Cal-Leather

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Could those that have had comms with Cal directly please advise.
Are they generally good at replying to emails?

I have emailed a couple of times to ask about a custom Collar.

It may be they are more a call type of business?

Emails? Nah.... I tried but gave up and just called the CAL number that comes up when you search for the company.

Gwen answered my calls most of the time during business hours.

Look, to be honest I get the impression she is a very busy mom that is balancing home life and a small business.

On the first call she said that they were starting to run out of repair work and would happily tackle my jacket if I mailed it in. I sent it over but included a clear written list of every issue I'd like fixed and a request for a quote.

A week later I called to make sure the jacket was with them and she said they had started it already! I asked for a quote and she said she would call back.

In the weeks they worked on it I'd call every few days and I never did get a price and not one call back when she promised. Now if that's going to stress you then I guess don't send your jacket in, but as I said, I get the sense she is juggling a lot in her life (I know what that can be like) and just let her work.

Last week I got a message saying my jacket was done and could I call her. She broke down the costs and I was happy.
The jacket is now rock solid and the custom collar (with my choice of fur) is top notch.

 

[Jasonissm]

Emails? Nah.... I tried but gave up and just called the CAL number that comes up when you search for the company.

Gwen answered my calls most of the time during business hours.

Look, to be honest I get the impression she is a very busy mom that is balancing home life and a small business.

On the first call she said that they were starting to run out of repair work and would happily tackle my jacket if I mailed it in. I sent it over but included a clear written list of every issue I'd like fixed and a request for a quote.

A week later I called to make sure the jacket was with them and she said they had started it already! I asked for a quote and she said she would call back.

In the weeks they worked on it I'd call every few days and I never did get a price and not one call back when she promised. Now if that's going to stress you then I guess don't send your jacket in, but as I said, I get the sense she is juggling a lot in her life (I know what that can be like) and just let her work.

Last week I got a message saying my jacket was done and could I call her. She broke down the costs and I was happy.
The jacket is now rock solid and the custom collar (with my choice of fur) is top notch.

Very interesting she just started everything before confirming the price was okay, I wonder what would have happened if you weren't satisfied with the cost, does she just hold your fixed up jacket hostage? lol

I also got a custom collar on my Cal from her and it is sublime! Waiting for colder weather to wear it more often!

 

[Al 916]

Emails? Nah.... I tried but gave up and just called the CAL number that comes up when you search for the company.

Gwen answered my calls most of the time during business hours.

Look, to be honest I get the impression she is a very busy mom that is balancing home life and a small business.

On the first call she said that they were starting to run out of repair work and would happily tackle my jacket if I mailed it in. I sent it over but included a clear written list of every issue I'd like fixed and a request for a quote.

A week later I called to make sure the jacket was with them and she said they had started it already! I asked for a quote and she said she would call back.

In the weeks they worked on it I'd call every few days and I never did get a price and not one call back when she promised. Now if that's going to stress you then I guess don't send your jacket in, but as I said, I get the sense she is juggling a lot in her life (I know what that can be like) and just let her work.

Last week I got a message saying my jacket was done and could I call her. She broke down the costs and I was happy.
The jacket is now rock solid and the custom collar (with my choice of fur) is top notch.

Thanks, great info

 

[Al 916]

Very interesting she just started everything before confirming the price was okay, I wonder what would have happened if you weren't satisfied with the cost, does she just hold your fixed up jacket hostage? lol

I also got a custom collar on my Cal from her and it is sublime! Waiting for colder weather to wear it more often!

I am looking to ask for the same. What cost and do you have any pics please?

 

[Jasonissm]

I am looking to ask for the same. What cost and do you have any pics please?

I didn't personally deal with Gwen, it was @Gypsymoth82 and I got the jacket off him. I think it was about $200 for a new collar, but she used an old piece of mouton so it was a little cheaper (maybe $100 or so? I don't know the exact details I got it as a whole package from Moth), I don't have any photos right now, so here's a snap of back when it was at the Cal Leathers shop!

I haven't tried the fit since I lost some weight recently, I think it should be better now, before it was a little snug, hoping for some cooler weather soon so I can break this beast out again.

 

[JMax]

I didn't personally deal with Gwen, it was @Gypsymoth82 and I got the jacket off him. I think it was about $200 for a new collar, but she used an old piece of mouton so it was a little cheaper (maybe $100 or so? I don't know the exact details I got it as a whole package from Moth), I don't have any photos right now, so here's a snap of back when it was at the Cal Leathers shop!

I haven't tried the fit since I lost some weight recently, I think it should be better now, before it was a little snug, hoping for some cooler weather soon so I can break this beast out again.

View attachment 555198

That collar is thick!! Very nice.

To those interested: Email is hit or miss. Sometimes a quick response, sometimes no response. Calling can be hit or miss but if you get her on the phone she will spend some time with you. Very nice lady. She was very interested in my old SG. We also talked Cal history. I’ve never had her work on a jacket but all I’ve ever read is that the work is excellent.

 

[Leigh H]

Never seen a Cal with chest pockets like this before. Gorgeous jacket!

Same pockets

 

[Leigh H]

@Kubatu where did you find that jacket?

 

[So33]

Was wearing my Cal jacket today and thought I’d post it up. I love the creaking noise it makes with every movment.

 

[Kubatu]

@Kubatu where did you find that jacket?

Fairly sure it was a listing on Craigslist out of California. I checked and I can't find it anymore, so it's possible it was sold. I think they were asking $600?

 

[Leigh H]

Fairly sure it was a listing on Craigslist out of California. I checked and I can't find it anymore, so it's possible it was sold. I think they were asking $600?

Pretty rare jacket!

 

[mumpy]

Guys, I present you the latest addition to my collection. This one is called "The Beast".

 

[photo2u]

Is more like Beauty and the beast! Nice hide on that "beast".

 

[Leigh H]

Whats the general consensus on the dating of a while label Cals?

i've always assumed white labels were introduced in the 60's and onwards?

 

[KBlake]

This is my forever cal. I had been searching for a straight zip that fit me well for a couple years with no luck. Then this was offered cheap on eBay because the lining was destroyed and zippers needed replacing. I had them replaced by JL and now it’s good for another generation.

 

[Will Zach]

This is my forever cal. I had been searching for a straight zip that fit me well for a couple years with no luck. Then this was offered cheap on eBay because the lining was destroyed and zippers needed replacing. I had them replaced by JL and now it’s good for another generation. View attachment 601959

Same here. I found my forever straight zip Cal, don't need another.

 

[Daniel Veit]

Same here. I found my forever straight zip Cal, don't need another.

View attachment 602120
View attachment 602121

Currently spending a lot of money on jackets, but someday I want one too.
I need a slim 42 with long sleeves.

 

[Will Zach]

Currently spending a lot of money on jackets, but someday I want one too.
I need a slim 42 with long sleeves.

They are out there. Not for crazy money either.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Cal is King

 

[JMax]

A few awesome CHPs in a row.