Saddleback CEO takes unusual approach to counterfeiting

20/01/2014
The CEO of US-based leathergoods brand Saddleback has produced a tongue-in-cheek video on how to better produce counterfeit versions of the brand’s $500 briefcases.

In it, David Munson describes how counterfeiters could use vinyl, split or cheaply dyed leather rather than full-grain hides if they want to save money.

He also ‘recommends’ using cotton thread instead of the stronger polyester, not reinforcing the parts of the leather that will stretch and choosing cheaper alternatives to the stainless steel 316 fastenings the US company uses. 

The video is a clever marketing tool which shows the reason for using high-quality hides and craftsmanship, but also highlights the growing problem brands are facing with cheap, low-quality imitations flooding the market.

In August, Mr Munson explained that word-of-mouth sales were responsible for a third of Saddleback’s revenues.