JACKET - TRACKIT (For members burning to get their ordered jacket on their back)

[Fifty150]

This sounds like waiting for custom tuning from Troyer Performance.

 

[pauleway]

Ordered a Custom Half Belt end of Dec 2009, received it Oct 2010. Was wrong color so I sent it back to Mark and he told me he would put a rush re-oreder in. Well it has been one full year and I still have not received my jacket. Have e-mailed Mark a few times, and he has been very nice, and I have been very patient but I know many of you have put in your order way after mine have received them much sooner! Hope to see it before the snow flies but at this point, I'm not counting on it.

 

[s_crumb]

My saga has ended. I ordered a LHB with no storm cuffs and an inside pocket on the leather. Placed the order with Aero USA on January 3rd 2011 and it arrived to my post office on October 22nd 2011. Overall I'm very pleased with the quality of the jacket. It's incredibly substantial. At this point it's like wearing a suit of armor. I'm convinced it would protect me from a knife.

I wish things would have went smoother. If they had, I would have probably ordered another jacket. I can't in good conscience buy another knowing that I might have to wait 10 months. Actually, if I had been told up front that it could take that long, I might feel differently. But the lack of communication was maddening. This wasn't what I expected from a company that is as highly regarded as Aero. When the time you quoted comes and goes, send the customer an email. Give them the feeling that you know what's going on and you actually care. That's all I ask.

When the bug hits me again, I'll probably be looking at Vanson or a similar company. It's unfortunate that Aero seems to have the market cornered on vintage styled quality jackets. There isn't much competition.

 

[Philalethes]

s-crumb
I ordered my Stuart in May...and got it in August..but I did email Amanda after they got back from vacation(first week in Aug) and politely reminded/asked about it. It was made the next day. I had it in my hands two days later here in Indiana!!
HD

Hi HD,
From what I can surmise, you have been buying jackets from Aero for a long time. Do you think you were given priority because you are a long-term repeat customer?

Philalethes

 

[HoosierDaddy]

My saga has ended. I ordered a LHB with no storm cuffs and an inside pocket on the leather. Placed the order with Aero USA on January 3rd 2011 and it arrived to my post office on October 22nd 2011. Overall I'm very pleased with the quality of the jacket. It's incredibly substantial. At this point it's like wearing a suit of armor. I'm convinced it would protect me from a knife.

I wish things would have went smoother. If they had, I would have probably ordered another jacket. I can't in good conscience buy another knowing that I might have to wait 10 months. Actually, if I had been told up front that it could take that long, I might feel differently. But the lack of communication was maddening. This wasn't what I expected from a company that is as highly regarded as Aero. When the time you quoted comes and goes, send the customer an email. Give them the feeling that you know what's going on and you actually care. That's all I ask.

When the bug hits me again, I'll probably be looking at Vanson or a similar company. It's unfortunate that Aero seems to have the market cornered on vintage styled quality jackets. There isn't much competition.

Tell you how I do it. I order through Aero's website. Also discuss with Amanda 'exactly' what I want by email. Nearing the time it was advised the jacket should be done...I contact her again to see how the schedule looks...and if my jacket is in..or nearing production. Then my jacket is sent within a few days. I have/had quite a few Aero jackets made over the past 10 years. Since Aero has gotten so busy..this has worked well for me. Couldn't ask for better communication. Usually a quick response. However..I have everything planned at the time I order..and rarely change things.
Think Aero's been a problem? Sadly from what I hear..you ain't seen nothin until you order from Vanson.
HD

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Hi HD,
From what I can surmise, you have been buying jackets from Aero for a long time. Do you think you were given priority because you are a long-term repeat customer?

Philalethes

To be honest Philalethes..I don't know. I was friends with Amanda and Ken(retired owner) for years( over email & forum)...but I only talked to Will a few times(seemed nice). Ken had a couple jackets made with me in mind at one time. I do artwork...and made a plaque for Aero's 20th Anniversary in 2003..sent it by mail to surprise Ken. I guess it is hanging in their business foyer..so I hear. The main thing is our communication has always been mutually cordial...kidding...and very friendly. However..I don't really 'feel' that I have been given any more special treatment than anyone else. I know of many others that find Aero of Scotland great to do business with. I don't really know just how Aero schedules making certain jackets. Whether it's first come..first served by order...or lists of different styles and types that may figure in what order they are made.
HD

 

[pauleway]

To be honest Philalethes..I don't know. I was friends with Amanda and Ken(retired owner) for years( over email & forum)...but I only talked to Will a few times(seemed nice). Ken had a couple jackets made with me in mind at one time. I do artwork...and made a plaque for Aero's 20th Anniversary in 2003..sent it by mail to surprise Ken. I guess it is hanging in their business foyer..so I hear. The main thing is our communication has always been mutually cordial...kidding...and very friendly. However..I don't really 'feel' that I have been given any more special treatment than anyone else. I know of many others that find Aero of Scotland great to do business with. I don't really know just how Aero schedules making certain jackets. Whether it's first come..first served by order...or lists of different styles and types that may figure in what order they are made.
HD

It's definately NOT first come first serve. Mine was a re-order because they sent the wrong color leather, and I have been waiting over one year and still have not received my jacket!

 

[HorseHide]

I certainly haven't been at it as long as HD - and I never sent them any of my artwork (good thing too because my stuff wouldn't be hanging in their foyer if you know what I mean...) - but I have no complaints about their turn-around time.

I know it is a delicate subject on this board but my unscientific survey suggests that the people with the real complaints all ordered through AeroUSA. Draw whatever conclusions you want to from that.

 

[ButteMT61]

I certainly haven't been at it as long as HD - and I never sent them any of my artwork (good thing too because my stuff wouldn't be hanging in their foyer if you know what I mean...) - but I have no complaints about their turn-around time.

I know it is a delicate subject on this board but my unscientific survey suggests that the people with the real complaints all ordered through AeroUSA. Draw whatever conclusions you want to from that.

The problem here is we have no idea what's gone on with certain people/orders other that what's been posted. I suppose Mark or Amanda or someone else could post rebuttals here, but then it would be likely to get heated...
It's always best to work with the vendors, so I hope it's just the normal % of issues any vendor has with X amount of business. Dunno, so far I can't say anything negative whatsoever, but I always read posts here with interest.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Think Aero's been a problem? Sadly from what I hear..you ain't seen nothin until you order from Vanson.

I have not heard good things about Vanson in their post-bankruptcy days. I want to order another jacket from them but I suspect I will not have much luck given current reports. My new strategy is to call them a few weeks before the International Motorcycle Show (which will come to New York City in late January 2012) and see if they will bring down a non-custom jacket for me to try on at the show. They have been an attendee in the last three years so if there are fellow TFL'ers here interested in trying on a Vanson jacket but do not have a stocking dealer nearby, this may also be an option for them. Custom orders are obviously not covered by this strategy.

PS I will update this with my current wait time on my Aero VdR when it comes back from Scotland, to keep this on-topic. I sent my jacket back for sleeve modification on August 1, 2011.

 

[ButteMT61]

I bought a 50's HBD from AeroUSA in June.
I'm picking up in Scotland end of November. Fits the normal timeframe. My third AeroUSA purchase, zero drama.
I sent no gifts, but I am bringing something for my visit.

 

[borisna]

ordered my HWM for AeroUSA in may so it's 6 months now, and twice already that they give me an ETA and don't make it

starting to go crazy !!!

 

[Philalethes]

Aero Barnstormer Order

Order placed 2 June - jacket finished 10 November.

I took HoosierDaddy's advice and politely contacted Amanda on the 9th to see where I was in the queue. On the 10th I received two emails from her: first, that it would be ready to ship that day or the next, and three hours later, that the jacket was finished. I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised.

Unfortunately, it has yet to ship, since Mastercard places a security hold on large overseas transactions. By the time I was able to lift the hold, the factory was already closed (they have a half day on Friday).

I was originally quoted a wait time of 10-12 or 12-14 weeks (I don't remember which). The jacket was completed in 23 weeks. Prima facie, it looks like they significantly underestimated completion time. However, there are two possible mitigating factors. First, I have the impression that they don't count vacation shutdowns in the estimate. I believe that they shut down for three weeks while my order was in queue. Second, I sent Aero a tweed to be used in the lining from Bookster four weeks after placing my initial order. Bookster informed me that jacket manufacturers (typically) don't put someone in the queue until all materials are ready. I have no idea if that is true. However, if both of the above is true than my 23 week wait is reduced to 16, or what they currently tell people the wait is.

I will be sure to post pictures and discuss my modifications in the Barnstormer thread...when it arrives!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I had the same security hold happen on my Mastercard with the last Aero jacket that I received. Luckily by the time I got through to MC..there was still time for Aero to ship that day. Evidentally this is something new...and does require a release for overseas sales here in the US.
HD

 

[ButteMT61]

See its simple. Just fly to the UK and drive to Scotland. Problems solved lol

 

[Dav]

It happens here in the UK as well, my visa card was blocked when Aero tried to put it through last year so I contacted my bank to say that it was a legit transaction then they blocked it again the next day :rage:, still better than allowing eveything through without checking I suppose.

 

[Sweep]

Yeah, and it usually happens at the most inconvenient times.
I travelled to Singapore with a customer who works for a large winch building company with only my credit card to hand. What a pleasant suprise I had when my card was rejected for all transactions. Partly my own doing as I thought i mus thave typed my pass number incorrectly so tried again and then a third time, oops!
Fortunatley my customer was feeling generous and offered me the spare room at his companies appartment ...result!

...Sweep

 

[ButteMT61]

Banks are out if control doing these things. My son wrote my wife a check for $1500 because we blundered one week and double paid our mortgage. His bank CLOSED his account saying they were investigating his transaction!
We went down and had to raise hell with the manager AND when that got us nowhere, called the main offices of WELLS FARGO to complain, get his money out, and close the account. These institutions are completely without oversight and do not serve us.

 

[Philalethes]

I was notified that my Aero shipped today, 14 November. To recap, order placed 2 June, completed 10 November, shipped today, arriving...?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I was notified that my Aero shipped today, 14 November. To recap, order placed 2 June, completed 10 November, shipped today, arriving...?

Probably shouldn't get your hopes up...BUT...my last jacket from Aero was shipped from Scotland on a Monday morning(Amanda emailed notification)...and was delivered to my door here in the midwest(Indiana)..TUESDAY afternoon. I was shocked!! Almost missed delivery because I sure wasn't expecting it that quick......

I think before that it had been three days at the quickest....and a few times took a week.