this can be achieved with the first prototype, more often several iterations are required to reach a final, production ready outcome.