Meermin. Carmina 2nd brand? - Page 287

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Originally Posted by kmdsimpson 

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Originally Posted by NAMOR 

^ why not go with Carmina then and saw yourself the headache and ultimately time and money

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Originally Posted by Joshua Lee 

Update:

Pepe replied they'll been searching for a supplier for Horween shell, and they'd glad use whatever leather I provide for them.

I applaud you for going for this, as it sounds like a fun project. But are you sure Namor's suggestion isn't best? How much lower is the price of their custom makeup, assuming they discount for no leather cost, plus your cost of obtaining the leather? And the risk of quality problems that ruins your leather and your investment.

Whatever you decide, it will be great to hear how it goes.

Namor's suggestion would be the best option if Meermin doesn't offer a price adjustment for providing the shell myself. I believe shoes need 2 pieces of shell hide per pair, which would run about 350$ (260€), which would eliminate the price difference between Meermin and Carmina. 

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Originally Posted by Joshua Lee 

Namor's suggestion would be the best option if Meermin doesn't offer a price adjustment for providing the shell myself. I believe shoes need 2 pieces of shell hide per pair, which would run about 350$ (260€), which would eliminate the price difference between Meermin and Carmina. 

Are you sure you can get Horween shell?  My understanding is that Horween cannot supply shell for everyone that wants it and focuses on its largest customers.

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Originally Posted by New Shoes1 

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Originally Posted by Joshua Lee 

Namor's suggestion would be the best option if Meermin doesn't offer a price adjustment for providing the shell myself. I believe shoes need 2 pieces of shell hide per pair, which would run about 350$ (260€), which would eliminate the price difference between Meermin and Carmina. 

 

Are you sure you can get Horween shell?  My understanding is that Horween cannot supply shell for everyone that wants it and focuses on its largest customers.

A guy who makes custom wallets assured me he was able to get shell. I've also found a few websites selling a couple different colors of shell (#4,#8,blk) in various grades, but I'll need to see how hard it is to get the color I'm interested in (Dark cognac, grape, or navy).

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Originally Posted by Joshua Lee 

A guy who makes custom wallets assured me he was able to get shell. I've also found a few websites selling a couple different colors of shell (#4,#8,blk) in various grades, but I'll need to see how hard it is to get the color I'm interested in (Dark cognac, grape, or navy).

I'm very interested in how this works out for you and the ultimate cost.  Keep us updated.

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Originally Posted by kcox68 

I keep going back and forth on the merits of used shoes.  On the plus side, they're less expensive and as an environmentalist I like the idea that used shoes don't require manufacture so there's a savings in resources and pollution.  On the down side, wearing someone else's shoes seems similar to wearing they're underwear.  It's one of those things that just doesn't sit right with me.  I'll probably continue to buy new and try to make sure to get the most out of them.

 

As for Meermin, they seem to have the "too much of a good thing" problem.  They'll need to either ramp up production while improving quality control or become more adapt at managing customer expectations.  When a business says they'll deliver a product in 30 days, the customer will expect it in 30 days.  A day or two late won't be a problem but an extra month will be.  On the other hand, if they had written a little blurb about how the shoes were crafted to the finest specifications, blah, blah, blah, and not provided a timeline they couldn't meet, two months wouldn't be a problem.  Then if the shoes came after 30 days, we'd all be on line talking about how Meermin exceeds expectations and delivers ahead of schedule.

 

Too many businesses with good products can't seem to understand the basic rules of managing customer expectations.  I've had the same problems with a couple of other vendors I've found at SF.  They seem to have a great product but overpromise and then have to let people down.  I would have bought a couple pairs of shoes from a SF affiliate the other day but he never even bothered to return my email.  This company also sells suits, ties, and other apparel that I would gladly have considered.  Now, I don't feel like they want my custom.  Their loss as there are many places I can spend my money.  At least Luisa from Meermin showed very good customer service and bent over backward to make sure I was able to get at least one pair of shoes on time.  That level of service means they will continue to get my business.

I kind of have the same feeling about used shoes, I think I'll try one day or another as I'd really like to own some John Lobb or EG and really can't afford them new :) expecially the new Paul Smith for EG, If I'd ever find the green ones used I think I'd get crazy about them and buy them :)

As of the rest of the post, I was actually fully aware of their delivery timing issues lately thanks to all of you here but I saw them on a guy one day in Frankfurt and I was so impressed I stopped him to ask him what brand where :-) So I decided to go for it nontheless and I'm not bothered .

I cant' say the same for my dad which is very pissed as he doesn't read this forum and doesnt' have a clue if his 160 euro were good value or not but that's again my fault not Meermin 

In italy we say something like you can have the bottle full and the wife drunk ...for 160 euro where I live I cant' even buy clark's desert boot , so well ... I'd wait untill hell freezes over for having such good looking shoes for that money!

That may literally be the best saying I've ever heard.  I'm going to find ways to use it.

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Originally Posted by EndlessBreak 

Has anybody purchased these light brown calf double monks? If so, can they please post pictures. I'm curious about the colour in real life...lighter, darker, as uniform, etc. as the picture on the website. http://meermin.es/ficha_articulo.php?id=1950

I've been looking at these pretty hard, myself.  The only thing stopping me is the question of what they'll go with. 

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Originally Posted by kcox68 

That may literally be the best saying I've ever heard.  I'm going to find ways to use it.

always enjoyed it quite a bit myself 

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Originally Posted by kcox68 

I've been looking at these pretty hard, myself.  The only thing stopping me is the question of what they'll go with. 

Mine are shipping Monday. I will have pictures in the next little while if you can wait and really want them. Otherwise, looks like a beautiul shoe.

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Originally Posted by dufferin1 

Mine are shipping Monday. I will have pictures in the next little while if you can wait and really want them. Otherwise, looks like a beautiul shoe.

I'd love to see any pics you care to post, especially showing what colors you're matching them with.

I got my first pair of Meermin shoes in this morning and now I understand why so many people are crazy about them.  I had ordered two pairs, brown double monks and the black cap-toe oxford, a month ago and was hoping to have them for a trip to New York I'm taking in a few days.  Unfortunately, the double monks weren't ready and the oxfords didn't pass quality control so I thought I was SOL.  However, when I explained my situation, Luisa from Meermin took the initiative to offer the black reverse stitched oxford in it's place so that I could at least have one pair in time.  I took her up on the offer and I'm very glad I did.  The look is very refined, the leather quality is top-notch, and the Hiro fits like the last was molded for my foot, straight down to my rather high arch.  They came without any of the problems I've seen from other reviews as well.  To make things even better, Luisa shipped them Fed Ex International Priority so they were at my doorstep in less than 51 hours from the time they were sent.  Considering the cost of shipping, Meermin may have lost money on my order but still went the extra mile to make sure I was satisfied.

I still believe that Meermin needs to focus more on quality control based on the reviews and the fact that my original order is still incomplete.  This can only help their reputation and sales.  However, based on the level of service I received, Meermin has a very loyal customer in future.  In fact, I'll be ordering the Hiro black wholecut and the New Rey burgundy side-stitched oxford today along with some Saphir products. These shoes are well worth the wait.