Aerostitch Discount...

[dfinazzo]

Here is some correspondence I just received from Aerostitch for those that might be contemplating a purchase - I am looking at a Roadcrafter . . .

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html

From: Andy Goldfine <agoldfine@aerostich.com>

To: Dan Finazzo <dfzzo@mac.com>
Cc: Beack, Teresa (Aerostich) <tbeack@aerostich.com>, Holm, Carla <cholm@aerostich.com>, Holt, Yasuko <yholt@aerostich.com>, Seehus, Sally (aerostich) <sseehus@aerostich.com>, Duncan, Kathy (aerostich) <kduncan@aerostich.com>, Howard, Sherry (aerostich) <showard@aerostich.com>, Asperheim, Scott (Aero Repairs Dept) <sasperheim@aerostich.com>, Bisek, Margret (Aero) <mbisek@aerostich.com>
Date: Sat Jul 29, 2006 01:52:50 AM EDT
Subject: Re: Roadcrafter

Dan,

Thanks for your message and question. All items sold to
customers who are at our facility are priced at a 10% discount
from the catalog prices. There is no reference to this discount
in the catalog.

Some of our business and operational policies are a little
weird. The 10% 'showroom' discount is one of the ones that I
have mixed feelings about. On one hand, I want to encourage
riders to visit our facility in person, and to take a tour of
the sewing operation. What we do here is unique, and we all
enjoy meeting our customers. On the other hand, we are not well
set up to serve walk in customers. It is much more costly - so
much so that by the time we are done with many, we have not
made a profit on the sale. The profit margin on the suits and
darien gear is particularly small. On the other (3rd...) hand,
those who visit our facility usually leave happy and tell others
about our company, and our products, favorably.

We have never concealed the 10% discount from anyone, but (on
the other hand, again...) we have never gone out of our way to
promote it.

The bottom line is that I hope you will come and visit us in
person, and see our operation, and give one of our products a
try. I know you will not be disappointed. (And if you do come,
please say 'hi' and also remind me about your email message on
this subject.

Let me know if you have questions or if I can be of other
assistance.

Andy

Dan Finazzo wrote:
> Hello Andy,
>
> I was visiting Nick's BMW dealer in De Pere, WI a few months ago and we
> got to talking about Aerostitch Roadcrafter Suits.
>
> Someone at the dealer stated that if I visited your facility in Duluth
> that I could get a 10% discount on the suit if I either ordered it and
> had measurements made or if picked it up.
>
> I have looked over your site and see no reference to this!
>
> Could your please set me straight regarding this comment.
>
> I live in Cincinnati and was thinking of ordering a suit and visiting
> your facility to get the correct measurements. If the discount
> was in effect this would be all the more incentive for me to take this
> road trip (780 miles - one way).
>
> In any case let me know if the rumor is fact . . .
>
> Thanks in advance!!
>
> Dan Finazzo

[hschisler]

I called Aerostich a few months back to ask several questions about their gear. With no prompting from me they mentioned the 10% discount for on-site purchases.

I think a personal visit makes a lot of sense if you want to get the exact fit the first time; the alternative is to send garments back and forth until you get the right fit, or follow their measuring instructions very carefully.

I'd like to visit their facility for the same reasons you mention.

[jayz9705]

Dan, Howard, believe the part about them NOT being set-up for in-person visits!!

Gilda and I were up there several years ago. It is difficult to find, very unimpressive, and has no 'real' showroom (at least it didn't in 2004). In spite of that, they are wonderful people to talk to, exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable of their full product line.
We did not opt for the tour, tho it was offered several times. Unfortunately, we were NOT able to do any purchase, either. Understand that they can do alterations, but they do not do custom work! If you can wear off-the-rack with some 'adjustments', you should be able to get fitted well. If you're expecting major alterations, forget it, but it was still worth the time spent there.

[hschisler]

Dan, Howard, believe the part about them NOT being set-up for in-person visits!!

Gilda and I were up there several years ago. It is difficult to find, very unimpressive, and has no 'real' showroom (at least it didn't in 2004). In spite of that, they are wonderful people to talk to, exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable of their full product line.
We did not opt for the tour, tho it was offered several times. Unfortunately, we were NOT able to do any purchase, either. Understand that they can do alterations, but they do not do custom work! If you can wear off-the-rack with some 'adjustments', you should be able to get fitted well. If you're expecting major alterations, forget it, but it was still worth the time spent there.Thanks Jay. The way the lady who I talked with explained it, it sounds like a small "show room" right off their production area. They have Roadcrafters and Darien gear in all sizes; you try one on until it fits perfectly, or fits as perfectly as it's going to, then discuss alterations.

I've seen their catalog and understand the range of alterations available. I could probably buy something sight unseen, but for that much $$ I'd like to be certain and I'd like to have an excellent fit; if all it takes is a 1"-2" adjustment in arms or legs I'll be happy with that. I understand they can't (and won't, per previous threads) make wholly-custom suits. Shaq, for example, won't be able to buy from them!

[jayz9705]

I believe that if you are only in need of that type of alteration, you will not have a problem. I'd love to have a Darien myself, but it's just not in the future of my body!

[swaanimal]

Howard, when I ordered my Roadcrafter this past spring, they sent me a suit and told me to put it on get on the bike and call them. I sent the suit back to them and when my suit got here it fit great. From a 50L I wound up with -3" above the knee and -2" below the elbow (I'm 6' and 265). Probably one of the best ordering experinces I've come across.

[hschisler]

Howard, when I ordered my Roadcrafter this past spring, they sent me a suit and told me to put it on get on the bike and call them. I sent the suit back to them and when my suit got here it fit great. From a 50L I wound up with -3" above the knee and -2" below the elbow (I'm 6' and 265). Probably one of the best ordering experinces I've come across.Thanks Jason -- good to know. I wondered how it would work.

But what are you trying to do -- talk me out of a trip to Duluth? :D

[swaanimal]

But what are you trying to do -- talk me out of a trip to Duluth? :D


Nope, not me, sounds like a great road trip!

[Vagabond]

One quick thing to add about Aerostich. Not only do you get the discount for showing up in person. This is never advertised, Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing! This really does add to the discount.

Bob Salmi
Darlington, WI