Our Leather & Materials
Q: What types of leather do Winklmayr products use?
A: All Winklmayr products are crafted from genuine exotic leather — specifically African ostrich leather and Nile crocodile leather. Within the ostrich range, we use two designations: full-quill ostrich (from the centre of the hide, with the distinctive raised polka-dot quill-follicle pattern) and ostrich leg leather (a smoother, more uniform surface). Our crocodile leather is Nile crocodile belly — Africa's most prestigious exotic skin. Every product page specifies the exact leather type.
Q: Where does Winklmayr source its leather?
A: Our African ostrich leather is sourced from the Klein Karoo region of South Africa — the same tannery that supplies the world's leading luxury houses. The Klein Karoo is internationally recognised as the home of the world's finest ostrich leather, producing hides with exceptional natural oil content, suppleness, and durability. Our Nile crocodile leather is sourced from CITES-certified, ethically regulated farms.
Q: Are your products CITES compliant? Is exotic leather ethically sourced?
A: Yes. All Winklmayr exotic leather is fully CITES compliant. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is the international framework that governs the legal trade of exotic animal skins. Our ostrich leather comes from farmed birds on South African farms operating under strict national and international regulations. Our crocodile leather comes from CITES-certified regulated farms. We do not use wild-caught or illegally sourced skins of any kind.
Q: What is the difference between full-quill ostrich and ostrich leg leather?
A: Full-quill ostrich leather is cut from the centre of the ostrich's back — the 'crown' of the hide — where the quill follicles are most densely packed. This produces the distinctive raised polka-dot pattern that makes ostrich leather immediately recognisable. It is the premium designation and typically carries a higher price. Ostrich leg leather is cut from the leg of the bird, producing a smoother, more uniform surface with less prominent quill patterning. Both are genuine African ostrich leather from the Klein Karoo; the choice comes down to personal aesthetic preference.
Q: What makes exotic leather worth the price compared to regular leather?
A: Genuine exotic leather is rarer, more labour-intensive to source and tan, and significantly more durable than most conventional cattle leather. African ostrich leather has a natural high oil content that gives it extraordinary suppleness — well-cared-for ostrich leather lasts 30 years or more and rarely cracks or dries out. Nile crocodile leather is considered the world's most durable exotic skin. Every exotic leather hide is also unique: no two bags, wallets, or belts made from ostrich or crocodile will ever be identical. That individuality, combined with the craftsmanship required to work with exotic hides, is the foundation of the price premium.
Q: Will my bag look exactly like the one in the product photos?
A: Very closely, but not identically — and that is intentional. Every exotic leather hide is unique. The quill pattern distribution on ostrich leather, the scale arrangement on crocodile, and the natural colour variation across any exotic hide means that your piece will have its own individual character. The silhouette, colour, hardware, and dimensions will match the product listing exactly; it is the natural texture of the leather itself that will be uniquely yours.
Ordering & Payment
Q: How do I place an order?
A: Orders are placed directly through our website at winklmayr.com. Select your product, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. We accept all major credit and debit cards. If you need help placing an order or have a specific request, contact us at info@winklmayr.com or call +27 10 012-6090.
Q: Can I order a product in a custom colour or size?
A: We occasionally produce bespoke pieces for clients with specific colour or size requirements. Please contact us at info@winklmayr.com with your request and we will advise on feasibility, timeline, and pricing. Please note that bespoke and personalised items are not eligible for return.
Q: Do you offer gift packaging?
A: All Winklmayr products are dispatched in our signature packaging, which is gift-ready by default. If you are purchasing as a gift and would like a personalised message included, please note this in the order instructions at checkout or contact us directly. For corporate gifting orders of five or more pieces, please contact us to discuss presentation options.
Q: How do Winklmayr Gift Cards work?
A: Winklmayr Gift Cards are delivered digitally and can be redeemed against any product on winklmayr.com as well as in-store at our Strijdompark, Johannesburg location. They are available from R500 and are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash and are not eligible for return.
Q: Are your prices in South African Rand?
A: Yes, all prices on winklmayr.com are in South African Rand (ZAR). If you are ordering from outside South Africa, your bank or card provider will apply their current exchange rate at the time of purchase. We do not add currency conversion fees on our side.
Shipping & Delivery
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. Winklmayr ships to 29 countries worldwide, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE, and many more. The full list of shipping destinations is shown at checkout. All orders are dispatched from our Johannesburg workshop.
Q: How long does delivery take?
A: For in-stock products, we dispatch within 2–5 business days from receipt of payment. South African delivery typically takes 1–3 business days after dispatch. International delivery timelines vary by destination — please allow 7–21 business days for international orders. We cannot be held responsible for delays caused by international carriers or customs processing.
Q: What if the product I want is not in stock?
A: If a product is out of stock, contact us at info@winklmayr.com and we will check our workshop's lead time for creating that piece for you. Made-to-order pieces typically take 6–8 weeks before dispatch. We will confirm the timeline and pricing before proceeding.
Q: Do I need a Tax ID for international orders?
A: Some countries require a Tax ID or customs identification number for international shipments to clear customs. If your country requires this and it is not provided at checkout, your order may be held or returned by customs authorities. Please check your country's import requirements before placing an international order.
Q: Can I collect my order in person?
A: Yes. Our workshop and showroom is located at Unit 14, Skyway Business Park, CR Swart Drive, Strijdompark, Randburg, Johannesburg. Please contact us at info@winklmayr.com or call +27 10 012-6090 to arrange a collection appointment.
Q: Where can I buy Winklmayr products in person?
A: Winklmayr products are available at 18 stockist locations across South Africa and Namibia, including at OR Tambo International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Contact us at info@winklmayr.com or call +27 10 012-6090 for the full stockist list and to find the location nearest to you.
Returns & Exchanges
Q: What is your return policy?
A: You have a 14-day window from the date of receiving your order to request a return. Items must be unused, in their original condition, with all labels attached, and in the original Winklmayr packaging. To initiate a return, contact us at info@winklmayr.com. Once we receive and inspect the returned item, a refund will be processed within 15 business days.
Q: Who pays for return shipping?
A: Winklmayr covers return shipping costs for all eligible returns. When you contact us to initiate a return, we will arrange collection or provide a return shipping label.
Q: Are there any products that cannot be returned?
A: Bespoke and personalised items — including products made to a custom colour, size, or with personalised detailing — are not eligible for return. Gift Cards are also non-refundable. All other products are eligible for return within the 14-day window, provided they are unused and in original condition.
Q: What if my product arrives damaged or with a defect?
A: If your product arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage incurred in transit, please contact us at info@winklmayr.com within 48 hours of receiving the item, including photographs of the issue. We will arrange a replacement or full refund as promptly as possible.
Q: Can I exchange a product for a different colour or style?
A: Yes. Please contact us at info@winklmayr.com within 14 days of receiving your order. We will arrange the return of the original item and process the new order. If there is a price difference between the items, this will be charged or refunded accordingly.
Product Care
Q: How do I clean my Winklmayr bag or wallet?
A: For everyday cleaning, wipe the surface gently with a soft, dry, light-coloured cloth. Do not use water, household cleaning products, or abrasive materials on exotic leather. For more significant marks, use a cleaning product specifically formulated for exotic leather — your nearest leather goods specialist or cobbler will be able to recommend one. Avoid contact with alcohol, perfumes, ink, oils, and hand creams.
Q: How should I store my exotic leather bag?
A: Store your Winklmayr bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Avoid storing it in plastic bags or airtight containers, which can trap moisture. The original Winklmayr dust bag or box is ideal for storage. If storing for an extended period, stuff the bag lightly with acid-free tissue paper to help it maintain its shape.
Q: Should I use waterproofing or conditioning products?
A: Do not use waterproofing sprays on exotic leather — they can block the natural pores of the hide and alter the texture. For conditioning, use a specialist exotic leather conditioner applied every 3–6 months to maintain suppleness. Ostrich leather's naturally high oil content makes it largely self-preserving; crocodile leather benefits more consistently from regular conditioning.
Q: Is ostrich leather waterproof?
A: Ostrich leather has a natural oil content that provides a degree of water resistance, but it is not waterproof. If your bag gets wet, allow it to dry naturally at room temperature — do not use a hair dryer or place it near a heater. Once dry, apply a specialist exotic leather conditioner.
Q: The colour of my bag seems to be changing slightly — is this normal?
A: Yes, completely normal. Natural leathers develop a patina over time — a deepening and enriching of the colour and surface texture that occurs with regular use. This is considered a quality enhancement by connoisseurs of luxury leather. A well-used Winklmayr piece from year five is more beautiful than it was on day one. If you are experiencing unexpected or uneven discolouration, please contact us at info@winklmayr.com.
Q: How do I care for the metal hardware?
A: Wipe metal hardware with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and surface marks. Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, or cleaning chemicals, which can tarnish gold-tone hardware over time. Do not use abrasive cloths or metal polishes.
The Winklmayr Brand
Q: Who is Hanspeter Winklmayr?
A: Hanspeter Winklmayr is the founder of Leathercraft Winklmayr and one of South Africa's most experienced exotic leather craftsmen. He graduated as the youngest Masters' degree recipient in his year at the Vienna School of Fashion, then accepted an offer to join South Africa's premier leather goods company — choosing Africa over Austria, and never looking back. In 1989 he co-founded Via La Moda, one of SA's leading exotic leather businesses. In 2020 he launched Leathercraft Winklmayr to carry his personal vision and family legacy forward.
Q: Where are Winklmayr products made?
A: All Winklmayr products are handcrafted in Johannesburg, South Africa, at our workshop in Strijdompark, Randburg. The leather is sourced from the Klein Karoo and other premium South African suppliers. We are a proudly South African brand with Austrian craft traditions at the core of everything we make.
Q: How do Winklmayr products compare to brands like Hermès or Fendi?
A: Winklmayr sources its African ostrich leather from the same Klein Karoo tannery that supplies the world's leading European luxury houses — the hide quality is identical. What differs is the price: Winklmayr products are positioned at 60–80% below comparable pieces from European heritage brands, with no compromise on leather quality, construction, or craftsmanship. The difference is the absence of European brand markup, import duties, and retail distribution costs. You are buying the same calibre of exotic leather, handcrafted in the country where it is sourced.
Q: Do you offer corporate gifting?
A: Yes. Corporate gifting is one of our most popular services, particularly for Johannesburg and Sandton-based businesses. Winklmayr belts, wallets, card holders, and passport holders are among the most requested corporate gift items — practical, premium, and genuinely memorable. For orders of five or more pieces, please contact us at info@winklmayr.com or call +27 10 012-6090 to discuss presentation, branding options, and volume pricing.
Q: Can I visit your workshop and showroom?
A: Yes, by appointment. Our workshop and showroom is at Unit 14, Skyway Business Park, CR Swart Drive, Strijdompark, Randburg, Johannesburg. Visiting in person is a different experience to shopping online — you can see the craft, handle the full range, and choose your piece directly. Contact us at info@winklmayr.com or call +27 10 012-6090 to arrange a time.
Q: Do you offer a discount for new customers?
A: Yes. Subscribers to the Winklmayr newsletter receive 10% off their first order. Sign up via the newsletter form on our website to receive your discount code. Subscribers also receive advance notice of new arrivals, limited edition releases, and seasonal promotions before public announcement.