The True Value of a Bag: On Transparency and Craftsmanship
When we talk about pricing at MARAI, it’s not just about numbers – it’s about stories, decisions, and values. Every product we create is the result of many small steps, conscious compromises, and sometimes quiet moments of doubt and consideration.
This belt bag is not a mass product. It is a companion for many years. That's why we want to show you how its price is made up - openly, honestly, tangibly. We produce regionally, pay fair wages and yet a lot is also created through mutual support. People contribute their creativity, their craftsmanship and their experience - often far beyond what is paid for. Out of conviction, out of community, out of the desire to create something meaningful. All of this is also reflected in the price and it is precisely this path that we would now like to make transparent to you step by step.
This is how our MARAI bags are made: Each piece of leather is carefully cut and stitched with dedication.
What Our Sustainable Belt Bag Really Costs
For us, transparency isn’t a marketing tool – it’s part of our responsibility. That’s why we’re openly sharing how the price of our bag is composed – not as a calculation, but as an invitation to follow the journey with us.
MARAI – A Fair and Sustainable Price Breakdown (Click the image to view full size)
Retail price: CHF 378
(of which 30.60 CHF is VAT)
Net retail price: CHF 347.40
01. Production costs: 142.00 CHF
Leather: 38.00 CHF
We use high-quality natural leather, carefully selected. Each hide is unique – with its own texture, story, and character.Zips & cords: 18.00 CHF
Small details, big impact: essential for function, quality, and longevity.Manufacturing in our workshop: 86.00 CHF
Each belt bag is handmade – with precision, patience, and in an environment that ensures fair working conditions. Our workshop stands for genuine craftsmanship, personal responsibility, and mindfulness. Our bags don’t just “happen.” They grow layer by layer, step by step – through real hands-on work. Each one passes through multiple hands, each with a keen eye for detail and a feel for quality.
02. For the sale: 20.00 CHF
Transport to and from the workshop: 15.00 CHF
Short distances matter to us – for ecological and ethical reasons. The route to and from the workshop is consciously kept local.Packaging: CHF 5.00
Minimalist but thoughtful: tissue paper, hang tag, box – everything that protects the product and makes it beautiful. Here too, our principle is: less, but better. And where possible: reusable, recyclable, responsible.
03. Development & running costs: approx. 115.80 CHF
These are the costs you don’t see – but they’re there in every product.
One-time development costs: approx. CHF 38.60
From the first sketch to material testing to the final design: prototypes, pattern development, attention to detail and the aspiration to create timeless products.Ongoing costs: approx. CHF 77.20
Our daily work: trade fairs, website, tools, office, customer service, photography, communication, shipping, and much more. These are the things the MARAI team puts their heart into every day.
All these invisible threads hold the MARAI fabric together.
And what's left? 69.60 CHF margin
That’s what remains after everything else is paid. It’s what we live on as a small team – not lavishly, but meaningfully. This margin goes into our wages, new ideas, and future collections. It’s what allows MARAI to grow – slowly, organically, and consciously.
The handmade MARAI belt bag - for mindful, stylish everyday life. Also available in black.
Why we are sharing this with you
Because we believe that true appreciation begins with understanding. Because we want you to feel what goes into a product. And because we see you as part of our journey.
We hope that this look behind the scenes is more than just a price breakdown - maybe a small gesture of trust we’d like to return. Thank you for walking this path with MARAI. Thank you for choosing things that are made to last.
With love,
Nina & Team MARAI