Vans Won't Replace Broken Shoes after 1 Month

deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 16:06
Last edited 06/08/2017 - 17:17

I bought a fairly expensive pair of Vans from their outlet in April. I treat my shoes pretty well, and the canvas on the top has totally broken away from the sole.

I took them back to the outlet today with my receipt, and the manager told me "Sorry, after 1 month we can't replace them no matter what, because we don't know how you've treated the shoes in that time."

Surely that's illegal under consumer law? All I wear is Vans, and all my other pairs look perfect, so it's not like they broke due to mistreatment.

Here's a photo of the shoe: http://i.imgur.com/F5sHrv6r.jpg

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • c0balt on 06/08/2017 - 16:31
    +7

    You know what also sounds like it should be illegal? Only wearing Vans shoes.

    • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 16:49
      +2

      I've never exactly been the king of style ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

  • DrC on 06/08/2017 - 16:44
    +7

    Wave this in their face:

    https://www.accc.gov.au/business/treating-customers-fairly/o…

    • airal3rt on 06/08/2017 - 18:52

      Hope they kept their documented warranty agreement that came in the box with the Vans:

      Who the requirements apply to

      If you provide goods or services to consumers with a document evidencing a warranty against defects you must adhere to the requirements of the ACL.

      • exc3113nce on 07/08/2017 - 13:12

        Warranties against defects are in addition to the ACL.

  • k-rokfm on 06/08/2017 - 16:45

    Do you have a photo?

    • holdenmg on 06/08/2017 - 16:51
      +10

      or even better a photo of the shoes…

    • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 16:52

      Yeah I'll post one in a bit.

      • BertieBrown on 06/08/2017 - 17:46
        +1

        Looks like the glue has gone. Seems like a hard sell for the manager to say that's just wear and tear IMO. There's no obvious damage or ripping, it's just shit quality by the looks. Can I ask, how much did you pay for them?

        • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 17:57
          +1

          Yeah I totally agree. They're quite obviously falling apart on their own. It was around $100.

        • BertieBrown on 06/08/2017 - 18:12

          @deanylev:

          Yeah, I'd be pissed if I spent $100 on shoes and they were shagged after a month.

        • nubzy on 06/08/2017 - 18:31
          +3

          @deanylev: vans are not worth $100.. ever. They are cheap shoes.. Platypus was selling heaps of them including the suede "old skool" version which retails for about $150 for $29.. maybe worth it at that price but no more.

        • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 19:48
          +3

          @nubzy: Not sure if that's the point. I like Vans, I bought nice ones, and they broke. I normally buy the cheap $40 ones anyway.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 07/08/2017 - 13:45
          -1

          @deanylev:

          Are you skating in them?

          Vans makes casual and skate shoes. The $40 pairs are probably casual shoes.

          See: Should you still Buy VANS these days?

        • deanylev on 07/08/2017 - 22:43

          @Scrooge McDuck: Nope. They get worn casually, twice a week max. Absolutely unacceptable for them to break like this.

      • [Deactivated] on 07/08/2017 - 10:57
        -4

        Looks like hard wear.

        They are only $100, Vans are not the most durable shoe.

        I really don't know how these threads end up existing. I wouldn't give a refund on that.

        I suggest maybe you look at some payless shoes shit or dunlop volleys next time. Keep the spending more within your price range.

  • scrimshaw on 06/08/2017 - 18:01
    +9

    Go to their Facebook page and hit "send message", make a polite but firm complaint and include the deets of when you visited the store, and what the SM said.
    https://www.facebook.com/vansaustralia/?brand_redir=25297200…

    That should get the attention of their head office. Hopefully, anyway.

    • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 18:05
      +1

      Good idea, didn't think of that. Thanks. Has worked with Virgin Mobile for me time and time again :)

    • altomic on 06/08/2017 - 18:05

      ^^this

      • John Kimble on 07/08/2017 - 16:23

        In addition to multiple photos (showing the rest of the shoe is fine) of the broken shoe, I would also send photos of all your other Vans shoes to prove you take care of your shoes in general (and are a loyal customer).

  • Slippery Fish on 06/08/2017 - 18:05
    +1

    Go back in with your big boy pants, explain that the glue was obviously of shit quality. Explain that any normal person would expect more then 2 months out of $100 shoes and if they won't fix or replace them you will be taking the matter up with fair trading as goods must meet normal expectations under consumer Law.

    • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 18:38

      The manager didn't really give a shit no matter what I said about "Surely this goes against consumer law". Every response was "My hands are tied, email customer service."

      • bobbified on 06/08/2017 - 19:05

        email customer service
        Then do exactly that, remembering to quote the manager.
        Call first if you want something quicker.

      • garetz on 07/08/2017 - 04:46

        Ask for his employee information, so when you contact their customer service, you can tell them they are doing extra work, cause that manager was unwilling to do his job.

  • Aniseed Steed on 06/08/2017 - 19:07
    +1

    Upload your photo of the defective shoe and complain on Instagram, #MYVANS @vansaustralia.

  • tassieeagle on 06/08/2017 - 22:09
    +6

    Another one of those managers who act like the refund is coming out of their own pocket. They don't realise they are doing their company more harm than good carrying on like this

    • deanylev on 06/08/2017 - 22:32

      Damn straight! If I don't get a positive resolution out of this, I will not be buying another pair of Vans (though that means I'll need to find another brand of shoes to wear lol).

      • altomic on 07/08/2017 - 16:31

        Vision Sreet Wear are decent. I've been wearing them on and off for 30 years and have preferred them to Vans. canvas or suede

        Airwalk used to have some decent canvas/suade skate shoes/boots- e.g. airwalk Vics - which were my favourite skateshoe. but they have moved mainly to plasticy shoes -even their new "classics" are ho-hum

      • Quantumcat on 16/09/2017 - 14:30

        I wear only Dr Martens, they will last over a decade if looked after (saddle soaped once a month or so, stops the leather cracking). Downside is they are more expensive so you wouldn't want to own more than 2 or 3 pairs.

  • Question on 08/08/2017 - 12:56

    OP, you should keep in mind that vans and anything like that are cheaply made shoes with glued on soles. Glued on soles tend to not last.

    You should look into getting decent shoes that will last you a decade or more. They dont have to be expensive…I got mine for about $100 from the UK, from a shop called Pediwear (they were on sale). Full grain leather and good year welted vibram soles.

    I used to wear a pair of jack purcells but the inner lining started flaking away a few months in, and the shoe had no padding so was really painful to walk in without an extra set of insoles. Sure, it was cheap on sale, but i didnt get much use out of it.

  • TheOneWhoKnocks on 07/10/2017 - 07:15

    Updates?

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