Crocodile Wallet Buying Guide How to Get it Cheaply

A crocodile wallet isn't luxury. Yeah, it provides a luxurious feel but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If the idea of getting an inexpensive croco bi- or trifold gives you tingles of excitement, here are a few tips to consider.

1. Stick to simplistic models.

The fancier a model, the more expensive it is. It takes a lot of time and effort to constrict all these pockets and compartments, add multiple zippers, and decorative elements. The truth is that you’ll be fine without most of them. A simple bi-fold with a bill compartment, a few card slots, and a snap button will do just fine for most people. Why pay for something you don’t really use?

2. Choose your crocodile properly

The most expansive portion of crocodile hide is the belly. It is soft, supple, and with an eye-pleasing cell pattern. At the same time, abdominal leather is the most expensive. If you’d like to save a few dozen bucks, it makes sense to pick dorsal or lateral skin. Yes, it is thicker due to bony plates but many would argue that it actually looks better. Indeed, with a raised texture, it is a pleasure to touch and look at. Some wallets even feature fragments of crocodile back ridges, and while they carry the vibe of designer accessories, they are actually budget-friendly.

One more choice you have to make here is interior material. Wallets lined with leather (usually it is cowhide) are more durable but sometimes it is just an over-the-top measure. More often than not, a high-quality textile lining does an excellent job of keeping the internals tidy and functional. We don’t need to tell you that textile is cheaper than leather.

3. Consider a manufacturer

It is not a secret that the prices of designer accessories go through the roof. Every well-known brand makes you pay for the name on the packaging along with an actual product. Luckily, the scope of manufacturers goes far beyond fashion houses. If you’re ok with getting an unbranded item, it will be a real bargain.

Here is our major tip – look for a manufacturer from a country where crocodile farms are a thing. We are talking about South Asia and Thailand in particular. With so many farms scattered across the country, there is no shortage of crocodile hides. Besides, thanks to the status of traditional crafts, those involved in tanning, cutting, and manufacturing really know their stuff. The quality of these pieces is beyond any praise while their prices are super affordable.

4. Know Your Crocodiles

Did you know that not all crocodiles are actually crocodiles? In North America, it is not uncommon to refer to crocodile leather as alligator leather and vice versa. While crocodiles and alligators share a lot of features, they are not the same species. Most importantly, various types of reptile leather have different properties. If you were hunting down a crocodile wallet but got an alligator one, you can consider yourself lucky. Alligator skin is a bit softer and its pattern is more exquisite. Overall, it is on the expensive side of the price range.

On the other hand, unscrupulous sellers often try to pass caiman leather for crocodile. Unfortunately, it can’t hold a candle to the luxurious and resilient skin of fresh water crocodiles. This leather feels dry, it tends to acquire a network of cracks over time, and it crackles if you bend it. If you’re looking for a cheap alternative for a few seasons, caiman leather will do. If you need an accessory that lasts a lifetime, caiman products are to avoid.

5. When Color Matters

You don’t think that color can affect the price of a product? Think again. Trendy colors tend to carry a loftier price than traditional blacks and browns. The main color of 2022 is blue with a violet-red undertone, and you can be sure that wallets of this finish are already available. You can also be sure to pay a dear price to get one of these. However, if you opt for alternatives of ever-popular colors, you can expect 15-20% off the price.

6. When More is Less

A higher price may be more beneficial in the long run. Cheaply made wallets won’t serve you well. But if you’re willing to pay a bit more for higher quality, it’s totally worth it. Reptile leather is low-maintenance (although you should apply a special leather conditioner once in a while) and long-lived, it will literally last a lifetime. So, if don’t want to get a new wallet every couple of years, it makes sense to invest in a quality product.

Summing up, crocodile leather wallets are much more accessible if you know which things to consider when buying them. A fine wallet constructed of genuine leather that costs around $100 is not a pipe dream.