Tandy Leather - Store #710

I’ve been to Tandy 3 times since beginning my journey into leather-craft all during this pandemic. First trip was in Surrey which was amazing. My second trip with Samatha assisting, was to this location which was also top notch. The things that really resonated was the level of service and patience, willingness to help, answer questions suggest products. Let’s face it this is a very expensive hobby and the front line staff should really share the passion and enthusiasm and knowledge to truly help newbies like me avoid costly mistakes. My 3rd trip brought me to this review section. I learned after my second trip that it would be wise to go online and retrieve the SKU #s for the products I was looking for and phone ahead so as to minimize congestion and time spent at the store due to Covid. I phoned and placed my order, I immediately noticed that Howard (name on receipt)was annoyed by my questions and uncertainties. Instead of recommending suitable substitutions he gave long winded explanations as to why ordering online couldn’t guarantee me items the were apparently not in stock leaving me more confused as to what the best way to purchase what I needed was. Maybe it was one part their computer system/phone order taking ability and second part my lack of experience with the products but it seemed a lot harder than it should have been to place the order. Upon arrival to the store I was greeted by other staff and I decided to browse to ensure what I was seeking was indeed in stock. Immediately I noticed some of the products in suitable variations that I required for my projects. I recognized *Howard’s voice and approached him to discuss my order and seek assistance in making substitutions as well as purchasing other items. He made me feel like it was all a major inconvenience and I felt rushed to make decisions so he could carry on with his other tasks. Let’s point out I was one of 2 customers populating the store among 3 staffers! At the checkout I asked him straight out if he enjoyed his job in which he replied “yes”. I then mentioned that he sounded annoyed and I was under the impression that I was too much trouble for him. He apologized and reassured me it was that he was feeling under pressure to complete orders in time for the courier. I just find this to be unprofessional and subpar customer service. I’ll be avoiding Tandy as much as possible in the future. They are the Walmart of leather so it’s near impossible but I’ll be making a concerted effort to spend my hard earned money at Longview leather in the future!

The sales associates at 710 are amazing people. Every time I visit the store, I usually learn something new just from conversation. They are all highly knowledgeable and helpful. Great place to shop, always great prices.

Samantha and her team are AMAZING. I feel like a kid in a candy store every time I go in there, and the knowledgeable staff help me every step of the way. My favourite store for all of my leather needs. Do yourself a huge favour and check it out!

I am just getting into leather work and the staff was there to answer all my questions. They helped me know what tools I need, and what I need to do to care for the leather, everything, I had such a great experience at the store!

It would be worthwhile to update your Google page if you're closed for any holiday days. It sucks to show up expecting the shop to be open (because this page does not say any differently) and it be closed.

This is a compact store. The staff are in general ok. Last week, I sent my husband in to purchase a few things and he had me on video. The staff member during that visit really needed some customer service training. He was dismissive, unhelpful, and made comments that we didn't know what we were talking about. When we checked out and our total was close to $250 he insisted we could not use tap. We told him we could because we have a higher tap limit. Sure enough, tap worked and he was incorrect. He was so anxious to show off his knowledge that he overtalked us and seemed annoyed. He could have had an additional $600 in sales for a press, but because of the condescending nature of the employee we purchased one elsewhere. We will still go to Tandy for leather because there's really no other place to go. But unfortunately we avoid the staff as much as possible. I made another visit today, the girl was sorta helpful, but seemed annoyed to be helping me and having to step away from her project.

I dread going to this store, because every time I go in I get generally the same service. I ask for help and I either receive a condescending tone in response to my questions or I'm told to "look around". Telling me to look around after I've asked for help, isn't helping. Today, I told the employee exactly what I was doing and what I was looking for in hopes that she would have suggestions and you know, HELP ME! But I just got "Look around," in response before she turned around and walked away. Like some of the other people who have left bad reviews with similar experiences, I don't think I'll be returning to this location except out of sheer desperation. Or I might just stop shopping at Tandy all together.

As usual fast, friendly and knowledgeable service. I have many unique ideas and they always seem to know how to turn my ideas into reality. This is one of the main reasons that I keep returning to this particular store location.