Every so often someone messages me asking where their order is a couple of days after they place it. That's a fair question, so here's an honest look at how things work on my end.
It's just me
Dale's Leatherworks is a small, owner-run shop. There's no warehouse and no fulfillment team. Every kiltie, insole, belt, cuff, and backpack is made by hand, by me, one order at a time. That's the whole point of the shop, and it's also why things don't arrive overnight.
How long things take
- Most items (kilties, insoles, half insoles, belts, cuffs): 2–5 business days to make before they ship.
- Custom orders: it depends on the request. I'll give you an estimate when we talk through the details.
- Backpacks: made to order in your choice of leather. Please allow 8–12 weeks.
After an order ships, it goes out USPS, and domestic delivery usually takes 3–5 business days. Orders under $25 ship without tracking. During holidays or shop breaks, things can take longer, and I'll announce any break at the top of the site. The full details are in my Shipping Policy.
Why a backpack takes 8–12 weeks
Backpacks are the best example of where the time goes. Each Rolltop Expedition takes roughly 40 hours of work and over 9 square feet of leather. I hand-stitch with Ritza Tiger thread, set solid brass roller buckles and 30+ rivets, and reinforce every rivet with a leather washer cut from scrap. None of that can be rushed.
It's also why I now make backpacks to order instead of building a few and selling out. After you order, I reach out with the leathers I have on hand and we pick yours together. You can read more in Made-to-Order Leather Backpacks: How It Works.
This is where it all started for me, my very first leatherworking project:
Need it by a certain date?
Message me before you order. If it's a gift or you need it for a trip, tell me the date and I'll let you know honestly whether I can make it.
Where's my order?
If it's been more than a week since you ordered and you haven't seen a shipping notice, or tracking hasn't updated in a while, message me through the chat with your order number and I'll look into it.
Thanks for supporting a small shop. Your patience is what lets me make things the right way.
More videos on my YouTube channel: @DalesLeatherworks. Questions? See the FAQ.