Are you considering sourcing high-quality wholesale leather materials in bulk? Leather, a timeless and versatile material, holds great potential for those looking to start a business or grow an existing one. The advantages of buying in bulk include cost savings plus variety.
In this guide, we’ll explore key tips to become an authority in sourcing high-quality leather materials in bulk from Nigeria.
Read on for detailed info on sourcing both raw materials and finished goods in Nigeria.
Tips for Sourcing High-Quality Leather Materials
Grades
In the leather industry, understanding the different grades is essential for sourcing top-notch leather. Full-grain leather is the highest quality. It retains the outer layer of the hide with the natural markings.
Top-grain leather is another excellent option, with a slightly buffed surface. It is not the same as the full-grain leather but they come from the same split.
There is the suede leather which is slightly nappy and sanded from the outside to give it the suede look. So the first step is deciding on which quality you want based on your pocket and market.
Origin
An important consideration for leather sourcing in bulk is the type of company it comes from. Not all companies have good quality leather. Some compromise on quality pass-off fakes as original.
Ask questions and research the company before you make any purchase. One way to do this is to look out for reviews from others who have engaged with the suppliers before. Look out for samples and find out about the experience level of the seller.
Additionally, confirm where the leather comes from and how long it’s been in their inventory before making your purchase. In leather sourcing, cheaper is not always better but learn the art of negotiation.
Building Relationships
Establishing strong relationships with reliable suppliers is important. Attend local trade shows in Nigeria and connect with manufacturers. An example of such shows is the Lagos Leather Fair where you can network within the leather industry. There are many other trade shows in other states with stakes in the leather industry.
Knowledgeable suppliers not only provide quality materials but will also give you valuable insights into market trends, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition.
Quality Testing and Assurance
Before committing to a bulk purchase, conduct thorough quality testing. Inspect the leather for consistency in colour, texture, and thickness. Ensure there are no defects or irregularities that could compromise the final product.
Remember that a rigorous quality assurance process will set the foundation for delivering high-quality goods to your customers.
Feel the Texture
When checking for the quality of leather in person. Run your fingers over the surface of the leather. High-quality leather will feel smooth and supple, not rough or excessively processed.
Check for Imperfections
Inspect the leather for any blemishes or marks. While small, natural markings can indicate authenticity, large or irregular marks may suggest lower quality. Avoid leather with excessive scratches, scars, or discolouration.
Smell the Leather
Quality leather has a distinct, rich smell that you cannot miss. Underneath the extras like scents, oils and so on, real leather carries the distinct scent of the animal hide. But, if the leather has a strong chemical odor, or smells too much like plastic, it is of low-quality processing.
Examine the Edges
Look closely at the edges of the leather. High-quality leather will have clean and neatly finished edges. If the edges are rough, uneven, or show signs of fraying, it may indicate lower quality.
Another sign of low quality is the sign of bluish frays as a result of the chrome-tanned wet-blue hide. Vegetable tanning will not. exhibit that.
Run your thumbnail over the determine the quality of the finishing.
Check the Flexibility
Bend a small section of the leather to test its flexibility. If it cracks or shows signs of stress, then the quality is low. Quality leather is flexible and should bend easily without creasing. It quickly returns to its original state.
Observe the Color
Quality leather should have a consistent colour throughout. Check for any unevenness or unnatural colour variations, as these may indicate subpar dyeing processes. High-quality leather absorbs dye evenly which gives it a uniform appearance.
It also absorbs water through its pores. So you are allowed to run a water test and notice that water runs off the leather, it is most like poor quality.
Consider the Weight
Generally, good quality leather tends to be heavier than synthetic ones. It can give you a sense of the material’s density and durability. Lightweight leather may be less durable over time.
Inspect the Grain
Check the surface grain of the leather. Full-grain leather retains the natural grain pattern of the hide. The scars, the stretch marks and other tiny “imperfections” signal the life of authentic skin.
Top-grain leather, while slightly processed, should still display a natural grain. Also, if it is too smooth to the touch, chances of imitation are high.
If you follow these tips, you will avoid the risk of purchasing subpar products.
Fire test
Okay, we are not sure they will let you do this one. But just in case, know that fire tests true leather.
Get it close to a source of heat but not enough to burn it directly. Natural leather will slightly contract, returning to its original form upon cooling.
But low-grade leather will have that plastic burn without returning to form. The appearance will be melted.
Natural leather will smell of burnt hair. The fakes will reek of plastic.
Stay Informed About Market Trends
The leather industry, like any other, evolves with time. Stay informed about current market trends, emerging styles, and consumer preferences.
If you want to stay on top of your game, attend fashion events, and follow key influencers to gain insights into the ever-changing landscape of the leather market in Nigeria.
Doing this will help you source for what the market demands in addition to high-quality.
Negotiation Skills
The art of negotiation is a crucial skill in the business world. Hone your negotiation skills to secure favourable deals with suppliers.
Understand market prices while being aware of your budget constraints. Building a reputation as a fair partner will contribute to long-term success in the wholesale leather industry.
Where to Buy High-Quality Raw Leather in Bulk
Tanneries – a place where hides undergo processing for leather production, have a rich history in Nigeria. Discovering high-quality raw leather will involve navigating through prominent markets.
These are leather markets in key states, including Kano, Abia, Anambra, and Lagos. Each location offers unique opportunities to find exceptional leather products.
Kano, with its longstanding tanneries, remains a key hub for quality leather if you are sourcing in Nigeria. The leather market there has a wide variety of rawhides. These include cows, goats, and even exotic animals like snakes and crocodiles.
Word has it that, despite understated publicity, the leather market in Kano has garnered attention, with renowned foreign fashion brands sourcing their leathers from the markets.
Winston Leather, A Nigerian luxury brand is making luxury available to his country’s people who manufacture leather but can’t access this luxury.
The company which was founded in the early 1990s, was mainly supplying leather suppliers to fashion brands like Ralph Lauren, which then sold their products at luxury price points.
European brands like Louis Vuitton also sourced leather for their handbags from the company.
As you can see, beyond exporting hides, Kano’s tanneries craft diverse leather products, ranging from clothing to footwear and bags.
Other notable markets are the Ariaria International Market in Aba (Abia State), the Mushin Leather Market in Lagos, and the Ochanja Market in Anambra State. Aba also serves as Nigeria’s leather production hub. The renowned Ariaria International Market is aptly dubbed the “China of Africa.” A popular reason for this is the weight it pulls in leather production.
But there are many more markets depending on your location. You should research the brands and compare products and prices.
Wholesale pricing
The cost of buying high-quality leather products varies in Nigeria according to various characteristics such as quality. Other factors are origin, tanning whether vegetable tanning or chrome processing and finishing.
Conclusion
Venturing into the wholesale leather industry in Nigeria requires a combination of knowledge, networking, and business acumen.
Practice makes perfect. By understanding the different grades of grades, building strong supplier relationships, conducting quality testing, and staying informed about market trends, you will become an expert in sourcing.
Ready to dive into the wholesale leather market? Start small, explore local suppliers in the various Nigerian leather markets and build business relationships.