Zipper damaging leather.

[schitzo]

I can't see the pics from where I am but given what I've read I'm sure AL will sort this out properly. Just don't expect a quick response via email is my 2 cents. It seems like Amanda hasn't been replaced and replies of late are very slow. If you don't get a reply before Friday I suggest giving them a call, but bear in mind I think they close early on Fridays

 

[Sloan1874]

I know that seamstresses often have to use a hammer to get some of the tougher seams to fold over with the FQHH - Aero's factory can sound more like they're making furniture than jackets and I'm sure AL's is the same - and it looks to me as though in using this on the front-edge, the teeth have dug into the leather.

 

[Monitor]

About... imperfections, I've noticed that manufacturers who charge premium for their jackets seem to get away with much more than regular stores selling cheapos. Even seen a few threads here where people'd try to justify obvious defects. Wonder why's that so...

 

[Big J]

About... imperfections, I've noticed that manufacturers who charge premium for their jackets seem to get away with much more than regular stores selling cheapos. Even seen a few threads here where people'd try to justify obvious defects. Wonder why's that so...

I agree. I think that it's a combination of denial that the 'high-end' jacket that cost a lot of money, is less than perfect, and the knowledge that sending it back could result in a very lengthy wait for a replacement.

 

[Edward]

This makes sense and in fairness to AL it's entirely possible this happened after packing. That first pic looks like the zip was pressed into the leather with great force - something unusual may have happened to the package. People should give AL a chance to respond and make good before piling on.

Of course, OP has contacted the company, which should always be the first port of call. I'm sure they'll have a procedure for handling problems with goods. Always best to report these things asap and then not wear the jacket, or, as Robin notes, not try to fix it yourself... Of course the company need time to respond. I'd be very surprised if this sort of damage was done in the post, absent any obvious signs of damage to the packaging. Looks more to my eye a flaw in the particular piece of hide used for that particular panel. [huh]

 

[Carlos840]

I know that seamstresses often have to use a hammer to get some of the tougher seams to fold over with the FQHH - Aero's factory can sound more like they're making furniture than jackets and I'm sure AL's is the same - and it looks to me as though in using this on the front-edge, the teeth have dug into the leather.

Well, i have had an answer from Steven and this is what he think has happened. He has offered to refund the jacket, but no mention of a remake.

I am sending it back today, and asked them if they would remake it, will update as i get more info...

 

[walterwhyte]

I'm a long time lurker , doing research before my first big jacket purchase . Had considered AL but now not sure , they look like they are a bit heavy handed with the hammer . Also I feel most of there styles are trying to be Aero just not very well executed .
Looking at the first pic it looks like the collar isn't connected properly and seems to be pulling away where it joins the jacket

 

[Carlos840]

Well, i received another email from Steven, and they are going to remake the jacket!

The waiting game starts again...

 

[Sloan1874]

Having looked at the pics again, I'd also ask them about the wind flap. Men's side should traditionally be the right, I think, and that looks as though it's on the left, which is traditionally the women's. It's not a biggy, and it could be the pic is reversed, but if you're getting a remake it might be worth asking them about it.

 

[Plumbline]

The wind flap on my Vanson Model B was on the LHS ..... which seems to be a US thing to do. The windflap on my first Schott Cafe Racer was also on the LHS ( my second one didn't have a windflap at all).

However, the windflap on my AN6552 is on the RHS .... which seems a very non-US thing to do on a US jacket

I've seen both ( on mens jackets) ... one of the reasons I got rid of the Model B was I didn't like the windflap at all ....

Horses for courses I guess .... the external windflap on the A-2 is on the LHS if memory serves.

 

[Plumbline]

I'm a long time lurker , doing research before my first big jacket purchase . Had considered AL but now not sure , they look like they are a bit heavy handed with the hammer . Also I feel most of there styles are trying to be Aero just not very well executed .
Looking at the first pic it looks like the collar isn't connected properly and seems to be pulling away where it joins the jacket

Can't say I've had any problems with all 9 Alexanders jackets I currently have none of the stitching has given up, none of the sleeves have fallen off and they've been as good as any ( if not better re. customisation and delivery IMHO ) I've also traded and sold 4 or 5 with no issues (..... watch their sale pages they can be an absolute bargain )

Whenever I've ever returned a jacket to ANY of the repro manufacturers I've (thankfully) had nothing but excellent service ... even when one of them LOST my jacket after receiving it for repair (and it remains lost to this day, it should be said there were exceptional circumstances at play !) ..... but there's more than enough choice of manufacturers out there. BK, Johnsons, Aero, Lost Worlds, Eastman, Goodwear to name but a few of the alternatves .... it's a buyers market Walter ... you pays yer money and takes yer choice

 

[Seb Lucas]

About... imperfections, I've noticed that manufacturers who charge premium for their jackets seem to get away with much more than regular stores selling cheapos. Even seen a few threads here where people'd try to justify obvious defects. Wonder why's that so...

Interesting. I haven't noticed that. Can you think of some examples?

 

[Edward]

The wind flap on my Vanson Model B was on the LHS ..... which seems to be a US thing to do. The windflap on my first Schott Cafe Racer was also on the LHS ( my second one didn't have a windflap at all).

However, the windflap on my AN6552 is on the RHS .... which seems a very non-US thing to do on a US jacket

I've seen both ( on mens jackets) ... one of the reasons I got rid of the Model B was I didn't like the windflap at all ....

Horses for courses I guess .... the external windflap on the A-2 is on the LHS if memory serves.

US zips often have the zipper box/puller/thingy on the opposite side to UK/EU jackets, I've noticed... Perhaps the windflaps varying sides reflect that? Matters less on an internal one, of course. On an external windflap, I'd maybe expect them to be on the opposite side from the puller, for ease of access? On a man's jacket, of course, I think an external windflap would tend to be on the outside, reflecting that men's cuts are traditionall left to right...

 

[Blackadder]

About... imperfections, I've noticed that manufacturers who charge premium for their jackets seem to get away with much more than regular stores selling cheapos. Even seen a few threads here where people'd try to justify obvious defects. Wonder why's that so...

The most common excuse is that these high-end products are hand made and human are not as reliable as machines. LOL. I often wonder about these sorts of justification especially when it comes to White's boots (trust me I have seen quite a few cases). Often times, the defects are rather visible to plain eyes and yet the maker still dare to send the goods out hoping the customer will take them. I doubt Tricker's, Church's etc would offer the same excuse in stead of a pair of replacements. I also agree that the custom work on the items make it harder for the makers to re-sell the items therefore the makers very often do everything in their power to resist any return e.g. by taking even longer time to remake in stead of expediting the process to correct their own mistake.

 

[Carlos840]

Quick update, the new sales order went through today and i should have a remake in around 2 weeks.

There was a little misunderstanding regarding the windflap length when i first ordered, which is now cleared up and hopefully this one will be as it should.

Steve at AL was super helpful in sorting out these issues, and if this next jacket turns out as it should i will be a very satisfied customer!

 

[handymike]

Glad to hear it!

 

[Stand By]

I'm glad too - and not surprised. I knew they'd make it right. I've always found them A1 to deal with.

 

[Swoosed]

US zips often have the zipper box/puller/thingy on the opposite side to UK/EU jackets, I've noticed... Perhaps the windflaps varying sides reflect that? Matters less on an internal one, of course. On an external windflap, I'd maybe expect them to be on the opposite side from the puller, for ease of access? On a man's jacket, of course, I think an external windflap would tend to be on the outside, reflecting that men's cuts are traditionall left to right...

I had a custom jacket made by them and the zipper was on the left side, all my other jackets from them are on the right, its a pain in the butt getting used to it.

 

[Carlos840]

Funnily enough, it's only after receiving this jacket that i noticed my Lewis leather has the zipper on the left side and my Schott 644 has it on the right side!

I had honestly never noticed it, and have owned both of them more than a year!

 

[Sloan1874]

It took me a full year to stop sticking my tongue out while doing up US zips, fully aware that I look more than a little 'special' while doing it...