So I found a pair of Danner boots on Amazon. I typically only buy using Prime because something like a boot, you never know exactly how it will fit, but in this size/style there was only one seller. So I took a chance. (and I already had a pair of Danners in a slightly different style, so I assumed I knew my size)
They fit my foot fine, however there was a thick seam across the tongue that dug into my ankle bone. OK, So I push through it as I wore them around the house, because boots can have some pinch points that will break in over time, right?After 45 minutes the pain was unbearable and I had a raw spot on my ankle that took a couple days to go away. These are obviously a no-go.
I filed the return, and found I'd be on the hook for the return shipping. No problem. I can handle that.
Fast forward a week and I get the refund notice for my $189 boots... Only a $130 credit. WTF? When I contacted the seller I was told "Amazon allows us to charge up to a 25% restock fee, So we do. Have a nice day." $50 hit for new boots returned in perfect condition with no outside wear. 100% new condition. My reply is a terse "Savor that $50 because its the last dollar you will ever see from me. "
Fast forward a day and I get a response. "I talked to the owner and he authorized a ONE TIME full refund. We hope this is to your satisfaction." And sure enough they refunded me the rest of the restock (minus shipping which I think is perfectly fair.)
I did end up filing a one star review of the company, warning others of their tendency to charge outrageous restock fees so they can make more money on a return than an actual honest sale. (returns are common on footwear especially)
Fast forward a couple more weeks. I get another email, supposedly from the owner asking me if I am happy and if so, please give them a positive review.
So I'm, torn. Yes, I was made whole... But not after pitching a fit. And I wouldn't have had a problem with a more reasonable restock fee. $10? $15? Sure. but $50?!?!? No way. And if you are selling something like a duty boot that is not guaranteed to fit because every foot is different, you should expect to have some returns.
So what would you do?
They fit my foot fine, however there was a thick seam across the tongue that dug into my ankle bone. OK, So I push through it as I wore them around the house, because boots can have some pinch points that will break in over time, right?After 45 minutes the pain was unbearable and I had a raw spot on my ankle that took a couple days to go away. These are obviously a no-go.
I filed the return, and found I'd be on the hook for the return shipping. No problem. I can handle that.
Fast forward a week and I get the refund notice for my $189 boots... Only a $130 credit. WTF? When I contacted the seller I was told "Amazon allows us to charge up to a 25% restock fee, So we do. Have a nice day." $50 hit for new boots returned in perfect condition with no outside wear. 100% new condition. My reply is a terse "Savor that $50 because its the last dollar you will ever see from me. "
Fast forward a day and I get a response. "I talked to the owner and he authorized a ONE TIME full refund. We hope this is to your satisfaction." And sure enough they refunded me the rest of the restock (minus shipping which I think is perfectly fair.)
I did end up filing a one star review of the company, warning others of their tendency to charge outrageous restock fees so they can make more money on a return than an actual honest sale. (returns are common on footwear especially)
Fast forward a couple more weeks. I get another email, supposedly from the owner asking me if I am happy and if so, please give them a positive review.
So I'm, torn. Yes, I was made whole... But not after pitching a fit. And I wouldn't have had a problem with a more reasonable restock fee. $10? $15? Sure. but $50?!?!? No way. And if you are selling something like a duty boot that is not guaranteed to fit because every foot is different, you should expect to have some returns.
So what would you do?