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These are shoes purchased less than a month ago if you can believe that. I bought a pair of shoes for a dollar at a consignment sale that held up better than that. There was a hole I could stick my finger through.
Ordinarily, I'd just buy new shoes, but considering this had been happening faster and faster each time, I decided to go to Payless and complain and maybe even see if they'd replace the shoes. I mean, the shoes were $7 but it was the principle of the thing.
I spoke to the manager and explained the situation. She said it was my kids' fault because they drag their feet. I find it hard to believe that both my kids simultaneously developed a foot-dragging problem in the last year. But she did agree to replace them this one time. Which was sort of nice, considering I didn't have a receipt.
Unfortunately, they didn't have those shoes so I had to pick out a new pair that was more expensive. Like $14. I agreed to pay the difference. Except for some reason, the cashier said the shoes that we already had were now reduced to $3 (!) so that was all the credit they could give me since I had no receipt. I asked to speak with the manager again, but alas, she was "on the phone."
I was like, "Seriously? You're a multi-million dollar company and you're squabbling over $4??" I mean, they were probably making like $10 profit on the new shoes I was buying.
I ended up buying the shoes mostly because she really needed shoes, and the new ones were pink and sparkly and I couldn't deprive her. But I will NEVER shop at Payless again. Partially because the pettiness of making me fight over $4. Partially because they blamed my kids when it's really their crappy shoes at fault. But mostly because their shoes really suck now.
Except now where the hell do I get my kids shoes?
Target has great kids shoes. (I can't help but answer rhetorical questions.)
ReplyDeleteI know they're expensive, but I really like Stride Rite shoes. They seem to last 3-4 months regardless of whether my son drags his feet.
ReplyDeleteummm, we have higher standards for you, why have you not been shopping for your kids shoes at neiman marcus?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately with shoes, you get what you pay for...
ReplyDeleteI buy expensive brands for my kids, but half price at Ross Dress for Less. They last longer. But even 100$ Merrell sneakers (I paid 29$)lasted 4 months for my kid. I stopped shopping in Payless years ago, their shoes last just a month. Each of my kids goes through 3-4 pairs of sneakers per year. And I refuse to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that they did anything for you without a receipt.
ReplyDeleteYeah, places usually will do exchanges with no receipt.
DeleteI think my daughter had a similar pair of shoes, brown suede Mary Janes, with the same problem. They just shredded at the toes.
ReplyDeleteNow we shop at Shoe Warehouse.
I'm all for frugality in general, but I've learned that with shoes, you do get what you pay for; since we are all on our feet an awful lot, and they are our primary means of transportation, I invest in good shoes for all of us. My boys' shoes (sneakers from New Balance or Keen, about $30-$40) last the whole season and can be passed on. If you want to pay LESS,you know what you get...
ReplyDeleteI'm a 4th year med student - and I get most of my shoes (and wardrobe) from my younger sister. She buys good stuff, then when she gets sick of it she gives it to me. It works out pretty well. :P
ReplyDeleteI don't know ANYONE who shops at Payless because obviously we all know that those shoes will fall apart in a matter of days. I know you pride yourself in saving and I do too, but honestly, this is a little too much. While you criticize them about their pettiness you find yourself at Payless arguing for a difference of $4. Buy your kids shoes from Ross at half the price or online or do something more reasonable (!) I'm sure you can afford that since you're a doctor and all.
ReplyDeleteWalmart shoes seem to be decent and pretty inexpensive. My 2 year old likes them and they last until she outgrows them.
ReplyDeleteTarget has good shoes. I unfortunately have to shop at Stride Rite, though, because my kids have wide feet.
ReplyDeleteJudy
We have had good luck with Target and Nike ( we have a Nike outlet near us, so they're not too expensive)
ReplyDeleteI look for as many shoes on clearance as I can, in sizes I know they will be wearing. Sierra Trading Post has good deals, Target (of course), and Stride Rite does have shoes on clearance too. It's tough to do when you want to live frugally, but shoes really need to be higher quality (ie higher cost) - to last and properly support little and big bodies. I've started to check as many garage sales etc as I can for my daughter, age 10, who considers herself a budding fashionista.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
PS
ReplyDeleteIgnore the trolls - everyone should try to live frugally and within their means. It allows my husband and I to support numerous charitable causes that are dear to us. There are good tips at moneysavingmom.com
Amanda
Zappos.com. "But how will I determine their size?" Two choices:
ReplyDelete1) Go to Payless and use their shoe size measurement thing, then buy at Zappos. Revenge. (Alternately, and more practically, if you shop at Walmart or another general store that also has a shoe area, just use their shoe-size measuring thing while you're there for something else.)
2) Shotgun approach with Zappos. They offer free shipping both ways and as long as you don't wear the shoe outside or cut off any tags they'll give you a full refund. If your daughter finds a style that she likes then order it in two or three sizes; you'll initially be charged for all three, but then you can return the two that are sizes that aren't as fitting. (Pun, get it?)
I suppose a third choice would be to buy one of those foot-measuring scales yourself.
Zappos occasionally has mega sales on certain styles of shoes, so if you're a deal-hunter then you can occasionally hound the style of shoe that you're after and try to get it at a reduced cost.
I don't work for Zappos or have any financial connections to them, I've just bought about five pairs of shoes from them over the years and have been very happy with their service.
It's not just about money... Payless is the only shoe store locally that doesn't involve braving the mall. I have also learned that buying expensive shoes for kids is really frustrating. My dad bought my daughter a $50 pair of Skechers when she begged him for them. She liked them for a week, then said they "didn't fit right." Plus my kids have an amazing ability to lose shoes.
ReplyDeleteI'd *rather* buy cheap shoes that don't last as long. But 2-3 weeks is absolutely ridiculous. It's just inconvenient. I could live with 3-4 months till holes develop.
Can't you just order shoes online and have them delivered to your house?
DeleteI also get my kids' shoes at Ross and Stride Rite. I can honestly say between 3 kids we've lost one shoe. Our oldest is so hard on shoes and socks that she can really only wear Stride Rite, Nike or New Balance
ReplyDeleteHaha when I worked at a grocery story return desk my least favorite words were "It's the principle of the matter". Yeah, right. Totally legit.
ReplyDeleteThank said, I never quibbled over returns and no major retailer ever should. You make so much over the long term with repeat business, who cares about a return here and there? Is it worth the aggravation and loss of business? Of course not. "Don't charge extra for pickles"
WalMart. It's like the only thing I get there - shoes for my kids. Cheap and hold up pretty well.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a payMore store? ha... ha.. ha..
ReplyDeleteYou might have to up the price a tad ... unfortunately, good quality shoes come with the price unless you can get your hand on some quality imitation fakes.... lol
Go to the goodwill!
ReplyDeleteI've had really good luck with JC Penney. If the shoes get messed up or torn or anything within a year they'll take them back. They're always really nice about it too.
ReplyDeleteWe also have a store here called Nordstrom Rack and they sell Stride Rite shoes SUPER cheap and have a really large selection. Those puppies hold up like crazy!