Reality Check, Please. Tandy Leather Price Doubled.

[electrathon]

Last time I visited the local Tandy store, they had just received over two hundred of the European Double shoulders. Our local Tandy store sells them at $80 each or $200 for three. I always get three. These were very nice, and I was able to find three exceptional ones over 15sf each. We have a new manager, and she does her very best to help you out. I registered my tax number at Tandy, and I get the best prices. At some point I may try to order from Springfield or somewhere else, but as long as the local Tandy manager can provide the quality I like, I will save the money it will cost for shipping. Personally, I like to look at what I am buying when it comes to leather.

That was at the old price. Look here for the new doubled price: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/9038-472.aspx

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Chief, like you I am a disabled vet, and have been getting the elite pricing for years, however; I too have been unhappy with the trend Tandy is on and has been for the last 5 years or so. Bottom line, well... that is the bottom line. I have seen this trend of cutting cost, and cutting of the quality down to just what it takes to get it out the door, in many industries, guess that's what they teach in business college these days. Prime example is the lowering of the standards on DV testing of automotive systems and components so that they will just barely meet the warrantee period, (current recalls for GM and Ford as an example). This practice is going on in a lot of the industries, not just automotive. It is a mind set, Like you, I think Tandy is infected with it, and the goal is to make as much as you can fast and get out while the getting is good!

I could list a lot of specific examples that I know of, but; I have been trying to just relax and enjoy retirement and making saddles. If I get started, I won't be able to stop. Suffice it to say, I just sit back and watch it happen with disgust. Guess I've turned into one of those grumpy old cusses JW talked about Tall in the Saddle.

Bob

[Chief31794]

Chief, like you I am a disabled vet, and have been getting the elite pricing for years, however; I too have been unhappy with the trend Tandy is on and has been for the last 5 years or so. Bottom line, well... that is the bottom line. I have seen this trend of cutting cost, and cutting of the quality down to just what it takes to get it out the door, in many industries, guess that's what they teach in business college these days. Prime example is the lowering of the standards on DV testing of automotive systems and components so that they will just barely meet the warrantee period, (current recalls for GM and Ford as an example). This practice is going on in a lot of the industries, not just automotive. It is a mind set, Like you, I think Tandy is infected with it, and the goal is to make as much as you can fast and get out while the getting is good!

I could list a lot of specific examples that I know of, but; I have been trying to just relax and enjoy retirement and making saddles. If I get started, I won't be able to stop. Suffice it to say, I just sit back and watch it happen with disgust. Guess I've turned into one of those grumpy old cusses JW talked about Tall in the Saddle.

Bob

Bob,

First, thanks for your service. Totally agree, although I have a business license and do this pretty much full time, I don't depend on it, it is "fun" money and keeps me busy. I just get frustrated with corporations that forget how they got where they are.

Thanks,

Chief

[HippieLee]

I kinda feel bad about all this but I know you guys are right. I still like my local Tandy store but that's 99% because of the two part-timers there that teach all the classes. I've learned a lot from those two guys and they are not afraid to tell me "Don't buy that here..." from tools to supplies they will let me know if it can be had better and/or cheaper elsewhere. I have love in my heart for them for helping me get started in leather craft but on the other hand I'm not trying to get ripped off.

I was there for a pictorial carving class yesterday and am loving the class and new techniques but I had a look around at the leather and saw a lot of uuuuuugly pieces. More holes and scratches than smooth leather....

I watch videos online by guys like Nigel and Ian and even considering the poor quality of youtube video you can see the leather they have is something I've sure never worked with...I'd probably lose my mind if I got hold of some Horween...

Of course, they do still have some decent stuff - I got a really nice piece of turquoise pig suede (4~5 square feet) for 10 bucks. I'm gonna use it for liner on a peacock-themed cell phone case I'm making for my wife

[Ed in Tx]

There was an excellent example of how Tandy has lost touch with any reality in their last add I received in the mail. They have a new item which they seem to be very proud of, it was a paper poster of

"Cattle of the World" and their asking price was $39.99. The description stated that there was a brief description of the country of origin for each of the different breeds. I thought there must be some sort of printing error when I saw the almost $40 price tag.. I would say that this single item is a clear indication that someone in Tandy upper management is absolutely insane!!!

Seriously now, do they actually think anyone in their right mind is going to pay $40 for a poster?? It is very obvious that Tandy has no interest in serving real leather craftsmen, they are only looking to sell to beginners and people that are not aware of other choice for their leather needs.

[HippieLee]

If that wasn't so sad it would be hilarious! On a side note, is the Grapevine Opry still going? I miss Texas.

[Michael Guest]

In addition to the price hike, I also have issue with the switch away from square-foot pricing to flat rate for all pieces. I don't buy a lot of leather at a time, because I simply can't afford to, so I am always trying to balance price, quality, and quantity (fortunately, for a lot of what I do, I like having imperfections in my leather).

The only reason I go back is due to convenience of location. But I avoid them as much as possible now, which is a shame because I have them to thank for getting me so far along when I first started out.

[cgleathercraft]

The only reason I order from Tandy, which is rare anymore, is because I know I can get my order fast. An order placed on Sunday night will show up at my door on Tuesday. Consistently. An order I placed (July 8th) at another location roughly the same distance away from me has yet to arrive. All the notification I have received is that it has been processed. To me it has become the price of getting decent prices and shipping (lowest at both places).

I'm just a hobbyist at this point but if I ever want to do any craft shows or rely on some of the income I can't, and don't want to, pay for a lesser quality Tandy product at the same price of a high quality product. At the same time I won't always be able to afford to wait a week + for my order to show up.

Honest truth, my hobby has become a huge drain on my income. I have taken to ordering 1 or 2 items a month just to do a project. It gets better as I go along knowing that tools are a (mostly) one time purchase. I have cut back ordering significantly, but not entirely because of prices.

/gripe

[FlHobbyist]

There was an excellent example of how Tandy has lost touch with any reality in their last add I received in the mail. They have a new item which they seem to be very proud of, it was a paper poster of

"Cattle of the World" and their asking price was $39.99. The description stated that there was a brief description of the country of origin for each of the different breeds. I thought there must be some sort of printing error when I saw the almost $40 price tag.. I would say that this single item is a clear indication that someone in Tandy upper management is absolutely insane!!!

I'm with ya about this. I saw it too, and I raised my eyebrow, just like Mr Spock. I guess it's good money if you can get it.

Bob

[FlHobbyist]

The only reason I order from Tandy, which is rare anymore, is because I know I can get my order fast. An order placed on Sunday night will show up at my door on Tuesday. Consistently. An order I placed (July 8th) at another location roughly the same distance away from me has yet to arrive. All the notification I have received is that it has been processed. To me it has become the price of getting decent prices and shipping (lowest at both places).

In a nutshell this is also why I deal with Tandy. I like SLC a lot more than Tandy, but their shipping has gotten slower and slower. It to the point that it takes a minimum of 2 weeks to order and get anything from them. I'm also not too fond of the minimum $12.00 shipping fee from either Tandy or SLC, which is why I go elsewhere if I need anything small.