Should I Have to Pay Return Postage for Shoes That Don't Fit?

TEER3X on 30/07/2024 - 21:37

Bought some work boots from Amazon, sold by a third party.

They were advertised as "Size: 12 US Wide", but upon arrival they felt even narrower than 2 other different pairs of regular width work shoes I have.

I measured the widest part from the inside and I get 10.2cm, and by all measurements online, these are not wide shoes for a size 12 (from what I found, wide would be 10.6cm or greater).

The response I received from the 3rd party was:
"Please be aware of the boots is 4E wide make, regular is 2E.
….Buyers are responsible for the postage and cost for returning items."

Note 4E is extra wide, which these shoes are definitely not.

Not sure if I should eat the postage and send them back (VIC to NSW) or escalate somehow. Just want to make sure I'm not in the wrong first. Unfortunately, can't wear them as they would give me blisters.

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • Hybroid on 30/07/2024 - 21:38
    +29

    Yes, it's classed as a change of mind.

    We've grown used to free returns but retailers are not obligated to provide this, or indeed any returns at all.

    • fantombloo on 30/07/2024 - 22:28

      And they've grown used to us buying their stuff online sight unseen or without trying it on, saving them a packet in costs that bricks and mortar stores don't escape. It's a two way street - when one party's goodwill runs out so may the others'.

      • freefall101 on 30/07/2024 - 23:55
        +41

        It's almost like us, the consumer, should purchase from brick and mortar if we don't want to deal with the downsides of purchasing online.

    • braddsey on 30/07/2024 - 23:40
      +4

      Yep, live and learn.
      I purchased some t-shirts from Mountain Warehouse, who don't have physical stores in Australia but they do advertise HASSLE FREE returns.
      The t-shirts were a little too figure hugging for my middle-aged body, so I took up the offer of HASSLE FREE returns… which cost $15. I should have read the returns policy in detail, and won't buy from them in future.

      • Dollar General on 31/07/2024 - 12:27
        +15

        They mean hassle free for them not you

      • BartholemewH on 31/07/2024 - 21:02
        +3

        If you check their site, it's actually HASSLE FEE returns.

      • spaceflight on 31/07/2024 - 22:49

        Was there a hassle in returning them?

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 01/08/2024 - 15:00
        +1

        I haven't seen "Hassle Free" returns, but have utilised "No Questions Asked" return policies and every single time I've received a time consuming barrage of questions 😂

  • Jake17 on 30/07/2024 - 21:44
    +9

    if change of mind, yes you should, if it is because they sent the wrong pair or inaccurately described them, then it's on them to pay

    • TEER3X on 31/07/2024 - 05:53
      +1

      That's what I'm trying to determine, whether or not they are incorrectly advertised as Wide.

      • Randxyz123 on 01/08/2024 - 22:22

        There is no standard for wide. Just like S/M/L isn’t standard on t-shirts. I’m a L with some brands and XL with others. Look on what their website says for wide. It is possible they were incorrectly labeled as wide.

        It is just as possible it is what this company considers wide…

  • garetz on 30/07/2024 - 22:03
    +2

    Look at the sizing chart they provide with the product, if the measurements aren't accurate, then return postage is on them.

    • TEER3X on 31/07/2024 - 05:52

      It doesn't have the width measurements. Funnily enough, when I click their sizing chart it says Regular AU. No mention of wide.

  • JimmyF on 30/07/2024 - 22:05
    +1

    If you received what you ordered and what is listed on their page etc, regardless if they fit you or not, then yes this is a change of mind return and postage is paid by the buyer.

    • Chandler on 31/07/2024 - 10:46

      Hypothetical situation: you purchase a shirt, medium size. The shirt you received was (by measurement) more in line with Extra Small size, label however does say Medium. Vendor tells you to pay for postage since it's "change of mind".

      I know clothing sizing is bit of a stab in the dark, but for the situation above which seems similar to OP's situation, I'd call it product not as described, especially if the physical measurements don't align with the vendors own sizing chart/s.

      • JimmyF on 31/07/2024 - 14:15
        +1

        Hypothetical situation: you purchase a shirt, medium size. The shirt you received was (by measurement) more in line with Extra Small size, label however does say Medium. Vendor tells you to pay for postage since it's "change of mind".

        So your hypothetical situation is the shirt arrived two sizes too small compared to what you expected?

        Sure I'll play along, but I think I covered that off in my post, If you received what you ordered and what is listed on their page etc, regardless if they fit you or not.

        So if your hypothetical shirt matches the sizing guide listed on the website for what they say a medium size is, then you received what you ordered. It was on you to check the size guide before ordering. Even Kmart has a sizing guide for what their sizes are.

        But if the sizing is different to what they say, then it is on them to correct.

        but for the situation above which seems similar to OP's situation, I'd call it product not as described

        Not really, OP said the seller advised the 4E is the wide version, regular is 2E that they got.

        I'm guessing they got New Balance shoes, I also wear New Balance shoes and I know I need the 4E one as it is the wide one.

        So if you need a wide shoe, it was on the OP to check the width before buying. You don't going buying random shoes if you have a wide foot as its a bit like going to Asia and grabbing a Medium shirt expecting it to fit a medium western frame, it doesn't fit 😂

  • jv on 30/07/2024 - 22:44
    +24

    Don't buy shoes online unless you've tried that style on before and know the exact size.

    • randomusername2017 on 30/07/2024 - 22:47
      +4

      🙀🙀🙀

      Hacked account

    • leiiv on 30/07/2024 - 23:56
      -1

      There was a time when some shops offer easy and free returns.

      • jv on 31/07/2024 - 00:12
        +2

        Some still do…

    • Bruceflix on 31/07/2024 - 10:45
      +4

      2nd post from JV i have seen today that is both intelligent and accurate. Something is amiss…

      • jv on 31/07/2024 - 11:21
        +4

        🙀🙀🙀

        Hacked account

  • CyberMurning on 30/07/2024 - 23:09
    -3

    I just returned one shoes but sold by amazon. Its bigger than the other brand sizes. All good i selected pickup and they came.

  • snapper17 on 30/07/2024 - 23:26
    +4

    do you have amazon prime? If so speak with amazon they may help with postage

    • TEER3X on 31/07/2024 - 05:52

      Yes. I'll message them. Thank you.

  • seraphim2017 on 31/07/2024 - 08:16

    Having this issue with White Fox, the sizing they advise is totally wrong, but they don't accept responsibility. Wouldn't mind if they didn't provide a size guide but we took measurements and chose what THEY said would fit. Always difficult, as it's the old not fit for the purpose intended vs the 'fit'.

    • mapax on 31/07/2024 - 08:44
      +3

      First mistake was purchasing white fox.
      Also, foxes are vermin and an environmental nightmare that should be destroyed…

      • seraphim2017 on 31/07/2024 - 08:53
        +2

        Ha ha. Agreed! $10 hoodies with social media branding. Gift for someone. Lesson learned!

        • mapax on 31/07/2024 - 09:10

          Did you use a 20% off coupon? Might be able to sell it on marketplace without any loss.

          • seraphim2017 on 31/07/2024 - 09:40

            @mapax: I did, good idea!

            True, it fits the kid like my 6xl Oodie fits me (i.e it doesn't!) In the case of the oodie that's the design, but the white fox baggy elastic is so big it falls over her shoulders and wrists/waist!

            • mapax on 31/07/2024 - 10:43

              @seraphim2017: Isn’t that the fashion at this time? Shorts so small they might as well wear nothing and a hoodie so big that it makes a poncho look form fitting. Maybe that’s just the women at the gym near me.

  • JimJim on 31/07/2024 - 08:28

    This is tricky, I can see your view about the product not quite matching the expectation.

    Personally, shoes are one of those items that I would never buy online, too risky.

    • TEER3X on 31/07/2024 - 12:26

      Bought 2 pairs before from Amazon, both different brands, both standard width, no issues.

      I noticed my feet getting wide (diabetes maybe, old age), so I opted to go for a wide size. My issue is they are less wide than standard sized shoes.

      I should've stuck to brands I've purchased in the past as has been suggested.

  • mapax on 31/07/2024 - 08:45

    What brand of boots?

    • TEER3X on 02/08/2024 - 12:19

      Canura

  • apu on 31/07/2024 - 09:27

    Shoes I think are a bit grey - whilst there is standard sizing, obviously the fit is brand/make dependent. If the shoes were totally not fit for purpose (e.g. a size 8 per label was clearly too big and more like a size 12) then you have a right under consumer guarantees. But if it's a bit tight (but broadly correct size) then that's probably bad luck and more a change of mind. I too avoid shoes online unless I can easily return them (ideally for free even if it means driving back to a shop, if they have them).

  • djsweet on 31/07/2024 - 09:30

    Incorrectly advertised as wide fit. If they don’t provide a size chart then a reasonable person would expect them to be wider than the average “regular” width boot. Therefore, the item is not fit for purpose and you are not responsible for return postage.

  • GordonD on 31/07/2024 - 09:49

    On the subject of returns being refused …

    I buy cargo pants from Lowes. Being retired, that's what I wear most of the time, a tee shirt and cargo pants.

    I tried on a pair, size 102 waist, they fitted, except the legs would have to be shortened, bought them, had them taken up, and was happy with them.

    Happy enough that I went back a little while later, bought two more pairs the same style, the same brand and the same labelled size. Had them taken up to the same leg length as the first pair. But when I tried them on they were way too large around the waist. So I measured them. As you may know cargo pants have an elasticised waist and a cord you pull tight to hold them up. So the waist has to be on or just under the size the customer's waist is.

    Well. the waist of these clearly 102 labelled pants measured 110. When it should have been 100-102.

    I complained to Lowes that the mistake was theirs, that they were wrongly made or labelled. That I had bought the two additional pairs without trying them on before having them altered because the previous pair of the exact same brand, style and labelled size were the right size for me.

    They said their policy is that once I had them altered, that's it, they take no further responsibility. And stopped responding to any attempt by me to communicate with them.

    Fair?

    • MS Paint on 31/07/2024 - 09:59
      +2

      Yes

    • CodeXD on 31/07/2024 - 10:22
      +1

      Yes definitely.

    • Chandler on 31/07/2024 - 10:49
      +4

      Fair? No. But you didn't try them on, and you've had them altered… that's on you.

    • Presence on 31/07/2024 - 10:54

      Its not just Lowes. Levis are incredibly bad for this too. Even at the same store my size would vary widely across styles. I appreciate different styles are design to fit differently, but this is just down to bad quality control.

    • dtc on 31/07/2024 - 11:42

      just eat more and they will be perfect

      • mapax on 31/07/2024 - 11:51

        But then the first pair won’t fit…

    • gromit on 31/07/2024 - 12:40

      yes, extremely fair. you don't get to return something after you alter it as you have effectively destroyed them, always try on something before altering it.

    • ihfree on 31/07/2024 - 15:30

      I've recently had a similar situation where 1 pair was much bigger than 3 others of the same chinos in different colours. I washed them and put them away. 6 months later, I went to wear them and I realised they didn't fit like the others. I did go back to the store and was initially told no. After explaining the situation and the staff member getting the manager, I was allowed to swap.

      I will definitely be trying on clothing sooner and before removing the tag from now on.

  • ozbs25 on 31/07/2024 - 11:17

    Shoes are difficult. I have trouble buying shoes so I don't buy a lot of shoes from Amazon unless I'm pretty sure I can fit them. I guess if I wasn't familiar with the brand I'd try to do as much research as I could and then maybe only buy them if they were eligible for change of mind returns.

  • ReaperX22 on 31/07/2024 - 11:52

    One brands standard width may be more comparable with another brands 4E. Shoe size just like clothing isn't really universal across brands.

    Best option is go into a few shoe stores, try what works/what you like, find cheaper online and just buy that size.. I've done this a few times. I've got a pair of ASICs standard that have the same toe/front foot width as a Brooks 2E, so between brands, and varying shoe styles, you won't really have a definitive answer of what fits til you try it.

    TLDR, soz you gotta pay return shipping.

  • trapper on 31/07/2024 - 11:58
    +1

    Is there an actual recognised standard that these shoes fail to meet?

    If there was and they didn't match the 'spec' then you might have had an argument.

    I don't believe there is anything like this for shoe/clothing sizes though, they all vary between manufacturer and even style.

    • MrThing on 31/07/2024 - 14:33

      No

      all brands have varying fits, then you have different international sizes.

      shoes are better bought in person unless youve already tryed them for size in person and area looking for a better deal online

  • gromit on 31/07/2024 - 12:37
    +1

    shoe width doesn't really have good standards. I have needed wide shoes all my life and I never buy online unless it is a brand and shoe I have purchased before as one brands wide is another brands regular. This is magnified between countries with different sizings.

  • Drakesy on 31/07/2024 - 13:10

    What do the site's t's & C's say?

  • mrdean on 31/07/2024 - 13:22

    Depends on how hard you are willing to push.

  • Widget on 31/07/2024 - 13:41

    Does the website/seller have a shoe/foot sizing chart? Manufacturer sizing can differ from each other.

  • wfh on 31/07/2024 - 17:37

    Read reviews on if they fit TTS or above/under

    • TEER3X on 02/08/2024 - 12:20

      Not enough reviews

  • md333 on 31/07/2024 - 19:26

    Probably best to buy from sites that provide actual measurements of the shoes.
    I did that recently but unfortunately didn't pay attention. Size 46 climbing shoes that were 30mm longer than my other brand size 46s, but exactly the length they said they were. I had to wear the postage on changing them for size 42s, which fit great. (Their webpage did suggest ordering 1 size smaller than usual, which I do consider a bit misleading, but I blame myself for not looking at their size charts properly).

  • paloverde88 on 31/07/2024 - 20:05

    Back in the olden days women would tie the foot so it fits the shoes no such thang as return for credit a transaction known as foot binding most women then had foot that look and feel like hoofs of a swine- so there you go!

  • Vieira4 on 31/07/2024 - 21:01

    Had you bought these from a B&M store you’d have to pay for your own petrol to return them. Ends up the same as return postage.

  • groot on 01/08/2024 - 10:17

    Amazon does not have free returns for all the items. The product that are free returns eligible is mentioned in the advertisement. If product is not eligible for free return then you need to pay for postage even in the case of change of mind.

    Amazon made this return policy changes last year and I have not seen any notification from amazon on this.

    Catch here is - Change of mind does not mean free returns. Best way here is to call customer support and let them know that you are disappointed by return policy. They may give you free return

    • ATangk on 01/08/2024 - 13:20

      But knowing amazon you could submit a claim as item received not as described and get it returned for free.

      • umoddbro on 01/08/2024 - 16:40

        This. Just select not as described… I've never had to pay for a return to Amazon.

        • TEER3X on 02/08/2024 - 12:21

          That option disappeared for me for what ever reason (waited more than a week). I swear I saw it when I first got the boots.

          Someone mentioned earlier that the a-z guarantee has recently changed and it doesn't cover return shipping for 3rd parties.

          • umoddbro on 02/08/2024 - 12:23
            +1

            @TEER3X: Actually I believe it's only for shipped and sold by Amazon, third party has always been postage at own expense.

  • TEER3X on 16/09/2024 - 17:30

    I ended up returning the boots and got a refund.

    Postage was $23 but I guess it's fair enough.

    Lesson learned.

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