Ok maybe my $75 estimation was off. Here in the Netherlands you might pay a plumber $75 an hour. But that's if he's self-employed. And the Netherlands is not equal to the rest of the world of course. Cost of living here is much higher as compared to some other countries.
But you are much happier as a nation, so I think it is worth it!
Just curious...by "most people," are you speaking of the general public, or is there a segment of the leather jacket cognoscente that is really into the newer/repro stuff. I am admittedly ignorant. I only keep up with a couple of threads on this forum, and my perception is that many on those threads like the vintage stuff. If there are two different camps, is one predominant? Thanks to anyone for the enlightenment.
What is vintage? Older than 30 years? To the 30 something, 70s is vintage. To the teens, 90s is vintage. It is why forums and facebook groups mostly base their discussion on style.
I would say both. Within my Instagram bubble I hardly see vintage jacket guys. Yet there's like a million Lewis leathers / RMC / Freewheelers / FCL / Aero / Schott etc type of guys
Think glass half full...they have saved you from financial ruin.
Alden 403 Moc Toe Boot - Brown Chromexcel - $680 The classic "Indy" style Alden Boot in the classic Horween brown Chromexcel. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket. I bid on Marc's behalf and was the second highest bidder. He never reached out to me with any offer, which leads me to believe all bids were shill bids.
Hi guys
...concerning leather repair.
1950s Butwin cop jacket, XL "the real deal", $599. @tmitchell59 knows it, a beast. Rare.
Vtg 1950's BUTWIN Buco PJ-27 LEATHER Motorcycle BIKER Police JACKET~MADE IN USA | eBay
MADE IN U.S.A by BUTWIN. Hard to find original Buco model PJ-27 motorcycle jacket styling. Motorcycle Jacket. Steerhide Leather. The approx. MADE IN U.S.A. Cloth collar lining. Original smooth insulated black lining.www.ebay.com
I have this resource with the cobbler in my neighborhood. Theodore shore repair (a 3 minute walk). For less intense work I bring my jackets to him, he's fixed suede skirts for my wife. He is actually amazing and insanely affordable. He has a near perfect yelp review with something like 600 reviews and he has been at this location for as long as I can remember....concerning leather repair.
An old tradesman in Wisconsin told me that towns there 50+ years ago were somewhat self-sufficient. Every town had a shoemaker, a blacksmith, a seamstress, etc etc. When old Mr Smith was nearing retirement, if he did not already have an apprentice, folks in town would meet and select a kid to learn the trade because they needed someone in town who could service the local people. And the kid would have the comfort of knowing that everyone in town would give him their business, and, in that sense, he could be assured of making a living. Costs were reasonable because there was low overhead.
The tailor and shoemaker I remember as a kid worked on everything imaginable. Forget specialization...they HAD to do everything because they were the only game in town. This model is long gone in the US. I am curious if other parts of the world still have this model today, or if it has disappeared everywhere. Wouldn't it be wonderful to drive 10 minutes down the road and get your leather jacket worked on.
...found this. "The Shoe Service Institute of America reports that shoe repair shops have dwindled from 100,000 in the 1930s to 15,000 in 1997 to about 5,000 today. The industry may be facing extinction, but business is booming for the cobblers who remain."
...concerning leather repair.
An old tradesman in Wisconsin told me that towns there 50+ years ago were somewhat self-sufficient. Every town had a shoemaker, a blacksmith, a seamstress, etc etc. When old Mr Smith was nearing retirement, if he did not already have an apprentice, folks in town would meet and select a kid to learn the trade because they needed someone in town who could service the local people. And the kid would have the comfort of knowing that everyone in town would give him their business, and, in that sense, he could be assured of making a living. Costs were reasonable because there was low overhead.
The tailor and shoemaker I remember as a kid worked on everything imaginable. Forget specialization...they HAD to do everything because they were the only game in town. This model is long gone in the US. I am curious if other parts of the world still have this model today, or if it has disappeared everywhere. Wouldn't it be wonderful to drive 10 minutes down the road and get your leather jacket worked on.
My guy charges me $2 for seam repairs, regardless of the severity. I will never forget the first time, I had no cash (cash only business, best kind) and he let me walk out without paying. Earned a customer for life that day!...found this. "The Shoe Service Institute of America reports that shoe repair shops have dwindled from 100,000 in the 1930s to 15,000 in 1997 to about 5,000 today. The industry may be facing extinction, but business is booming for the cobblers who remain."
Cobblers face extinction - and are busier than ever
The clock is ticking at shoe repair shops around the region. Among roughly 25 cobblers working full time in Allegheny and adjacent counties, two are 90 and only a handful are younger than 65.apnews.com
The first time I ever walked inside the cobbler nearest me I thought I was transported back 50 years in time. I wondered how the guy could be in business. Turns out he gets shoes from all of the surrounding states and is totally overwhelmed. He can sew anything leather and is also insanely inexpensive.
I tell my hs kids to forget college and learn a trade like this. In years to come, leather workers will be in much demand, especially considering the push for sustainable goods. My kids look at me like I am crazy.
