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What hat are you waiting for today?

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,351
Location
London, UK
Quite some months ago, I dropped The Hattery a line to ask when they'd be getting the Federation Deluxe back in stock in Moonstone grey. The response indicated late February or March, and asked whether I'd like them to keep one aside for me and let me know when it arrived. I took them up on this. Last Monday morning, as I logged into my email I was reminded of this, and just as I was thinking of dropping them a line to see if there was any news, I noticed there was an email in from them over the weekend- hat had arrived, and a link to where I could pay the invoice. The hat was in the postal system by Tuesday. It arrived at Heathrow on Friday evening, and has now cleared customs; I'm expecting it to arrive tomorrow or Thursday. Seems, fingers crossed, I've not been hit by customs charges (maybe I've benefitted from the Australian trade deal with the UK that was signed a year or two ago, not sure).

I've always had great customer service from The Hattery (I've bought I think seven hats from them now since 2008), but would highly recommend with this experience dropping them a line if they don't have your size in stock. It's been a wait of four or five months for this one to come available, but I see my size was sold out already when I got their email, so well worth getting in the queue if you want a Fed in particular.
 
Probably paid too much, but I just liked it!

IMG_9377.jpeg


IMG_9376.jpeg
 

RickP

One Too Many
Messages
1,444
I really didnt plan on a big hat purchase this month, but I finally ran across a nice brown Campdraft Deluxe in 59 after looking for what sees like forever. I just couldnt resist. (another one of those " probably more than I needed to spend" hats). More than I usually spend on a hat, but it was less than a new imperial grade, AND it was Heritage felt, and in the color and size I wanted... Cant wait till the usps gets it here!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/316535263723
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,351
Location
London, UK
My moonstone Federation Deluxe edges ever closer.... Ordered on the 18th March, landed in London on the 22nd, passed customs on the 24th and was handed over to the local carrier..... then nothing for over a week until I get an email from Royal Mail this morning requiring import taxes and VAT. Ironically, the first time I've ordered a hat from Australia since the UK-Aus free trade deal took effect - and the first time I've been charged for one. Hat will arrive with me Thursday. Four days to get to London from Aus, 12 days to work its way through the London system to me. What a world!
 

The Lost kansan

New in Town
Messages
35
My moonstone Federation Deluxe edges ever closer.... Ordered on the 18th March, landed in London on the 22nd, passed customs on the 24th and was handed over to the local carrier..... then nothing for over a week until I get an email from Royal Mail this morning requiring import taxes and VAT. Ironically, the first time I've ordered a hat from Australia since the UK-Aus free trade deal took effect - and the first time I've been charged for one. Hat will arrive with me Thursday. Four days to get to London from Aus, 12 days to work its way through the London system to me. What a world!
Good to know. I’ve been wanting to add an Akubra to my rotation but I was hoping the trade deals would make that more economical (was recently charged absurdly large import fees for an old hat from the USA). Was hoping Australia would be less!
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,351
Location
London, UK
Good to know. I’ve been wanting to add an Akubra to my rotation but I was hoping the trade deals would make that more economical (was recently charged absurdly large import fees for an old hat from the USA). Was hoping Australia would be less!


Yes, I fear I had rather naively picked up the notion that it would mean we wouldn't get charged for buying tings in from Australia. It's not a huge amount - £42 (£8 of which was Royal Mail's "handling charge"), but with the postage is it enough that if it's a model that you can get from Akubra's UK site their upcharge is about equalled out. Of course, being a Federation which is a Hattery exclusive, an import is the only option there. (Same with Stetson for me, as the Stratoliner isn't sold on their EU & UK website.)

At least, I *think* it might equal out the UK price.... it's hard to tell with so many places now declining to put their Akubra prices online (this may be the desired effect for Akubra of course). Back when I bought my first Federations in 2008, they were £70 or so for a regular and £90 or so for a Deluxe. Most Akubras were around that price. Their UK stockist now averages them at £225 a pop for comparable models. Inevitably, they have only very limited model and colour choices.
 

The Lost kansan

New in Town
Messages
35
Yes, I fear I had rather naively picked up the notion that it would mean we wouldn't get charged for buying tings in from Australia. It's not a huge amount - £42 (£8 of which was Royal Mail's "handling charge"), but with the postage is it enough that if it's a model that you can get from Akubra's UK site their upcharge is about equalled out. Of course, being a Federation which is a Hattery exclusive, an import is the only option there. (Same with Stetson for me, as the Stratoliner isn't sold on their EU & UK website.)

At least, I *think* it might equal out the UK price.... it's hard to tell with so many places now declining to put their Akubra prices online (this may be the desired effect for Akubra of course). Back when I bought my first Federations in 2008, they were £70 or so for a regular and £90 or so for a Deluxe. Most Akubras were around that price. Their UK stockist now averages them at £225 a pop for comparable models. Inevitably, they have only very limited model and colour choices.
I’d honestly be happy with the initial up charges and then not have to worry about delayed deliveries and paying the customs fees separately etc. except that, like you said, the uk stockist for Akubra only has a very limited range of styles and colours. For Akubra I’m interested in the Camp Drafts and Squatters but I haven’t seen those models available through them yet at all.
Looking forward to seeing your new federation though, when it finally does arrive.
 

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