I really enjoyed my visit at Ventura Leather store, Jose is great person, his store is very nice place on Main St, with a wide variety of leather products, I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

I love this little store tucked along the charming Ventura Main Street. Though small, it has a great selection of hats, belts, jackets, purses--you name it! The owner knows everything about leather and can mend or make most anything. He's also super nice. He went above and beyond in fixing my mom's purse so that the strap would work best for her since she is so petite. read more

I went into the store today because I had a question about a custom leather project. The lady at the front was very dismissive of the idea and kept saying "he is in the back" so I stayed for 10 minutes and waited she came over to me and said "he's still in the back" she never made an effort to go ask him or check in or write down my information. I never got helped I left after saying "okay well if it can't be done then all good"... terrible service from her. I've read other reviews and the owner sounds nice I would have loved to talk and do business but it was thwarted by her. read more

Joe is Very knowledgeable and helpful. I call Joe about a garment bag purchase from the facebook marketplace. He answered all my questions and even call me back. Please support our small businesses. Thanks again Joe for your help. When I'm in the area and looking for leather goods. I know where to go. read more

I had a leather jacket with sleeves that I wanted to be tailored. I dropped my jacket off in the evening and he had it ready for me at opening the next day. Great work. read more

Store hours listed on google and at the shop are suggestions. I went there at 1115 on a Thursday and they were closed. I tried again on Saturday at 1140 and they were open, but as soon as I walked in, a guy came out of the back of the shop and kicked me out. First he asked me if I have any questions (so props to that), but as soon as I said I was just looking at leather jackets he said I had to go because he was locking up. What a complete waste of times. I wanted to support a small business but obviously they weren't interested. read more

Ventura leather is the best! I brought my wife's leather jacket to Joe to see if he could change the sleeve cuffs and bottom from elastic cloth to leather. He did a great job, he matched the white leather perfectly and even repaired the liner. Then we went to get her a vest. We wanted one of joes vests, but he didn't have one, so she found a vest that she liked, and Joe made her one like it from scratch!! His stuff is awesome! Anything you can think of, just ask him, he can do it!!! read more

Joe is a champ. He listened carefully to what I wanted the vest for and suggested a couple of options based on my needs. I went with his option immediately. Yes it was a slight increase but I know I won't have to replace it. I have asked hi too about making a special item for me. read more

Ventura Leather - Jacket - Leather Goods Near Me - Ventura, California

I LOVE this store, and recently bought a jacket for my fiance, which he wears every chance he gets. Sometimes I go in, just to look around, and am NEVER pressured to buy anything. If Joe's busy, I don't mind. It just gives me more time to look at his great selection -- I know he will give the same kind of attention, when it's my turn. Anyone who doesn't want to be treated like everyone else, should just keep walking -- and maybe go to Bloomingdale's somewhere nearby. PS I recently achieved a weight-loss goal, and my reward is a new, fitted leather jacket, I KNOW I will find there. read more

I have not yet traded business with this company but I will say that Joe was pleasant and helpful. He spent time discussing my needs offering information and advice. I will be giving Joe my business based on our initial discussions. I will review again once I have completed the initial transaction. I just wanted to confirm that my interactions were pleasant and Joe was extremely helpful. read more

Location sells leather goods but also has a good selection of Hats. The owner was attentive and really nice. I'll def be back. He also makes custom items! read more

Ventura Leather - Feathered ladies hats - Leather Goods Near Me - Ventura, California

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I love leather goods. Leather jackets, leather belts, leather hats - whatever - but unfortunately I just don't seem to get enough use out of the items to justify the expense. The problem, if you can call it that, is that I wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops almost exclusively year round, so leather doesn't really work for me in this beach casual environment. I did purchase a leather belt to support the business, and came close to purchasing a leather Indiana Jones-style fedora & (a fourth) leather jacket worthy of styling on a long motorcycle ride into the Santa Ynez mountains, but I exercised control.* It's a nicely stocked store offering quality goods, plus the on-site owner can alter or design clothing to suit. It's a locally-owned business, so check it out. Note: * I guess I should purchase the motorcycle first. read more

Ventura Leather - Leather Goods Near Me - Ventura, California

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Zero stars if I could. This guy made my 5 year old very uncomfortable staring at her and offering for her to stay with him for an hour... It was hard to get a straight answer out of him about repairing a piece of my purse. He just wanted to chat and got irritated when I mentioned we had time constraints. I left my purse with him to repair, and when I didn't hear from him, I dropped in to see if it was ready. He leisurely opened his shop an hour late and was very rude when I came in. It turns out he had called me to tell me he couldn't repair it. I asked why he didn't leave a message, and he said his phone was too old to leave messages...???? I just really felt like he had no interest in providing a good service when he saw that we weren't in there to flirt and chat. I will never go here again. Ever. read more

After reading some of the reviews here, I have come to the conclusion that there are a bunch of entitled, self-righteous a-holes writing their little reviews about this place. Every time I am in Ventura I stop at this place. Always good service and quality goods. I've purchased hats here and most recently some riding chaps, which needed to be altered. Joe said they would be ready they next day and they were. He took the time to call me to let me know, and he advised me to call him before heading over because he was working the Ventura County Fair. Every single time I have walked into this establishment, I have been taken care of. The owner is a shy man, but he is humble and very kind. If half of you negative review writers knew his story, you'd feel like garbage. However it's not my business to share what he once shared with me as I was chatting with him while making a purchase. They have quality leather goods, cool hats and probably the best leathersmith in the business. Hands-down the best leather shop I've been to and the only one I will go to. read more

The 2016 YELP 500, Review #091: I believe there was only one person working this small store, which was why I left without purchasing anything. I would have liked to have bought a couple of the leather bracelets but, someone else was occupying the shop attendant. Personal note for the future: I want to remember that they have a lot of really cool hats as well as a great selection of jackets. I will be back. read more

Absolutely cool place! I can always find what I am looking for. Items available are quality and at comfortable prices. A bikers paradise! And if it happens to be you are looking for leather items, I'm sure you'll be pleased once you look at what they have to offer. *I have been a customer for since 2009,never have I had any issues or complaints. Always on point! It's hard to find these kind of shops (mom & pop shop) around anymore. I'm so glad they are around awesome craftsmanship! read more

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Worst customer experience ever. Ignored me until they finally acted like they were doing me a favor to ring me up. Left my card there, normally no big deal, these clowns voicemail was full. When I went there the next day at the time they posteds that they opened and, of course, they were almost an hour late. Never again. read more

I wanted to like this place. Lots of cool stuff inside. Thursday 2pm: So I bought an off the shelf vest and had Joe tailor it. He said it would be done on Monday at 10am. I told him I would be there at 11am with some patches for him to sew on. He says no problem. Monday at 11am: I walk in with patches on another vest that I needed him to remove and sew on the new one. He says he needs an hour to do it, unless I could go home and remove the patches myself. I thought that was a long time and I was in a rush. I said I could remove them and come back, and he told me to come in at 10am. He said he'd be working in the back, but would open up for me. Tuesday at 10am: I am at the shop. I knock on the door... ...repeatedly... ...over and over again. No answer. Not even a look from the back. I call the phone number listed on Google... ...repeatedly... ...over and over again. I wait in my truck in front of the shop for an hour, and Joe finally opens up. He says he needs a couple of minutes in the back. I walk back there and see him still working on the vest THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE ON MONDAY! I understand things come up and deadlines can't always be met, but don't waste my time, and DON'T LIE TO ME. Honesty is always the best policy. The vest looks great, but this will be the last time I go in there. read more

While riding down Highway 33 north of Ojai, the plastic zipper in my Aerostich motorcycle suit pants failed. A dry cleaner in Ojai pointed me to a shoe repair shop in Ojai. The shoe repair shop pointed me to Joe @ Ventura Leather. I rode down there not expecting much - who would have a 26" zipper in stock? Joe at Ventura Leather, that's who. He had TWO in stock! I stopped in about quarter after three and wanted the suit fixed before I continued on for the rest of my 1300 mile ride. About two hours later, I received a phone call saying that it was all fixed. For a reasonable price in two hours... the zipper stitching looked excellent and is now stronger than new. Thanks Joe! (You just need to smile a bit more) :) read more

STAY AWAY. The owner is the rudest man ever! When I went in, the owner ignored me until he was good and ready. I asked to have my leather purse repaired and he kept coming up with excuses why he couldn't do it. He had to remove an entire strap that only needed to be re-glued in a small area. He couldn't find the heavy duty brown thread to repair certain places. Um, there's a thread shortage going on!? When I showed him that he could access the repair area under a pouch, he got indignant. What an awful experience and what an awful man. As another reviewer helpfully pointed out go to: CAL-LEATHERJACKETS@ATT.NET 1241 East Thompson Boulevard Ventura, California 93001 (805) 643-4022 Gwen is delightful and helpful. read more

When he could have made me a jacket and broke my wallet he lead me to the more affordable jacket. When I went back I was so happy with his honesty and homegrown approach I insisted on buying the vest he makes and said I would wait for it. Hard to find craftsmen and local mom and pop businesses like this. I am happy to support them. read more

The owner and his wife are great people !!! I purchased a psir of killer chaps for my long bike rides. Best leather shop around !! read more

Ventura Leather - Leather Goods Near Me - Ventura, California

I bought a new hat from Joe at Ventura Leather recently since my Stagecoach hat was ruined. It did not have a strap and blew off outside, so he offered to install one and asked me to come back in 20-30 minutes and he would install it in between customers. I expected to pay him $10-20 for his time, the leather strap and stainless eye loops. He only charged me a few dollars. What a great place! I learned that Joe has been there for 42 years. He was so nice and I will go back for sure. read more

Ventura Leather - As my review stated Joe went above and beyond for my hat. - Leather Goods Near Me - Ventura, California

I've been going the this shop for the past 10 years for repairs and new items. Always a great buy!

I think their phone is out of order , I've called for a week straight and not once has anyone picked up or they are just lazy

I took my leather track jacket in several years ago to have the racing foam hump taken out. I was expecting he would just cut it out and re stitch it. He went WAY beyond above and beyond. He pulled every stitch out of the back, pulled the foam out laid the leather flat, and re stitched every seam. It literally looks better than new, and you can not tell the jacket has ever been altered. On top of all that. His price was so good I tipped him more than he asked for the alteration. Which was still less than I anticipated paying after seeing the quality of work . read more

Always a good experience at Ventura Leather. Owner has dry sense of humor. But he knows his stuff. His work is tops. First choice for all our leather work, vests, and related stuff. Thanks Joe..... read more

Went in to see if he could repair my leather boot or if he sold glue I could take home to try it myself. All he said was, "No. Go try a cobbler." And then he walked away. Also, they have a cat that hangs out in the store. I love animals, but some people are allergic to cats so it seemed odd to see a cat rubbing up against all the leather jackets. Won't be returning to this store. A simple smile and kinder tone goes a long way in customer service. read more

Several months ago, I bought a pair of chaps from Joe at Ventura Leather. He was very helpful in helping me get a pair that suited me. He even tailored them for me on the spot and I picked them in 1-1-2 hours later, even though he was actually closed. That's above and beyond typical service. For all who have complained, I just haven't seen that in my 3-4 visits there. Thanks, Joe. read more

I have gone in this store a few times. Each time the owner is rude and ignores the customers. It's very strange. I see from the reviews that this is common behavior for him. I don't know how he stays in business. read more

Every time I bring something in for repair they are on top of it and fix it perfect at a great price.

Patronize this merchant at your own risk. I too dropped off a heirloom hunting knife to be re-sheathed (unrelated to the 11/20/12 review...should have listened). I thought I would support the local merchant/ craftsperson. I took it in (9/13/14) and he said it would be done in a couple of days and he would call me when completed. He then placed the knife on the rear counter. I went back 10 days later (9/24/14) to see if it had been completed. There the knife sat on the counter untouched. I pointed this out to the owner and he said it would be done by the weekend. I went in today (10/3/14) and the knife was still on the counter! Untouched for three weeks! I picked up my property, walked to the back and told him I was taking my business elsewhere and I suggest you do the same also. I should have listened to the bad review..... read more

Went in to pick up a leather wallet. Owner was on the phone when we walked in, we could hear him say "pinchy gringo's are here". REALLY????? Then we picked a wallet out, and was told very harshly "CASH ONLY! NO DEBIT CARDS!" (Is this shady or what?!) We had been a long time customer of Ventura Leather, obviously the ownership has changed, and we will NEVER go back again! read more

STOP.. DO NOT GO NEAR THIS PLACE I went into this store to ask if they could repair a leather tool belt. The woman at the counter told me to bring it in. I returned with the tool belt 2 days later to have 2 rivets added. When I entered the store she said "come back later he's busy". I asked "can I leave it and come back in a few hours to get a quote". She said "No, come back later". She said "he's working. Her husband, who appears to be the owner came from the back of the shop with a leather jacket and placed it on the counter. After a brief bit of silence he turned and said "yes"?. I asked if he could fix this. He said "NO". I don't have rivets. I questioned him, is there an alternative way to fix this? He said "NO". Can't fix it...So...I went to GWEN AT CALIFORNIA LEATHER ON THOMPSON BLVD.... DBA MACS auto upholstery. 10 minutes later Gwen had repaired my tool belt for FREE, gave me a free sample of SKIDMORE's leather cleaner and I bought an awesome embroidered Cal Leather Jackets Black Hat. Now that was amazing customer service...Her and Paul did all that with pleasant conversation and a cheerful smile. I will not return to Ventura leather nor will I refer anyone to them. They were rude. Terrible customer service and I mean terrible. Ventura's Main St is working hard to attract business. This merchant is not a good example of Ventura's finest. How did a business like this last all these years? LOL read more

I keep calling none answers the phone no matter what day it is!!!!! Weird

I called on Friday around 3:30 to inquire about a leather belt repair, my favorite leather belt broke, the snap, and I wear it almost daily! The Owner said YES, I drove down and he fixed it in about 10-15 minutes for $7. I would definitely go back, great customer service, local and fast! read more

I went in for a belt I didn't see anything that would work for me for work, I then asked the owner Joe if he can make custom belts he said yes what ever you want. Had my belt ready the next day. I was very happy and the price was very reasonable. read more

Joe the owner is a nice guy and very helpful, however the old woman he has working there is not so nice. Last week I was in and found a m/c jacket I really like. he gave me a price of $69.00. I returned yesterday to buy it and was told that she would not honor that price. the jacket was marked $77.00. So ws going to pay that price but she told me she didn't that price was right. I went to breakfast to give her time to find the price. When I returned she would not sell me the jacket for the marked price but wanted $79.00. So for $2.00 she cost Joe the sale of a $77 jacket. He needs to know that she is not making him money or customers. Hello Joe. read more

INCONSIDERATE and RUDE service! Total waste of time! I called Ventura Leather to see if they could make a custom knife sheath for an heirloom hunting knife that has been in my family for 3 generations. The woman who answered the phone, put me on hold to ask the owner, then came back and said yes, as long as I didn't need it in a hurry (i.e. before Christmas) I asked if they were open and if I could bring it in to get an estimate. She said yes, and I told her that I would be there within the hour. Upon arrival, I met the woman with whom I spoke on the phone. She called the owner in the 'back,' to tell him that I was there and wanted an estimate for the work. He told her to tell me that he was too busy to do the job, and never even bothered to come out to see me. After I called first, then made a special trip to the store, I couldn't believe it. I actually asked the woman, " So you just completely wasted my time and gas to get here?" She nodded yes! Spread the word...THIS PLACE SUCKS! read more

Terrible customer service. The owner Joe is a dick. He has the attitude that because he has the only leather shop around, he can do as he pleases. My father took two belts to him to have them worked on and he would take offense at any questions asked of him. He kept saying "I know what I'm doing" with a pissy look on his face. He quoted a day he would have the items ready by and when my father came back to get them 3 days after that date he told him that he hadn't even started work on them yet. He got another ready by date about a week out, and when we returned, they still weren't ready. When my elderly father questioned him about his business practice he actually said "don't give me any lip, do you want your belts back now?". So yeah, we took the belts back and he looked genuinely surprised. So Joe, I know you think you are god's gift to leather working, but I don't care how good you are, or how many years you've been in business - you suck. Go to the leather shop at Pacific View instead. read more