Tandy Leather Factory.. Has Anyone Noticed That They're Faking Their Loyalty Anymore?

[Tonners]

As a guest, I have watched this thread with interest. I stamped leather at home for fun a while during high school. Recently, I have been working on getting back into it and have actual projects.

I have the most basic equipment, and just purchased some things from Springfield.. Thankyou guys so much for talking about SLC, by the way!! I have been really nervous about buying from suppliers and not knowing for sure if they were genuine or reccommended. I saw the list of suppliers- are they mostly just leather suppliers? I am really disappointed in Tandy.. I don't remember them being so expensive sixish years ago. Unfortunately, I live in a very rural area and we cannot really travel much. I would really appreciate it if you guys could tell me about other good tool/supply selling online stores? I'm only able to buy the minimum right now, with us fixing up our new-old house and all. I'm wanting to get enough though, that I can sell some things so the hobby pays for itself, and I get to enjoy doing it too. )

[Studio-N]

I just ordered 3 quarts of ClearLac from SLC. While Tandy is busy being green and not carrying NeatLac anymore, SLC knows enough to

carry what we actually want versus trying to shove that eco-foo-foo stuff down our throats. Thanks guys!

[LBennett]

Tonners, I'm another one that is in a rural area, have to have everything sent to me through the mail. I'm thankful for this site as it allowed me to find SLC and I order through them, I also am checking out other suppliers, and like the look of Double K as they have some nice patterns and other supplies also ( they bought Hide Crafter i think?) and I also like to go check Sheridan Leather on a regular basis. I'd like to order through Weaver but don't have a biz number so not up to buying whoesale yet. That and i need to get myself a space that i can dedicate to leatherwork~

Tandy I check regularly, as sometimes they have a sale i'll take advantage of, like the Stolhman books vol 1 and 2 in e book form for 30$... otherwise I avoid them..... though I may shop in at their store that is about 3 hrs from me the next time i'm in that city..

[almac]

I used to really like tandy but lately, with their price changes I have lost faith in them. hell, they don't even give free tools to their gold members anymore. I have had some pretty bad shipping problems with them in the past. i will NOT be renewing my gold membership again, as I am not really interested in their pattern library... for the price of their membership, I think I will be shopping elsewhere in the future.

[Tonners]

LBennett, I'm off to look into those three right now!! I've found a few websites online myself that seem to sell toolwork and such, but they never seem to have the description very detailed, like the brand of tool or what its made from. I'm pretty sensitive about the way a website looks, too.. Some I'm just too nervous to even give a try. I'm lucky I can get my practicing scraps free!!

[Cyberthrasher]

Most of the stuff Springfield has will serve you well. The have stuff for all levels and some Tandy items too, so if you're not sure, just ask them and they'll get you sorted out. Another good spot for tools is Barry King, as well as Sheridan Leather Outfitters. Most of my frequently used tools are Barry King bevelers and swivel knife - aside from my Leatherwrangler's knife and Bearman Maul, but those are custom and pretty pricey.

[Rayban]

Tandy is for most of us "the introduction to leather working". It is for the casual crafter, not trying to make money, just making things for themselves, friends and family. As your skills increase you realize their limits as well as your own about some of their practices. I only use them when it benefits my needs, whether it is an item/material they put on sale I can make money with or I did not plan well and need an emergency package of rivets or fasteners to complete an order.

One thing that you may consider is to go online and apply for a EIN number as a business. There is no cost for it and you can print it within minutes, take it to tandy so they have it on record and BINGO, you have a discount! You will need to collect tax on items you sell and send it in but this will get you wholesale prices at tandy.

As "Tree" has mentioned, MOVE ON! there are so many other suppliers that do a better job then Tandy! Use them, get to know them. Use the search function here on the forum for special issues you come across, many of us have already had whatever trouble you may run in to and the answer might be here! Or just ask in a post if you cannot find it yourself.

I agree totally with this....with the internet these days, if you feel you're getting ripped off by Tandy, it's your fault, not theirs.

[Old Noober]

I just started buying from Springfield and I can't seem to find the post, but someone mentioned that Springfield honored Tandy's Gold Membership, and SURE ENOUGH THEY DID!!! . That saved me even more money that I don't really have. I started looking for a new place to shop, only because I was getting gouged, not the fault of Tandy, by Shipping costs and Tax. I live in NYC and Tandy's store is way the F out there for me, about a 6 hr drive, so I can't just pop in there and have to suffer both tax and shipping costs.

Springfield is such a great company to deal with, their shipping costs seem cheaper as well for some odd reason, I bought a side skirt and a bunch of tools, vs Tandy where shipping was a few bucks more for almost the same stuff i put in my cart. Over all my experience with Springfield has been amazing, cheaper prices, friendly people, saved even more money using my Tandy Gold membership. I love that company, gonna get more stuff from them, though I'll still shop at Tandy when they have stuff on sale, like .39 cent buckles, even with tax and shipping some prices couldn't be beat.

[sheathmaker]

I've been at this leather thing quite a while, and as such I've done business with Tandy, and then Leather Factory , and the Tandy/Leather Factory. I have been on their lowest pricing level for many years. Today I had the rare occasion to visit their store in San Antonio, Tx. and was amazed at the prices they have come up with. Even at my advantageous level the prices are pretty close to ridiculous. $27.00 for a quart of Feibings Pro Oil Dye, $24.00 for a dozen Black Sam Browne Studs, and $1.80 for ten wool daubers. $52.80 total. Not so very long ago that same small selection would have cost $13.00, $6.00 and $.80 total $19.80.

I realize that EVERYTHING is overpriced now, but this much of an increase just seems a little excessive and does cause me to agree more with the original poster of this thread.

Paul

[BrianDamage]

I'm not sure if this is true at all locations, but I was told by staff at the local Tandy that they would provide Elite-level pricing if you could provide a resale certificate - without having to pay the $150 annual fee. Couldn't find any confirmation online, but it may be something to look into.