Contributing Member JLSleather Posted April 30 Contributing Member Report Posted April 30 Different feel today. I've been pretty vocal about Tandy, and specifically the one in Des Moines, IA, not being ... lets say up to par Stopped by there yesterday, hadn't been in there for quite a while. Lauren - the new-to-me store manager (she's been there a bit, but I hadn't) very pleasant, very knowledgeable. GOOD to meet people who both KNOW and APPRECIATE leather and the craft. The whole store got a face lift. Now much brighter in there and easier to find what you're needing. They still have "classes", but with this girl I'm confident you could ACTUALLY learn something about working with leather (some of you been around a while know I would not have said that about previous personnel). I didn't do too much browsing what they had on the shelves - more talking with Lauren (did I mention already she was quite pleasant?). If you're in the area - stop in and see what they're doing these days. BIG changes in a good way. 5041 NE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313 Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members TonyV Posted April 30 Members Report Posted April 30 Where chain stores are concerned, individual managers or franchisees can make all the difference in the world. There was once a Tandy not far from me run by a guy that seemed to hate his customers, unless he knew you. He would ignore your presence if he was talking to one of his regulars/friends. Unless you were buying a full side, you weren't worth his time. I watched this happen to several people, it wasn't just me. He only lasted a couple years before going out of business. Glad you found someone you can work with. Enjoy it while it lasts. Retail stores go through employees like water. Quote
Members Charley1 Posted May 2 Members Report Posted May 2 Far too many people in the retail and service industries don't know or understand the 10 to 1 rule. Treat your clients well, make them happy, and they tell 10 people. Treat them badly, make them feel you screwed them over, and they tell 100 people. Quote
kgg Posted May 2 Report Posted May 2 24 minutes ago, Charley1 said: Far too many people in the retail and service industries don't know or understand the 10 to 1 rule. Treat your clients well, make them happy, and they tell 10 people. Treat them badly, make them feel you screwed them over, and they tell 100 people. Totally agree. Like my recent experience with Honda and a Honda Stealership. Base on my experience I will never buy another Honda, period. kgg Quote Juki DNU - 1541S, Juki DU - 1181N, Singer 29K - 71(1949), Chinese Patcher (Tinkers Delight), Warlock TSC-441, Techsew 2750 Pro, Consew DCS-S4 Skiver
CFM chuck123wapati Posted May 3 CFM Report Posted May 3 I buy from Tandy; they have good stuff. I have to order everything, so storefronts don't mean much to me. They are about the same as any imo. Now if I could call them and use that FaceTime thing my kids have on their phone to go through the leather pile......that would make them much better! Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Members Darren8306 Posted May 3 Members Report Posted May 3 Shannon at Buckskin goes through her leather like that. If I was smarter, I would get better leather from her. As it is, I'm usually just asking her what she thinks lol. They are the Herman Oakes distributor I can get at (in Canada) so that's how I found them the second time. First time was in the 80s, when they were in a different location and so was I. I wasn't really doing any leatherwork then, but still liked being in the store, and probably bought a few little things. She offers VERY good remote service. I don't know if that is because of the store, or because of her, but she's so nice, I brought my dog in to meet her when I was in Edmonton last time. Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted May 5 CFM Report Posted May 5 On 5/3/2026 at 9:57 AM, Darren8306 said: I brought my dog in to meet her when I was in Edmonton last time. That's a testament and holding someone in high regard for sure lol. Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
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