Customer Profile – Simon Martin Whips & Leathercraft

Man standing in his workshop braiding leather to make handcrafted whip.
Photo credit: Jasper Da Seymour

How Tasmania’s Leading Leathercraft Business Streamlined Shipping with ReadyToShip

In 2004, at just 21 years old, a former bricklayer swapped tools for tanning, turning his passion for leathercraft into a thriving business. Now, two decades later, Simon Martin Whips & Leathercraft, a Tasmanian-based company, has grown into a renowned manufacturer of fine leather goods and a trusted retailer of iconic country brands.

Proudly employing the only whipmaker apprentice in Australia and standing as the sole whip and saddle maker in Tasmania, the business has built its reputation on craftsmanship, exceptional service, and dedication to preserving heritage trades.

Recently celebrating their 20th business anniversary, they have become not only a destination for high-quality products but also a well-known tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the art of traditional whip and saddle making.

Photo of Simon Martin Whips & Leathercraft store showcasing products like cowhide, whips and other leather goods.

As online demand grew from their store, fulfilling orders began to take up more and more valuable time. Packing, printing, chasing tracking numbers—it all added up, pulling the team away from the craft they love.

That’s where ReadyToShip came in.

ReadyToShip seamlessly integrated with their WooCommerce store, making order fulfillment smooth and efficient – particularly important as they relied on Australia Post’s eParcel Contract service for both domestic and international shipping.

“Customer service is second to none, and ReadyToShip has saved us so much time processing our online orders,” Simon shares. By integrating ReadyToShip into their workflow, the Simon Martin Whips & Leathercraft team can effortlessly sync orders from multiple sales channels, print shipping labels in bulk, and keep customers informed with tracking updates—all without the headaches of manual entry.

For a business that takes pride in its reputation, they know the value of getting it right the first time. We asked Simon what advice he would give to eCommerce startups. Simon advises, “Don’t start too cheap… it takes a lot longer to build your reputation otherwise.”

Looking ahead, they’re excited to expand their offering by producing their own range of leather hats. With ReadyToShip behind the scenes, this Tasmanian icon can focus on what they do best: creating world-class leather goods and giving visitors an unforgettable experience.

Want to spend less time shipping and more time growing your business?

Try ReadyToShip today and see how we can help you reclaim your time. Start your free 30-day trial today.

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