K-Man Report post Posted March 26, 2007 Just a little history - I've been buying various supplies, leather, exotic skins, etc., from the folks at Springfield Leather for a couple of years now. During that time, I've talked with quite a few of their staffers, but mostly talk with/deal with Hanna and Kevin (the owner). Oftentimes during these conversations we talk about a myriad of stuff, and so you get to know the folks a bit. Fast forward to today - I recently had some pretty serious health issues arise which put me in the hospital and the shop was closed down for nearly a week. I'm still recuperating and slowly getting back up to speed. I recently called and talked with Hanna and placed an order. She learned of the recent health issues and wished me a speedy recovery. I received the order today, and included in with the supplies was a get well card signed by all of the folks at Springfield Leather. I was a bit choked up, to say the least. I mean, how many companies do you do business with that would go beyond the professional courtesy normally extended and do something a bit more personal? This was a first for me. It certainly makes me appreciate the folks we interact with in the leathercraft industry. I just wanted to publicly express a heartfelt thanks to all the folks at Springfield Leather for their kind gesture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BruceGibson Report post Posted March 28, 2007 That's beyond cool. I've never dealt with Springfield, but I'll certainly give them a try now. Glad you're back, Kevin! Hope all is well and back on track. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolvenstien Report post Posted March 28, 2007 Glad to hear you are doing better.... And yes, this is very rare for a business to take it to the next level and be personalble. Very cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted March 28, 2007 K-Man, Your experience at Springfield Leather was deja vu to me. One other suppler to add to the list - Siegel's of California. A few years ago, I had placed a large order (large for me) with Siegels at the end of December for shipment after the first of the year. My wife took an unexpected turn for the worse and died in the meantime. I called Siegels and told them to hold the shipment, since I would not be in the shop for a few weeks. My rep at the time sent one of the nicest floral arrangements we got. I got a sympathy card signed by everyone from Steve Siegel, to the office staff, to order pullers and shippers. The topper was two days later the leather showed up with instructions to pay when I used it up. They are good folks to deal with too. Speedy recovery to you, mi amigo. Bruce Johnson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolvenstien Report post Posted March 29, 2007 These two stories makes you think... We have a sort or family here on this board and on others out there too... and to see that family togetherness stretch all the way to a supplier... two suppliers at that.... really gives a cinical old bastard like me hope that maybe there might be a few more businesses out there that opperate with heart.... not just for the dollar. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leather Monkey Report post Posted April 15, 2011 I will definitely be spending my money at one of these two places, now. I was debating ordering from Tandy because of proximity and quick shipping, but I had a bad experience from the Vancouver manager and wasn't really impressed. This has made up my mind... I hope there aren't too many dutie fees coming to Canada! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Denise Report post Posted April 15, 2011 Leather Monkey, I have heard nothing but good about Springfields, but if you do order from the US, make sure they send it by mail. Anything that goes by courier gets you a whopping brokerage charge to receive it. A lot of US companies know this, but not all. I don't know about Springfields. If you wanted to try a Canadian supplier, try Caledon Sales in Calgary. Ken is the guy to talk to and if he doesn't have something, he can either get it for you or tell you where to get it from. http://www.caledonleather.ca/ I don't know how much they do over the internet. Phoning is best I think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve hansl Report post Posted April 16, 2011 I like dealing with Ken as well,Igot a couple of nice HO sides from him,also the Calgary Tandy people seem alright as well.I have received good quick service from both places. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leather Monkey Report post Posted April 16, 2011 I thank you both for the suggestion, I think I'll go Canadian as much as possible, you never know what the brokerage will be ordering down south and it always leaves you a little disappointed having another huge bill when you receive your things! Have you found any other Canadian suppliers? I live in a very rural town so most will be mail order, although I do get to Edmonton semi-regularly. Thank you both again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
