Help & Information

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about ordering, returns, shipping, personalisation, and product care. Whether you're wondering how to track your delivery or looking for details on our lifetime repair promise, you’ll find everything you need right here. Still need help? Our customer care team is just a message away.

Our Bags & Craftsmanship

Rooted in over 40 years of British heritage, every Chapman bag is designed with purpose and crafted by hand in our Carlisle workshop. Using British-woven canvas, fine leathers, and solid brass fittings, we create durable pieces made to be carried for life.

  • All Chapman bags are handmade in England, right here in our Cumbrian workshop. Every bag is crafted with care by our skilled in-house team.

  • Our bags are made by a dedicated team of artisans - cutters, leatherworkers, painters, machinists and finishers, many of whom have spent decades honing their craft. You can meet some of them here.

  • We use premium British and European materials, including full-grain vegetable tanned Italian leather, British made canvas, solid brass hardware and natural cotton webbing. We choose our materials for their quality, durability, and character.

  • We’re one of the few British bag companies that still make our products entirely in our own UK workshop. That means we control every step of the process, from cutting to stitching to finishing and packing we ensuring quality, longevity, and traceability in every bag.

  • Yes, most of our bags can be personalised with your initials, a monogram, or even a family crest. You can find out more about this here.

Personalisation

Make your Chapman bag unmistakably yours. From monogram embroidery to custom colour accents, our personalisation service adds a thoughtful, distinctive touch. Each detail is crafted by hand in our Carlisle workshop — designed to reflect your style, and made to last a lifetime.

  • Yes, most of our bags can be personalised with your initials, a monogram, or even a family crest. You can find out more about this here.

  • We offer two methods: embossing into leather, or embroidery. You can find out more about our options here.

  • It varies by product. Please check the product description and details for exact placement or contact us if you have a specific request.

  • Items that are made to order, or personalised can take up to 10 working days to ship. We will keep you updated throughout the process and hope to orders done as quick as possible.

Ordering & Delivery

We aim to make ordering simple and seamless. In-stock items are typically dispatched within 1–2 working days, with free next-day delivery available across the UK. Made-to-order and personalised items may take up to 10 working days. You’ll receive email updates at every stage — from confirmation to delivery — so you always know where your order is.

  • Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times will be shown at checkout based on your location.

  • We aim to dispatch all non-personalised items that are in stock the next day. Personalised orders may take longer. Once dispatched, UK delivery typically takes 1–2 days, and international delivery 5–10 days. You can find our full terms here.

  • If your order hasn’t entered production, we’ll do our best to amend or cancel it. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible. Personalised items cannot be cancelled once production has started.

  • Yes, once your order has shipped, you’ll receive a tracking link via email. ent goes here.

Returns & Repairs

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If something isn’t quite right, we’re here to help. And because we believe in bags that last a lifetime, we also offer in-house repairs — whether it’s a broken strap or a well-loved piece in need of restoration, our Carlisle workshop is ready to bring it back to life.

  • We accept returns within 30 days of delivery, provided the item is unused and in its original packaging. Please note that personalised items are non-returnable unless faulty.

  • Only if it’s faulty. Because each personalised bag is made to order, we’re unable to accept returns for change of mind.

  • Yes, we believe in bags that last. If your bag needs repair, contact us with a photo and description. We’ll assess it and offer a quote or, in some cases, free repair if it’s covered by our Chapman Promise.

  • Please email us with details and a photo of the issue. We’ll review it promptly and let you know your options.

Care & Maintenance

Chapman bags are built to endure and age beautifully. With a little care — occasional cleaning, gentle conditioning, and thoughtful storage — your bag will develop a rich character over time. We use durable canvas, vegetable-tanned leathers, and solid brass fittings, all chosen for their longevity. For detailed care tips, visit our full care guide.

  • Please find information on how to care for your bag here.

  • Our bonded cotton canvas is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. For heavy rain, we recommend using a waterproof liner or dry bag for delicate items.

  • Not at the moment, but we’re happy to recommend products and methods to keep your bag in top condition.

Sustainability & Values

At Chapman Made, we believe in thoughtful design, responsible production, and goods that last. Every bag is handcrafted in our Carlisle workshop using locally sourced materials wherever possible — reducing waste and championing British manufacturing. By focusing on durability, repairability, and timeless style, we aim to create products you’ll carry for life, not just a season.

  • Wherever possible, yes. Our bonded canvas is made in the UK and our webbing and fittings are British made. We’re committed to supporting British manufacturing.

  • We work with trusted suppliers who prioritise responsible sourcing. Few materials have stood the test of time better than leather. At Chapman we only use the finest full-grain leather for our bags, avoiding man-made alternatives that are unproven and, often contain plastic.

  • We reuse offcuts where possible for accessories, repairs, and prototypes. Any waste is responsibly recycled or composted.

Pricing & Value

We price our products with honesty and purpose — reflecting the quality of materials, the skill of our makers, and the longevity of every design. By producing in-house and selling directly, we offer exceptional craftsmanship at a fair, considered price — without the retail mark-ups of mass production.

  • Absolutely. Our bags are made in England by a skilled team using premium materials like full-grain leather, bonded canvas, solid brass fittings, and are built to last a lifetime. When you buy a Chapman bag, you’re investing in durability, timeless design, and true British craftsmanship.

  • Because we believe how a bag is made matters just as much as what it’s made from. By keeping production in-house at our Cumbrian workshop, we ensure quality, fair working conditions, and accountability at every step. It costs more - but we think it’s worth it, and so do our customers.

    • A Chapman bag isn’t just a product, it’s the result of skilled hands, quality materials, and responsible manufacturing. Our prices reflect:
    • Premium materials, like vegetable-tanned leather and bonded cotton canvas
    • Skilled British craftsmanship, not mass production
    • Small-batch or made-to-order production, which allows for care and attention to detail
    • Fair wages and ethical working conditions in our own UK workshop
    • A commitment to longevity and sustainability - bags made to be repaired, not replaced
  • Not if it needs replacing every year. Our bags are made to last, age beautifully, and be repaired if needed. A Chapman bag reduces waste in the long run and offers value well beyond the first season.

  • Yes, and proudly so. We don’t cut corners, outsource overseas, or use disposable materials. Our pricing ensures we can pay fair wages, source responsibly, and keep British craft alive for future generations.

  • Many high street bags are made overseas, with lower-cost materials and fast production. We do the opposite: slower, better, and proudly British. That means our costs are higher but the quality, provenance, and longevity of a Chapman bag are in a different league entirely.

About Chapman

Founded in 1984, Chapman is a British bagmaker rooted in function, craftsmanship, and quiet elegance. From our workshop in Carlisle, we design and handcraft canvas and leather bags for modern life — drawing on heritage techniques and timeless materials. Built to be used, repaired, and passed down, a Chapman bag is more than an accessory — it’s a lifelong companion.

  • Chapman was founded in 1984 and has been making bags in Cumbria ever since. We’re proud to continue the British tradition of practical, well-made design.

  • Yes, you can visit our showroom at our workshop Monday - Thursday 9am-5pm.

  • You can reach us via out here, email us directly at retail@chapmanmade.uk or call us on 01228514514.

Contact us

Still can't find what you're looking for?

We're here to help. Get in touch with our Customer Care team and we'll make sure you get the support you need. Visit our contact us page and our team will do our best to help you.