This is a true story. It's about amazing customer service and quality products. It goes like this:
My Blundstones were on their last legs. I've had them for ages, and the sole started to delaminate on the right one a few months ago. They have done hard duty -- worn at the stables in all manner of weather and conditions; then buffed up to wear for hours at a stretch standing at Sporting Life. Then taken out to do yard work and gardening. Put on repeat, for years and years.
I called The Australian Boot Co. on Yonge Street where I bought them and explained the situation about the sole falling apart. "Bring them in" they said. "We'll take a look at them." I figured at best, they might be able to re-sole them and charge me $50-70, and at worst they'd say they were pooched and throw them out -- which is what I was about to do anyway.
I take in my Blunnies and plunk them down. They get my digits and look me up. "Oh yes ! you purchased these in 2010." The clerk picked them up, examined them closely. Oh dear, I thought. Too much time has passed. They can do nothing for me.
She put them down and said, "Well, I'm happy to advise you we will give you a new pair of Blundstones for free."
I just about shat myself. Wha' ?!!
"Would you like the same style and colour ?" I stammered out an affirmative, and they were in my hands seconds later. A free pair of $220 boots. JesusMaryJosephandtheweelittledonkey........
Let's re-cap shall we ?....
- the product was 8 years old
- the product was worn in a variety of harsh conditions on a high rotation
- no proof of purchase was required - all information was easily located in the store's computer
- there was no "Let me talk to my manager"
- there was no "We'll have to check with head office"
- there was no insinuation that I hadn't cared for the product
- there was no discussion regarding "out of warranty"
I just .... got a free pair of Blundstones in the exact size and colour I wanted. Oh, and paid a nominal $11.30 for tax difference. *Plus* they apologized that Blundstone's weren't really made for Canadian winters and had upgraded their injection moulded soles in the last few years, and "they should stand up better now, very sorry about that."
It's so nice to be on the receiving end of great customer service, and to own a product where quality never goes out of style.
A *massive* thank you to The Australian Boot Co. I've owned Blunnies since 1994, and was a fan before this. But honestly - they have me for life ! read more