Dude that looks insanely good!I just got this on the mail from the classifieds of top TFL fellow Aussie member and all-round nice guy Warren @dinomartino1 , a Chinese copy (Curphey brand) of the Freewhelers Switchyard.
Definitely a good value for money and the fit is just how I like it, slim fit but not too much so I can lightly layer for the mild South Australian winters.
I am definitely not wearing this today, just an early morning trying it on for fit purposes, as it is expected to reach 30C (86 Fahrenheit) today!
The leather smells nice, not chemical at all (it's brand new), the thickness and feel isn't far off from the Vincenzas that I own, the only real noticeable differences with premium makers are the cheaper quality materials in the lining and thread, but overall a well constructed jacket that fits quite well and the medium weight cowhide has good ageing potential and all for a 1/7 of the price of an Aero.
Good alternative when you already have a few (or too many! ) Premium jackets and you just want to try a new style.
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I'm curious.Update on the Field Leather VAT/import duties front: With my jacket about ready to be shipped, Greg told me, that I will not have to pay any import taxes. Of course, that can mean all sort of things, but I thought I just pass the word.
Can't wait to see it.Update on the Field Leather VAT/import duties front: With my jacket about ready to be shipped, Greg told me, that I will not have to pay any import taxes. Of course, that can mean all sort of things, but I thought I just pass the word.
I'm curious.
Basically Aero is charging 20% more on international sales.Exactly what Aero is saying and what Aero's customers would be inclined to agree. They think the jacket is worth the listed price so if it is a local sale, they are paying the 20% VAT out if their pockets to cover that. If it is international sale, then they will pocket the whole sum which is what the jacket is "worth".
@Robbie79 mentioned this.I believe it was mentioned elsewhere on FL - maybe by @Marc mndt? - that Field Leathers was being granted some kind of exception to the imposition of VAT due to the small scale of his business operation.
I believe it was mentioned elsewhere on FL - maybe by @Marc mndt? - that Field Leathers was being granted some kind of exception to the imposition of VAT due to the small scale of his business operation.
Update on the Field Leather VAT/import duties front: With my jacket about ready to be shipped, Greg told me, that I will not have to pay any import taxes. Of course, that can mean all sort of things, but I thought I just pass the word.
I believe it was mentioned elsewhere on FL - maybe by @Marc mndt? - that Field Leathers was being granted some kind of exception to the imposition of VAT due to the small scale of his business operation.
I'm afraid that European Customs won't care much whether Greg pays VAT or not. And so the jacket will cost 1000 GBP + shipping costs + 4% duty + 20% VAT + fees = about 1260 GBP/1400 EUR. Customs are only waived if the product is largely English, which shouldn't be the case with Japanese leather. Where at this price 40 GBP more or less no longer matters.
At least that's how I understood the current customs regulations.
If the manufacturer (e.g. Aero) would deduct the VAT, since he actually does not have to pay it to the British tax office for an export, the British VAT would be canceled out with the European VAT and the jacket would be 20% cheaper. One can also say that in this way the profit is properly maximized when exporting.
But maybe Greg will also send the jacket from Northern Ireland then it would be possible as usual within the EU, without customs / VAT / fees.
(The VAT to be paid corresponds of course to that of the respective EU country. Germany 19%, Austria 20%. Charges are also handled differently)
I'm afraid that European Customs won't care much whether Greg pays VAT or not. And so the jacket will cost 1000 GBP + shipping costs + 4% duty + 20% VAT + fees = about 1260 GBP/1400 EUR. Customs are only waived if the product is largely English, which shouldn't be the case with Japanese leather. Where at this price 40 GBP more or less no longer matters.
This!
That´s why I said, it could mean all sorts of things. If Greg is VAT-exempt, it means, that he cannot deduct VAT from EU-orders. He could however
- lower prices for customers ordering from the EU (I understand Iron Heart is doing that; Dundas Footwear from Norway have been doing that in the past)
- arrange for a courier service (e.g. DHL) to handle EU-imports as his expence.
Jacket will be send by the end of this month. Thanks for all your feedback! Once I receive it, I should be able to gain some insight from the paperwork. In any event, I am happy for Greg that he seems to be really busy, and I really do appreciate that he took the admin of handling import duties from me.
@Marc mndt Congratulations and really good choice to buy two really nice jackets - I somewhat regret that I sold my ELMC A2 about 3 years ago due to fit issues but the horsehide is fantastic!Full circle.
A year ago I sold my ELMC Californian in American Walnut to a fellow lounger. Not because I didn't love the jacket anymore but because it was too small for me. Since I've been looking for one in size 42.
This morning I received an email from the guy who now owns my Californian size 40. He knew I was still looking for one in 42 and he spotted one in like new condition on eBay UK.
My offer was accepted which means I'm now the proud owner of a Californian which actually fits me.
View attachment 300258
Actually I now own two. I found one in black last week. Serendipity
Full circle.
A year ago I sold my ELMC Californian in American Walnut to a fellow lounger. Not because I didn't love the jacket anymore but because it was too small for me. Since I've been looking for one in size 42.
This morning I received an email from the guy who now owns my Californian size 40. He knew I was still looking for one in 42 and he spotted one in like new condition on eBay UK.
My offer was accepted which means I'm now the proud owner of a Californian which actually fits me.
View attachment 300258
Actually I now own two. I found one in black last week. Serendipity
I have a lot of work to do to get it to this level (the one I sold)The leather looks a little more substantial on this one than most I've seen. THe grain looks fairly neutral as well. Should be a great starting point. Congrats!
This an interesting topic.
I saw, that when US citizens order from a EU based online shop the VAT will get deducted, mostly around 20%.
So if one is on holidays in the US and has the leisure you could order stuff in a European shop and get it for 20% less.
I think the threshold in the US is EUR 700 currenly until which no customs will be charged.
You just have the theoretical risk of having to pay, when you return at the airport.