** Quintessential Crockett & Jones Thread ** (reviews, quality, etc...)

[zippyh]

Do you guys usually pay full retail for your C&J's when new? Or always wait for discounts at retailers/outlets?

I’ve bought 5 GMTO cordovan pairs but since I’m in the US it was like getting a discount due to no VAT coupled with no MTO fee.

I ordered green roughout Todd Snyder Conistons at full price but they screwed up my order and ended up giving me a discount.

So none of my C&J have been full price.

Back in the day, Barney’s seasonal sales were always a source of discounted C&J.

 

[othertravel]

It seems like Ben Silver pricing is pretty competitive for C&J. They have a cordovan Oxford for $1k.

 

[jssdc]

Do you guys usually pay full retail for your C&J's when new? Or always wait for discounts at retailers/outlets?

I’ve only ever bought them in the UK at full price (so much less than US pricing after VAT deduction) or on sale.

 

[lagsun]

Do you guys usually pay full retail for your C&J's when new? Or always wait for discounts at retailers/outlets?

I’ve paid full price at the Paris store and at 92 Jermyn (in person and via email). Otherwise most were at a discount via many different European stores (Bodileys, Borghini Classic, Hammargruppen, Fulham ES etc] with VAT deducted too.

 

[Markintosh]

Do you guys usually pay full retail for your C&J's when new? Or always wait for discounts at retailers/outlets?

I would also add that if it's an MTO, and a person is in the states, it's cheaper to order right from one of the boutiques in London versus making the MTO through one of the NYC stores. Also, something I've never understood, DHL charges a "Duty Tax Receiver Fee" (is that the right description?) - that I have to pay once the package is here in the states, but, I don't always have to pay it. I've been ordering Boston loafers, 4 MTOs over last 18 month (another one here any day)...of the 4, which were all basically the same price, DHL asked for additional money twice, and other times, I didn't pay anything. So I don't get it...when I pay, it's around $115....(My JM Weston's which come from France, and cost the same amount, I don't have to pay anything)....

 

[jssdc]

It seems like Ben Silver pricing is pretty competitive for C&J. They have a cordovan Oxford for $1k.

those are decent prices, and some nice models too. I’ve always felt that 337 is an unappreciated last, and that antique chestnut an unappreciated color, and this Repton DM hits both boxes: https://www.bensilver.com/The-Repton-Double-Monk-Strap-in-Chestnut,6116.html

 

[zippyh]

I would also add that if it's an MTO, and a person is in the states, it's cheaper to order right from one of the boutiques in London versus making the MTO through one of the NYC stores. Also, something I've never understood, DHL charges a "Duty Tax Receiver Fee" (is that the right description?) - that I have to pay once the package is here in the states, but, I don't always have to pay it. I've been ordering Boston loafers, 4 MTOs over last 18 month (another one here any day)...of the 4, which were all basically the same price, DHL asked for additional money twice, and other times, I didn't pay anything. So I don't get it...when I pay, it's around $115....(My JM Weston's which come from France, and cost the same amount, I don't have to pay anything)....

If you’re importing something more than $800, you owe customs/duty which is something like 8.5% for footwear. All the couriers (except USPS) will also charge a fee of about $20-30.

Years ago, C&J would be rather creative in their declarations so they’d be under $800 limit and thus no duty. The next time you get some Westons, check the paperwork to see what value they were declared at. Also, some retailers ship DDP (delivery duty paid) so you don’t owe anything additional.

 

[Rhodia]

I would also add that if it's an MTO, and a person is in the states, it's cheaper to order right from one of the boutiques in London versus making the MTO through one of the NYC stores. Also, something I've never understood, DHL charges a "Duty Tax Receiver Fee" (is that the right description?) - that I have to pay once the package is here in the states, but, I don't always have to pay it. I've been ordering Boston loafers, 4 MTOs over last 18 month (another one here any day)...of the 4, which were all basically the same price, DHL asked for additional money twice, and other times, I didn't pay anything. So I don't get it...when I pay, it's around $115....(My JM Weston's which come from France, and cost the same amount, I don't have to pay anything)....

But C&J specifically claims in their U.S. site that import duties are paid.

Currently in my cart:

 

[Markintosh]

But C&J specifically claims in their U.S. site that import duties are paid.

Currently in my cart:

View attachment 2300351

I don't order from their U.S. site - I do an MTO with a rep from the 92 Jermyn store, I save money this way, when the C&J factory completes my shoes, they send them to the store, who then ships them to me...it's convulted I know, but I get custom stuff...for instance, my latest pair, ocean suede Boston's in G fitting, have a blacked out city sole, there is no brown at all in the heal stack. I've also had custom burnishing done as well...all my orders have been with Thomas there - he's fantastic, but sometimes I pay import taxes, other times I don't...hopefully next order there is no tax, but I don't care, the level of service I get from Thomas has been fantastic...but I'm a biased C&J fan boy...LOL

 

[Ypuh]

So it's basically the tax exempt benefit ($800) for US customers. That's my biggest annoyance since Brexit. Let me give you an example of how the EU (or at least Netherlands) handles an import nowadays:

• Sale price without VAT $600
• Shipping $30
• Carrier handling costs $20
• Currency conversion fee 2%
• Import tax for shoes 17% (when total amount exceeds $150 including shipping- and handling costs)
• 21% VAT over the full amount

Together ends up €900 or $938.

Don't mind paying VAT, but the import tax and then another 21% on top of that barely makes it worthwhile. Also don't understand how brands themselves can offer 'all duties paid' services, which usually ends up cheaper than importing yourself. It does mean you need to pay the full retail price though, which in case of C&J is around €700.

I'd feel better if I knew 80% would end up at the factory rather than the tax man.

 

[Humpty_Dumpty_Rises]

On the topic whilst it lasts, i would say it's easier getting hands on english footwear in the US via retailers in US who stock a good variety. Theres quite a few retailers who stock and offer variety. In the UK it's virtually impossible to find any retailers who stock american footwear like Allen Edmunds or Aldens.