Maverick Leather Company Review
This Maverick Leather review covers one of the most talked-about closeout leather suppliers in the community — a Bend, Oregon shop known for rotating Horween, Wickett & Craig, and other top-tannery hides at prices that make serious makers pay attention.
Quick Take: A family-run leather supplier in Bend, Oregon, with the largest selection of Horween seconds anywhere. Maverick has earned a 4.9-star Google rating and a fiercely loyal customer base by delivering high-quality hides, honest pricing, and the kind of customer service that keeps makers coming back for years.
Maker Angle: This page is built to give you the confidence to buy right the first time. We have synthesized dozens of reviews from Google, Reddit, Yelp, Facebook, and leatherworking forums, and combined them with our own experience to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect from Maverick — from their famous Horween seconds to their shipping policies.
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Maker Notes
Maverick Leather Company has carved out a unique and trusted space in the leather supply world since its founding in 2006. Operating from a warehouse in Bend, Oregon, this family-run business has become the single largest retailer of Horween factory seconds, giving hobbyists and small-batch makers access to world-class leather at a fraction of the retail price. Their focus on seconds is the cornerstone of their reputation, and it is a model that has earned them fierce loyalty in the leathercraft community.
Their inventory extends well beyond Horween. Maverick partners with a roster of premier tanneries, including Hermann Oak, Wickett & Craig, S.B. Foot, Seidel Tanning, and the Italian house Conceria La Bretagna. This gives them a remarkably diverse catalog that spans vegetable-tanned sides for tooling, oil-tanned hides for rugged goods, Chromexcel for boots and bags, and even exotics like alligator, kangaroo, and boar. Whether you are building a structured briefcase or a soft garment, Maverick likely has a hide that fits the job.
What truly sets Maverick apart, according to the community, is their customer service. The staff — with names like Erin, James, and Matt frequently mentioned by name — are described as knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping makers find the right material. They will send photos of specific hides on request, walk you through leather selection over the phone, and go out of their way to make sure you get what you need. For a supplier that operates primarily online, this personal touch is a significant differentiator.
Best For
- Horween Hunters: If you want Chromexcel, Dublin, Essex, or other Horween leathers without paying full retail, Maverick’s selection of seconds is unmatched anywhere.
- Budget-Conscious Beginners: New makers can experiment with high-quality, name-brand materials at a lower price point, reducing the sting of early mistakes.
- Small-Batch Sellers: The value proposition of premium seconds allows for better profit margins on production runs of wallets, belts, and bags without sacrificing material quality.
- Project-Driven Buyers: When you know what you need and want to find it fast, Maverick’s well-organized site and clear product descriptions make for an efficient shopping experience.
- Exotic Explorers: Their scrap bundles and occasional deals on exotics like alligator and kangaroo offer a low-risk way to practice with and incorporate unique materials into your work.
Reputation Snapshot
Across Google, Yelp, Reddit, Facebook, and dedicated leatherworking forums, the sentiment toward Maverick Leather is overwhelmingly positive. Here are the recurring themes we identified from dozens of reviews:
- “Better Than Firsts”: The most common praise is that their Horween seconds are of remarkably high quality. Multiple makers report that the hides are often indistinguishable from first-quality leather, with only minor, easily avoidable imperfections.
- Fast and Reliable Shipping: Reviewers consistently mention quick turnaround times. Orders are typically processed within a few days, and the $19.99 flat-rate shipping is seen as fair and predictable.
- Exceptional, Personal Customer Service: The family-run nature of the business shines through. Staff members are praised by name for being helpful, informative, and willing to go the extra mile — including sending photos of specific hides before purchase.
- Great Deals and Value: The BOGO deals, “Buy 3 Get 1 Free” promotions, and seasonal sales are a huge draw, providing significant value for makers who stock up during these events.
- Repeat Buyer Loyalty: A strong indicator of quality is the number of reviewers who describe Maverick as their primary or default supplier, with some reporting that 75% or more of their leather comes from Maverick.
Pricing and Value Notes
Maverick’s pricing strategy is centered on value rather than being the absolute cheapest option on the market. The real savings come from the high usability of their seconds and the reduction in wasted material and time. A slightly higher upfront cost for a Maverick hide often translates to a lower cost per finished product compared to buying cheap, inconsistent leather elsewhere.
- Horween Seconds Pricing: Expect to pay roughly $6–$9 per square foot for Chromexcel seconds, a significant discount from the $12–$15+ you would pay for firsts from other retailers or directly from Tannery Row.
- Flat-Rate Shipping: All orders within the lower 48 states ship for a flat $19.99. This is a great deal for heavy, multi-hide orders but should be factored in when buying a single small side.
- Deal Strategy: The best way to maximize value is to wait for their frequent promotions. The “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” and BOGO mix-and-match deals are ideal for stocking up on staple leathers.
- Bottom Line: Maverick offers professional-grade leather at a hobbyist-friendly price point. The value is in the quality, reliability, and service — not just the sticker price.
Speed, Shipping, and Returns
Maverick is known for prompt order processing, a point of praise in many customer reviews. Here are the key details to know before you check out:
- Processing Time: Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1–3 business days.
- Shipping Cost: A flat rate of $19.99 applies to all orders shipped within the lower 48 states. International shipping is available and calculated at checkout.
- Rush Option: For an additional $50, Maverick offers a rush service to get your order out the same or next business day.
- Return Policy: A generous 180-day return window for unused and uncut leather. This provides ample time to inspect your order. A 15% restocking fee applies, and return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility unless the error was on Maverick’s end.
- Deadline Rule: If you are working against a deadline, confirm current processing and shipping timelines before you place your order, not after.
Watch Outs
While the overall reputation is excellent, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best experience:
- Seconds Are Seconds: While high-quality, their seconds will have imperfections. These can range from small blemishes and brand stamps to color inconsistencies or range marks. Be prepared for some character and plan your cutting layout accordingly.
- Bundle Inconsistency: The scrap and bundle boxes are great for practice, but they can be inconsistent in terms of leather type, temper, and thickness. They are a gamble by nature — treat them as a learning tool, not a production supply.
- Rotating Stock: If you see a specific hide you love, especially a “one-off” side, grab it. The inventory for unique items turns over quickly and may not be restocked in the same color or weight.
- No Walk-Ins: As of recent reports from the community, Maverick no longer allows walk-in customers at their Bend, Oregon warehouse. All orders must be placed online or by phone.
- Final Sale Items: Pay close attention to items marked as “final sale,” as these are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
Fastest Buying Path
- Know Your Specs: Before you visit the site, determine the required thickness (in oz), temper (firm, medium, soft), and finish for your project.
- Start with a Category: Use the main navigation to go directly to the leather type you need (e.g., Horween, Veg-Tan, Upholstery, Exotics).
- Use the Filters: Narrow down by tannery, thickness, and temper. This is the single fastest way to find what you need without endless scrolling.
- Read the Descriptions: Maverick provides detailed descriptions for each hide. Pay close attention to the listed size and any notes about imperfections.
- Call for Confirmation: If you have any doubts or need a specific look, call them at (541) 382-3201. They are known for being incredibly helpful and can even send you photos of the exact hide.
- Check for Deals Last: Once you have your ideal hide in the cart, do a quick check of the “Sale” section to see if a similar option is available at a discount.
Alternatives
- Tannery Row: For when you need first-quality, flawless Horween leather and are willing to pay the premium. They are the official direct-to-consumer channel for Horween.
- Springfield Leather: A massive inventory with a wider range of hardware, tools, and dyes, making it a great one-stop-shop for a complete project build.
- The Hide House: A better choice if you need a vast selection of upholstery, garment, or chrome-tanned leathers with more variety in colors and finishes.
- Tandy Leather: Ideal for beginners who want a physical store to see and feel the leather, and for buying starter kits, tools, and basic supplies in one cart.
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