Why we Choose Handcrafted Leather at APOSTL
At APOSTL all of our products are individually handcrafted by skilled artisans. When a piece is commissioned, a single craftsperson works on each item from start to finish. This ensures that a great deal of attention and professional pride goes into each and every item we sell.
We choose handcrafted leather goods over factory produced leather goods for 5 main reasons.
- Handmade Leather Goods Support Small Business
At APOSTL we believe in small business! We want to support other entrepreneurs and not line the pockets of large, nameless and faceless corporations. We know our business partners by name, spend time with them regularly and can see the difference our partnership makes to them and their families. Relationships like this do not exist when you source factory made products.
- The Unmatched Quality and Individuality of Handcrafted Leather Goods
We are committed to providing high quality, durable, unique and adaptable products. Our customers seek out items that reflect their values, personality and lifestyle. Producing limited runs of tailored, handmade products allows us to fulfil our customers’ expectations.
We source the highest quality leather and the time and attention given to each piece ensures sound construction and durability. The very individual production process and the high quality of our leather means there will be slight variations of shade and texture in each APOSTL piece. Each item is unique and built by a human and not a machine!
- Collaboration and Flexibility
Handmade manufacturing means that we can be more responsive and adaptive. We have a much larger influence on the design, function and style of our products than we would if we were dealing with a large factory. Factories often require large minimum orders and are reluctant to change or alter their original designs.
Ultimately, factories are focused on efficiency and process. Their goal is to produce as many items as cheaply and as quickly as possible. The APOSTL business model supports our manufacturers to focus on quality craftsmanship and encourages attention to detail. Having everything made by hand allows us to focus on the product and customer satisfaction – not just the bottom line.
- Handmade Leather: Sustainable and Socially Conscious
Handcrafted leather goods are sustainable and socially conscious. We purchase leather that is a by-product of the meat industry. This means we are contributing to the reduction of waste from that industry while ensuring that we are not purchasing leather from animals killed solely for their hide.
Unlike factory produced goods, we don’t amass large stockpiles of any given product. We communicate with our manufacturers to produce only the products which are in most demand. This pin-point approach reduces wastage in terms of leather, labour, time and resources.
- Handcrafted Leather Goods are People Friendly
Last but not least, we choose to produce handcrafted leather goods because it is an investment in human potential! In factories, individuals often perform a small range of monotonous and simple tasks that can be easily replicated. This puts a very low value on individual ability and does not encourage personal investment in their task or growth in their skill set.
At APOSTL, pieces are made by skilled craftspeople that have mastered the ability to produce an item from start to finish. This requires a large range of techniques and skills. Our partners have spent years accumulating this knowledge and know-how.
As we grow, our partners are able to pass on their skills to new apprentices who in turn learn and master the craft. These individuals are given responsibility and a sense of purpose allowing them to take pride in their work. This positively affects the individuals, their families and their communities as a whole.
What Does Your Purchase Mean?
In the end, there is a place for both handmade and factory products. There are many products which suit and actually require the consistency and efficiency that comes with mass manufacturing in factories. Both methods have their strengths.
When you purchase a handcrafted product from the APOSTL range you are guaranteed quality, sustainability, individuality, and the opportunity to contribute to the health, wealth and happiness of talented craftspeople – a purchase you can be proud of!
Written By Jefferson St John