Maverick Leather Company

[Chief31794]

I go to Tandy in DFW, Jacksonville, and Atlanta on a fairly frequent basis, I used them for years, but I will not buy any leather from them until they start using a quality tannery. I'm a little astounded that the quality of the leather I see at Tandy could even be compared to Hermann Oak, and I buy HO for about what Tandy wants for the stuff they have. Additionally, I run a small shop and don't always need a complete side or shoulder, I can buy HO from SLC in 2 Sq Ft increments. I buy 4/5 oz and 5/6 oz as complete sides but when I need a different weight leather I buy just what I need of a very high quality leather. I also have a busniess license and a tax ID, so I pay wholesale at both places and no taxes. I am a big fan of Tandy, because a lot of people wouldn't be in leather working without them, but I just can't or won't use their leather.

Just my opinion,

Chief

[DFWLeather]

Great comments. I, too, have noticed the quality of Tandy's leather coming down. I find it harder to secure nice hides for reasonable prices.

Now let's consider the environment; since 2008's liquidity crisis and market turbulence, their sales have struggled because their customers have less disposable income. They are carrying more lower quality {priced} hides, and fewer high quality hides. This is where the small shops that carry great hides providing more high end options for the picky hide buyer can make hay. I would rather have two awesome hides than five thin upholstery looking hides.

I can buy overseas, but I don't need 25 hides mininum order per color or style. So, I am pressed into Tandy, or wherever I can find them. That said, if you can go to Market as a buyer, go "AFTER" and buy the samples, one or two hides is easy to get, no problem for incredible prices.

Another issue I have with Tandy, you really don't get wholesale pricing--you get "elite". And that price isn't that great. So it's frustrating. I need to go to Spain, and when I do, I will find a leather supplier that will sell me a few here or there. Spanish leather is incredible, as is Italian.

Another thing, I remember when Tandy's best leather was $6 sqft, not it's up to $10 sqft. Let me just tell you, that is obscene. Even with my supposed discount, It's still $7-8 a sqft. And you better make sure you get your discount, they are pretty good at forgetting about it.

[ramrod]

i have used tandy exclusively because they're only about 10 minutes from me. i haven't joined the "club" so far this year, but i hope to asap, but money is short at this time. maybe i don't know any better, but i'm reasonably satisfied with their quality.....except for their awls.

one thing i can say about them....i most usually end up spending more than i expected when i go there. i don't like the fact that many prices on leather aren't posted. i feel like i'm being taken every time the cash register rings.