FAQs
General
Our search for the worlds finest remnant materials is not limited. To date, we have sourced leather from from San Francisco, Chicago, and Northampton, though we are always interested in hearing from new sources. If you are an individual or a business who wants to be a potential source, please email us at support@wearefarfromlost.com.
Aside from utilising materials which would have otherwise been wasted, we’re always looking at ways we can make our operations increasingly sustainable. We take every possible effort to minimise our own wastage and ensure that even the tiny amount of materials we don’t use are recycled, composted, or further repurposed in other industries. For example, we are working with several jewelry manufactures to provide our scrap leather pieces.
Remnant leather is the material left over once a leather hide has been cut or stamped at a manufacturing facility. Especially in the fashion industry, manufacturers will frequently use only a small or specific part of a leather hide, then deem the rest of it to be scrap, even if it’s in pristine condition. This process sounds inefficient and wasteful because it is, especially when you consider so much remnant leather won’t be recycled, but put straight into landfill. We decided to do something about it - to make all of our products from remnant leather.
Every material we can source as a remnant, we do. For example, each main ingredient in our products, and even some in our packaging are remnant materials. We will continue to follow this standard. For those materials that we cannot source as a remnant, such as the thread used in sewing or a box used in packaging, we will always use the most sustainable option. Whether it is from recycled materials, or easily recyclable.
We are pleased to say that every part of our packing is either remnant or recycled! Our paddled mailer is 100% recycled and is recyclable, our box is made from recycled materials, our micro fiber cloth is made from recycled water bottles, and our product card is made from recycled coffeee cups.
We’ve met with many manufacturers who accumulate their remnant leather for a one-year period, and after that year is up, throw it all away. Some might store it for years, with perhaps neither the resources or time to deal with it. Basically, up until now, there has been little to no market for remnant leather, so manufacturers really only have the option of storing it, or disposing of it. This is why more often than not, facilities are happy to have us source their remnant leather.
No. Our aim is to make all kinds of accessories, out of all kinds of remnant materials.
The quality of the remnant leather has to be uncompromising. In particular, we’re looking for leather which has a certain air of individualism or says something inherently unique. We also require traceability; to know the history of any given material and where it has come from. Then, we’ll look at the quantities the factory has available, and to what extent they’re likely to begin wastefully discarding it. If our standards have been met, we’ll engage in polite, diplomatic negotiations and hopefully walk away with some incredibly special materials.
We currently do all our making in San Francisco, California. Bet you weren’t expecting that. Acquiring remnant materials gives us a cost saving, allowing us to invest in onsite quality craftsmanship.
Yes, this is frustrating, right? Please email us at support@wearefarfromlost.com and we will discuss the option of making a bespoke item for you. Sometimes we may have a very small amount of materials remaining or we can source more.
We do as much as possible to maximize the yield of each piece of material. With the remaining pieces, we have a few options, such as making even smaller items such as shoelaces or jewelry. We also can sell or give away our remnants to individuals or brands that would like them for their production.
Products and Care
Feel confident to use your wallet with vigor. After all, it’s been made to last. Let it bounce around in a backpack or sit proudly on the bar. Over time, a wallet will mould subtly, like a baseball glove, in a way that reflects how you frequently use it. But there are some simple things you can do to prolong its life.
Sometimes the best thing for a leather product is the natural oil in your own hands. Feel free to rub out any imperfections in the leather that may occur. Keeping it away from harsh chemicals will also help.
Returns and Exchanges
Items returned within 14 days of their delivery date in same-as-new condition will be eligible for a full refund or store credit. Items returned within 30 days of their original shipment date in same as new condition will be eligible for a store credit. All returned items must be in their original condition and packaging (including the card insert). Shipping and handling is not refundable.
You will be responsible for paying shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
To begin a return or exchange, please begin by emailing us at support@wearefarfromlost.com with your name and order number
Pre-ordered items will be shipped within 14 days after the end of the pre-order period. For all products purchased outside the pre-order period, all orders will be shipped within 7 days of purchase.
Delivery and Shipping
We ensure our products are consistently of the highest quality, though if you feel something isn't up to par we’d like to know about it as soon as possible.
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged.
First, send us an email at support@wearefarfromlost.com including your receipt and order number. Attach a video taken from your phone showing the full extent of the damage and a photo of the damage, including the time you took the photo. The higher quality the video and the photo, the faster we will be able to come to a solution and next steps. We understand any items that have arrived damaged in the mail are not your responsibility and we will take it up with the shipping carrier. We will issue a full refund, or make an exchange, and refund all shipping expenses. Furthermore, we will be responsible for the shipping expenses in the case of an exchange.
Got a question, ask us: