Short answer: to buy crocodile skins from Vietnam, send the tannery six things in your first enquiry — species, belly width range, grade, finish, colour and quantity. With those, a supplier can quote in one reply. Standard colours have no minimum order; a custom colour needs 20 skins and takes about 4–8 weeks to develop.
The six things to specify
1. Species
Three species cover most belly-skin work: Porosus (Crocodylus porosus), Niloticus (Crocodylus niloticus) and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). They differ in scale pattern and in the sizes available. The differences are explained in Porosus vs Niloticus vs Alligator.
2. Belly width range
Belly skins are measured across the belly in centimetres, and the range you can get depends on the species: alligator 25–39 cm, Niloticus 25–40 cm, Porosus 30–60 cm. Choose the width by the largest piece you need to cut — a handbag panel needs a wider skin than a watch strap.
3. Grade
Grade is set by how many quadrants of the cutting area carry defects. Decide which grade suits the product: a visible front panel justifies a cleaner grade than a lining or a small part. See how grading and measuring work.
4. Finish
Five finishes are offered — Semi-Matte, Millennium, Garment, Nubuck and Himalayas. The same skin looks very different in each, so name the finish rather than “matte” or “glossy”. Compare them on the finishes page.
5. Colour
Pick from the standard colours, or ask for a colour developed to match your swatch. If you send a swatch, send it on the same skin type you are ordering: a colour matched on a different leather can shift after tanning.
6. Quantity
State the number of skins. It decides which route you are on (see below).
Minimum order and lead time
| Situation | Minimum | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard colour, subject to stock | No minimum order | About 2 weeks estimated delivery |
| Custom colour | 20 skins per colour | About 4–8 weeks to develop a new colour, under normal production |
If you need fewer than 20 skins, choose a standard colour. The full terms are on the For Brands page.
How the price is set
Crocodile is quoted per centimetre of belly width for a given species, grade and finish, so a complete enquiry matters: without all three, a supplier cannot give a meaningful number. We do not publish a price list.
Check what you receive
Before a large order, make sure the skins are genuine crocodile and not embossed leather: how to tell real crocodile leather from fake lists six quick checks.
Questions buyers ask
Do you sell whole skins or other cuts?
We supply belly skins only — the cut used for handbags, small leather goods and watch straps, and the only cut that can be graded and measured consistently.
Can I order a small quantity?
Yes, from the standard colours, subject to stock. There is no minimum order for them.
How do I start?
See the three lines in the portfolio, then send an enquiry with the six items above.