***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[ThArtOfWardrobe]

Did you order from Frans Boone?

Yes. They provide outstanding service and I'd order from there again if I could get the international fees figured out.

 

[FrankCowperwood]



Did you order from Frans Boone?
I just ordered from Frans Boone and don't want to get hit with this fee. I already paid a conversion fee for foreign transaction a total of over a $100 premium.. Whatshould we suggest to Frans? Frank I just copied your post and email him.

If your shoes haven't shipped already make sure the mark the package very clearly as USA MADE GOODS. Hopefully that will help.

 

[NAMOR]

FRANS BOOOOONE!

 

[IRONHORSE]

The premium are fees associated with the purchase like shipping, conversion fees and maybe this custom and brokerage fee. I was just rounding up the figure. I will definitely tell Frans about before my shoes get shipped out.

I guess lessons learned about ordering an american product overseas...I wont do this again in the future, on a good note Frans is awesome to deal with. I have been Shelled!!!!

 

[CHRK33]



Sorry for bad photos but trying to show the cracking between the welt and sole. Seems to happen on each pair of my Aldens. Anyone else experience this? Is this a defect and can it be fixed? (I know . . . . shoes need the method).

That happened to my Natural Chromexcel Wingtip Boots and Mike of Epaulet helped me send them back to Alden, where they resoled for free. Apparently, Alden must have considered them a defect. It happened to mine after 5 months of ownership. Probably 10 - 15 wears.

 

[Briar Snob]

Yes, the $6.50 is a fee, then duty was $61 or 8.5%. As far as I can tell this is an error, though understandable since the package wasn't properly marked. It is a little bit of a pain though, and I can understand why you would hesitate. Note that DHL has not charged fees, just UPS.

As I'm reading the discussion about order from Frans in Europe given the customs/duty fees, I'm wondering if anyone has experience ordering from The Bureau, and whether this was an issue there too?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[mikeharo]

That happened to a pair of Rancourt penny loafers I have. I was not happy about it but my cobbler did a phenomenal job with a resole so we'll see.

 

[ThArtOfWardrobe]

As I'm reading the discussion about order from Frans in Europe given the customs/duty fees, I'm wondering if anyone has experience ordering from The Bureau, and whether this was an issue there too?

Thanks,

Andrew

I've ordered from The Bureau as well but didn't have to pay a customs or brokerage fee. I believe they shipped DHL but can't remember.

 

[NAMOR]

^ I've received 2 orders from Carmina (both DHL) and no customs. Hate to beat a dead horse but this customs ish is holding me back from getting those boots from FRANS BOOOOONE!

 

[IRONHORSE]



^ I've received 2 orders from Carmina (both DHL) and no customs. Hate to beat a dead horse but this customs ish is holding me back from getting those boots from FRANS BOOOOONE!

Namor dont hold back some of there make up are awesome and they have some ready for fall delivery, to me it was worth the extra fee..

 

[NAMOR]

^ I agree 2012. Conviction, Resolve, IRONHORSE!

 

[ThArtOfWardrobe]

^ I've received 2 orders from Carmina (both DHL) and no customs. Hate to beat a dead horse but this customs ish is holding me back from getting those boots from FRANS BOOOOONE!

If you're referring to the color 8 boots, those are pure sex. I was on the fence between those and the cigar longwings. Frans Boone's makeups make other retailers look stodgy.

 

[zippyh]

Yes, the $6.50 is a fee, then duty was $61 or 8.5%. As far as I can tell this is an error, though understandable since the package wasn't properly marked. It is a little bit of a pain though, and I can understand why you would hesitate. Note that DHL has not charged fees, just UPS.

As I'm reading the discussion about order from Frans in Europe given the customs/duty fees, I'm wondering if anyone has experience ordering from The Bureau, and whether this was an issue there too?

Thanks,

Andrew

Ordered about 5 or 6 times from the Bureau.
They shipped FedEx. Never paid brokerage or duty.
I think their shipping includes customs clearance.
Shipments have been Trickers.

 

[Dino19]

On the Fran Boone makeup, what do you guys think about the cigar shell PTB on a crepe sole? I like the cigar but I'm holding back because of the crepe sole. I would prefer a leather sole because it'll be more durable & lasting, I think. Any comment / advice?

 

[herrmj]

I really love the hearty use of brass eyelets on frans boone's makeups.