Hi Guys,
I bought some running shoes today at a price that was pretty good for a high street shop
However, when they started to take a look at my feet to make recommendations, I noticed a sign in the corner of my eye that said:
"we charge £20 to analyse your foot, but this fee is waived if you buy our shoes and this is because of customers then going to buy elsewhere"
I was annoyed that I wasn't told this up front and then felt under pressure to buy and the advice was nothing that I didn't know already, although they actually incorrectly advised me to go a size down
I'm going to return the shoes tomorrow to either go a size up, or to get a refund, but I imagine that they will bring up the £20 fee
What's my standing point? Can you actually charge me an extra £20 for just asking a sales assistant??
Comments
I'd say they don't have a leg to stand on, sign or no sign.
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Just because you're paranoid, don't mean they're not after youI think the above is irrelevant as clearly you have the wrong sized shoes so they failed to analyse your feet properly and have therefore failed to provide you with a level of service that justifies a £20 charge. You could then point out it wasn't clearly explained and that you'll take the matter to trading standards and post on social media warning others about the shop's trading practices.
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Im guessing not. In which case get your full refund and never go back. Their sign said about going to purchase the same item elsewhere? So they’re not selling a unique, hand made shoe? This is branded stock they’re selling? How were they going to extract the £20 from you if after 30 mins you left with nothing?
Nutters.
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I've been to a shop in Cardiff where they did the same, but it was free and the sales assistants job to advise (as you would get in a music store).
I guess I like the shoe, but it wasn't a pleasant customer experience and if I do decide on a refund, I'll kick up a fuss to what the tune Fretwired mentioned.
Thanks Guys.
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Are they qualified medical practitioners?
They're having a laugh.
So you paid for the foot analysis? and it was itemised on the receipt? It could be argued that you accepted the service as billed.
Did you try the shoes on in the shop and were you satisfied? Why didn't you raise concern over the £20 at the time?
The shop is not obliged to refund you but may offer an exchange and they may not offer to refund the foot analysis.
Decide what outcome you want and negotiate politely, would be my advice to get a satisfactory conclusion.
Likewise when I wanted to upgrade my bow, she lent me 3 to try at home that were chosen from about 8 we tried in her workshop. Again, she took the risk that I'd buy them elsewhere.
Obviously I want to encourage local businesses as much as I can, so would never do that to her, but I can see why the shop would charge for a service (though from the sounds of it, they didn't actually provide that service). It is a risk to them.
I'm not locked in here with you, you are locked in here with me.
That's how CarpetRight do it, I paid £20 deposit to take a couple of samples home and when I took them back and placed the carpet order they took the £20 off.
It sounds like this didn't happen in your case. Someone measured your feet, you weren't charged for that and then you bought some shoes.
Shop Assistant: "I know, let's charge them £20 to play our guitars. Refundable if they buy the guitar"
Guitar Shop Owner: "So instead of coming in and playing our guitars, now they just won't come in at all."
Shop Assistant: "Then I'll have nobody to show off my skilz to "
The sign is evidence of terms and conditions of contract and as long as its reasonably visible, it stands. Same as terms and conditions on a private car park.
They will argue that you entered into a contract to buy the shoes under those terms and conditions.
However, they are in breach of the terms, as they failed in their fulfilment by fitting you incorrectly - contract fails, refund is due, in total.
I think!