When we order clothes or accessories online, it's often a crap shoot: you take a deep breath, hit buy, and then HOPE that once it arrives you won't screw it up and buy a nice piece of junk. When this belt arrived and I opened it from the box I found a beautiful, well made and functional belt. The color was a nice dark brown, pleasant to the touch, supple and not stiff like a board like many new leathers. clearly stated on the shipping info page (and I ordered it the same week it was New Year's). In my opinion, FAE is better than expected. I am completely satisfied that this seller respects their customers and their expectations of a quality product.