FAQs & Customer Care

Answers to common questions about Gabee: delivery, returns, payment, personalisation, leather and its natural qualities, RFID protection and luggage. Gabee has been designing leather bags in Melbourne since 1949. Can't find what you need? Email sales@gabee.com.au or call (03) 9543 2622.

About Gabee · Orders & Delivery · Returns & Exchanges · Payment · Personalisation & Monogramming · Leather: Natural Qualities & Care · RFID Protection · Luggage · Contact Us

About Gabee

Who is Gabee?

Gabee is an Australian family-owned leather goods company, established in Melbourne in 1949. We design leather handbags, wallets, travel bags and luggage under two brands: Gabee and Cobb & Co.

Who founded Gabee?

Heinz Arnheim founded Gabee in 1949 in a workshop on Little Collins Street, Melbourne, and named the company after his wife, Gabrielle. Today Gabee is run by the third generation of the Arnheim family.

What is the Arnheim family's history?

On both sides of the Arnheim family, generations were expert tailors, and for hundreds of years the family ran a mill in Berlin, Germany, producing premium, high-grade fabrics woven from wool imported from Australia. That connection to Australian wool brought the family from Germany to Melbourne in the 1940s, where Heinz Arnheim founded Gabee in 1949. It's nearly 80 years of expertise in fine materials and leather. Read our story.

Where are Gabee bags designed?

Every Gabee and Cobb & Co piece is designed by our team in Melbourne.

What leather do you use?

We use genuine cow leather in a range of finishes, including soft natural grain, full grain, croc-embossed, metallic, patent and suede. We source Leather Working Group (LWG) accredited leathers, and use recycled nylon and materials where possible. Each product page lists the exact material.

Is Gabee a sustainable brand?

We design for longevity rather than fast fashion. We use LWG-accredited leathers and recycled materials where possible, and our Melbourne head office runs on a 40 kW solar system. Read more on our Sustainability page.

Where can I buy Gabee in person?

Visit our factory outlet at 228 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill VIC 3168 (Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm), or find a stockist near you on our Store Locator.

Orders & Delivery

How much is shipping?

Australia: standard shipping is free on orders of $100 or more, or $9.95 under $100 (3–7 business days). Express shipping is $12.95 (1–3 business days).
New Zealand: $29.95 (4–10 business days).
Rest of world: $29.95 for parcels under 7 kg (1–3 weeks). For international luggage orders, please contact us for a rate. See our Delivery page for details.

When will my order ship?

We dispatch orders Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. You'll receive an email with your tracking number as soon as your parcel leaves our Melbourne warehouse. Delivery can take a little longer during sale periods and the Christmas peak.

Can I ship to a PO Box?

We recommend an address where someone can receive the parcel during business hours, such as your home or workplace. PO Box addresses are not recommended.

Can I change or cancel my order?

Email sales@gabee.com.au or call (03) 9543 2622 within 30 minutes of ordering with your order number, and we'll do our best to help. Personalised orders can't be changed once placed.

Returns & Exchanges

What is your returns policy?

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for items that are unused, in their original condition and in their original packaging. Sale items are final sale. Read the full Returns Policy.

How do I return an item?

Email sales@gabee.com.au with your order number and the reason for the return, and we'll reply with return instructions and the return address. Return postage is at your cost; for items over $75 we recommend a tracked service.

How long do refunds take?

Once your return arrives and is inspected, we'll email you. Approved refunds go back to your original payment method within 5–10 business days.

What if my item is faulty?

Contact us at sales@gabee.com.au with your order number and photos. We replace items that arrive defective or damaged.

Payment

How can I pay?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Shop Pay, Afterpay and Gabee gift vouchers.

Can I pay with Afterpay?

Yes. Select Afterpay at checkout to pay in four fortnightly instalments. How Afterpay works.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. Our store runs on Shopify's secure, PCI-DSS compliant checkout and all payment details are encrypted.

Personalisation & Monogramming

What is a monogram?

A monogram is your initials debossed into the leather. We apply them in the exact letter order you enter in the monogram previewer (for example first, middle, last).

How much does personalisation cost?

Debossing is $5 per letter.

What styles of monogram do you offer?

We offer gold foil and silver foil debossing. Debossing presses your initials into the leather, creating an impression that ages beautifully. It is different from embossing, which raises the design above the surface.

What font and size do you use?

A classic serif font at 36 pt, the same as shown on our product images.

How many letters can I have?

Usually up to 5 characters per item. Our team sets the maximum for each style based on what fits.

Can I choose where the monogram goes?

Each product has a pre-selected position. Some styles offer alternate positions to choose from.

How long does a personalised order take?

Allow an extra 1–2 business days before dispatch.

Can I change my personalisation after ordering?

We personalise orders as they are placed, so we can't make changes once an order is finalised. Please check your initials before you check out.

My monogram is wearing off. What can I do?

Email sales@gabee.com.au with your order number and a photo, and we'll arrange a free re-deboss.

Do you offer corporate or logo debossing?

Yes. Our corporate team handles custom monogramming and logo debossing, with minimums of 5–30 pieces depending on the product. Enquire here.

Leather: Natural Qualities & Care

Why does every leather bag look slightly different?

Leather is a natural material, and no two hides are the same. Natural markings such as small scars, veins, wrinkles, pores and slight differences in grain and colour are signs of genuine leather, not faults. They make each bag unique.

Why doesn't my bag look exactly like the photo?

Each hide absorbs dye a little differently, so shades can vary slightly between bags and production batches. Screens also display colour differently. If you're unsure about a colour, email us and we can describe it or send another photo.

Will my leather bag change over time?

Yes, and that's part of its charm. Natural leather softens with use and develops a patina, a gentle darkening and sheen, especially on handles and edges where it's handled most. Tan and natural shades show this the most.

Does new leather have a smell?

Genuine leather has a natural scent from the tanning process. It fades over time. Airing the bag out of its packaging, away from direct sun, helps.

Is leather waterproof?

No. Leather is water-resistant to a light shower but not waterproof. If your bag gets wet, blot it with a soft dry cloth and let it air-dry naturally away from heaters and direct sun. Don't use a hairdryer. A leather protector spray (not for metallic or patent leather) adds extra resistance.

My bag has a light scratch. Can I fix it?

On smooth natural leather, light surface scratches can often be softened by rubbing gently with a clean fingertip or a little leather conditioner on a soft cloth. Always test on a hidden spot first. Croc-embossed and textured leathers hide everyday scuffs well. For deeper marks, see a leather-care specialist.

Can colour rub off onto or from my bag?

Dark denim and some fabrics can transfer dye onto light-coloured leather, and richly dyed leather can occasionally mark pale clothing when new or wet. Take extra care with light shades and keep your bag dry.

What is the difference between full-grain, natural-grain and croc-embossed leather?

Full-grain leather keeps the hide's complete outer surface, so it's the strongest and ages with the most character. Natural-grain (top-grain) leather is lightly finished for a smoother, even look. Croc-embossed leather is cow leather pressed with a crocodile texture. It is not crocodile skin. Each product page lists the exact leather.

Where does Gabee's leather come from?

We source our leathers from quality tanneries around the world, including in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, India and Africa, and use Leather Working Group (LWG) accredited leathers. Some styles, such as our Toorak tote, use vegetable-tanned leather. Read more on our Sustainability page.

How do I care for my leather bag or wallet?

Keep it away from water, grease, perfume, make-up, hand cream and long periods of direct sunlight. Store it in the dust bag provided, somewhere with air flow, and never in a plastic bag (leather needs to breathe). Stuff it lightly with tissue to hold its shape, and don't overfill it, as leather stretches over time.

Should I condition my leather?

Condition smooth leather every few months with a quality leather cream on a soft cloth, in small circles. Always test on a hidden spot first. Don't use conditioner on suede, nubuck, metallic or patent leather.

Why are my wallet card slots stretching?

Each card slot is designed to hold one card. Storing two or more cards in one slot stretches the leather and cards may then fall out.

How do I care for light-coloured leather?

Light leather marks more easily. Watch for dye transfer from dark clothing, tuck light-coloured straps inside the bag when stored, and wipe any spill straight away with a soft damp cloth. For oil marks, apply talcum powder or see a leather-care specialist.

How do I care for croc-embossed leather?

Our croc leather starts firm and softens over time. Wipe marks with a slightly damp cloth and store it in its dust bag in a cool, dry place.

How do I care for metallic and patent leather?

Wipe with a soft dry cloth to remove fingerprints and marks. These leathers have a protective finish, so don't use water-proofing sprays or conditioners on them. Store them so the surface doesn't rub against other bags.

How do I care for suede?

Avoid sunlight, water and cleaning products. Pat marks dry with a clean cloth or suede eraser. For wet or oily marks, apply talcum powder, leave overnight, then brush gently with a suede brush. Suede fibres can rub off onto clothing, and dark denim can transfer onto light suede.

How do I care for canvas?

Our canvas is 100% natural untreated cotton. Brush off dust, wipe spills straight away and spot clean gently with lukewarm water and a cotton cloth.

How do I clean the lining?

Empty the bag, turn the lining out, wipe it with a damp cloth and let it air-dry away from heat and sunlight.

RFID Protection

What is RFID?

RFID (radio-frequency identification) is the wireless chip technology in contactless bank cards, passports and some ID and transport cards. It lets a reader pick up information from a short distance without touching the card.

What does RFID blocking do?

RFID-blocking wallets and bags have a shielding layer built into the lining. It helps stop the chips in cards and passports stored inside being read wirelessly without your knowledge, a practice known as skimming.

Which Gabee products have RFID protection?

Look for "RFID" in the product name. We have more than 190 RFID-protected styles, including wallets, card holders, passport wallets, satchels and business bags, mostly from Cobb & Co. Shop RFID wallets and RFID-safe bags.

Which bags have RFID protection?

Our Cobb & Co LT range of RFID-safe leather bags suits men and women: the Notting, Kooyong and Richmond satchels (JR from $169, Large $219) and the Windsor business satchel ($249). For women, the Mimi smartphone RFID wallet crossbody ($139) carries your phone and cards in one, and the Cremorne business bag ($99) adds a padded laptop pocket. Shop all RFID-safe bags.

What are the benefits of an RFID-safe bag?

Your cards and passport are protected without needing a separate RFID wallet, so one bag keeps everything secure when you commute or travel. The protection is built into the lining, so it's invisible from the outside. Our LT satchels also have flap-over closures and secure zip pockets, and the Notting has an expandable gusset for extra room on trips.

Can I still tap and pay with an RFID wallet?

Usually you'll need to take the card out of the RFID-protected section to tap it, because the shielding is designed to block wireless reading. Some people keep one everyday card in an outer slot for convenience.

Does the whole bag block RFID?

In bags, protection is usually in a dedicated RFID pocket or compartment, so keep cards and passports in that pocket. The product page says where the RFID section is.

Does RFID blocking protect my phone?

No. RFID blocking is designed for contactless cards and passports, not phones, which use other wireless signals.

Does RFID blocking need batteries or wear out?

No batteries are needed. The shielding is a material layer inside the lining and works passively, so look after it as you would the rest of the wallet.

Do I really need RFID protection?

Contactless skimming is uncommon, but RFID protection is an easy, low-cost way to add peace of mind, especially when travelling with your passport and cards.

Luggage

What luggage sizes do you sell?

Our Cobb & Co hardside luggage comes in three main sizes. For example, the Canberra range: small 20" (56 × 40 × 25 cm, about 2.95 kg, 56 L), medium 25" (68 × 44 × 28 cm, about 3.9 kg, 84 L) and large 29" (78 × 50 × 32 cm, about 5 kg, 124 L). Exact sizes and weights are on each product page. Shop carry-on, medium, large and luggage sets.

Will a 20-inch case fit as cabin baggage?

Our 20" cases are our smallest on-board size, but every airline sets its own cabin size and weight limits, and budget airlines are often stricter. Check your airline's rules and compare them with the case dimensions, including wheels and handles, before you fly.

Hardside or softside luggage: which is better?

Our hardside cases use virgin polycarbonate, which is lightweight, scratch-resistant and flexes to absorb knocks, so it protects fragile items well. Softside luggage is lighter to squeeze into tight spaces and often has handy outer pockets. Choose hardside for protection and softside for flexibility.

What are spinner wheels?

Spinner cases have four 360° wheels, so you can push or pull them upright in any direction with almost no weight on your arm, which is ideal in busy airports.

What does "expandable" mean?

Expandable cases, such as our Canberra and Sydney ranges, have a zip or frame that adds extra packing space for the trip home. Expanding adds to the size, so a cabin case may exceed airline limits when expanded.

Do your luggage sets nest inside each other?

Some sets, such as the Sydney 3-piece set, nest inside each other to save space at home. Check the product page for each set.

What is a TSA lock?

A TSA-approved lock lets US airport security open and re-lock your case with a master key, instead of cutting the lock. You need one when flying to or through the USA. Our hardside cases have an integrated 3-digit TSA combination lock; product pages confirm each one.

My TSA lock didn't come with a key. Is that right?

Yes. The keyhole on a TSA lock is for security staff only. You open it with your own combination.

How do I set or reset my TSA combination?

Our TSA locks are factory-set to 000. To set your own code, open the lock at 000, press and hold the reset button, turn the dials to your new code, then release the button. Test it before you close the case. Follow our step-by-step TSA lock guide.

I forgot my lock combination. What can I do?

Try every combination from 000 to 999, moving the right-hand dial first. It takes about 15 minutes and saves breaking the lock. Then reset it to a code you'll remember, using our TSA lock guide.

How do I clean my luggage?

Hardside cases: gentle soap and warm water, then rinse and dry. Softside cases: spot clean with mild soap and water, or a foam upholstery cleaner. Store luggage somewhere dry and airy, never in a plastic bag, to prevent mildew.

Can I ship luggage overseas?

We ship luggage within Australia at our standard rates. For international luggage orders, please contact us for a delivery quote.

Contact Us

How do I contact Gabee?

Email sales@gabee.com.au or call (03) 9543 2622. You can also use our contact form.

How do I become a stockist?

We supply boutiques and department stores across Australia and New Zealand. Call (03) 9543 2622 or contact us to discuss wholesale.