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

[Shouldaville]

I strongly suspect this is an attempt to limit "poaching" of rare shell by overseas buyers (who may have agents stateside). Forcing customers to make contact by phone, email or in person presumably allows for some control over who retailers sell to.

I'm amazed at the number of international inquiries I get on some listings. Many do have US contacts/addresses to send items, or agree to actual global shipping charges (with actual value indicated). With limited availability, exchange rates, etc., it has to be worth it for them. I've had a few kinks with PayPal, but the seller is usually protected with confirmed address, insurance and signature required.

 

[totalair1]

Nothing like a little shoe Appreciation to get your day going!

See Ya,
Steve

 

[mtc2000]



I'm amazed at the number of international inquiries I get on some listings. Many do have US contacts/addresses to send items, or agree to actual global shipping charges (with actual value indicated). With limited availability, exchange rates, etc., it has to be worth it for them. I've had a few kinks with PayPal, but the seller is usually protected with confirmed address, insurance and signature required.   

Aren't some of us here in the US doing the same thing? How many times have I seen the Frans Boone Ravello Plaza Indy posted on here? Amazing, indeed.

 

[mtc2000]

Speaking of which.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]

#8

With black tankers, color 8 tankers and black NST, I have avoided the color 8 NST, but the photos from you and others seem to confirm it is at least a top 5 alden model, maybe top 3...

Nice MRDV. Model 2210 is one of Alden's finest.

 

[tifosi]

@mtc2000^^ Seriously? These can't be new acquisitions can they?

 

[Dbear]

A lot of Aldens are in Asia. It appears they are highly sought out and quite expensive due to the all the fees.

 

[thams]

I was at one of the Alden retailers last month. They told me their phone would keep ringing all day long whenever somebody posted their recent rare shell acquisitions here.

Kathy at Alden DC told me the same thing. She recently told me that 50% of her phone calls are about the Cigar CT boots. Once it was announced the order was confirmed her phone rang every 5 minutes about "the list." I feel for her on one hand, but then again it's hard to complain about moving stock.

 

[Alcibiades]

The majority of rare cordovan sales I have made on eBay have been to international buyers, either with international shipping addresses or with addresses that are obvious forwarding services

 

[mdubs]



Kathy at Alden DC told me the same thing.  She recently told me that 50% of her phone calls are about the Cigar CT boots.  Once it was announced the order was confirmed her phone rang every 5 minutes about "the list."  I feel for her on one hand, but then again it's hard to complain about moving stock.

I no longer post the name of retailers from which I purchase from for this exact reason.

 

[tifosi]



I no longer post the name of retailers from which I purchase from for this exact reason.

Plus you want them all for yourself! hahahahaha

 

[thams]

I no longer post the name of retailers from which I purchase from for this exact reason.

That's retail for you though. Kathy said she would rather be busy answering the phone versus not selling shoes. It's a good problem to have, I think.

 

[tifosi]

^^ Yea...must be tough having $730 shoes flying off the shelves. Actually...they never even see the shelves.

 

[mdubs]



^^ Yea...must be tough having $730 shoes flying off the shelves. Actually...they never even see the shelves.

LoL. Isn't that a crazy concept though???

 

[Michigan Planner]



Gorgeous. It's inspired me to dig my pair out of the closet to wear tomorrow. I don't think I've put them on in about 5 months.

I'm amazed at the number of international inquiries I get on some listings. Many do have US contacts/addresses to send items, or agree to actual global shipping charges (with actual value indicated). With limited availability, exchange rates, etc., it has to be worth it for them. I've had a few kinks with PayPal, but the seller is usually protected with confirmed address, insurance and signature required.   

Having a size 7.5 or 8.0 foot, I get multiple inquiries from international buyers on nearly every shoe I post up. Almost all of them from Hong Kong or Singapore (occasionally I get inquiries from Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan). Usually, the buyer will have me ship to a proxy on the West Coast. There have been a few times that I've shipped directly to the foreign buyer though and I always wonder if they get smacked with big import duties on their end (I always ship through USPS).