How to Wholesale Leather Messenger Bags: Guide for Retailers

Every retailer knows the value of offering practical and stylish products. Leather messenger bags have stood the test of time as a versatile, in-demand accessory. If you’re considering expanding your inventory, this guide on wholesale leather messenger bags will help you source quality products, set pricing, and build profitable partnerships.

How Do You Wholesale Leather Messenger Bags for Retailers?

Entering the wholesale market for leather messenger bags requires more than sourcing products—it demands strategic planning and informed decision-making. Let’s examine the key aspects of the process.

Research Your Market

Thorough market research forms the foundation of a successful wholesale operation. Here’s how:

• Online Research: You can use tools like Google Trends, SEMrush, and social media analytics to identify customer preferences, trending styles, and demand fluctuations. Then, study competitors’ pricing, product reviews, and marketing tactics on e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Etsy.
• Offline Research: If you want to have an interview in the scene, you can attend trade shows like the Leatherworld Fair or regional expos to observe industry trends firsthand. You can also engage with potential customers through focus groups or surveys to understand their needs. You can visit brick-and-mortar stores to analyze product placements and pricing strategies.

Choose Reliable Suppliers

A dependable leather messenger bags manufacturer is crucial for consistent quality and timely deliveries. But with so many options available, how can you identify the right one? Here are some essential tips for finding reliable suppliers online:

1. Utilize Reputable Directories: Platforms like Alibaba, ThomasNet, and Global Sources feature verified manufacturers. Search specifically for leather bag manufacturers and evaluate their product catalogs.
2. Check Customer Reviews: You may look for reviews and ratings on third-party websites to assess the supplier’s reputation and reliability.
3. Request Product Samples: You may always request samples to evaluate material quality, craftsmanship, and durability before committing to bulk orders.
4. Verify Certifications: You may ensure the manufacturer adheres to ethical sourcing and quality standards, such as ISO certifications or Leather Working Group (LWG) accreditation.

One standout supplier is NESSUN VOTO, a leather travel bag manufacturer specializing in travel bags. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, NOVOTE focuses on hand stitching and seamless sewing, ensuring durability and aesthetic precision. Partnering with such a manufacturer can guarantee products that meet the highest quality standards, helping you build trust with your retailers and customers.

Offer Customization Options

Customization allows you to cater to diverse customer preferences and stand out in the competitive market. Consider these scalable customization options:

• Material selection: You may choose between full-grain, top-grain, microfiber leather, Pelle sintetica, or eco-friendly leather.
• Color variations: Neutral tones or vibrant shades can be tailored to customer demands.
• Brand personalization: Embossed logos, custom tags, or monograms.
• Functional features: Adjustable straps, extra compartments, or unique closures.
• Design elements: Tailored stitching patterns, trim details, or lining customization.

For medium—and large-sized businesses, NOVOTE provides private label and contract manufacturing services, enabling you to create exclusive products that align with your brand identity. Their flexible approach ensures high-quality craftsmanship while meeting your business’s specific needs, making them an ideal partner for scaling up your offerings.

Establish Wholesale Terms

Wholesaling can be an incredibly advantageous model for your business. It allows you to buy products in bulk at lower prices and resell them at a profit, creating a reliable revenue stream. By offering wholesale products, you can meet higher customer demand, reduce per-unit costs, and enhance your business’s scalability.

When establishing wholesale terms, it’s essential to include the following key elements:

• Pricing Structure: You should clearly define the pricing for bulk purchases, including any volume discounts or tiered pricing.
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): You should specify the minimum number of units required for wholesale orders to ensure profitability and manage inventory effectively.
• Payment Terms: You should outline whether you’ll require upfront payments, deposits, or offer credit terms, and include payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.).
• Shipping and Delivery: Clear expectations on shipping costs, delivery times, and who will handle logistics.
• Return Policy: Conditions under which returns or exchanges are acceptable to ensure both parties are protected in case of defects or order discrepancies.
• Exclusivity and Territory Rights: If applicable, establish whether your wholesale agreement includes exclusive distribution rights in specific regions or markets.

For small bag businesses, NOVOTE offers both white-label and direct wholesale options. Their white-label service allows you to sell bags under your brand name, while direct wholesale provides bulk quantities at discounted rates, giving you flexibility based on your business model and growth stage. This combination allows you to choose the best option to meet your specific needs and scale your offerings.

Set Competitive Pricing

Correct price is crucial to ensure profitability while remaining attractive to retailers. The average market price for leather messenger bags typically ranges between $50 A $200. Prices vary based on factors such as material quality, craftsmanship, brand reputation, and additional features. Here’s how to set competitive pricing for your wholesale leather messenger bags:

• Understand Your Costs: First, calculate all costs involved. This includes material costs (e.g., full-grain leather), manufacturing, shipping, and packaging. For example, if you work with a manufacturer who uses hand stitching and quality leather, the production cost will be higher. Don’t forget about overheads like warehousing or marketing, which should also factor into your price.
• Analyze Competitor Pricing: You may research what other brands charge for similar products. If they sell bags for $100, but your bags have premium features like custom branding or better stitching, you may price yours at $120 to reflect that added value. Look at their quality, features, and customer base to determine where you fit in.
• Factor in Volume Discounts: You may offer discounts for bulk orders to encourage larger purchases. For instance, if a retailer buys 50 bags, offer them a 10% discount. If they buy 200 bags, give them 20% off. This strategy helps move more inventory while keeping your prices attractive.
• Stay Flexible: The market changes, so adjust your pricing accordingly. You might offer discounts or promotions to stay competitive during peak buying seasons. Likewise, if new competitors enter the market with similar bags at a lower price, consider revising your strategy like special offers, or emphasizing the superior quality of your bags to justify the higher price point.

Build Retailer Relationships

Strong relationships with retailers are key to long-term success in wholesaling. You may establish and reinforce these connections if you do:

• Initial Contact: Start by reaching out with a personalized pitch, highlighting the unique qualities of your leather messenger bags. Tailor your message to show how your product can benefit their store and appeal to their customers. Offer to send a sample or set up a meeting to discuss terms.
• Clear Communication: Be transparent about your pricing, lead times, and any other terms. Keep open lines of communication to address any questions or concerns quickly, fostering trust.
• Offer Consistent Support: Provide your retailers with marketing materials like images, product descriptions, and promotional content to help them sell your bags. Offer training or guidance on product features, which can enhance their ability to sell your items effectively.
• Incentives for Loyalty: Offer incentives like discounts on future orders, free shipping, or exclusive access to new styles to encourage repeat business. For example, if a retailer has been buying your bags regularly, you could offer them a special price break on larger orders.
• Regular Check-ins: Keep in touch even after the sale. Regular check-ins show you care about the relationship, not just the transaction. Ask for feedback on the bags and how they’re performing in-store, and address any concerns promptly.

Provide Marketing Support

Giving marketing support to your retailers strengthens their ability to sell your leather messenger bags and ensures they stay engaged with your brand. Here’s how you can provide valuable marketing assistance:

• Product Images and Descriptions: High-quality images of your bags from multiple angles and detailed product descriptions help retailers create compelling product listings and advertisements, whether online or in-store.
• Promotional Materials: Ready-made promotional content such as flyers, brochures, banners, and email templates can help your retailers effectively promote your bags during sales campaigns or special promotions.
• Social Media Assets: You can share branded social media posts, hashtags, and even video content that retailers can use to promote your bags across their platforms to increase their exposure and engagement.
• Seasonal Campaigns: Seasonal marketing campaigns tailored to key retail moments like holidays or back-to-school promotions. For example, you could provide a discount or run a limited-time offer on your messenger bags during peak buying seasons.
• Co-Branding Opportunities: You may offer the option of co-branded marketing campaigns, where both your brand and the retailer’s brand are featured.
• Training and Product Knowledge: Training sessions or materials that help your retailers understand the craftsmanship and features of your bags. This knowledge can empower them to sell and explain to customers why your leather messenger bags stand out.

What to Consider When Buying Leather Messenger Bags?

When you bulk leather messenger bags for wholesale or personal use, you need to evaluate several important factors to ensure you choose the right products. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

Leather Types and Quality

The type of leather used in a messenger bag can greatly affect its durability, look, and feel. As a leather bag manufacturer, choosing the right material is crucial for ensuring the longevity and quality of your products. Here are some common types of leather and quality indicators to consider:

• Pelle in microfibra: Made from synthetic fibers, microfiber leather mimics the feel and look of real leather but is more affordable and easier to maintain. It’s durable and often used for bags that need to be lightweight.
• Pelle sintetica (Polyurethane leather): A vegan alternative to real leather, PU leather offers a similar look and feel, but without using animal products. It’s typically more affordable and easier to clean, but may lack the durability and aging qualities of real leather.
• Full-grain leather: The highest quality, known for its durability and natural appearance, including unique imperfections.
• Top-grain leather: Slightly lower quality than full-grain, but still very durable, smooth, and more affordable.
• Genuine leather: Made from the remaining layers of the hide, typically more affordable but less durable.
• Eco-friendly leather: Made from alternative materials, like plant-based compounds or recycled leather, offering a sustainable option.

Quality indicators:

• Texture and smoothness: Higher-quality leathers feel smoother and more supple.
• Stitching consistency: Clean, even stitches indicate high craftsmanship.
• Leather smell: Genuine leather has a rich, natural scent, while synthetic leathers often have a chemical smell.

Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship behind messenger bags plays a significant role in their overall appeal and durability. There are two primary techniques used in production:

• Machine sealing: This is a more cost-effective method where machines seal the edges of the leather. It’s quicker but may not offer the same level of attention to detail as handmade options.
• Handmade stitching: Many leather bag manufacturing companies prefer this technique as it creates stronger, more aesthetically pleasing seams. Hand stitching often adds unique touches, making each bag slightly different.

Size and Functionality

A good leather messenger bag should have enough space to carry your daily essentials comfortably. You may look for bags holding a laptop (usually between 13-15 inches), a tablet, notebooks, pens, a charger, wallets, and keys. These are standard items that customers often carry with them daily. Bags with a larger capacity may include additional compartments or pockets for organization, while smaller bags prioritize portability.

Besides, some functions should be considered when you whole message bags in bulk, such as:

• Adjustable straps: Allows users to adjust the length for comfort, whether worn over the shoulder or crossbody.
• Padded compartments: Protects fragile items like laptops or tablets.
• Quick-access pockets: Exterior pockets for items like phones or travel cards provide convenience and easy access.
• Zipper or flap closures: These mechanisms secure belongings inside, while a flap closure can add to the bag’s classic aesthetic.

Tuttavia, it is not an optimal solution to buy the “biggest” bag. You should balance between size and portability. A larger bag can carry more items, but it may become cumbersome over long periods of use. On the other hand, a smaller bag is more portable and lightweight, making it ideal for users who prioritize convenience. When you sell the bag to your customers, you may consider the target customer

• business professionals may prefer slightly larger bags for carrying documents;
• while students or casual users may prefer smaller, more compact designs.

Style and Design

The style and design of the bag are essential factors that influence both aesthetics and functionality. Different designs cater to various preferences and purposes, making it crucial to select the right style for your target market. Consider these options:

• Hand-carried designs: These bags feature handles, offering a polished, professional look. Ideal for business settings or those who prefer a more structured style.
• Shoulder straps: Common in messenger bags, these adjustable straps provide comfort and convenience, making them suitable for daily use.
• Crossbody styles: Popular for casual use, these bags allow hands-free movement while maintaining a stylish, practical appearance.
• Flap closure designs: A classic, traditional look that adds sophistication and security to the bag’s structure.

Versitality and Organization of Compartment

Bags typically feature multiple interior and exterior compartments to keep belongings neatly organized. Inside, look for padded sections for laptops or tablets, smaller pockets for pens, phones, and business cards, and even zippered areas for secure storage. Exterior compartments are useful for easy access to items like keys, tickets, or a water bottle. Closure mechanisms also play a key role; zippered closures offer security, while magnetic flaps provide quick access without sacrificing style. Well-thought-out compartmentalization and closures ensure that your bag is both practical and efficient for daily use.

Where to Wholesale Leather Messenger Bags: 5 Makers and Factories?

Since you know the key factors to consider when buying leather messenger bags, it’s time to find reliable sources for wholesale. Partnering with reputable manufacturers ensures quality and timely delivery. Here are five trusted makers and factories to consider for sourcing leather messenger bags:

NESSUN VOTO

NESSUN VOTO, a leather travel bag brand owned by TinLee Group, specializes in gender-neutral travel bags made from premium cowhide and microfiber leather, including messenger bags, backpacks, weekend bags, suitcases, and more. The brand is known for its craftsmanship, featuring double stitching, reinforced seams, and handcrafted adhesive brushing. NOVOTE’s R&D team of 30 specialists focuses on innovation, integrating microfiber leather with waterproof nylon fabric to create trendsetting designs. Operating from a 10,000m² factory, NOVOTE produces up to 100,000 bags per month, reinforcing its leadership in the travel bag market.

The Real Leather Company

The Real Leather Company offers premium leather goods, including messenger bags, briefcases, backpacks, and accessories. Founded by Zac, an executive from England, the company emphasizes lasting quality, fine craftsmanship, and intelligent design. Their products are made from natural buffalo and cowhide leather, reinforced with brass hardware, and meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques. The designs focus on timeless style, with features like custom pockets, padded compartments, and suitcase straps, ideal for modern professionals.

MAHI Leather

MAHI is a brand specializing in handmade leather goods, offering products such as backpacks, travel bags, satchels, and accessories. The company traces its roots to 19th-century India, where its workshop in Kanpur became known for high-quality leather craftsmanship. MAHI emphasizes durability, using strong, locally sourced leather and offering a one-year warranty on all products. The company also supports sustainability by using leather as a byproduct of local farming.

Tote Bag Factory

ToteBagFactory, owned by Smart-K LLC, offers a wide range of wholesale bags, including cotton canvas tote bags, drawstring bags, backpacks, wine bags, and laundry bags. The company prides itself on providing high-quality items at low prices, achieved through direct factory deals and imports. With no minimum order and free shipping on orders over $300, ToteBagFactory ensures savings are passed on to customers. The company has been a verified ASI distributor since 2014 and offers 24/7 customer support, price-match guarantees, and a 30-day return policy.

Steelhorse Leather

Steel Horse Leather specializes in crafting durable, handmade leather bags designed for travel. The company emphasizes the timeless appeal of leather, known for its long-lasting, comfortable, and classy qualities. Each bag is made using traditional methods by skilled artisans, who have perfected their craft over years of dedication. Steel Horse Leather is committed to transparency, ensuring customers know the origins and processing of the leather used in their products. The company carefully vets leather suppliers for their ethical practices and quality standards to ensure the highest quality leather for their bags.

Conclusion

Sourcing and selling wholesale leather messenger bags is all about quality, reliable suppliers, and smart pricing. By following these strategies, you’ll create a thriving bag business. Ready to take the next step? Explore trusted suppliers and start building your inventory today.