Lead Times & How Orders Work

When you order from a small, independent shop like ROAC, your order is not moving through a warehouse, an assembly line, or a team of employees. It is being made by one person.

That makes a difference.

What does "lead time" mean?

Lead time is the amount of time I allow myself to complete and ship an order after it is placed.

My standard lead time is up to 30 days, although most orders are completed and shipped considerably sooner—typically within 1–2 weeks.

The 30-day window gives me enough flexibility to handle larger orders, busy periods, material availability, unexpected delays, and the many other things that come with running a one-person workshop.

It does not mean that every order will take 30 days.

In most cases, I am able to get your order finished and on its way well before the full lead time has passed.

Why do I use a lead time?

Small-batch and handmade work simply does not operate like mass production.

I handle the entire process myself, from preparing materials and making your order to quality checking, packaging, and shipping. I also need a little time to manage the website, take product photos, and respond to emails.

Rather than accepting more orders than I can realistically handle and then falling behind, I build a reasonable amount of time into my stated lead time.

This allows me to keep the quality of the work consistent without rushing through someone's order simply because the shop got busy.

I'd rather give you a realistic window and surprise you by shipping early than promise an artificially short turnaround and disappoint you later.

When does the clock start?

Your lead time begins when your order is successfully placed and payment has been received.

What happens after I place an order?

Generally, the process looks something like this:

Order placed → Materials prepared → Item made → Finishing & quality check → Packaged → Shipped

You'll receive tracking information once your order has been shipped.

Please keep in mind that lead time refers to the time required to make and prepare your order. Shipping time is separate and depends on the carrier and destination.

Why not just say "ships in 1–2 weeks"?

Because sometimes things happen.

A small shop can have a week where orders come in faster than expected, a material takes longer to arrive, equipment needs attention, or life simply gets in the way.

I could promise a two-week turnaround on every order and hope everything goes perfectly.

Instead, I prefer to give myself a 30-day maximum production window, while working toward the much shorter turnaround that most customers actually experience.

That gives you a clear expectation and gives me enough room to do the work properly.

A note about handmade work

Part of the reason to buy from a small shop is that your item isn't coming off a production line, it's coming off the well worn workbench of the guy who designed it and puts his name on it. There is a pride of work involved in that which elevates the quality.

The same philosophy applies to the timeline.

You're not buying something that was already sitting on a shelf. You're commissioning work from a person.

I appreciate your patience and your support of independent craftsmanship.

In short

Standard lead time: Up to 30 days

Typical turnaround: 1–2 weeks

Shipping time: Additional, after your order ships

If you need an order by a particular date, please contact me before ordering. I'll always do my best to accommodate a deadline when my current workload allows it. I am very grateful for your support that allows me to pursue sheathcraft full time. Your patience is appreciated, your reviews are amazing, and I am so humbled to work for you.

-Trevin