I Flew To Scotland to Pick up My Aero Leather Coat in Person

[Aloysius]

As I understand it, a company set up for it can sell to an overseas customer VAT free (it probably makes a big difference that you ordered and paid from the US). In theory, you then pay the relevant tax when you arrive back in the US, though, eh..... sometimes the matter Does Not Arise when someone is just Wearing their Own Jacket through customs. I think (as a lawyer) that's the best way I can put it.

Actually after a change in the scheme effective 2016, it would fall under the threshold for tax upon entry to the US!

The UK has probably the worst system for this, charging the recipient VAT on both the item and the postage cost, which is quite idiotic. (Found this out the hard way when I bought a fairly affordable bit of martial arts kit from Japan at a discount, which was substantial enough that it was still reasonable with high postage–less so with the effective 80% VAT rate I paid… the brilliant minds at the Royal Mail decided to add up the cost which was written in both yen and dollars rather than knowing what = means.)

 

[TheDonEffect]

Awesome story!

 

[Edward]

Actually after a change in the scheme effective 2016, it would fall under the threshold for tax upon entry to the US!

The UK has probably the worst system for this, charging the recipient VAT on both the item and the postage cost, which is quite idiotic. (Found this out the hard way when I bought a fairly affordable bit of martial arts kit from Japan at a discount, which was substantial enough that it was still reasonable with high postage–less so with the effective 80% VAT rate I paid… the brilliant minds at the Royal Mail decided to add up the cost which was written in both yen and dollars rather than knowing what = means.)

None of this surprises me! It's frustrating because 99% of what I buy from abroad simply isn't available in the UK in any form, but hey ho.

 

[onstar]

How long was the wait for it to be completed? And did you coordinate in advance about your plans on picking it up in person?

 

[r0c1nant3]

How long was the wait for it to be completed? And did you coordinate in advance about your plans on picking it up in person?

It was all coordinated beforehand. I sent them the first email 31 July. I finalized and paid my deposit on 7 August. I got an email saying they had started the initial stages of production on 12 September. Picked up the coat 7 October.

 

[Jasonindenver]

Nice trip and fabulous jacket. Really like the newsboy cap as well!

Hopefully, you will get to wear the snot out of it before our Colorado weather gets too cold. I have a very thin Eddie Bauer down vest that I wear to get another 15 degrees of range.

 

[iknowleather]

I'm not going to lie, I love Aero leathers. Maybe their cuts just work for me. But in any case, my wife scheduled a ten day vacation in Scotland. (we live in the rocky mountain west) And what do you suppose my first thought was? Exactly right!

About two months in advance I contacted Aero to order a custom coat and schedule an in-person pickup. Sent them my measurements, and then spent hours picking every single detail. Leather, color of thread, color of zippers, pocket details. Too many choices, but, lets be honest, it was also a lot of fun.

The night before, they posted what I thought to be my jacket on Instagram. I was so excited. Cafe Racer in Chromexcel FQ Horsehide in Natural, with creme stitching, Lochcarron Tartan liner, and nickel hardware.
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We took the train down to Galashiels, about an hour ride. The station is about a half mile away from Aero, so really easy to get to. It's a very unassuming building, but easy to find.

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My expectation was that we'd go in, pick up the coat and be on our way. That was not the case. I was warmly welcomed by name and led to their showroom where I first saw the jacket,

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Before I could get too touchy-feely with the new coat, my wife and I got a complete tour of the facility where I was walked through the entire process.

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Including getting to meet the Janice, who made the coat.
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As it turns out, they actually made my coat twice. The first one had/got a scrape/mark on the back, so they made it a second time.

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I think, the jacket is brilliant! The stitching is perfect, the fit, exactly as I'd hoped. And as they say, the best and worst day is the first day because it was insanely stiff.
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I really wanted and every-day wear coat, not something to be overly pampered so off we went for ten days of Scottish weather. So, lots of wind and rain, and the jacket just got better.

I have so much fondness for hand-made, durable goods like this. But the experience of picking it up in person, meeting the fine folks at Aero who made it, along with their warm hospitality, made the whole experience a lot more fun.

So my humble advice. Save on shipping, and pick up your coat in Scotland. Plus the highlands ain't bad to look at either.

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WONDERFUL POST!!!!
Have you shared this with the folks at Aero? They would love and appreciate it
I have been working with them for several years and find them to be the most terrific group, so it was extremely fun for me to see the inside photos. Thanks so much!
Dena
Leather Care Specialists