The idea from Achim from Nuertingen:
I would like to request a black leather backpack.
Width approx. 33cm, height 42cm and depth 15cm. Top handle.
Outside: robust, but not too thick, weatherproof leather, washable bottom, rather no metal feet. The rucksack should not collapse when put down.
It should be closed from the outside with a waterproof zipper. Zippers must be of the best quality.
The inside is divided into a padded laptop compartment (14" notebook; min. 1.55 cm thick; 31.26 x 22.12 cm) and a large main compartment. A loop with magnetic closure prevents the laptop from slipping out.
The laptop compartment should still have space for a tablet (12.9", min. 6.4mm thick; 28.06 x 21.49cm), as well as pockets on the divider for a cell phone, passport, power bank and pen.
Two additional zippered pockets across the entire width on the inside of the rear part of the backpack. The lower pocket is higher than the upper one.
In the main compartment there should be a loop for storing a bunch of keys (e.g. with an eyelet)
The inside should be made of a light-colored material (not leather) so that the contents are clearly visible.
There should be a compartment for a bottle on the right and left of the backpack. At least a 1 liter water bottle should fit there (approx. 8.5 cm diameter?). The compartment should be made of a stretchy material and/or leather.
I look forward to your first feedback!
The customer's rating:
Many thanks Mariam for the very nice backpack, the cooperation worked well.
When selecting parts such as buckles and the inner lining, I would have liked a sample in advance, as we did with the leather.
The story of the Tailor-made black leather rucksack – Weatherproof :
Negotiation phase
I can do the back pack just need to know what you mean about the washable bottom? Also no metal studs as feet? Please explain those two.
I use best quality zippers of YKK brand. There is a choice of metal teeth (antique gold color, silver color or gold color) or plastic teeth (black). But none are waterproof zipper. Let me know if this is okay and which you prefer.
Hello Mariam,
with the washable bottom I thought that either a more robust leather would be used or perhaps a plastic "tub" or something similar.
I am also open to other suggestions!
For the zipper I think YKK is a good choice, I prefer silver. I can do without waterproof.
Okay, we are in agreement regarding the YKK zip - black fabric with silver teeth.
For the bottom shall I use a pvc material? Though I think the same leather all through the bag including the bottom would be better. Or do we do the normal leather all through and put a detachable pvc cover for the bottom?
Hi Mariam, I like the idea of using the same leather for the whole bag best.
Hello Mariam, yes I have! Have attached them. I imagine a very clean look without the logo.
Should the bottles spaces L and R be inside the bag or outside the bag?
Also I have attached a photo of the zip and closure.
Hi Mariam, I would like to have the space for bottles on the outside.
Hello Mariam, I don't understand what the next steps are now. Is there anything required from me? Thank you, Achim.
I have calculated the costs and indicated. Please advise if okay with you.
Thanks.
Hi Mariam, thanks for the calculation, that's fine with me! When could you start with the backpack?
Production phase
Hello Mariam, very nice! Is there a possibility to get photos of the leather before we make a decision?
Thank you very much,
Achim
Ok, I'm curious!
Hi Mariam, I like the structure and color of the leather. How thick is it? Is it robust enough to stand on the floor?
Today I will go to purchase the accessories being buckles, zips etc.
Hello Mariam, do you already have photos of the other material? I would love to take a look!
I have attached some photos of leather. Please advise if you prefer the matt one with bigger dots. Or the shiny leather with smaller dots. In my opinion the matt one looks classier. Please let me know what you think. Regards, Mariam.
Hi Mariam, I have now received the pictures. I also like the matte leather better, I'll opt for that. Thank you very much, Achim
I will start on the bag tomorrow and share photos of the progress as we go along.
Great, I'm very excited!
Let’s do this.
🚀 are there any pictures yet? 🙂
Will send more when we start cutting the lining and when we are stitching.
Will send more when we start cutting the lining and when we are stitching.
Wow, that was quick now! Looks very good and exactly how I imagined it 😍
Yes, your bag is complete and it came out beautifully. Your leather choice was very good. It’s ready for dispatch to Urban Change Lab.
Wonderful, I'm really looking forward to it! Would it be possible to send a few scraps of leather in case I want to mend or change something?
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. I just received your bag from Mariam and it looks so beautiful and very sturdy! The material and accessories used are all of very good quality. I have shared several other photos of the bag, so kindly look through them to get a better picture of the item you will be receiving.
I reached out to Mariam regarding your request for the leather scraps from your custom bag, unfortunately, I must inform you that she and her team no longer have those scraps available as they were discarded after the completion of your bag in line with their usual process for managing materials. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please rest assured that we are committed to supporting any future needs you may have.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky,
I have looked at the pictures and have two more questions:
- Could I get another picture where you can see them better? It looks on picture IMG_2836.jpeg as if it were 13cm? That would be a shame, because I was imagining 15cm.
- the bottle holders on the sides: Could I get a picture with the backpack filled and full 1l bottles on the sides?
Thank you very much
I made more photos showing the width of the bag when filled. And also with 1 litre bottles on the side. Actually, one of the bottles I used was 1.25 litres. When filled to capacity, without the bottles on the side, the width was at 17.5cm, so to accommodate the bottles I removed a few things at which point the width was 15.5cm. Please take a look at the new photos and let us know what you think.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need any more clarification.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky,
Thank you for the pictures. My questions are now answered and I am very satisfied 🙂 The backpack can be shipped!
Many greetings,
Achim
I hope you're doing well. I’d like to apologize again for the previous oversight with the backpack straps and the delay in resolving it. Mariam has now reworked the straps, and they are correctly aligned. I’ve attached some photos for you to review. Please take a look and let us know what you think.
Thank you so much for your patience, and I look forward to your feedback.
Warmest regards,
Vicky.
Hello Vicky, many thanks to Mariam for the revision and you for the new pictures. The belt looks good now, for me it fits. Many greetings, Achim
The final Tailor-made black leather rucksack – Weatherproof :
Reference: ON-AI-000036D-60025
Costs to realize this Tailor-made black leather rucksack – Weatherproof
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
102.41
|
| Cost of labour |
34.14
|
| Cost of packaging |
1.37
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.05
|
| Subtotal – payout to craftsman |
139.97
|
| Customer aquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
14
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
14
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
50
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
31.91
|
| Total |
259.38
|
