A Message From Aero Leather USA

[guygardner]

Sorry to hear - same here with my claim and the USPS. My wife and I literally have spent at least 30 hours on the phone with no less than 20 people in this debacle. It's sad, and I wrote one nice little letter today to the USPS Postal Inspector. It makes me ill, and frankly, I see why the USPS is going under. They're incompetent to say the least. I wish I had recorded all the conversations we've had. It's pathetic. So no, I DO NOT WANT the US GOV'T involved in my healthcare! Sorry Mr. P - didn't meant o jump on your post. But I feel ya...

That sucks, I've always had good experiences with USPS. For ordering from the States they're cheap and reliable. Less so with UPS, which is also more expensive in my experience (crazy customs brokerage fees you don't pay if you go through USPS). A lot cheaper than FedEx.

At least you guys don't have Canpar, I've had so many bad experiences with these clowns that I have declined ordering something if they use this private carrier. They like to drive by without ringing your buzzer, stick an attempted deliver tag, and then have you drive to their warehouse at the other end of town (they only do one "delivery" attempt). Once you get there you will meet a miserable clerk who will make you wait 30-40 mins and then return to tell you that they shipped it back to sender, only one day after "attempted delivery," and after another clerk has told you that it is sitting in their warehouse waiting for you. Worst customer service. Off topic, I know, but a warning to anyone in Canada thinking of using this shipping company.

 

[ButteMT61]

OK, I just learned that I am getting my money back! After all the work my wife and I did - the calls, emails, and letters, it seems we hit a nerve somewhere. We actually got hold of (one of) the people that either accepts or denies claims. I spoke with her for ~10 minutes on the phone. It was obvious to almost everyone that someone got hold of this jacket (at the USPS) and kept it. Some would stop short of saying it, but I believe 99% that's what happened. Of course I can't count my chickens until the check is here and cleared, but it seems persistence has paid off. It's a shame too - we literally spend ~$2000 a year or more mailing items. No normal person would have done what we did to get this resolved, and I'm certain 98% never get a resolution. In fact, one of our local USPS rep's told us she had something similar happen and got her claim denied - and she works there.
So, bottom line for those snagged in the Aero USA web - KEEP TRYING! Don't give in. And good luck.

 

[too much coffee]

Glad to hear it Scott..........well done.

Regards,
coffee

 

[Worf]

Well Ebay updating its policy on refunds and reimbursements, taking effect on June 12 or there abouts. I wonder if this mess had anything to do with it?

Worf

 

[too much coffee]

Good question Worf. Who knows if Mark was representing any other businesses that were operated through Ebay.

Regards,
coffee

 

[Jeff M]

OK, I just learned that I am getting my money back! After all the work my wife and I did - the calls, emails, and letters, it seems we hit a nerve somewhere. We actually got hold of (one of) the people that either accepts or denies claims. I spoke with her for ~10 minutes on the phone. It was obvious to almost everyone that someone got hold of this jacket (at the USPS) and kept it. Some would stop short of saying it, but I believe 99% that's what happened. Of course I can't count my chickens until the check is here and cleared, but it seems persistence has paid off. It's a shame too - we literally spend ~$2000 a year or more mailing items. No normal person would have done what we did to get this resolved, and I'm certain 98% never get a resolution. In fact, one of our local USPS rep's told us she had something similar happen and got her claim denied - and she works there.
So, bottom line for those snagged in the Aero USA web - KEEP TRYING! Don't give in. And good luck.

If I recall, you had the jacket tracked when you shipped it. How could the USPS deny the claim of a lost package if it was tracked and shown to have been lost? Why track it then?

 

[ButteMT61]

If I recall, you had the jacket tracked when you shipped it. How could the USPS deny the claim of a lost package if it was tracked and shown to have been lost? Why track it then?

I spent 3+ months asking just that. I got the check. I'm done with them. I know someone there is wearing that jacket. Still p*ssed, but not broke.

 

[too much coffee]

These low lifes that steal these packages are not all entirely stupid. I'm sure they have ways to manipulate their system to give the appearance that a package is being successfully tracked when it left, for instance at a distribution center in Kansas City with a final destination to Stowe, Vermont.

Trouble is, the package is at the thief's home in K.C. (or Tennessee or Ohio, etc....) The bad guys can probably wind the USPS computers around the axle so badly it would take 4 months for the good guys to get it figured out.

The dumb ones are usually the only ones who get caught. Meanwhile they shoot my M-1 rifle while wearing Scotts jacket.

Regards,
coffee

 

[jschatzky]

I'm hesitantly writing this post as I don't know if it will do any good. I lost $899 to Mark when I placed my order with him for a half-belt in September 2011. I was living in Japan at the time and my PayPal account was hooked up to my US credit card and I decided to use my Japanese Citibank Visa card instead. I gave the number to Mark over the phone not thinking anything of it. Because of this I can't default to eBay or PayPal for a refund.

When finding out about this mess in March, I contacted Citibank Visa in Japan and they said because the transaction was placed more than 90 days ago that they would not issue a refund. I fought this as far as I could with them (to the head of whatever branch deals with credit card fraud) but now understand that credit cards in Japan don't give as much (any) consumer protection as in the US or elsewhere. Believe me when I say that I've kicked myself many times for not using Paypal and/or my US credit card.

Aero Leather (UK) have been very kind and offered some discounts but after losing $899 I can't quite bring myself to drop hundres of more dollars on a replacement jacket.

As a last resort, I'm writing to ask if anybody has pursued legal options in the US against Mark? Is there a line of people looking to collect? I read in one post that this was reported to some agency (or police). Is this true?

I know the chance of getting my money back from him in this manner is slim to none but I thought I'd ask.

 

[Mr. Paris]

27 Months.....

Hello my fellow Loungers,
At my last posting I was again denied by PayPal to receive any restitution due to their time limits of responsibility
Despite knowing the almost comical amount of time that had passed from my original order and feeling I had nothing to lose, I once again hit the phones talking to the many mangers over at PayPal about not only my personal loss but the deficiencies with the system that could have allowed for such a debacle to unfold and effect so many.
Long story short.....they relented and they have in fact reimbursed me in full !
I wish I knew what I said that made a difference so I might pass on the information, but short of persistence and repeating ad nauseum the unfortunate circumstance I found myself in, I truly don't know.
In any case, I just wanted to encourage all of you still effected to NOT GIVE UP........If I made it through with my deposit in my account after 27 months then I cant imagine that we all cant be successful in finding ourselves made whole once again.
Take care all...Keep Fighting !
Mr. Paris

 

[Worf]

Hello my fellow Loungers,
At my last posting I was again denied by PayPal to receive any restitution due to their time limits of responsibility
Despite knowing the almost comical amount of time that had passed from my original order and feeling I had nothing to lose, I once again hit the phones talking to the many mangers over at PayPal about not only my personal loss but the deficiencies with the system that could have allowed for such a debacle to unfold and effect so many.
Long story short.....they relented and they have in fact reimbursed me in full !
I wish I knew what I said that made a difference so I might pass on the information, but short of persistence and repeating ad nauseum the unfortunate circumstance I found myself in, I truly don't know.
In any case, I just wanted to encourage all of you still effected to NOT GIVE UP........If I made it through with my deposit in my account after 27 months then I cant imagine that we all cant be successful in finding ourselves made whole once again.
Take care all...Keep Fighting !
Mr. Paris

Good on ya mate!!! Great post! Never give up! Don't ever give up!

Worf

 

[too much coffee]

Way to go Mr. Paris.......glad to hear it.

Regards,
coffee

 

[Navin323i]

Hey everybody,

I am new to this forum and registered just to inform readers about Marks recent practise of FRAUD.
I am aware that the business relationship with AERO Leather Scotland has come to an end and that may or may not be the fault of Mark. It is not up to me to decide that, but since I am personally affected by Marks practice I feel I must inform fellow AERO fans of what is happening here. On a sidenote, I read about it by mere coincidence, not because Mark informed me about it.
I have ordered my jacket with Mark back in September 2011 through ebay and he estimated 2-4 moths delivery time. Since then I have inquired several times with Mark and he told me that he does not receive updates, just delivery dates. I sat patient until I saw the post on the AERO website.

I have tried contacting Mark since then, but his ebay account has been deleted, phone disconnected. I am well outside Paypals 45 day limit and have been put in touch with other customers that have been tricked by Mark through Holly and Ken. Luckily, most of them have been covered by Paypals buyer protection. I also learned that my order had never been placed with AERO.

To sum it up, I have paid USD 950,- up front, waited nearly 8 months only to find out that not only will I never receive my jacket through Mark, but he does not even contact me to refund my money! Instead, he went incommunicado, that constitutes fraud.
If any of you happens to be in touch with him please convey this message. I expect him to return my money that I have paid him because he seemed an honest guy with a good reputation.

Thank you all for your support, I hope this will be solved soon.

PS: If anyone needs proof feel free to contact me or AERO anytime.

Wow... I've been away from the forum for a while now and happened to see this thread today... what a shocker. My experience with Mark years back when I got my Aero NYPD was a very positive one... friendly guy, got my jacket in 10 weeks from the time I placed my order. Sadly people change for the worse. Very sorry this happened to you and I hope things work out for you and you get your money back.

 

[too much coffee]

Hey Navin;

Good to see you back. I hope all is well with you and the family.

Best regards,
coffee

 

[Flashman]

Just spent a few days (in short spurts) reading all 56 pages and am so sorry to hear about the sad state of affairs for those who placed orders via Aero USA.

I am new here - in the jackets section at least and am an owner of a new A1.

I personally did not even know about Aero USA.

When I was considering my A1 purchase, apart from the Aero version being in keeping with what I wanted my A1 to look like - I was happier placing my order with an UK company (over GW and ELC, both i think are non-UK).


Anyway, I am impressed by Holly/Aeros efforts to help those let down by Aero USA.

I sent a thank you email to Aero about a week ago - never got a reply, but given what I have just read I am sure they are busy with more pressing matters.

I only ever really spoke to and emailed Amanda a few times - my experience was about 4 months from start to end.
I placed my order - and initially was confused by the circa 16 weeks wait time.

From time to time I phoned to check if my order was still due for delivery and was told it gets to the 'making stage' about a week or so before it is due to be delivered.

Just about the time I was told it would be ready - I did receive it and to my delight the size issue Amanda helped me with was PERFECT. The change of leather from my original choice to my eventual choice was fine.

Reading all about the poor folk who paid deposits/advances - all I can say is - to Aeros (Scotland) credit - no pun intended - they never took payment in advance and I only noticed my credit card account had a payment transaction about a week AFTER I took delivery.

So for me - all I can say is what a GREAT service I personally received from Aero Scotland and I only wish that those who have been 'victims' eventually get a satisfactory end to these unfortunate matters.

 

[andy richards]

Hey Navin!
Glad you are back! Hope you and your family are all well and ok.
Cheers,
Andy

 

[Persimmon]

Just spent a few days (in short spurts) reading all 56 pages and am so sorry to hear about the sad state of affairs for those who placed orders via Aero USA.

I am new here - in the jackets section at least and am an owner of a new A1.

I personally did not even know about Aero USA.

When I was considering my A1 purchase, apart from the Aero version being in keeping with what I wanted my A1 to look like - I was happier placing my order with an UK company (over GW and ELC, both i think are non-UK).


Anyway, I am impressed by Holly/Aeros efforts to help those let down by Aero USA.

I sent a thank you email to Aero about a week ago - never got a reply, but given what I have just read I am sure they are busy with more pressing matters.

I only ever really spoke to and emailed Amanda a few times - my experience was about 4 months from start to end.
I placed my order - and initially was confused by the circa 16 weeks wait time.

From time to time I phoned to check if my order was still due for delivery and was told it gets to the 'making stage' about a week or so before it is due to be delivered.

Just about the time I was told it would be ready - I did receive it and to my delight the size issue Amanda helped me with was PERFECT. The change of leather from my original choice to my eventual choice was fine.

Reading all about the poor folk who paid deposits/advances - all I can say is - to Aeros (Scotland) credit - no pun intended - they never took payment in advance and I only noticed my credit card account had a payment transaction about a week AFTER I took delivery.

So for me - all I can say is what a GREAT service I personally received from Aero Scotland and I only wish that those who have been 'victims' eventually get a satisfactory end to these unfortunate matters.

ELC - Eastman is an English based company. Based in Devon so closer to you than Scotland


Check their website at the very bottom for their address and like Aero you can arrange a visit
http://www.eastmanleather.com/

Alan

 

[Flashman]

But like I said one of the considerations was the company (Aero) being an UK company - and the OTHER was the 'design' which at Sero was CLOSER to the design I wanted - which was to be the same as Alain De Cadanets A1.

I felt Aero ticked BOTH these boxes.

The design of ELC and GW did not reflect the A1 very IMO. ELC make a big play about replicating a 'supposed' original A1, which IMO is not even that nice. Also ELC have a b&w photo of a chap wearing an A1 - BUT the chaps A1 is long at the waist and appears to be just long enough to have a slight crease/fold that gives the impression the 'pocket' is placed right at the 'base' which is not how ADC or Aeros A1 is.

So for ME again that was a key factor.

Also and finally, I was having to place an order for a custom made jacket I have never seen and was basing my decision on pictures off websites. Again for ME the Aero photo was the most helpful as well as my conversations with Amanda which were very helpful.


Apologies, I have hugely digressed off track as this thread is all about a far more serious matter of concern than about the basis of my choice of A1.

ELC - Eastman is an English based company. Based in Devon so closer to you than Scotland


Check their website at the very bottom for their address and like Aero you can arrange a visit
http://www.eastmanleather.com/

Alan

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Apologies, I have hugely digressed off track as this thread is all about a far more serious matter of concern than about the basis of my choice of A1.

Exactly...
This is certainly a thread about the crisis concerning AeroUSA...and the continuing ramifications of that fiasco. Supposedly a thread for those involved..and new info. It has been left open for news to help others try and find a remedy to get their money back.
We already have an A-1 thread..and several Aero Scotland jacket appreciation threads.
HD

 

[Dr H]

With respect Flashman, I don't want to appear to be acting like a dog with a bone here so I'll preface this by saying that I'm disputing neither your pride in your new purchase, nor Aero. I'm not going to address reproductions but simply focus on the source material.

Whether you like the example shown or not (and this is a 38 so the proportions are a little different to a larger jacket), the original jacket on the ELC site is a genuine, bona fide A-1 from the 31-800 P contract - there is no 'supposed' about it. This is what the Army version of the A-1 looked like - it has its pockets (which are shallower and narrower than the A-2) placed at the very end of the body, over the double-stitched seam. The book, Full Gear shows a very good, genuine example (reproduced earlier in the A-1 thread) and lists the usual 31-800 P, DWG. No. AN-6501, noting that there were 2 snap buttons on the bottom. That's the label that is commonly reproduced, manufacturer unknown, year guessed as 1931.

Take a few minutes to browse the original photos on the ELC site (the jacket in the right photo is a genuine army A-1, as is the one on the left of the left photo; the accompanying jacket appears to be an example of the navy A-1 equivalent, with the high pockets, and shorter knit collar, that was the original type 37J1. The 1927 specs called for "best quality chome tanned sheepskin, the color of which shall be chocolate"). Furthermore, the jacket in the right hand photo has two buttons, rather than snaps at the waist suggesting that it's an earlier example.

On the Vintage Leather Jacket Forum there is a lengthy and informative thread on the A-1 (showing lots of images). An example of another A-1 came up on EBay earlier in the year from the order No. W535 AC 2486, DWG No. 074734, Manufacturer: MIRABELLI BROS. CO. 1928. Sadly, a badly damaged example and field modified, but very similar in form to the example mentioned earlier.

Jackets of this age survive rarely and the ELC original is exceptionally well preserved, but 100% correct. The capeskin has become pale with much wear and resembles the colour of my capeskin AN-J-3, but the details are indisputable.

Ian

p.s.
my post crossed with yours Van - apologies, you're right - Mods, please would you move this to the A-1 thread?