Customs inspection damage?

[Foster]

Has anyone else had a problem like this? I received my new jacket from Aero in an amazing two days from Scotland to the east coast, but upon arrival one of the pocket snaps /popper (A-2 jacket) was broken! Paperwork was inside the pocket, so I speculate the inspector was a bit heavy-handed and broke the fastener. I do not think it would leave the factory with such a defect, and the box was taped with tape designating the contents had been checked.
I welcome any thoughts on this, as I am not sure what to do. File a claim with the courier service?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Has anyone else had a problem like this? I received my new jacket from Aero in an amazing two days from Scotland to the east coast, but upon arrival one of the pocket snaps /popper (A-2 jacket) was broken! Paperwork was inside the pocket, so I speculate the inspector was a bit heavy-handed and broke the fastener. I do not think it would leave the factory with such a defect, and the box was taped with tape designating the contents had been checked.
I welcome any thoughts on this, as I am not sure what to do. File a claim with the courier service?

Surely this shipment was insured by Aero.
I would contact them about the remedy.
HD

 

[Foster]

Here is a photo

 

[Foster]

Surely this shipment was insured by Aero.
I would contact them about the remedy.
HD

I did send Holly an email, and hope to hear back soon. I wanted to ask here also because I know that sometimes there is only limited time to report such things to the courier service.

 

[ButteMT61]

Wow, talk about a bummer. Sadly Aero fixing it means shipping both ways which is very expensive. Wonder if insurance would cover a US based shop fixing it. Good luck. I hate mailing jackets.

 

[Foster]

I am not thrilled about the prospect of the shipping either. If not for the location I could fix it myself, but it being inside the pocket flap makes it not possible for me to access to repair it. If not the other side had broken, instead of the one in the flap!

 

[nick123]

Which a-2 did you get?
Btw, I think Aero is pretty busy right now, as I have yet to get a response too.
Good luck though.

 

[Foster]

Seal brown horsehide. Lovely hide on this one!

 

[Seb Lucas]

They sometimes break - twice in my case. A simple ten minute, ten dollar fix if you know a half descent leather repair shop.

 

[Foster]

How would they insert a new snap inside the pocket flap? Seems like the flap would have to be removed, or a slit cut on the inside of the flap to remove the old snap dome and insert the new one.

 

[majormajor]

How would they insert a new snap inside the pocket flap? Seems like the flap would have to be removed, or a slit cut on the inside of the flap to remove the old snap dome and insert the new one.

Another way would be to go through the outer seam of the pocket, and then restitch it afterwards. But, as you say, still a difficult and fiddly job.

 

[Foster]

That is an option, but in that case one is cutting through two seams, as the pocket is sewn inside-out, then folded over and top-stitched. In that case, one would only be able to top-stitch the pocket back, however the first seam (only visible at the edge where you can see the stitch holes and a little thread) would not be as secure as it would no longer be sewn there. Replacing that seam would also require the flap to be removed.

 

[majormajor]

That is an option, but in that case one is cutting through two seams, as the pocket is sewn inside-out, then folded over and top-stitched. In that case, one would only be able to top-stitch the pocket back, however the first seam (only visible at the edge where you can see the stitch holes and a little thread) would not be as secure as it would no longer be sewn there. Replacing that seam would also require the flap to be removed.

Yup, very true. Good luck with the repair!

 

[Fanch]

Very frustrating to receive a new jacket with the broken snap that must be replaced/ repaired. Frankly, I would hate to have the jacket that otherwise is a 10/10 sent all the way back to Aero for a only broken snap. I would seek a leather expert in close proximity and get an estimate for a guaranteed repair. Maybe have Aero mail you a couple of snaps and see if Aero and a local or US remedy might be available. Your problem illustrates why I prefer button closure used in the G-1 and AN-J jackets. I feel your pain!!!

 

[Foster]

Holly is checking with Insurrection to see if they can do the repair here in the States. Fingers crossed.
I never gave much thought about the buttoned pockets like on the Navy jackets, but this incident has certainly got me thinking about them!

 

[Seb Lucas]

How would they insert a new snap inside the pocket flap? Seems like the flap would have to be removed, or a slit cut on the inside of the flap to remove the old snap dome and insert the new one.

You're right, I forgot about the snap position. This will involve some seam unpicking. Quite doable, but a longer job. Johnson Leathers or Insurrection can do it. Cost a fraction of mailing it back and forth.

 

[TomS]

I'd take it to a local shoe maker, and have it fixed.

 

[Foster]

Learned through the DHL website that shipment insurance does not cover damage done by a Customs official. Also I received the DHL invoice for duties and it is based not on the item total, but on the total amount billed including shipping.
Next time I will just buy domestic.

 

[Fanch]

Another possibility is that the snap was inadvertently broken by someone at Aero before the jacket left the factory and was simply missed by the inspector or QM person who last checked the jacket before it was boxed. What happened is a good reason for the final inspector at Aero to carefully check all snaps and then leave the snaps undone prior to shipping. In any case, I have no doubt that Aero will remedy the broken snap for you.

 

[Foster]

Upon another examination the USAAF acceptance and inspectors marking stamps are missing as well. Or, maybe those don't get added to every A-2 they make.
We have final inspections when we ship from my workplace, I agree it is a good practice.