Since starting my Saddler journey I have been inundated with enquiries for boot zip repairs .
I have done some in the past but the actual truth of the matter is, they are a pig to do!
Following conversations I’ve had with other Saddlers, I believe I’m not the only one who thinks this.
It certainly would explain the reason why you, the customer, is struggling to find someone who repairs them at a reasonable cost.
I’m also acutely aware that some cobblers, who
What do you, think is a reasonable cost to repair your boots?
To be honest, it is probably not worth the time and effort we, the Saddlers, have to put in to, first remove the defective zip and then somehow put a new zip in.
Saddlers often charge by the hour, plus materials and other expenses and so this often ramps up the price for the customer.
Manufacturer of Boots
I’m only surmising but when I talk about the manufacture of boots it’s a valid point to think about.
I can only presume that boots start off as pieces of flat material before they are finally put together and stitched, using a machine.
I also presume that the zips are put in place at this stage and not once the material is stitched to a sole.
Therefore, making the process a lot easier.
However, when repairing a zip we have to try and do it whilst it’s still attached to the hard sole, making it very tricky indeed.
Boot Zip Repair Process
As a Saddler still in the ‘training’ category, the repair process for me is both long and laborious.
If I had to correctly price the time in which it takes ‘me’ to remove the old zip and then hand-stitch a new one in (as I don’t have an industrial sewing machine), then it would be more cost effective to just go out and buy a new pair of boots.
On average it takes me around an hour to remove the old zip, then another hour or two to hand stitch another zip in and this depends on whether the new zip fits in as easily as the old one did, which is not always the case.
What will I expect to pay for a boot repair?
Don’t take this as gospel as I can only tell you what I would or should be charging but every Saddler is different in experience and time that they have available for such repairs.
Most Saddlers would charge between £25 – £35 per hour and if a boot zip (yes just the one) can take two hours to complete then at best you’re likely to be charged £50 but that’s just for labour.
So, the cost of materials has to be factored in too which could be another £10 on top of the £50 giving you an overall repair price of £60.
“Is your boot worth that to repair?”
If you do have a boot or a pair of boots that you are considering having repaired then drop me a message or call me on 07717 393932 and we can discuss your requirements further.
