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About Parker Clay
It’s slowly becoming more important for companies and consumers to be mindful of manufacturing processes. This is mainly because shopping responsibly is good for the Earth, and there is increasing support for company employees to receive fair compensation and higher quality working conditions.
Parker Clay understands that, as they manufacture their fair trade leather goods in an Ethiopian factory with mostly female employees. They also partnered with the non-profit women’s rights group Ellita–Women at Risk. As a result, the Certified B-Corp has received a lot of attention, with 75.8k Instagram followers and a feature in The Men’s Journal.
Are you looking for your next favorite accessory? My Parker Clay review can help you out. Join me as I take a look at the company’s origins, some of their best-sellers, customer ratings, and more so you can decide if they’re worth buying.
Overview of Parker Clay
Before launching Parker Clay, Ian and Brittany Bentley took a family trip to Ethiopia and added two daughters to their family of four. While there, they witnessed the Ethiopian women’s experience and saw firsthand how they were able to rise above exploitative work and poverty.
This inspired the high school sweethearts to work with organizations that helped women with employment and skill development. At the same time, Ian came across an artisan-crafted leather bag that wasn’t responsibly sourced but had high-quality materials. The idea to create Parker Clay (named after their sons!) was born.
The couple opened up shop in Santa Barbara with their own factories in Addis Ababa, allowing them to monitor all aspects of manufacturing. They aim to end exploitation in Ethiopia by giving at-risk women a living wage, benefits, and skills training, among other opportunities. All this while offering sustainable leather goods in modern and classic styles.
The company’s sustainable leather comes from local farmers whose animals aren’t raised for the sole purpose of using their leather. And since their products are handmade, their processes are low impact and environmentally sound.
Before jumping into this Parker Clay review, I’ll go over some key highlights:
Highlights
- The company offers handmade leather goods manufactured sustainably and ethically
- Collection of products for men and women
- They hire Ethiopian women for fair compensation, benefits, and other opportunities to end exploitation
- Certified B Corporation
- Financing options are available through Afterpay
- Free US standard shipping with an order minimum
- International shipping is available
- 30-day return policy
Purses and bags are reliable companions, and they are even better when they’re made responsibly. This brand merges style and social impact to create its gorgeous best-sellers. So, keep reading this Parker Clay review and maybe make some room in your closet for a new accessory.
Parker Clay Bags Review
Parker Clay has got you covered for any situation, from carryall totes to convenient handbags. You won’t have to worry about losing your favorite gloss with these popular bags.
Parker Clay Merkato Signature Tote Review
The Merkato Signature Tote is one of the brand’s most coveted items, and I can see why. The classic genuine leather tote can hold everything from your favorite sunnies to your phone. You can even squeeze a 15” laptop into it for days when you’re headed into the office.
You won’t have to worry about it getting too bulky, either. The shoulder straps have a 10” drop, making for a comfortable carry. It also comes equipped with an interior D-ring so you won’t have to shovel around for your keys.
Basically, this full-grain leather tote might become your new go-to. The Merkato Signature Tote retails for $218 and is available in four colors.
Parker Clay Miramar Leather Backpack Review
Next in this Parker Clay review is the Miramar Leather Backpack. Whether you’re packing for a hike or heading to the office, this chic backpack is versatile enough to do it all. It can fit a 13” laptop or tablet and features a top zipper closure for security and flair.
Since the Miramar is made from natural leather, each one has variations in color, texture, and grain. So, you’ll be receiving an item with a unique look. Plus, this backpack can become an everyday essential with a roomy interior and classy design.
Available in four classic colors, you can add the Miramar Leather Backpack to your cart for $248.
Parker Clay Eden Carryall Review
A smaller tote is perfect for days when you don’t need all the bells and whistles. The Eden Carryall is a medium crossbody tote that will keep all of your smaller essentials safe and protected. Plus, you’ll have many carry options with the removable crossbody strap.
But with the adjustable strap attached, you’ll be able to leave your hands free for your morning coffee run or your next bar crawl. It also has an adorable leather tassel for more style and elegance. There’s nothing you won’t be able to style this timeless classic with.
You can get the Eden Carryall in one of three colors for $248.
Parker Clay Abeba Leather Envelope Review
Last in this Parker Clay review is the Abeba Leather Envelope. It features an interior card slot and, of course, the brand’s signature natural leather. Don’t underestimate it, though. It can carry your must-have cards or serve as extra storage in your tote.
The Abeba is all about convenience. Besides, you can’t be carrying a tote during nights out since they’re just too bulky. So this petite handbag is a great companion when you want to tear up the dance floor.
The Abeba Leather Envelope is a steal for $58, available in four different colors.
Who Is Parker Clay For?
Parker Clay is for any adult looking for thoughtfully and sustainably made leather goods and accessories. It’s a great option if you’re trying to be mindful of what you’re buying and want to support a socially responsible company, all while still looking stylish.
With that said, the company does use genuine leather, so it might not be a good option if you are vegan. Additionally, some items are on the expensive side, but the financing options might help make them a little more affordable.
Parker Clay Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Of course, I can’t finish this Parker Clay review without looking at what customers have to say about the fashion brand. So, I searched the web for ratings. Besides the brand’s official website, I found testimonials on Reddit and Yelp.
The company boasts an overall 5/5 star rating from a whopping 8.4k ratings. That’s an amazing reputation, but how do the products O discussed here stack up individually? Here are their ratings on th Parker Clay website:
- Merkato Signature Tote: 4.9/5 stars from 738 ratings
- Miramar Leather Backpack: 4.9/5 stars over 801 reviews
- Eden Caryall: 4.9/5 stars from 573 reviews
- Abeba Leather Envelope: 4.9/5 stars over 314 reviews
For the Merkato tote, customers loved its roomy interior, soft material, the convenient key hook, and the brand’s core values.
One reviewer wrote: “This is the most quality bag I’ve ever owned and for a great cause! These are amazing gifts and last a long time. This is my 4th Parker Clay bag, and I’m always impressed with how nice they hold up. I love the hook for my keys because I can hook my wallet to it as well, and the phone pocket is nice.”
One Reddit user said: “Honestly, the quality looks great. I would hope so for a tote at that price, but it’s built nice and heavy. The color is stunning, and I appreciate a long drop handle. It looks like it would store a fair amount. I love that it helps to employ women in Ethiopia.” They continued by sharing their appreciation for the store’s message and mission.
As mentioned, I also found Parker Clay reviews on Yelp. Yelpers praised the brand’s goals and products, giving it 5/5 stars over 11 ratings.
One customer visited their retail location in Santa Barbara and raved about their experience: “Love my purse! Sweet salespeople helped me. I couldn’t be happier. I will definitely be back for another purse or travel bag. I checked out their website before shopping here and was very impressed by their story. Such a sweet family with a huge heart.”
From what I saw online, Parker Clay customers adore the brand, its products, and their core values. There isn’t much else to say. It looks like people can’t get enough of this brand’s ethical genuine leather goods.
Is Parker Clay Legit?
Parker Clay is totally legit. Their overall reputation is solid, and everyone seems thrilled with their purchases. There are no ratings that raised red flags about their shipping or customer service. You can feel confident buying from this company.
Is Parker Clay Worth It?
Shopping sustainably doesn’t just help the planet, it gives Parker Clay employees a chance to rise above hardship. The fair trade aspect also benefits their partnerships with local farmers and the agriculture industry.
Based on this Parker Clay review, I think the brand’s leather goods are worth buying. While they are priced a bit higher than competing brands, that investment will last you a long time because of their high-quality materials. Plus, their designs are versatile enough to be a part of your collection for years to come.
Parker Clay Promotions & Discounts
I can’t resist an excellent deal, and I don’t think you can either. Parker Clay offers 15% off your order when you sign up for their emails. I couldn’t find a Parker Clay discount code for you to use at the time of writing this article, but you can get $25 off when you refer a friend. And they’ll thank you because they’ll get $25 off as well!
Where to Buy Parker Clay
Are you interested in an item from this Parker Clay review? Then, you can treat yourself or a loved one at parkerclay.com. You can also find their retail locations on their “Stores” page.
FAQ
Who owns Parker Clay?
Ian Bentley is the owner and founder of Parker Clay. Their HQ is located in California.
Does Parker Clay ship internationally?
Parker Clay does offer international shipping. I’ll get into more detail in the following section.
What is Parker Clay’s Shipping Policy?
Parker Clay offers free US standard shipping for orders over $250. Domestic orders typically take 24 hours to process and 3-5 days to get to you. Expedited options are available at checkout for additional costs. International orders’ shipping cost and arrival time will depend on your location, but could take up to 14 days. Customs fees are included at checkout.
What is Parker Clay’s Return Policy?
Parker Clay has a 30-day return policy, and all orders are eligible for one free exchange. Additionally, refunds are subject to a $5 restocking fee.
Returns must be in new condition to be eligible for refund or exchange. Refunds are made to your original payment method. It’s important to note that international orders are considered final sale. Personalized items are also not eligible for exchange. You can start a return at the company’s returns portal.
How to Contact Parker Clay
I hope you enjoyed reading this Parker Clay review. If you have any questions, you can contact the company’s customer care team using the following methods:
- Phone: 1 (805) 699-5144
- Text: 1 (650) 405-1205
- Email: [email protected]
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