Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions don’t hesitate to contact us for more details.
Product Questions | Ordering Questions | General Questions
Product Questions
Q How can I get a sample?
A Please contact us directly or your local agent to discuss how SCOT can get a sample to you.
Q What can you make from an ostrich skin?
A Ostrich leather is very durable, yet subtle and designers can make any type of leather goods article ranging from handbags to shoes to car interiors. Because of its unique quill marks it is classified as exotic leather along with crocodile, python, stingray and lizard skins.
Q How much does a skin cost?
A A skin can range in cost from $180 to $350. The price per skin is based on the skin grade. Please submit a grading norm request to obtain more information.
Q What makes SCOT’s grading process unique?
A The grading process by SCOT is developed by experts and is consistently applied through the production process to deliver the highest quality ostrich skins on the market.
Q How do I decide what grade to buy?
A The general rule of thumb is that if you need to cover a large area then a high grade (grades 1-2) is recommended and if you need to cover a smaller area then a lower grade (grades 3-5) is sufficient.
Q What is the size of an ostrich skin?
A The average skin size is 144 dm2, which equals 15.5 square feet.
Q How can I find out skin availability?
A If you already have a user name and password, login to view this week’s stock list. If you are a new customer, register now to view this week’s stock list.
Q What if I don’t see the colour I am looking for?
A Please contact us to discuss your unique ostrich skin needs as SCOT can make a small number of custom colours each year with a minimum skin order of thirty skins.
Ordering Questions
Q How do I order skins?
A Use the online ordering system by creating a user name and password or contact SCOT now.
Q How do I reach a local agent?
A Please contact us and SCOT will connect you with a regional agent.
Q Why do I need to give contact details to register as a customer?
A Having your contact details ensures that SCOT can follow-up with you to make sure your ostrich skin needs are met.
Q What is the minimum order, can I order just one?
A You can order as little as one skin or several thousand skins at a time. You can check skin availability through the online ordering system.
Q How long does it take for delivery of the skins?
A Skins that are in stock can be shipped from a local distribution centre the next working day. To produce a special order, please allow 4-5 weeks plus delivery time.
Q Do I need an import/export permit?
A Please contact us as many countries do require you to have an import permit.
Q What are the payment methods?
A We accept cash via wire transfer or direct deposit and a Letter of Credit.
Q What trade shows does SCOT attend?
A SCOT attends the Lineapelle show in Bologna, Italy, APLF in Hong Kong, LeCuir in Paris.
General Questions
Q How is the South African ostrich industry organised?
A An umbrella organisation, called the South African Ostrich Business Chamber (SAOBC), with its headquarters in Oudtshoorn (450 km from Cape Town), represents the industry. The two main member organisations of the SAOBC are SAOPO (South African Ostrich Producers Organization) and NOPSA (National Ostrich Processors of South Africa).
Q Why is South Africa regarded as the world leader with respect to ostrich production?
A More than 65% of the world’s ostriches and 90% of ostrich products in the world are from South African. South Africa also has a historic advantage because it started with ostrich farming in 1864. The natural conditions in South Africa are also ideal for ostrich production.
Q What products does an ostrich produce?
A Ostrich farmers sell the leather, meat and feathers of an ostrich to make ostrich farming economically viable. Leather makes up the largest percentage of their income and feathers make up the smallest portion of income generated by an ostrich.
Q How many skins does SCOT produce annually?
A 60,000 – 75,000 skins
Q Why is ostrich leather so much more expensive than cow leather?
A Ostriches are rare animals and far less common than cattle. There are an estimated 280,000 ostrich skins being produced every year compared to the multi millions of bovine hides. Secondly, cattle are mainly reared for its meat, which essentially leaves the hide as a by-product. Ostriches are reared for skins, meat and feathers. Ostrich leather is considered exotic and has a unique natural defect: feather quills. This is Ostrich leather’s trademark. Due to the fact that an ostrich skin has quills and the skin’s unique shape make it difficult to finish with machinery typically associated with bovine. Specialized machinery, processes and skills further add to the expense of the skin.
