Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About CARV Handmade Leather Bags & Accessories
What are the current production and delivery times?
A limited stock of CARV leather goods are ready to ship with all others being made to order. The description text for each product specifies whether the item is ‘ready to ship’ or ‘made to order’.
Standard delivery of ‘ready to ship’ items is between 3 and 5 days. Express shipping is available to UK addresses guaranteed for next day delivery if ordered by 1pm.
For ‘made to order’ goods a production time estimate is provided in the product description text. Becky always endeavours to produce made to order items as quickly as possible while giving every piece the care and attention to detail it deserves.
If you have a question about production/delivery times or need a made to order item sooner than the production estimate please get in touch with Becky and she will do her best to help.
Who makes CARV leather products?
All CARV genuine leather goods are made entirely by hand (without machines) by Becky, a British leather artisan and the owner, designer and maker at CARV. Find out more about the CARV handmade leather bag story.
Where are the leather goods made?
All CARV sustainable leather accessories are made in the studio on the North Devon/Cornwall border. You might also spot Becky in action hand crafting at the leather goods store on Broadway Market in Hackney on Saturdays.
I like one of your leather bags but wanted it slightly different (colour / shape / size / initials added) - could you customise it for me?
As all CARV leather bags are made by hand, every item can be customised to suit your personal preferences. Contact CARV with your requirements and Becky will let you know what's possible. You can also arrange a design consultation.
I have an idea for a leather bag - could you make it for me?
Becky loves turning ideas into reality. Please contact CARV to discuss your requirements. Please bear in mind that Becky does not manufacture or make samples for other brands.
How long do custom leather bag orders take to make?
The normal turn around time for custom leather goods orders is 2-3 weeks but timescales may be less or more depending on the workload at that time. The estimated production time for made to order items is specified on each listing. Contact CARV if you have any questions or specific requests.
Do you manufacture products for other brands?
CARV is a brand itself rather than a manufacturer and so all Becky's energies go into CARV products and developing the business. Unfortunately Becky cannot do commercial runs or make samples for other brands.
Do you do wholesale or stock for other retailers?
We will consider wholesale and stockist opportunities depending on the terms and available resources. Please contact CARV to discuss your requirements and the details.
What type of leather do you use?
We are committed to only using vegetable tanned leather, a sustainable chemical-free traditional leather.
Why do you use vegetable tanned leather?
Natural vegetable tanned leather looks, feels and smells beautiful, has a natural finish and gets better with age. It is also sturdy, long lasting and can be easily repaired. As production is chemical-free, the process is less harmful to the environment and workers than many other modern mass produced leathers. Becky believes it is also far more sustainable than most other ‘vegan’ leather alternatives which have a high chemical/plastic content and have a short lifespan.
Where do you get the leather from?
All the leather used in CARV bags is sourced in the UK, either from UK leather merchants or UK leather producers. Becky seeks to source as much of the leather as possible from UK tanneries to support the traditional leather production industry.
Is it ethical to buy leather products?
Leather is a by-product of the meat industry and is a sustainable use of what would otherwise be thrown away. Becky strictly do not use leather from animals that are killed purely for their skin (including exotics). Also, by using only vegetable tanned leather (produced without harmful chemicals) from small tanneries, Becky is satisfied that the production methods are as environmentally and socially sustainable as possible.
Will the leather change over time?
Vegetable tanned leather does change with age, in fact it gets better and better. As the leather ages it often darkens slightly and develops a beautiful patina (a soft sheen on the surface).
How do I care for the leather bags?
To keep your leather ageing as it should we recommend careful storage, preferably wrapped in breathable fabric in a cool, dry location. We also recommend treating it from time to time with a chemical-free leather conditioner - find out how to care for your handmade leather bag.
What happens to the leather if it rains?
Don't worry about getting your leather accessory wet. As the leather is natural it breathes and will dry. Find out more about how to care for your British made leather bag.
What happens if I buy a bag and change my mind?
If you purchase an item but then change your mind we will provide a full refund if you return the item within 14 days in the original (unworn) condition. Find out more about the CARV leather goods returns policy.