Tandy's Wholesale Club: Doing The Math

[abn]

For several years now, I've been a member of Tandy's Wholesale Club at the $35 Gold Level. I've always been curious about the break-even point of this membership -- ie, how much I have to spend at Tandy in order to start saving money.

Yesterday, I renewed my membership and purchased $111.98 worth of merchandise. I did the math, and this stuff would have cost $136.27 at retail. This ended up being an 18% savings (or $24.29). Looking at the individual line items, it seems Tandy offers Gold Members a 20% discount on most hardware, dyes, glues, etc. The savings on leather is somewhat less: the discount appears to hover in the area of 10-15%.

Obviously, the break-even point varies based on the mix of products you purchase. But for anyone considering the Wholesale Club, my math indicates an average 18% savings for Gold Members. So, it appears you have to spend roughly $200 at Tandy before you recoup the $35 membership fee.

[HellfireJack]

Technically you're correct. The math does work out to that. But in reality you're wrong because membership includes more than just a discount.

Not trying to bust your chops but you've forgetten to include the multiple offers you recieve throughout the year. I get about four free stamps a year. You usually get multiple "50% off one item" coupons as well. You also now recieve free "gift cards" for the leathercraft library.

At worst with the 50% coupons a smart shopper can recoup their membership by purchasing goods worth 70 bucks. At best with the free tools and gift cards you don't have to spend a penny to recoup it.

Edited October 26, 2012 by HellfireJack

[Studio-N]

It's also going to be item specific. If you buy 18 craftstamps, you've saved $36 on what otherwise is $180 at retail.

Anything that saves money these days is definately worth a look.

[Curley Fryes]

I'm a gold club member and plus the discount, I get one free stamp a month, plus I goat a free ceramic swivel blade when I signed up. Paid for the cost of the $35 membership the first month.

[Cyberthrasher]

I forgot about the freebies there. Too bad I don't buy anything from Tandy. I wonder if Kevin at Springfield will start offering some of the same perks???

[abn]

Not trying to bust your chops but you've forgetten to include the multiple offers you recieve throughout the year. I get about four free stamps a year. You usually get multiple "50% off one item" coupons as well. You also now recieve free "gift cards" for the leathercraft library.

Excellent point. I overlooked the value of the coupons and the free offers. So as HellfireJack mentions, a wise shopper could push the break-even point much lower than $200.

[Chief31794]

If you get a business licence and provide it Kevin and/or Tandy, then the Gold from Springfield Leather and the Elite from Tandy are at no cost. If you're making and selling leather products then it doesn't cost much in most counties to get a license, in fact my business license is also free because I've a disabled Veteran (Georgia, I don't know about other states). However, to make my point the cost of a business license in most states is cheaper than the elite warehouse club cost and you get both memberships for the cost of a license. By the way, Ohio Travel Bag is easier to do business with if you have a business license.

Chief

[RoosterShooter]

I joined the Elite Club at Tandy when I placed my first order for leatherworking supplies. I did the math. Without the Elite Club status I would have paid $450+ dollars. With the Elite Club status ... I got everything I wanted PLUS the cost of the membership at $150 for around $380. For me it was self explanatory.

Edited October 27, 2012 by RoosterShooter

[steadybrook]

Sounds great, but most of Tandy products are made off shore, and the quality is really bad.

[abn]

Sounds great, but most of Tandy products are made off shore, and the quality is really bad.

I think the quality of the veg-tan leather and the Craftool stamps could be better, but if you visit a store in-person (and can hand-select your items), you're likely to find what you need at a decent price. Tandy's hardware (from screws to belt buckles) is top-notch, and the Eco-Flo line of dyes, glues, and finishes are preferred by many of us over the older, more toxic formulations.

Edited November 1, 2012 by abn