|
|
Post by julian on Nov 24, 2014 11:16:52 GMT -6
For any items from outside the EU (which ends up being just about anything actually worth buying), it's an automatic 20% VAT on any item over £15 value (which, again, ends up being just about anything actually worth buying). If the value of the item is >£145, you enter a whole new world of additional Customs Duties - much of which is so complex and obfuscated that the Customs people basically make it up and just issue you a total which, of course, you have virtually no alternative but to pay. It makes importing items like decent quality boots and raw denim way more expensive. It's not uncommon for the end price to hit anywhere from 50% to 100% higher once shipping has been included. But, then, that's the whole point. The government imposes these taxes to protect their revenue streams - they have no interest in making life better for the people who actually pay the taxes. Anyone who believes the official line that it's done to 'protect our businesses' needs to have a word with themselves. As an example, the current list price for Wolverine 1000 Mile boots from official UK stockists equates to exactly $500.69 Wolverine's own site lists them for $360 in the US. Man, that totally blows. Like, TOTALLY blows..... Still doesn't justify IH UK's pricing though (If any of my assumptions are even close to truth): As a retailer, I would think he is getting them at an extreme discount... Maybe paying 50% Japanese retail price per item. If that statement is true, and he had to pay 100% customs tax, he would break even selling at Japanese price since he wouldn't be responsible for export fees. Hell, thinking about it, i could buy for Japanese price and under-cut him and SelfEdge on Ebay. That's also another problem... Giles will then have to pay business rates on his premises (more tax) and then further taxes on any profit he makes which, as it's probably a Limited Company, will be at least 20%. Anyone in the business of importing goods from outside the EU and selling them within the UK is never going to be able to make huge margins and can/will be undercut by just about anyone/any site selling the same goods direct. Realistically, the only things that makes such a business even semi-viable is offering insane levels of customer service and, basically, relying on customer loyalty, laziness and fear of ordering from potentially non-English speaking countries. |
|
|
|
Post by Dirty_Denim on Nov 24, 2014 11:44:52 GMT -6
I figured taxes and fees were really the main reason of the price jump. I really didn't think Giles was making that much. Either way Giles is a great guy to do business with and he is insanely helpful. Thats exactly why I buy from him. I know that may seem a bit crazy that I would pay $200 more for something but I buy from Giles & Paula not IH. If you can understand how amazing they are you would understand why I am willing to buy from them only even though i can jump on Rakutan. When I want something from IH i save up for it. I mean they will even allow you to pay it off if needed. For them its the total customer experience and not some store selling you an item on the web. The 2 of them during the time my wife was pregnant were constantly in contact with us. Iv told this before but they sent gifts and when you get an chance to meet them you understand even more why I will always give them my business. I mean where does that happen? Rakutan cant do that but yes they have a lower price. Personally I will always buy from them but if you want to use Rakutan there is nothing wrong with that either. I am not saying you guys shouldn't buy from Rakutan but am only giving my own reason why I won't. So please do not take my own personal reason as a shot at you guys. I am happy you are getting a chance to experience IH |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 22:20:28 GMT -6
I for one can't justify paying 40+% more for the same item just because I like the seller. From what I've seen (not experienced because I have not used them yet) Rakuten has very good CS. One seller even included a hand written thank you note.
I am no,expert on import export but common sense tells me this is all,screwy.
If Giles wanted to feed the U.S. Market with fair priced goods couldn't he open an office here for import and distribution? If English taxation etc are making the prices so high there must be options. I will not pay 50% up charge to fuel the insane EU tax scheme. In the end I think that IH prices are at the level they want them to be. Yoox makes international purchases as easy as can be, many times with bargain prices. I think I read on here that Giles owns the rights for everywhere but Japan. If that's so it's either he or the contract (or cost of the contract) that Is keeping this structure of inflated prices. I'll say it again Ironheart is a luxury life style brand. Lowering prices and increasing production goes against that.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 23:06:32 GMT -6
I for one can't justify paying 40+% more for the same item just because I like the seller. From what I've seen (not experienced because I have not used them yet) Rakuten has very good CS. One seller even included a hand written thank you note. I am no,expert on import export but common sense tells me this is all,screwy. If Giles wanted to feed the U.S. Market with fair priced goods couldn't he open an office here for import and distribution? If English taxation etc are making the prices so high there must be options. I will not pay 50% up charge to fuel the insane EU tax scheme. In the end I think that IH prices are at the level they want them to be. Yoox makes international purchases as easy as can be, many times with bargain prices. I think I read on here that Giles owns the rights for everywhere but Japan. If that's so it's either he or the contract (or cost of the contract) that Is keeping this structure of inflated prices. I'll say it again Ironheart is a luxury life style brand. Lowering prices and increasing production goes against that. I will only disagree 1 point: it's not a luxury life brand. People who live a life of luxury have made it that. For the intended application, the price is spot on considering the amazing quality. Once again I really don't see any reason to pay OVER retail on in-stock items. I stopped collecting sneakers because resellers fcuked the game up. But, interestingly enough, he has a direct relationship with Hiraki (I don't feel like Google'ing to check if that's correct) so this is obviously okay with the brand as a whole. I can't justify it for my wallet though. But, so as to not muck up the thread,I will jump back and say the items LOOK GREAT, and the construction quality is spot on. I will be buying more; heavy black jeans, heavy duck and some thermals. |
|
|
|
Post by exophobe on Nov 24, 2014 23:16:35 GMT -6
Once again I really don't see any reason to pay OVER retail on in-stock items. I stopped collecting sneakers because resellers fcuked the game up. But, interestingly enough, he has a direct relationship with Hiraki (I don't feel like Google'ing to check if that's correct) so this is obviously okay with the brand as a whole. I can't justify it for my wallet though. But, so as to not muck up the thread,I will jump back and say the items LOOK GREAT, and the construction quality is spot on. I will be buying more; heavy black jeans, heavy duck and some thermals. Just wanted to say (sorry for mucking the thread) -- as someone totally on the crowd-finding train, I was having a conversation with a guy at work who is still in the sneaker collecting biz (one of the guys that fcuked the game up, I suppose) and the way they do it makes no sense. They pre-sell the things, but they make a set run in sizes that people don't necessarily want but will buy so they can get in on the next Red October. I was saying "why in hell don't they set the size of the run, let people pick their size, and then only make those". I think I upset him, but it makes no sense to me that Nike would stick to this old model with the agility they have to have in manufacturing? meh, sorry for the muck. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 23:27:22 GMT -6
*Because Nike makes LOTS of limited edition/limited number shoe designs and colorways. Many OG colorways are ran season to season, but some can be once in a life time. That's not the "problem"... The problem is with individuals, resellers and retailers who buy in bulk at retail and turn them around IMMEDIATELY for a profit.
But, supply and demand. I never bought a single pair of my kicks for more than retail, unless they were a limited release from years prior, i.e. collectors item. I can't bring myself to fuel resellers/scalpers. That's the reason why I offer my thrift store finds and proxy services for no profit.
|
|
|
|
Post by exophobe on Nov 24, 2014 23:36:07 GMT -6
But, supply and demand. I never bought a single pair of my kicks for more than retail, unless they were a limited release from years prior, i.e. collectors item. I can't bring myself to fuel resellers/scalpers. That's the reason why I offer my thrift store finds and proxy services for no profit. And yer just a swell guy. heh. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 23:40:33 GMT -6
But, supply and demand. I never bought a single pair of my kicks for more than retail, unless they were a limited release from years prior, i.e. collectors item. I can't bring myself to fuel resellers/scalpers. That's the reason why I offer my thrift store finds and proxy services for no profit. And yer just a swell guy. heh. I have my moments, lol |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 23:44:22 GMT -6
"I will only disagree 1 point: it's not a luxury life brand. People who live a life of luxury have made it that. For the intended application, the price is spot on considering the amazing quality."
Luxury workwear has got to be an oxymoron. I don't intend to knock them. Hell if if I sold jeans I'd rather they be $500 than 50. More power to them. What is the "intended application"? Riding motorcycles or fashion? I'd say fashion and any pair of fashion pants that hit the $450 mark are a luxury item.
|
|
|
|
Post by ickes on Nov 24, 2014 23:54:41 GMT -6
first off, just want to say that it's official, I've got the Iron Heart bug! good lawd...did I mention this already?? second, the CS on Rakuten is really good in my limited experience so far, particularly through Rodeo Bros. They sent me a hand written letter with my package as well and I think a coupon code or something??? @untucked I might send you a pic of the paper they sent me and maybe your old lady can decipher it if that's cool???...lol...I just have no freaking clue what it is because the translation is so...,.odd. Anyways, Rodeo Bros also sent me a follow up email asking me if I received my thermal and if I was happy with it, etc...didn't appear to be an automated email either. Then tonight I just ordered another thermal henley in black  and their was a small mix up with the payment initially but it was swiftly and apologetically dealt with and I should have my black thermal in no time. BTW, I have no idea what time it is in Japan but it seems like the guys at Rodeo Bros work 24/7. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 0:04:36 GMT -6
"I will only disagree 1 point: it's not a luxury life brand. People who live a life of luxury have made it that. For the intended application, the price is spot on considering the amazing quality." Luxury workwear has got to be an oxymoron. I don't intend to knock them. Hell if if I sold jeans I'd rather they be $500 than 50. More power to them. What is the "intended application"? Riding motorcycles or fashion? I'd say fashion and any pair of fashion pants that hit the $450 mark are a luxury item. Intended purpose IS riding motorcycles, and from the source (Japan) the definitely don't cost $500. And yes, they do try hard to keep it all fashionable 25oz denim is highly practical when riding a motorcycle, and im sure it's even moreso practical when you're falling off of a motorcycle. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 0:05:40 GMT -6
first off, just want to say that it's official, I've got the Iron Heart bug! good lawd...did I mention this already?? second, the CS on Rakuten is really good in my limited experience so far, particularly through Rodeo Bros. They sent me a hand written letter with my package as well and I think a coupon code or something??? @untucked I might send you a pic of the paper they sent me and maybe your old lady can decipher it if that's cool???...lol...I just have no freaking clue what it is because the translation is so...,.odd. Anyways, Rodeo Bros also sent me a follow up email asking me if I received my thermal and if I was happy with it, etc...didn't appear to be an automated email either. Then tonight I just ordered another thermal henley in black and their was a small mix up with the payment initially but it was swiftly and apologetically dealt with and I should have my black thermal in no time. BTW, I have no idea what time it is in Japan but it seems like the guys at Rodeo Bros work 24/7. It's 3pm here. And she will gladly translate. She's proud the we appreciate "The power and quality of Japan" lol |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 0:29:44 GMT -6
Knowing the disparity of pricing is the problem and that they choose not to address it. I'll probably get something thru Rakuten because their pricing seems fair for the quality.
I know IH associates itself with biker culture thru the logo but I've never seen any marketing touting why I should be wearing it to ride in. Looking at their forum there are a bunch of guys that collect it , not very biker like. They also sell a lot of items that have nothing to do with bikers. ie- a pea coat that sells for 4 times what a good one normally goes for.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 0:39:11 GMT -6
Knowing the disparity of pricing is the problem and that they choose not to address it. I'll probably get something thru Rakuten because their pricing seems fair for the quality. I know IH associates itself with biker culture thru the logo but I've never seen any marketing touting why I should be wearing it to ride in. Looking at their forum there are a bunch of guys that collect it , not very biker like. They also sell a lot of items that have nothing to do with bikers. ie- a pea coat that sells for 4 times what a good one normally goes for. That's what I meant when I said " But, interestingly enough, he has a direct relationship with H..........". All in all, there MUST be a good reason though. Either way, I'm a fan now..... I'm hooked. So, i'll just purchase in the way that I'm comfortable with |
|
|
|
Post by ickes on Nov 25, 2014 0:41:43 GMT -6
@61scout, well...right under their name on the banner/header at the top of their webpage it does say "Motorcycle Specialties"; www.ironheart.co.uk/shirtingalso says it on the tags of their clothes. Most of their stuff is on the heavy side too from their T shirts to their flannels and they are very well made and very sturdy. Perfect for riding I would imagine, which I don't btw. |
|
|
|
Post by highlights on Nov 25, 2014 0:50:38 GMT -6
I share the views of Dirty_Denim and unnamed...there will always be folks to patronize/shop at both IH & rakuten. IH has, imo, become an institution (or, at least, a huge beacon)which promotes more than sales/biz; it leads by example w/ a refreshing & real kind of family/personal vibe/mode for building IH community/world. Giles spreads the culture, takes it from the top & is a great asset for the denim community/industry, imo. Rak is great in so many ways, too & allows so many more of us to take the trip. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 1:16:13 GMT -6
I share the views of Dirty_Denim and unnamed...there will always be folks to patronize/shop at both IH & rakuten. IH has, imo, become an institution (or, at least, a huge beacon)which promotes more than sales/biz; it leads by example w/ a refreshing & real kind of family/personal vibe/mode for building IH community/world. Giles spreads the culture, takes it from the top & is a great asset for the denim community/industry, imo. Rak is great in so many ways, too & allows so many more of us to take the trip. Giles' censorship and vocal disdain of Gustin honestly rubbed me the wrong way though. I haven't experienced the caring, personable individual that you guys speak of, so the image of the tyrannical Gustin-hating forum owner is what sticks in my mind. Mind you, this doesn't have anything to do with me rooting for Gustin. I would feel the same were it any other brand. |
|
|
|
Post by Winterland on Nov 25, 2014 2:18:42 GMT -6
I share the views of Dirty_Denim and unnamed...there will always be folks to patronize/shop at both IH & rakuten. IH has, imo, become an institution (or, at least, a huge beacon)which promotes more than sales/biz; it leads by example w/ a refreshing & real kind of family/personal vibe/mode for building IH community/world. Giles spreads the culture, takes it from the top & is a great asset for the denim community/industry, imo. Rak is great in so many ways, too & allows so many more of us to take the trip. Giles' censorship and vocal disdain of Gustin honestly rubbed me the wrong way though. I haven't experienced the caring, personable individual that you guys speak of, so the image of the tyrannical Gustin-hating forum owner is what sticks in my mind. Mind you, this doesn't have anything to do with me rooting for Gustin. I would feel the same were it any other brand. I feel this too but at the same time, myself only working on a forum for a few months, can see a person losing it every once and a while. I saw that going on and thought about putting myself in his shoes. Trying to run a business and constantly having people post about other competitors. Especially ones where the price is much cheaper. They don't have to let people post about other brands. If I had a forum for my business, talking about competitors would seem odd. Looking past all that I have thought of reaching out to him in the future as he has a lot of knowledge. Could do a Q&A or interview. |
|
|
|
Post by highlights on Nov 25, 2014 3:08:22 GMT -6
Hear you @untucked & always really dig the way you roll, brah! I wouldn't attempt to condone Giles' every act/mood either ...@winterland makes big sense, too "can see a person losing it every once and a while." LOL - ain't it so!!! (Do Admins come any cooler than this???) Yeah, I certainly look forward to reading many great Q&A's/interviews here...(& even, possibly, a mesmerising raw denim centerfold feature!!) |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 3:42:27 GMT -6
All points considered, I would *still* rather have four pairs of IH-666-XHS for $1000 compared to two pairs of the EXACT SAME THING for $1000, lol!
|
|
|
|
Post by brentkuz on Nov 25, 2014 7:38:40 GMT -6
I share the views of Dirty_Denim and unnamed...there will always be folks to patronize/shop at both IH & rakuten. IH has, imo, become an institution (or, at least, a huge beacon)which promotes more than sales/biz; it leads by example w/ a refreshing & real kind of family/personal vibe/mode for building IH community/world. Giles spreads the culture, takes it from the top & is a great asset for the denim community/industry, imo. Rak is great in so many ways, too & allows so many more of us to take the trip. Giles' censorship and vocal disdain of Gustin honestly rubbed me the wrong way though. I haven't experienced the caring, personable individual that you guys speak of, so the image of the tyrannical Gustin-hating forum owner is what sticks in my mind. Mind you, this doesn't have anything to do with me rooting for Gustin. I would feel the same were it any other brand. Go to the chevy forum and talk about your love for fords. The iron heart forum is basically for iron heart. Gustin friends is more for denim enthusiast. |
|
|
|
Post by brentkuz on Nov 25, 2014 8:21:49 GMT -6
Thinking about getting the ihsh-62 in indigo what say you? Also thinking about th 33 in either indigo or black. Input?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 8:51:51 GMT -6
Giles' censorship and vocal disdain of Gustin honestly rubbed me the wrong way though. I haven't experienced the caring, personable individual that you guys speak of, so the image of the tyrannical Gustin-hating forum owner is what sticks in my mind. Mind you, this doesn't have anything to do with me rooting for Gustin. I would feel the same were it any other brand. Go to the chevy forum and talk about your love for fords. The iron heart forum is basically for iron heart. Gustin friends is more for denim enthusiast. Now, if the Chevy forum doesn't allow talk of ANY other car manufacturers, I would feel your comparison, but that's not the case with the IH forum. There are threads for MANY other brands..... Don't forget, this censorship type is the same reason we left from the Gustin community board..... Right or wrong? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2014 9:00:19 GMT -6
Just want all you ENABLERS know that I hate every single one of you. EOM from a guy who has no more funding until next year.
|
|
|
|
Post by brentkuz on Nov 25, 2014 9:06:52 GMT -6
Just want all you ENABLERS know that I hate every single one of you. EOM from a guy who has no more funding until next year. @wils don't worry I'm going to try to do no clothing spending 1/1/15-7/1/15. Gotta get that spending out! |
|
and their was a small mix up with the payment initially but it was swiftly and apologetically dealt with and I should have my black thermal in no time.
