FAQ
I just bought something from you, how long will it take to process or make?
For In-Stock or Non-Custom orders, I pack and ship all orders on one day, so expect these to leave my studio 4-5 business days after an order is placed.
If you have ordered a "made-to-order" item, please refer to the specific item description for turnaround times. Generally it ranges from 5-8 weeks after an order is placed and sizing is confirmed via email.
For custom orders, those items will process and ship according to whatever has been discussed at the start of the project. Though I have folks helping with production and admin from time to time, I am often working solo. Your patience is appreciated while I create something personal and awesome for you!
How do you ship items or what's the ETA when my order leaves your studio?
Shipping times vary depending on your choice at checkout. I offer USPS and UPS options and do my best packing so that their journey to you begins without a hitch. Once packages leave my studio, I have no control over delays with carriers (especially over the holidays!).
If you are in a hurry and local to Chicago, I offer pickups at my studio and try to accommodate your schedule to make that option quick and efficient. These are masked and free of charge.
Do you offer payment plans or layaway?
You can conveniently pay in installments via ShopPay. Just choose that option at check out.
Who makes your products?
I make everything on my website in my studio by hand. On occasion, I am fortunate to have rockstars who come in to help with various portions of each product and allow me to get more out into the world. I am so grateful for their skill and attention to the process of leather-working. Know that each item is created by human hands with pride in my West Town studio in Chicago.
What is your return policy?
Because of the nature of custom orders or made-to-order items, I cannot accept returns on custom or made-to-order items. If one of these items arrives damaged or defective, please notify me within 48 hours of delivery. If repair is possible, I prefer to offer that in the interest of minimizing waste, should you be open to that. Regardless, please contact me if this occurs and we can discuss solutions together depending on the issue.
If you have purchased an In-Stock, Non-Custom item and find it does not fit, I will attempt to find a workable solution. This may include exchanging or offering store credit once the item is returned back. Customer is responsible for return shipping costs for the item back to Life on Mars Goods. Items must be returned for exchange unworn and in pristine condition. Worn or scratched items will not be accepted for exchange or credit.
Please read item descriptions fully and email me at
lifeonmarsgoods@gmail.com with any questions you might have about an item before purchase. I am happy to work with you to find your best fit!
Do you have a waitlist for sold out bags?
Sometimes! It depends on if the collection is limited edition (i.e. I may not be able to get access to those materials again, as is the case with certain deadstock fabrics, vintage and up-cycled leather or certain hand-dyed fabrics). Please email me at lifeonmarsgoods@gmail.com and I can note your interest, though I cannot offer a guarantee. Your best route is to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on Instagram - the two places I keep most current with shop news.
Do you do custom work?
While custom work is what got me started, and I love that process so much, it's just not feasible to do custom work at the same time as my regular line. Custom pieces can take weeks to develop a pattern, plus testing out function. As the primary maker, packer, photographer, salesperson, email answerer, podcast chooser, machine repairwoman, buyer, cleaner, dyer and material research scientist, all simultaneously, that doesn't leave much extra time.
That said, on occasion, I'm able to! I will field questions for collaborations or larger custom jobs in bulk (10 or more items). And I will never fault anyone for asking about customs. Just know that, sadly, I often have to say no due to lack of extra time.