P. lal delays

[rayk]

I placed an order for a pair of C&J handgrade Belgrave at the end of March, but have to date received only an email that P. Lal apparently received from C&J stating serious production delays, and which the former then forwarded to customers with outstanding orders as explanation. Has anyone experienced this kind of problem with P. Lal? I've ordered from them before and have never had a problem.

 

[HRHAndrew]

As someone who has to manage a British manufacturing operation, I can say firsthand that "serious production delays" is quite common in England. The English don't share the same sense of urgency when it comes to manufacturing as others. Be patient, they will arrive and be top quality. The Brits may not be diligent when it comes to timeliness, but they do take pride in quality.

 

[rayk]

HRHAndrew: Thanks, I was beginning to become concerned.

 

[Isak Bengtsbo]

I spoke to P. lal a couple of days ago and was informed that the next delivery from C&J is supposed to arrive late May/ beginning of June.

 

[rayk]

In my case that could mean a wait for delivery of nearly three months from the date of order. A bit excessive for RTW.

 

[rayk]

It appears that, at least to some extent, P.Lal's good pricing on C&J shoes is over. Â I just received an email from P.Lal, included here, which indicates that price increases are going into effect immediately. Â Nothing that good could last forever. Â

Email: Yes, we now have along with a dressing down for underpricing their shoes and with orders to increase prices which we have. Of course, this will not affect you. We have 35 pairs specially ordered and we got a reply that 5 pairs can't be supplied yet (not ready) and it appears none of this 5 is yours so you're OK. We expect the shoes in our store in about 10 days now. They will be sent off before the end of this week. Regards, Shyam Doshi +6012.222.2209 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 9:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Crockett & Jones of England ************************************************************************ ******* ProductOrService: Crockett & Jones of England Name:       Raymond G Kalendek Email:       [email protected] Phone:       Remote Name:    24-195-37-179.nycap.rr.com Remote User:    HTTP User Agent:  Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; FunWebProducts) Feedback: Sirs: I'm in receipt of  P. Lal forwarded communication from C&J stating production delays.  Have you received further information that would permit you to estimate how much longer the process of delivery will take? Best Regards, Ray Kalendek

 

[Stu]

Interesting. I myself just recently ordered a pair of Belgraves from them as well, along with a pair of Chilterns. I filled out the order form with the quoted low prices, though, so I imagine they will honor that. I'll bet rival retailers were complaining to C&J: One in particular, which advertises that it will beat any price, didn't even bother to try and beat a C&J price I quoted them.

 

[AlanC]

Yes, disappointing to hear about the price jump. I suppose I should have ordered the shoes I almost did a month ago, but I'm pleased with the multiple shoes I bought instead at considerable discounts. I wouldn't be surprised if the exchange rates didn't add to the jump as well. Ben Silver has upped their C&J prices considerably.

 

[Brian SD]

Ahh, that's a shame. I was planning on ordering some hangrades from P.Lal very soon.

Any idea how high the price will rise?

 

[Nick M]

Any idea how high the price will rise?

I was told 10-15% - which isn't so bad, I guess - beginning in July or August.

This was about a month ago, though, so they may have revised their estimate in the meantime.

I've gotta clear some space on my credit card and order a pair pretty quick...

 

[Brian SD]

I've gotta clear some space on my credit card and order a pair pretty quick...

Precisely.

 

[rayk]

From P. Lal RE price increases: From: "Shoe Dept. of P.Lal Store" <[email protected]> Â Add to Address Book To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Crockett & Jones of England Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2004 15:20:43 +0800 Â Â Â The prices of handgrade are already revised to M$1499 (25%) or US$395. Â Others will follow suit in July probably by about 15% to 20%. Regards, Shyam Doshi +6012.222.2209 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 4:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Crockett & Jones of England ************************************************************************ ******* ProductOrService: Crockett & Jones of England Name: Â Â Â Â Â Â Raymond G Kalendek Email: Â Â Â Â Â Â [email protected] Phone: Â Â Â Â Â Â Remote Name: Â Â Â nycap.rr.com Remote User: Â Â Â HTTP User Agent: Â Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; FunWebProducts) Feedback: Sirs: I have several orders for new C&J handgrades shoes on hold. Would it be possible to tell me what the anticipated price increases are to be, and when they will take effect? Is there still time to place orders under the old pricing? Best Regards, Ray Kalendek In my opinion, $395 plus shipping is still a hell of a deal for shoes of this quality.

 

[Nick M]

In my opinion, $395 plus shipping is still a hell of a deal for shoes of this quality.

Exactly. When I heard, I prepared myself to accept an increase of anywhere up to 30%. Where I live, that's still a good deal for C&amp;J, which can be up to AU$895 (US$650) for the regular, non-handgrade line.