Justin Placek - LWB Seat Woven Leather Inserts
Discussion
Good afternoon all. I have just had the oddest experience with Justin Placek (on Instagram) and wanted to ask if anyone else has bought his product and if I am over thinking this?
I have finally, (after many years) managed to secure a new 992 GT3 Touring. I noted a few months ago that for LWB Seats, Justin Placek https://www.instagram.com/justinplacek/ makes really nice, really bespoke inserts. They pop up all the time on my feed and tI think I have seen them on a few other forums too.
I particular liked this version of the insert: https://www.instagram.com/p/ConZaCgDzSr/
So I reached out to him today and he said he wanted me to forward him 5500 euros now to make an order. Bank transfer or Paypal (friends) would be preferable. Obviously I laughed out loud and then had a long chat with him about how nuts that is. He seemed like a nice guy (I have made him aware of this thread so he can respond fairly), but is absolutely convinced the only way to do business is for people to pay him upfront, via PayPal or bank transfer without any guarantees or insurance?
So I thought I would ask if anyone on here has bought from him and what the community thinks about an Instagram Business asking for 5500 euros upfront?
I have finally, (after many years) managed to secure a new 992 GT3 Touring. I noted a few months ago that for LWB Seats, Justin Placek https://www.instagram.com/justinplacek/ makes really nice, really bespoke inserts. They pop up all the time on my feed and tI think I have seen them on a few other forums too.
I particular liked this version of the insert: https://www.instagram.com/p/ConZaCgDzSr/
So I reached out to him today and he said he wanted me to forward him 5500 euros now to make an order. Bank transfer or Paypal (friends) would be preferable. Obviously I laughed out loud and then had a long chat with him about how nuts that is. He seemed like a nice guy (I have made him aware of this thread so he can respond fairly), but is absolutely convinced the only way to do business is for people to pay him upfront, via PayPal or bank transfer without any guarantees or insurance?
So I thought I would ask if anyone on here has bought from him and what the community thinks about an Instagram Business asking for 5500 euros upfront?
Edited by findtomdotcom on Thursday 22 June 13:28
Two things strike me.
Firstly that €5500 is nuts for a pair of inserts, or does he think you want the whole seat trimmed?
Secondly if he has enough business and a nice long waiting list then he can ask what he wants and whether or not he wants it in advance. This approach may well come back to bite him though if things slow down.
Firstly that €5500 is nuts for a pair of inserts, or does he think you want the whole seat trimmed?
Secondly if he has enough business and a nice long waiting list then he can ask what he wants and whether or not he wants it in advance. This approach may well come back to bite him though if things slow down.
Yes, it is a nutty price. If, (and it’s a big if) the product is as high quality as it looks and if it is a better than OEM finish then maybe I’d buy it. But how do I know? At this price I want to see it first. And even then, I would only expect to pay on delivery.
Sure, ask for a deposit that seems reasonable, but to ask to pay up so much up front is nuts, isn’t it?
I had a long chat with him and he seems like a genuine bloke. But he doesn’t seem to understand that transferring all the risk into the customer isn’t really fair. And for that reason, unless someone posts that these are some next level items, I’m not ordering…..
Sure, ask for a deposit that seems reasonable, but to ask to pay up so much up front is nuts, isn’t it?
I had a long chat with him and he seems like a genuine bloke. But he doesn’t seem to understand that transferring all the risk into the customer isn’t really fair. And for that reason, unless someone posts that these are some next level items, I’m not ordering…..
For inserts, look at www.p1designs.com. Very happy with their products and trading terms.
I bought inserts from Justin, mine are cloth not leather and were (a bit) cheaper than the amount quoted for your leather ones.
Justin gained notoriety (in the UK particularly) I think when he supplied inserts to Chris Harris for his Touring. But he's done the same for other relatively high-profile YouTube and Instagram renowned car owners.
I paid up front, he delivered. He has a worldwide client base, so I guess he can ask for whatever terms he deems appropriate; there is of course some risk in manufacturing seat inserts to a specific order specification and then not being able to move them on if the purchaser reneges on the deal.
I found Justin very easy to deal with - I arranged the manufacture and purchase of my inserts with him whilst he was actually on holiday. I've found his work to be of the highest quality (he uses OEM inserts and his attention to detail is meticulous) and he's a stand-up guy.
Yes, his stuff is expensive, but it is also, in my opinion, the best.
Justin gained notoriety (in the UK particularly) I think when he supplied inserts to Chris Harris for his Touring. But he's done the same for other relatively high-profile YouTube and Instagram renowned car owners.
I paid up front, he delivered. He has a worldwide client base, so I guess he can ask for whatever terms he deems appropriate; there is of course some risk in manufacturing seat inserts to a specific order specification and then not being able to move them on if the purchaser reneges on the deal.
I found Justin very easy to deal with - I arranged the manufacture and purchase of my inserts with him whilst he was actually on holiday. I've found his work to be of the highest quality (he uses OEM inserts and his attention to detail is meticulous) and he's a stand-up guy.
Yes, his stuff is expensive, but it is also, in my opinion, the best.
TheDeadPrussian said:
I've found his work to be of the highest quality (he uses OEM inserts and his attention to detail is meticulous) and he's a stand-up guy.
Yes, his stuff is expensive, but it is also, in my opinion, the best.
Thanks Mark. Really helpful and exactly what I’m after. So the quality is excellent, that is something I would be happy to pay for. Yes, his stuff is expensive, but it is also, in my opinion, the best.
Thank you.
Edited by findtomdotcom on Thursday 22 June 20:15
I’ve also purchased various Pepita items from Justin and also paid up front. He’s been a total gentleman to deal with and his workmanship and materials are of the highest quality.
It’s worth noting that he sources his Pepita fabric from the factory that Porsche uses to source their fabric so it is to all intents and purposes OEM rather than made in one of the other three German factories that manufacture it or from the USA.
It’s worth noting that he sources his Pepita fabric from the factory that Porsche uses to source their fabric so it is to all intents and purposes OEM rather than made in one of the other three German factories that manufacture it or from the USA.
GT3ZZZ said:
I’ve also purchased various Pepita items from Justin and also paid up front. He’s been a total gentleman to deal with and his workmanship and materials are of the highest quality.
It’s worth noting that he sources his Pepita fabric from the factory that Porsche uses to source their fabric so it is to all intents and purposes OEM rather than made in one of the other three German factories that manufacture it or from the USA.
To be fair at €5500 for a pair of inserts you’d expect them to be high quality and made from dodo feathers.It’s worth noting that he sources his Pepita fabric from the factory that Porsche uses to source their fabric so it is to all intents and purposes OEM rather than made in one of the other three German factories that manufacture it or from the USA.
I'm sure Justin's work is great, but 5k for a set of inserts is bonkers.
I got my LWB inserts made by Gary at ClassicFX and i'm really very happy.
They were less than £700 all in for the cloth pattern I wanted.
https://www.classicfx.net/
I got my LWB inserts made by Gary at ClassicFX and i'm really very happy.
They were less than £700 all in for the cloth pattern I wanted.
https://www.classicfx.net/
fistenburger said:
I'm sure Justin's work is great, but 5k for a set of inserts is bonkers.
I got my LWB inserts made by Gary at ClassicFX and i'm really very happy.
They were less than £700 all in for the cloth pattern I wanted.
https://www.classicfx.net/
Thanks for this. Noted for the future. I got my LWB inserts made by Gary at ClassicFX and i'm really very happy.
They were less than £700 all in for the cloth pattern I wanted.
https://www.classicfx.net/
Thanks DMC. A little unnecessary and not really helpful but thanks….
Thanks to everyone else. Some really useful alternatives there. I’m keen on the cross leather insert And really want a quality finish. This car will be a keeper so worth a little extra expense if it’s right.
Thanks to everyone else. Some really useful alternatives there. I’m keen on the cross leather insert And really want a quality finish. This car will be a keeper so worth a little extra expense if it’s right.
Edited by findtomdotcom on Friday 23 June 10:52
I read a few reply’s, then skipped..
I have a decent following on Instagram circa 20k and I reached out to Justin just like you, when he came back with 5k I nearly spat my coffee out over my desk!
I went with Gary from @classic FX.. too lad and quality was better than OEM about 1200 inc better foam base pads..
Get onto Gary you won’t look back, all the best with it.
I have a decent following on Instagram circa 20k and I reached out to Justin just like you, when he came back with 5k I nearly spat my coffee out over my desk!
I went with Gary from @classic FX.. too lad and quality was better than OEM about 1200 inc better foam base pads..
Get onto Gary you won’t look back, all the best with it.
MeisterH said:
Get onto Gary you won’t look back, all the best with it.
I read that too quickly and read “get into Garry” and wondered if that was how you got such a good price….Thanks very much. That’s a lead I will chase down.
I think Justin has had a lot of success and people are willing to pay the price. I’m not going to lie, firstly I think it’s a lot for an insert, but to pay it upfront seems a little OTT too and is really putting me off.
MeisterH said:
I read a few reply’s, then skipped..
I have a decent following on Instagram circa 20k and I reached out to Justin just like you, when he came back with 5k I nearly spat my coffee out over my desk!
I went with Gary from @classic FX.. too lad and quality was better than OEM about 1200 inc better foam base pads..
Get onto Gary you won’t look back, all the best with it.
Just to give you an indication of what I got from Gary, here are my inserts as fitted.... I wanted the Golf GTi tartan to match my stitching and remind me of a car I should never have soldI have a decent following on Instagram circa 20k and I reached out to Justin just like you, when he came back with 5k I nearly spat my coffee out over my desk!
I went with Gary from @classic FX.. too lad and quality was better than OEM about 1200 inc better foam base pads..
Get onto Gary you won’t look back, all the best with it.
There are two ways of looking at this:
1. You’re paying GT3 tax. Houndstooth fabric is found in Ladies fashion all over the place. You can buy it on design911. It doesn’t need to come from a Porsche supplier as it’s a common pattern and you can probably get better quality elsewhere. There are plenty of UK trimmers who can do this to a high standard. It’s an easy job on the bucket seats.
2. Porsche create a special model and a huge part of the allure is the perception of the classic retro touches that are thrown in. The price increase is astronomical and so in comparison the work you’re having done is good value. I’ve seen the seat centres on the 997 Sports Classic and they’re poor quality (having said that, the owners will still be laughing on account of the huge profit they’ve made).
1. You’re paying GT3 tax. Houndstooth fabric is found in Ladies fashion all over the place. You can buy it on design911. It doesn’t need to come from a Porsche supplier as it’s a common pattern and you can probably get better quality elsewhere. There are plenty of UK trimmers who can do this to a high standard. It’s an easy job on the bucket seats.
2. Porsche create a special model and a huge part of the allure is the perception of the classic retro touches that are thrown in. The price increase is astronomical and so in comparison the work you’re having done is good value. I’ve seen the seat centres on the 997 Sports Classic and they’re poor quality (having said that, the owners will still be laughing on account of the huge profit they’ve made).
What’s not being mentioned is that we’re not just talking about simple inserts. The 5500 euro is related to handmade woven leather inserts, look it up on his insta. Not something you can buy ready made anywhere, every piece is special order for which he has to pay premium as well…
.Materials alone are more than half that number. We have been working with Justin for yrs now and we have yet to see the quality and attention to detail Justin and his team pour into every single product coming out of that shop. We will be picking up a white alcantara turbo seats interior for a 1980 targa in the next few weeks. Go check his story line on insta and see what we mean with quality . There are primo quality shops in the UK as well but if you think they are less expensive, think again. We worked with three in the past( names I will not mention) where we more then once were charged over 15k for a 911 interior, quality and exclusive materials cost money everywhere, everywhere…
I have seen the pictures posted in this post by some else. In our shop those inserts would have gone straight back to the upholstery shop so that they can get the lines straight….
If you find the 5500 to exuberant for what you’d be getting, do go ranting over it on a public forum or discuss with the guy trying to justify your idea’s. It’s just a simple yes or no. That simple
.Materials alone are more than half that number. We have been working with Justin for yrs now and we have yet to see the quality and attention to detail Justin and his team pour into every single product coming out of that shop. We will be picking up a white alcantara turbo seats interior for a 1980 targa in the next few weeks. Go check his story line on insta and see what we mean with quality . There are primo quality shops in the UK as well but if you think they are less expensive, think again. We worked with three in the past( names I will not mention) where we more then once were charged over 15k for a 911 interior, quality and exclusive materials cost money everywhere, everywhere…
I have seen the pictures posted in this post by some else. In our shop those inserts would have gone straight back to the upholstery shop so that they can get the lines straight….
If you find the 5500 to exuberant for what you’d be getting, do go ranting over it on a public forum or discuss with the guy trying to justify your idea’s. It’s just a simple yes or no. That simple
Gncb said:
What’s not being mentioned is that we’re not just talking about simple inserts. The 5500 euro is related to handmade woven leather inserts, look it up on his insta. Not something you can buy ready made anywhere, every piece is special order for which he has to pay premium as well…
.Materials alone are more than half that number. We have been working with Justin for yrs now and we have yet to see the quality and attention to detail Justin and his team pour into every single product coming out of that shop. We will be picking up a white alcantara turbo seats interior for a 1980 targa in the next few weeks. Go check his story line on insta and see what we mean with quality . There are primo quality shops in the UK as well but if you think they are less expensive, think again. We worked with three in the past( names I will not mention) where we more then once were charged over 15k for a 911 interior, quality and exclusive materials cost money everywhere, everywhere…
I have seen the pictures posted in this post by some else. In our shop those inserts would have gone straight back to the upholstery shop so that they can get the lines straight….
If you find the 5500 to exuberant for what you’d be getting, do go ranting over it on a public forum or discuss with the guy trying to justify your idea’s. It’s just a simple yes or no. That simple
Irrespective, £5500 in obscene for a pair of inserts. There’s surely no way materials would be £2750!.Materials alone are more than half that number. We have been working with Justin for yrs now and we have yet to see the quality and attention to detail Justin and his team pour into every single product coming out of that shop. We will be picking up a white alcantara turbo seats interior for a 1980 targa in the next few weeks. Go check his story line on insta and see what we mean with quality . There are primo quality shops in the UK as well but if you think they are less expensive, think again. We worked with three in the past( names I will not mention) where we more then once were charged over 15k for a 911 interior, quality and exclusive materials cost money everywhere, everywhere…
I have seen the pictures posted in this post by some else. In our shop those inserts would have gone straight back to the upholstery shop so that they can get the lines straight….
If you find the 5500 to exuberant for what you’d be getting, do go ranting over it on a public forum or discuss with the guy trying to justify your idea’s. It’s just a simple yes or no. That simple
Gncb said:
What’s not being mentioned is that we’re not just talking about simple inserts. The 5500 euro is related to handmade woven leather inserts, look it up on his insta. Not something you can buy ready made anywhere, every piece is special order for which he has to pay premium as well…
.Materials alone are more than half that number. We have been working with Justin for yrs now and we have yet to see the quality and attention to detail Justin and his team pour into every single product coming out of that shop. We will be picking up a white alcantara turbo seats interior for a 1980 targa in the next few weeks. Go check his story line on insta and see what we mean with quality . There are primo quality shops in the UK as well but if you think they are less expensive, think again. We worked with three in the past( names I will not mention) where we more then once were charged over 15k for a 911 interior, quality and exclusive materials cost money everywhere, everywhere…
I have seen the pictures posted in this post by some else. In our shop those inserts would have gone straight back to the upholstery shop so that they can get the lines straight….
If you find the 5500 to exuberant for what you’d be getting, do go ranting over it on a public forum or discuss with the guy trying to justify your idea’s. It’s just a simple yes or no. That simple
You’ve joined today just to post this?.Materials alone are more than half that number. We have been working with Justin for yrs now and we have yet to see the quality and attention to detail Justin and his team pour into every single product coming out of that shop. We will be picking up a white alcantara turbo seats interior for a 1980 targa in the next few weeks. Go check his story line on insta and see what we mean with quality . There are primo quality shops in the UK as well but if you think they are less expensive, think again. We worked with three in the past( names I will not mention) where we more then once were charged over 15k for a 911 interior, quality and exclusive materials cost money everywhere, everywhere…
I have seen the pictures posted in this post by some else. In our shop those inserts would have gone straight back to the upholstery shop so that they can get the lines straight….
If you find the 5500 to exuberant for what you’d be getting, do go ranting over it on a public forum or discuss with the guy trying to justify your idea’s. It’s just a simple yes or no. That simple
No one is ranting. The Porsche forum is full of useful information and I’ve benefitted several times from excellent advice given by fellow owners.
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