Price increase at Eastman Leather

[D97x7]

Someone seems to be working today, ding ding all change :-(

 

[Persimmon]

Someone seems to be working today, ding ding all change :-(

Gary having read your message has braved the rain and the wind and the snow to fight his way into the offices, one hard worn step by one hard worn step at a time, just to flip the switch.
And all just to make you happy.
Devotion to the customer never ends !!

 

[D97x7]

Lol

 

[Juanito]

How's this for some Eastman prices? As I remember the base model, steerhide A-2 was $380, but I waited for the horsehide at $425. 27 years ago.

FYI Nose Art Unlimited was the former name of another you may now know as History Preservation Associates, Charles DiSipio.

 

[Smithy]

I've harped on here plenty about how the prices of repros are beyond the pale now and these new ELC prices just confirm that. They're long past what I consider they're worth now, especially an A-2.

The base house one starts at 800 quid now which is plain daft.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

I've harped on here plenty about how the prices of repros are beyond the pale now SNIP

Hi Smithy

I'm not so sure that they have gone up that much, in real terms. Can't speak for ELC, as I don't know their early prices but when we first produced repro A-2s (1982) they sold for £90, the same as the UK average weekly wages. Our A-2s are still roughly the same price as the UK average weekly wage

 

[B-Man2]

I’m sympathetic to both sides of this discussion . But the reality is, that prices cannot continue to climb without there being a reduction in the sales numbers. Even those with “disposable income” ( a rather bizarre term if you don’t have it) will think twice about purchasing a high end repro, when there are a number of nicely made A2 jackets that are out there in the $400.00. - 600.00 US
price ranges. While the cheaper jackets fall short of the exact attention to detail of the big three or four high end reproductions , they don’t always fall short by much. And As I said in another posting there are still a number of original WWII jackets out there at reasonable prices if one looks around a bit.

 

[johnwayne]

Thanks for your input Ken, from horses mouth so to speak, no offence intended! I wish Gary Eastman would tell everyone his justification for the hike but guess he doesn't feel he needs to.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

I’m sympathetic to both sides of this discussion . But the reality is, that prices cannot continue to climb without there being a reduction in the sales numbers. Even those with “disposable income” ( a rather bizarre term if you don’t have it) will think twice about purchasing a high end repro, when there are a number of nicely made A2 jackets that are out there in the $400.00. - 600.00 US
price ranges. While the cheaper jackets fall short of the exact attention to detail of the big three or four high end reproductions , they don’t always fall short by much. And As I said in another posting there are still a number of original WWII jackets out there at reasonable prices if one looks around a bit.

The £90 price was fixed as being the same price we were charging for basic smaller sized original A-2s at the same time.

 

[Smithy]

Hi Smithy

I'm not so sure that they have gone up that much, in real terms. Can't speak for ELC, as I don't know their early prices but when we first produced repro A-2s (1982) they sold for £90, the same as the UK average weekly wages. Our A-2s are still roughly the same price as the UK average weekly wage

That might be so Ken but I think we're in Economics 101 territory here and "perceived value". If you read over the three pages of this thread there's a lot of fellows saying that that's it they won't be buying ELC jackets now after the price rise. I'd hazard a guess that this isn't necessarily because they can't afford them but more a matter of the perceived value of what you get for what you pay doesn't add up anymore.

 

[ties70]

Did they forget the Thunderbird Jackets?
625 seems to be the same as before...or maybe they even increased the price earlier for less often ordered Styles..?

Best regards,

Ties

 

[Brettafett]

Agree with so much said above. £899 for an original maker A-2, PLUS postage? I remember paying £425 for my first ELC RW27752, and I thought that was a lot.
I too, have not been satisfied with more than half the jackets I have received (from everybody)... Mainly due to inconsistencies... fit/ lengths and leather (not being the same as samples received and details agreed upon). And any customisation is non-returnable, even if it arrives not quite to agreed spec.
What keeps me coming back is that a jacket comes so close and you are like, "just one more... if only we get that one small issue right".

Its weird, I have known exactly what I've wanted all the years, but its been near impossible to find... and I'm not the only one. I have corresponded with a good few on this lounge and the other one, who feel the same.
I also find that lately I am beginning to feel that I am more of an annoyance to some repro manufacturers, than a loyal customer. Busy is good, and I am happy for everyone, but when the 'we are too busy, don't really have the time to match the sample or add 3cm to the length.. Unfortunately, you will have to take it or leave it...' comes into play, then I feel very discouraged.
I'd like to think that for £900+ that I have paid for the right to be a little fussy.

I'm sure when BK receives their 'new' batch of leathers, they will also no doubt have a price increase. I hear they have sourced a new goatskin as well.

Problem I have found with originals (and also some secondhand jackets), is depending on the condition of the jacket, fixing them up, at least here in the UK is an uber-expensive business. IF you can even find someone who is willing to do it. Then one has to consider how often you will want to wear the jacket. After refurbishing an original, I doubt many would wear it as a daily wearer. I've been through this exercise and am now reluctant to buy secondhand or an original.

Perhaps its time to give the middle of the road jackets a go, which have surprised me of late, easily comparible to high-ends in terms of pattern, general components, details and look. Obviously cannot expect high-end horsehide etc...

Edit: Or perhaps source an original and refurb it and then a mid range daily wearer to knock about... The search continues...

 

[Smithy]

Couldn't agree more Brett, repros but especially A-2 repros are quite frankly bloody silly money now for what they are. All the highly thought of crowds charge way north of 500 quid (and a darn sight bloody more in most cases) for what is essentially a leather shirt.

But it's good that there's a solid secondhand market and now it's nice to see crowds like AVI LTHR popping up.

There is no way you should have to pay the same price for an off the rack bog standard A-2 jacket (even in fancy pants horsehide or whatever) as you would for a pair of made to measure shoes which is happening now. There's no other way of saying it, it's a rort.

 

[Skip]

I sometimes have no choice, due to my long frame, but to go Repro. Love to have an original but Originals are either way to short or if I go up a size too darn blousy in the chest. And the dollar is killing anything that costs a pound for those downunder for anything brand new out of the UK is off limits to me now. I do wish BK kept to the Euro or at least the U.S. Dollar. It's a little easier on the hip pocket

I have to keep thinking outside the square. But isn't this just a first world problem, it's not as if we really need them, just frustrating all the same.

 

[Brettafett]

Same as you Skip...

 

[Cocker]

Same here, folks.

 

[John Lever]

There is a positive side to this. Perhaps we will be happy with our current collections and just enjoy wearing the jackets we already own.

 

[Brettafett]

Not after seeing Ties' GW Dubow post...

 

[jeremiah]

There is a positive side to this. Perhaps we will be happy with our current collections and just enjoy wearing the jackets we already own.

Ha. You are not kidding. I have a collection of vintage fedoras. Sadly most are in boxes. I swore I would wear and rotate them when I bought that next one. I never do. Now, box queens. I know there are people who really do collect and faithfully rotate. I just am not one of them. So after this ELC monarch the only other jacket I would buy is a vintage one in my size. If that dream every came true.

 

[Dr H]

I’ve sold most of my leather recently to rationalise the number that I wear and upgrade what I was wearing. It limits my options severely (I have a horsehide Journeyman and capeskin ELC .50 cal A-1), but development of character with regular wear is guaranteed.

I have a third jacket - a ‘20s style sleeved jerkin (Freewheelers Dust Bowl), but this is currently for sale.