FAQs
Q: Where are your leather goods made?
A: As artisans, we craft all of our leather goods with our own hands. We are Garret and Amanda Willis, the husband-and-wife team of Grit Mercantile. We design and handcraft all our goods in our studio in Round Rock, Texas (just north of Austin), whether it is leather wallets, bags, and bags, custom leatherette patch hats, digital patterns, or acrylic templates and tools, it all begins in our studio. Proudly made in the USA and proudly made in Texas.
Q: How did you get started?
A: It all began in 2020 with Garret's desire to build a better wallet. He took his skills as a woodworker and applied them to leatherwork. (We still use many woodworking tools in our leather goods studio.) Not long after, Garret's wife, Amanda, jumped in on the making fun, adding her design, sewing, and marketing skills to the mix. Today, we handcraft full-grain leather wallets, bags, and accessories as a family. We also support small businesses and organizations with custom-branded leather goods and hats. Last, but not least, we love to support fellow artisans with digital patterns, acrylic templates, and acrylic tools.
Q: Where are you based?
A: Our studio is located in Central Texas, in the city of Round Rock (just north of Austin). Garret and Amanda are both native Texans and are proud to celebrate our state's rich cattle and artisan heritage through our products.
Q: What inspires your designs?
A: We are inspired by the classic and clean design aesthetic of British and Japanese leathercraft, with a nod to refined and durable equestrian style. With each design, we seek to combine timeless beauty with functionality, crafting items made to treasure for many years to come.
Q: How can I connect with you?
A: We would love to hang out! See where you can meet up with us in person on our Upcoming Events page. Not in our area? We have you covered. Join us each Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. CST on Instagram and Facebook for our "Work with Me Wednesday" Live Broadcast. You can also reach us at info@gritmercantile.com, 512-818-0197, or DM us on Instagram or Facebook. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for early sales announcements, exclusive discounts, product announcement, and more!
Q: What types of leather do you use?
A: We handcraft our leather goods from full-grain leather, which provides strength and lasting durability from the entire thickness of the hide. Full-grain leather combats many of the inherent problems with leather goods on the market today, which lead to tears, cracking, peeling, and, ultimately, a short lifespan.
Q: What is the difference between genuine leather and full-grain leather?
A: Genuine leather is a label attached to products that contain at least some leather in the material. That means it could be as low as 1% real leather. In contrast, full-grain leather is 100% real leather, which means you get the benefit of a strong, durable material that gets better with age.
Q: Where do you source your leather?
A: We use bovine leather that is a by-product of the meat industry. Instead of letting it fill landfills, we are crafting leather into beautiful, functional goods that you'll love for many years ahead. Plus, this helps ensure our favorite BBQ restaurants stay in business.
Q: What countries does your leather come from?
A: As an American business, we are proud to source a majority of our leather from American tanneries Wickett & Craig (Curwensville, PA), Horween Leather Company (Chicago, IL), and S.B. Foot Tanning Co. (Red Wing, MN). Additionally, we offer select leather pieces from Italy, Turkey, and South America.
Q: How do I care for my leather good?
A: Leather is a naturally-durable material that gets better with age. We recommend dusting your leather good with a soft cloth. Over time, leather can lose moisture. To condition your piece, use a soft cloth to wipe the leather with a small bit of leather conditioner. We recommend Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner. Please keep in mind that a little bit of leather conditioner goes a long way. Once you apply the leather conditioner, buff the leather with a clean, soft cloth.
Q: How long does it take to process and ship an order?
A: We do our best to ship items out quickly, often the same or next day. Please allow 1-2 business days for order processing and more time during holiday peak times. Digital items will be available for download upon payment. For custom orders, lead times are currently running 2-3 weeks. Shipping times vary by carrier speeds. If you need an order quickly, please reach out to us at info@gritmercantile.com. Local pickup may be available by business owner's discretion.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes, at this time we offer shipment of our physical goods (leather goods, hats and acrylic templates) to Canada in addition to all 50 states in the United States. Our digital items are available to download worldwide.
Q: Which shipping carrier options do you offer?
A: We currently ship via Unites States Postal Service (USPS) and UPS. Also, we offer a variety of options so you can choose the speed and method you would like to receive your order.
Q: Can I track my order?
A: Yes! When your order ships, you will receive an email with tracking information so you can follow its progress to you.
Q: What if my item is delayed or lost in the mail?
A: As with any issues, please reach out to us via info@gritmercantile.com. We will work with you to determine the best solution for your situation.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We want you to be happy with your purchase and always appreciate feedback, so please reach out to us. We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after the delivery of your item to request a return. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. If an item is returned not in its original condition, a partial refund may be granted based on the condition of the item. Please see our full return policy.
Q: Can I send my order as a gift?
A: Yes, our items make great gifts! We're happy to ship to a different address than the billing address. Plus, we'd love to include a special note from you in the package. Simply include a note that this is a gift and your gift message in the notes section in checkout or send us an email at info@gritmercantile.com.
Q: Help, I can't decide what to get (or give)!
A: No worries, we're happy to assist you! Email us at info@gritmercantile.com or call us at 512-818-0197. Also, our digital gift cards make a great flexible or last-minute gift. Find the gift cards here.
Q: I'm new to leathercraft, can you suggest some pattern and template designs?
A: Welcome to a wonderful craft! We have numerous digital patterns and acrylic templates to help you start and grow in your skills. To get started, we recommend the Dean Wallet (acrylic template), Warren Watch Pouch (digital pattern & acrylic template), and Henderson Pen Pouch (digital pattern) designs.