Tandy's Wholesale Club: Doing The Math

[hollisyoung]

I have the elite and with my purchase of a side and some hardware i needed today at the cost of $370 I only paid $260. That's a savings of $100+ on one visit! I have been an elite member since January of last year and I would estimate that it has saved me well over $1000+ over the last year. I would strongly reccommend this elite membership to those going through a side a month or chap makers in particular. My first purchase with my elite membership last year saved me more than the cost of the elite membership ($150) so how could I turn that down. This plan might not be the best for hobby crafters but for my business that centers around chaps, tack, and holsters saves a lot with this program.

[KS Orozco]

I'm not a fan of Tandy tools (don't be naive, some of the tools you buy elsewhere came from Tandy), but I get wholesale pricing just for having a registered business in Iowa (no membership fee). I buy quite a bit of leather there, but only if I can get there to pick it out myself. There Royal Meadow 3/4 oz is nearly flawless in a 22-25 foot side, carves well, and dyes just as nicely. It's a bit more 'blonde' than the 'russet' color you get lots of places, but I LIKE the pale color (lets me get more color combinations).

Dyes, finishes, adhesives, and most linings I get from S-T Leather out of St Louis.

I second these statements. I don't really like Tandy products at all, but with a few exceptions. They've disappointed me too many times. Anyway, with a seller's permit you don't pay taxes upfront for your materials (with the understanding that you will collect taxes from your customers when selling your finished goods) and many suppliers offer wholesale or reduced pricing.

Registering for a seller's permit here in California took no longer than 10 minutes and I was able to print the official permit out at home in the same sitting. I brought this to Tandy and I now get pricing at or lower than Elite pricing, with no annual membership fee. If you don't have or want to bother getting a permit for yourself, you can use a business owning friend or family member's permit. Just present the document at the counter.

Edited December 27, 2012 by KS Orozco

[Wishful]

Question for KSO. Dont you have to now file quarterly tax returns as a reseller? I am in Cali and figured reseller has other fees and consiquences. Eagerly awaiting someone who knows more than i.

[almac]

ive been a gold member for around 3 years and have bought many tools and supplies from tandy.

its easy to spend $200+ a year, because leatherworking isn't cheap. so 18-20% savings is worth it.

hell, buying a double shoulder is around $100.

i've never had any issues with their item quality, but i have had issues with their customer service in the past.

in the past they have sent the wrong items, or missed items on my order.

for me, being a tandy gold member is a no brainer, and i will continue being one.