ALDEN
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I am FUCKING appallled. And will 100% definitely not countenece a collab between IH and Alden. The first pair were shit - OK I understand that stuff gets through QC that shouldn't (it happens to us too), but when it does, to deny there is a problem and imply that I am an arshole is criiminal. It cost me USD80 to ship the fucking things back to Alden for them to tell me there was nothing wrong with them. This is what Alden said:
'INSPECTION OF THE SHOES HAS REVEALED NO DEFECTS IN EITHER MATERIAL OR MANUFACTURE.
Because of the above determination we must return these shoes to you with no adjustment made.'The retailer I bought them from, stepped up to the mark, saying that he agreed with me me and replaced them at his cost. So far I have spent 400 odd on the boots plus about 120 in shipping and still have a pair of crap boots the wrong side of the Atlantic. I don't want to prejudge, but I suspect the next thing I will be asked to do is to send the second shitty pair back to USA at my expense.
Alden have pissed me off and I will never buy from them again, and I will certainly repeat this story at every opportunity.
If I treated you guys like this, I would have no custom….G
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I am FUCKING appallled. And will 100% definitely not countenece a collab between IH and Alden. The first pair were shit - OK I understand that stuff gets through QC that shouldn't (it happens to us too), but when it does, to deny there is a problem and imply that I am an arshole is criiminal. It cost me USD80 to ship the fucking things back to Alden for them to tell me there was nothing wrong with them. This is what Alden said:
'INSPECTION OF THE SHOES HAS REVEALED NO DEFECTS IN EITHER MATERIAL OR MANUFACTURE.
Because of the above determination we must return these shoes to you with no adjustment made.'The retailer I bought them from, stepped up to the mark, saying that he agreed with me me and replaced them at his cost. So far I have spent 400 odd on the boots plus about 120 in shipping and still have a pair of crap boots the wrong side of the Atlantic. I don't want to prejudge, but I suspect the next thing I will be asked to do is to send the second shitty pair back to USA at my expense.
Alden have pissed me off and I will never buy from them again, and I will certainly repeat this story at every opportunity.
If I treated you guys like this, I would have no custom….G
I thought that would be the gist of it. Especially the collab part. Very interesting. Going to have to think hard before I make any purchases. Thanks Giles.
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I am suprised that someone with the reputation of Alden refuse to replace them, pretty shitty.
I have 2 pairs of Alden boots and have had no problems with them, at the moment.
I also have a pair of Crockett & Jones boots which are of superior quality and the same price, for the Cordovan anyway.
I really like the C&J Skye model in calf and they are on my ever expanding list.[Image Missing]
TT
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@Omega:
Sorry G, didn't mean to get your blood boiling! But definitely send a complaint with pictures to Alden. You may want to touch base with Tom at Leather Soul Hawaii. Although you might not have purchased them from Tom, he may be able to connect you with the right people at Alden. He sells A LOT of Alden collabs.
I can't be bothered. It got me nowhere last time and all the communications did was to raise my blood pressure to dangerous levels. I have dropped the retailer a note with a photo. I await with interest.
G
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Oh - it was IH that was doing an Alden collab?.. My bad.
Good to hear you dropped it, then!.. Jesus christ - they don't even have the common decency to compensate you or anything… You're right: that's downright shitty customer service... And not that it should matter, but didn't they know who you are?..
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see, now you feel better…I absolutely agree on all accounts - still happy that mine never had any flaws...
We can do anything
http://bybeatle.com -
Don't want to get on my high horse here. But what defines a company is not how they handle things when things are going well, it is how they handle things when things go wrong.
I screw up occasionally (well far too often actually), when I do, I'm mortified and I will do everything that I can to make the customer feel as good as he/she can given the circumstances. Even if I end up losing money on the transaction, what is most important is that the customer goes away feeling good about Iron Heart.
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Don't want to get on my high horse here. But what defines a company is not how they handle things when things are going well, it is how they handle things when things go wrong.
I screw up occasionally (well far too often actually), when I do, I'm mortified and I will do everything that I can to make the customer feel as good as he/she can given the circumstances. Even if I end up losing money on the transaction, what is most important is that the customer goes away feeling good about Iron Heart.
I completely agree Giles.
I am currently emailing back and forth with Winn Perry regarding questions such as the ones you are raising here. Was interested in getting these:
But really, when you spend so much on a product, the manufacturer and seller really should stand behind their product.
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Don't want to get on my high horse here. But what defines a company is not how they handle things when things are going well, it is how they handle things when things go wrong.
I screw up occasionally (well far too often actually), when I do, I'm mortified and I will do everything that I can to make the customer feel as good as he/she can given the circumstances. Even if I end up losing money on the transaction, what is most important is that the customer goes away feeling good about Iron Heart.
This is a reason why the Iron Heart army is growing every day.
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I am suprised that someone with the reputation of Alden refuse to replace them, pretty shitty.
I have 2 pairs of Alden boots and have had no problems with them, at the moment.
I also have a pair of Crockett & Jones boots which are of superior quality and the same price, for the Cordovan anyway.
I really like the C&J Skye model in calf and they are on my ever expanding list.[Image Missing]
TT
Those are beautiful!. I have a pair of snowdon coming, but may have to get these as well.
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But what defines a company is not how they handle things when things are going well, it is how they handle things when things go wrong.
I couldn't have said it better. I always preach this though. I think good customer service is what keeps companies in business. I mentioned months ago that if Alden doesn't fix their problems then this may be the end of their 100+ years as a quality shoe maker.
Although Red Wings fall into a separate category, here's my 2 cents. Last year I bought a pair of Black GT from a Red Wing store. I didn't notice that the leather covering the seam on the heal was way off on both boots. Quality was there but attention to detail was missing a bit. I was working overseas now so couldn't just go back to the store. I emailed Red Wing and they asked me to send them back for an exchange. The replacement pair had the same issue, although only on one of the boots. The leather seam (patch) was off center on the heal again. I emailed Red Wing again and they were so apologetic that they let me keep this pair (FREE) and offered to send me another pair. Since I would now have two of the same pair, I asked if I could get the Iron Ranger in brown instead (I know..I know). Well, they obliged. So basically, I could a pair of Iron Rangers (or GT) free. That's service!!!!
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Tripleterror: Where can I see more of that C&J Skye Boot? Can't find it on their website.
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I got that picture from another forum about 18 months ago, it was the only image I could find.
When I spoke to C&J they said that they are not a regular production boot and are only available from one of their shops.
I have found the staff at the Burlington Arcade address very helpful along with the Colmore Row address in Birmingham. Last time I was in the Birmingham shop they had some pairs in stock.
TT -
Ahh man. I'm in the States, so this will be even more difficult for me. Thanks for the info though.
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Ask in one of the US stores, they should be able to get you some.
Do you know you're C&J size?
TT -
I don't know my C&J size (yet). I just ordered a pair of Snowdon, so when they get here will have a better idea. Then I'll start hunting this boot down. It's exactly what I'm looking for and C&J should work well with my narrow feet.
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If you knew your size a fellow member form the UK could order them for you…
We can do anything
http://bybeatle.com -
I don't know my C&J size (yet). I just ordered a pair of Snowdon, so when they get here will have a better idea. Then I'll start hunting this boot down. It's exactly what I'm looking for and C&J should work well with my narrow feet.
Yeah, I know what you mean. UK sizing typically runs a half size large than their US counterparts. It also depends on the last. Not too familiar on which last these boots are made on, but my regular C&J dress shoes are made on the 337 and 348 lasts and they are generally half size larger than my US ones. C&J also has two lines. The benchgrade and handgrade. The benchgrade apparantly uses a slightly "inferior" leather (I can't tell the difference anyway) and priced accordingly. Mind you, both the 337 and 348 are "chiselled" last and they may be considered as too pointy for wearing with jeans to some people.
