Video Scripts
Title: Alligator Leather
Length: 8:58
Versatile and unique… Prized as much for its durability as for its elegance; each piece presents its own individual design and allure. Alligator leather is more than a statement of style and taste -- it is a symbol of success.
In your retail experience, you may have encountered customers who appreciate the quality and value of alligator products, but are reluctant to purchase them. They may incorrectly believe that the alligator is an endangered species, or that it is illegal to purchase alligator leather. Retailers and industry representatives have produced this video to help dispel these myths.
We'll show you the remarkable comeback of the American alligator and the huge increase in its population, we’ll also see how alligators are raised, how their hides are prepared, and the proper way to care for alligator leather. We'll also familiarize you with the questions most frequently asked by customers, and give you the tools you'll need to effectively sell alligator products.
All legal alligator leather products from Italy, France, Japan and the US, are made from the American alligator. Since the early 70's, the American alligator population has exploded. In fact, it has been off the endangered species list since 1987. Alligator farms, established to raise the reptiles for harvesting, and Marsh Management Programs have reduced poaching, and helped the wild population increase. Proceeds from revenues collected from farmers, trappers and hunters for tag fees and licenses help fund preservation programs.
Through protective legislation, as well as active management by the alligator industry, the American alligator population can easily support the production of beautiful, quality products long sought after by discerning consumers.
The process of raising alligators begins with the egg. Under the guidance of regulatory agencies, a percentage of eggs are harvested in the wild by collection teams. These eggs are marked and inspected for viability, then transferred to incubators. Hatchlings are raised on the farms where they grow to maturity in one or two years.
Through careful monitoring, alligator farmers greatly reduce the reptile’s mortality rate. The controlled environmental conditions of the farm allow the alligators to grow at a faster pace, and their hides are usually in better condition. Mature farm raised alligators are harvested for leather when they are approximately 4 feet long. Larger sizes ranging from 6 to 12 feet come from regulated alligator trapping programs, and annual public hunts.
Manufacturers of alligator products use many parts of the hide. Most often, the skins from the belly are used to create the larger pieces such as purses, handbags and briefcases. Some ruggedly attractive horn-back boots are made from the back of the alligator. Smaller accessories, like bracelets, money clips, and lipstick holders can come from all parts of hide.
Before an alligator hide can be used as leather, it needs to be conditioned. During this process, the alligator skin is tanned and dyed. The colors used are based on the latest fashion trends and consumer demands. Finally, it is polished leaving the leather with either a shiny or matte finish.
Selling alligator leather is quite legal. However, it is illegal to deal in leather from endangered species like the Black Caiman of Brazil. The differences between the American alligator and endangered species are very subtle. Strict rules and regulations require alligator hides to be tagged with a serial number. This allows manufacturers to identify authentic alligator leather.
In order to distinguish the difference between American alligator and crocodile, look at the tiles. Each tile, or square, of an alligator has little lines at the bottom; crocodile tiles have a little dot near the edges. You should be able to see this in a finished product.
Faux or embossed products are also very hard to distinguish from the real thing. Most authentic alligator will have "genuine alligator" imprinted on the product. Also, the price of embossed replicas will be much less than genuine alligator because it lacks the durability, elegance and quality of authentic alligator leather.
Caring for alligator leather is just like caring for any other leather. The classic shiny finish should be buffed with a soft, dry cloth. The matte finish requires a good, quality leather crème such as mink oil or beeswax. Both finishes are susceptible to water and too much exposure will cause the leather to spot. With proper care, elegant alligator leather products can last a lifetime.
Now let's take the information we've covered and use it to answer questions most frequently asked by customers.
Is the American alligator endangered? No. Not only has the American alligator population exploded in recent years, the American alligator has been off the endangered species list since 1987.
Where does the leather come from? Larger pieces such as purses, handbags and briefcases are made with leather from the belly; some boots are made from the back of the alligator; and smaller accessories can come from all parts of the hide.
Does dying affect the value of alligator leather? No. All alligator skins are dyed after the tanning process. The various colors applied are based on the latest fashion trends and consumer demands; the dyes themselves do not increase or decrease the value of the alligator leather.
How can a customer tell if they are buying authentic alligator leather? Each tile of the alligator has small lines at the bottom; crocodile tiles have a dot at the edges. Most authentic alligator will have "genuine alligator" imprinted on the product.
Is alligator leather water resistant? No. Too much exposure will cause alligator leather to spot. You should protect alligator leather from water like you would any other valuable leather product.
How do you care for alligator leather? The classic shiny finish should be buffed with a dry cloth. The matte finish should be polished with a quality leather crème such as mink oil or beeswax. With proper care, this beautiful and elegant alligator leather can last a lifetime.
Familiarize yourself with this classic and timeless product. By preparing for any questions and concerns the customer may have, you increase your potential for sales.
Alligator leather... an enduring symbol of success.
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