Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need
to know
From leather types and personalization to US shipping and corporate gift programs. If you don't find your answer here, email us at hello@andesleather.us.
Products & Materials
What type of leather do you use? +
We use exclusively full-grain vegetable-tanned leather. Full-grain means the natural surface of the hide is preserved — it retains the grain, the pores, and the character of the original material. Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from tree bark rather than chemical chrome processes. The result is a leather that is firmer, develops a beautiful patina over time, and is significantly more durable than corrected-grain, bonded, or PU leather alternatives.
What is the difference between full-grain leather and other types? +
Full-grain leather is the outer surface of the hide, left intact. It's the strongest layer, the most breathable, and the only type that develops a true patina. Top-grain leather has the surface buffed or sanded, removing marks but also removing strength. Genuine leather is lower grades compressed and glued. Bonded leather and PU are synthetics. When someone uses any of those in a "premium" product, they're compensating for inferior material with clever marketing.
What colors are available for leather desk mats and accessories? +
Our standard colors are: Natural Tan (warm, golden-brown), Dark Mahogany (deep reddish-brown), Slate Grey (cool dark grey), and Cognac (rich amber). Some items are also available in Black and Saddle Brown. Custom colors for corporate orders of 50+ units can be discussed on request.
How long will a leather desk mat or mouse pad last? +
A properly cared-for full-grain leather desk mat will last 10–20+ years. Unlike synthetic alternatives that crack, peel, or degrade, full-grain leather becomes more beautiful with age. The surface develops a patina — a darkening and subtle sheen that results from the natural oils in your hands interacting with the leather. Our products are not designed to be replaced. They're designed to be kept.
Do your products use real leather or vegan alternatives? +
Our products use real full-grain leather. We don't offer synthetic alternatives. We respect that some customers prefer vegan options, but our brand is built specifically on the material properties, aging characteristics, and craft tradition that real leather enables. We believe in being honest about materials rather than marketing synthetic products as premium.
Personalization & Custom Orders
Can I get a custom leather wallet with my initials or name? +
Yes. Our custom leather wallets are available with personalized initials (1–3 letters), a short name, or a monogram. We offer laser engraving for precision and hand-stamping for a traditional embossed look. Personalization is included at no extra charge on all wallet orders. Custom leather wallets make exceptional gifts for executives, founders, and professionals.
Can I get my initials or name on other leather products? +
Yes. All individual products — desk mats, mouse pads, laptop sleeves, portfolio cases, passport holders and notebook covers — are available with custom personalization: initials (1–3 letters), a short name, or a brief text up to 20 characters. We offer laser engraving for precision text and logos, and hand-stamping for a more traditional, embossed look. Personalization is available at no extra charge on most items.
Can you engrave a company logo on leather corporate gifts? +
Yes. For corporate orders of 10+ units, we can laser-engrave your company logo onto all products. We require a high-resolution vector file (SVG or EPS preferred) or a clean PNG at 300dpi minimum. We send a digital proof for approval before production begins. Logo placement and size can be customized to your preference.
What is the minimum order for corporate leather gifts? +
Our corporate gift program starts at 10 units per product type. Mixed sets (e.g., 10 desk mats + 10 wallets) are allowed. For bulk orders over 50 units we offer volume discounts, priority production scheduling, and custom packaging options. Contact us at hello@andesleather.us or use the quote form on our Corporate Gifts page.
Can I order a completely custom size for a leather desk mat? +
Yes. We make desk mats to custom dimensions for individual orders. Our standard sizes are 24"×14", 36"×18", and 48"×24", but if you have an unusual desk shape or need a specific configuration, contact us with the dimensions and we'll quote accordingly. Minimum 2-week lead time for custom sizes.
Shipping to the USA
Do you ship to the United States? +
Yes. We ship to all 50 US states including Alaska and Hawaii. Shipping is free on all orders. We use international courier services (DHL, FedEx International, or equivalent) with full tracking from our workshop in Patagonia to your door.
How long does shipping to the USA take? +
Standard shipping takes 7–12 business days from dispatch. Production time adds 5–10 business days for personalized items (initials, logos) or 2–5 business days for non-personalized in-stock items. Corporate orders of 50+ units require 3–4 weeks production before dispatch.
Will I have to pay customs duties on leather goods from Chile? +
Chile and the United States have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in effect since 2004. Most leather goods manufactured in Chile qualify for reduced or zero tariff rates when imported into the US. We declare all shipments properly with accurate country-of-origin documentation. In practice, individual orders are rarely assessed customs duties. For large corporate orders, we recommend confirming with your customs broker.
How is the leather packaged for shipping? +
Each piece is wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, placed in a kraft box with our branded inner sleeve, and protected with appropriate cushioning. Leather is never vacuum-sealed or compressed. Corporate orders can be shipped in individual gift boxes or bulk production boxes depending on your preference.
Care & Longevity
How do I care for a leather desk mat? +
Day-to-day: wipe with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth. Avoid leaving water or liquid on the surface for extended periods — blot immediately if spilled. Every 3–6 months, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner (we recommend Leather Honey, Bick 4, or neutral beeswax). This keeps the leather supple and prevents drying or cracking. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade and dry the leather over time.
What happens to the leather over time? +
Full-grain leather develops a patina — a gradual deepening of color and subtle sheen caused by the natural oils of your hands and the environment. A leather desk mat used daily for five years looks significantly better than a new one. The tan lightens where it's handled most and deepens around the edges. This is not deterioration; it's the material becoming yours. It's precisely why people keep leather goods for decades.
Do you offer a warranty or satisfaction guarantee? +
Yes. All products carry a 2-year workmanship warranty covering defects in stitching, hardware, edge finish, or construction. If a seam fails or hardware breaks through normal use, we repair or replace it. This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, water immersion, or improper care. If you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, contact us within 30 days and we'll make it right.
Still have questions?