How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?

To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.

How can I suggest a brand for review?

You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.

Does Tanner offer advisory services?

Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.The consultation process includes:A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.

Is Tanner available for media interviews?

Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.

How can my brand participate in the 'Rip My Bag' Challenge / Chopping Block?

Here's a quick overview of the process:Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.Transparency: The video will be marked as 'paid collaboration' to ensure honesty.Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.IMPORTANT NOTICE:At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!NEXT STEPS:If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.

Explaining Hermès Wallet Price Differences: €855 vs. €1850

Luxury brands like Hermès are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and premium materials, but sometimes, their price tags can leave us questioning what exactly justifies such huge differences. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Hermès store at Milan Airport, where I found myself in just such a situation—facing two wallets with very different price tags. One was €855, and the other? A whopping €1850. I was determined to figure out why.

In this blog, we will answer the following questions:

What are the key differences between the two Hermès wallets priced at €855 and €1850, and how do these differences impact the pricing?
How does the time and craftsmanship involved in saddle stitching contribute to the high cost of luxury leather goods like Hermès wallets?
Do you think offering a hand-stitched version of PEGAI's Malcolm wallet at $420 would appeal to customers seeking high-quality craftsmanship?

So, I called up my friend Peter Nitz, an expert in saddle stitching and Hermès craftsmanship. He confirmed my suspicions: the more expensive wallet was partially hand-stitched using saddle stitching. Now it started to make sense.

Saddle stitching is an incredibly time-consuming process that requires expert artisans. It’s a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship, and I know firsthand just how much effort goes into it. For example, my Malcolm wallet has about 130 centimeters of stitching. With a machine, I can get the stitching done in six to eight minutes. But when I hand-stitch, it takes me about 90 minutes—over 10 times longer!

With this new insight, I began to understand Hermès' pricing a little better. When I calculate my own wallet prices, I use a 3X cost multiplier. So, a fully leather-lined, machine-sewn Malcolm wallet costs me about $60 to make, which means I would sell it for around $180. If I were to hand-stitch that same wallet, the cost would jump to about $120, pushing the retail price to $420.

But Hermès operates on a much larger multiplier—around 13X, in my experience. That €80 difference in crafting costs between machine stitching and hand-stitching suddenly balloons into a €1000 price difference once it reaches the sales floor. It’s a massive markup, but that’s how luxury pricing works.

Now that I understand the reasoning behind the €1850 price tag, I appreciate the craftsmanship a bit more, but I ultimately decided to pass on both wallets. For me, the value just wasn’t there, especially when I know how much work goes into creating a high-quality hand-stitched product.

The moral of the story? If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to ask about saddle stitching. It could explain the big price jump between seemingly similar products.

As someone deeply invested in leather craftsmanship, I know there’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from owning something hand-stitched. It’s a level of quality that machine-made products just can’t replicate. That brings me to a question I’d love to get your thoughts on: should I offer a hand-stitched version of my Malcolm wallet at around $420?

Let me know what you think!

Tanner Leatherstein

Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.

Two Hermès Wallets: One for €855 and One for €1850—What's the Difference?

What's Inside?

The Initial Comparison: Fabric vs. Leather Lining

The Real Cost of Leather Lining and Stitching

The Saddle Stitching Revelation

Breaking Down the Pricing Math

The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Should I Offer a Hand-Stitched Wallet?

Want to read more?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?

How can I suggest a brand for review?

Does Tanner offer advisory services?

Is Tanner available for media interviews?

How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?

About Tanner