Anyone else getting sick and tired of paying premium prices and being sent scuffed up lower grade hides?

[SpruceMoose]

Just a rant. I've been searching for a new supplier and have tried a few recently, that are official distributors of H&O and W&C. Tired of receiving 600.00 sides of tooling leather that is scuffed, excessively marked, rough backs etc. I just want to PAY for QUALITY. They may tool nice, but huge scuffs across the whole thing shows on dyed leather. I might as well go back to gambling with tandy's sides. 

Anyone buy direct from W&C or H&O  from Canada and have better luck. I wish I could pick leather out myself, but no stores near me. Maybe my expectations are too high.

Edit: (side note: I am not talking about natural markings, some are certainly expected, fat marks, bites, brand. I am talking about the hide being marred from handling)

Or am i just having a year long streak of bad luck.

 

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by SpruceMoose

[kgg]

2 hours ago, SpruceMoose said:

I wish I could pick leather out myself, but no stores near me.

Depending on how many hides you buy it maybe worth while to make a road trip to Montreal and pick your hides.

kgg

[Bert03241]

also theres a leather outlet in Maine might no be to far for you to go take a loook see.

[SpruceMoose]

3 hours ago, kgg said:

Depending on how many hides you buy it maybe worth while to make a road trip to Montreal and pick your hides.

kgg

That's quit a drive from here, even Halifax (tandy). As business picks up I might have to just order tannery direct, but the minimums can be restricting.

[Burkhardt]

7 hours ago, SpruceMoose said:

That's quit a drive from here, even Halifax (tandy). As business picks up I might have to just order tannery direct, but the minimums can be restricting.

Do the online stores you're going through have different grades to choose from, like A, A/B, branded, craftsman or economy for H.O.?

[SpruceMoose]

9 hours ago, Burkhardt said:

Do the online stores you're going through have different grades to choose from, like A, A/B, branded, craftsman or economy for H.O.?

Yes, the whole range of grades, I even talked to the owner. I always state i am looking for the best grade.  I swear i was sent a 'utility' side for a high price. I'm just surprised by the quality a bunch of good reputation businesses are sending out, especially after talking to them(sometimes the owner) saying i am looking for high quality, been having bad luck with other suppliers and am looking for a new supplier. I am not a very big business, but 5-10 sides a year of tooling leather, soon to be more. If I had the room I'd buy the tannery minimum flat of 10.

Edited November 8, 2023 by SpruceMoose

[Simplejack1985]

W&C will sell you directly. Just cut the middle men out of the equation. Honestly I'm about done with HO. Everyone that sends me A sides are B grade

[SpruceMoose]

11 hours ago, Simplejack1985 said:

W&C will sell you directly. Just cut the middle men out of the equation. Honestly I'm about done with HO. Everyone that sends me A sides are B grade

I've actually just contacted them, i didn't realize they don't have a minimum order. The only thing that will suck is customs, duties and brokerage fees, making an already 500 dollar hide become more like 6-8. Buckle g at least, uh, omits some stuff and i barely get dinged.

[billybopp]

On 11/9/2023 at 8:54 AM, SpruceMoose said:

I've actually just contacted them, i didn't realize they don't have a minimum order. The only thing that will suck is customs, duties and brokerage fees, making an already 500 dollar hide become more like 6-8. Buckle g at least, uh, omits some stuff and i barely get dinged.

You might check this page on W&C website ... They have distributors in CA, which might bypass some of the additional charges.  https://wickett-craig.com/distributors/

- Bill

[SpruceMoose]

6 hours ago, billybopp said:

You might check this page on W&C website ... They have distributors in CA, which might bypass some of the additional charges.  https://wickett-craig.com/distributors/

- Bill

I've boughten from official distributors of w&c and HO and have had bad luck. I might just go direct and eat the customs and duty fees