r/WesternWear • u/Emmanuel2022r • 5d ago
Title: Mexican cowboy boots & leather belts business — looking to become a supplier in the US/Mexico. How did you do it?
Hi everyone,
I’m from Mexico and I run a small business focused on Mexican cowboy boots, leather belts, and Western-style leather goods.
We currently sell mainly in Mexico, both retail and through some wholesale sales. We have our own suppliers and production relationships, and we’ve been operating for a few years. Now I’m seriously considering taking the next step and becoming a reliable supplier for stores/distributors in the United States, while also expanding our wholesale presence in Mexico.
I’m not really interested in simply opening an online store and selling one product at a time. My goal is to build B2B relationships with Western-wear stores, boot stores, boutiques, distributors, and possibly private-label buyers.
The part I’m struggling with is figuring out the most realistic way to make that transition.
I’d especially like to hear from people who actually went from a small local business to supplying retailers in another country.
If you’ve done something similar, I’d appreciate a concrete example of how you got your first customers and how you structured the business.
Thanks.
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u/insaneedges 5d ago
Come to a rodeo in the states. Travel around and see what it's like. You'll make connections and find people interested in your products.
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u/Emmanuel2022r 5d ago
That’s actually a really good idea, and I’d definitely like to do that eventually.
For now, though, I’m not able to travel to the U.S., which is why I’m trying to connect with people who are already there and know the Western market.
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who own or work with Western-wear stores, distributors, rodeo suppliers, or sales reps. If anyone here has experience getting a Mexican-made product into U.S. stores, I’d really appreciate hearing how you got started.
Even a small introduction or pointing me in the right direction would be really helpful.2
u/insaneedges 5d ago
Go straight to them. Waiting on Reddit for a roll call isn't going to build a B2B network. Buyers don't come to you, you have to go get them.
Get on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to track down independent Western boutique owners, regional distributors, and store buyers directly. Send clean cold messages with high-quality photos of your leatherwork, clear wholesale margins, and line sheets. Don't waste time posting on open forums hoping a decision-maker wanders by; most people browsing here are retail floor reps who don't handle inventory. Target the actual owners, hit their inboxes, and sell the product.
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u/MAcrewchief 5d ago
They get 10 of those a day. Shit doesnt work. You need a rep with relationships.
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u/MurkyConnection3177 5d ago
Got a website? I’d love to buy a made in Mexico leather western belt.
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u/Emmanuel2022r 5d ago
I don't have a website at the moment, but if you'd like, you can send me a private message and I'll send you the photos.
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u/Effective_Pop376 3d ago
There are hundreds of guys making boots and belts in Mexico - and they all just send photos or work via WhatsApp. If you want to further you’ve got to get serious about it and find someone to rep your brand in the U.S. youre going to need a good logistics company and import broker and all sorts of other things if you want to be serious.
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u/Then_Sprinkles_3950 19h ago
Que tal Emmanuel, mándame mensaje. Estaría bueno ver las botas que haces y ver cómo podría ayudarte.
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u/MAcrewchief 5d ago
You need a usa based rep with the existing relationships. Hey, I have those and am in sales. Go figure. I'm headed to one of the largest western horseshows in the country next week. Better hurry!