Cobbler Drama

lustyrusty

Bit of a random one here...


Basically I left my beloved boots into the cobbler as they needed a bit of glue. They were expensive soft leather with such a comfortable leather sole. I loved them.


The cobbler has lost my boots and is currently 'consulting his solicitor' as to where he stands. he said he might offer me 'about £20' as compensation - this is only a fraction of what they're worth. He has also said that they're only cheap boots with a 'crap plastic sole'


What are my rights? Does anyone know? I'm utterly gutted that he's lost them! He actually tried to tell my sister (who I asked to collect them) that I had already picked them up!

nearlyrich

How much would it cost to replace them, that is your starting point for negotiations, gutted for you some of my oldest shoes are my comfiest and if I lost them I would be devastated.

lustyrusty

When I bought them they were reduced to £80 from £120 but that was a year or so ago. I utterly adored those boots.


I think its the lies and excuses that is bothering me most! And I don't really understand why he's seeing his solicitor?!

Valli

Have you any evidence as to the price you paid? Bear in mind, however, that the cobbler would not be liable for the cost of new replacement boots, given you have had the use of them, nevertheless this gives you a starting point from which to negotiate.

FWIW I doubt he's 'seeing a solicitor' I would suggest that is bluster. But, by all means call his bluff with a Letter Before Action detailing what you are claiming (with evidence; say 50% or 75% of the price you paid) and pointing out that should you escalate to Small Claims Court you will also add the cost of bringing the claim to your claim.

Google Money Claim Online for more information (before you send the LBA) then you know what you are doing,

tanith

This happened to my daughter , it turned out he had given her boots to someone by mistake of course they never brought them back as they were expensive boots. He tried to give my daughter the other persons cheap boots which of course she took one look at and told him they were the wrong boots... It took 4mths for him to finally pay her for her boots.. She accepted half the cost as she'd worn them quite a while..

lustyrusty

Sadly I don't because they were bought a while ago. I thought they were just going for a simple glue job! I could have done it myself but loved them so much I wanted it done professionally! (Starting to feel a bit stupid...hindsight and all that!)

lustyrusty

tanith wrote: »

This happened to my daughter , it turned out he had given her boots to someone by mistake of course they never brought them back as they were expensive boots. He tried to give my daughter the other persons cheap boots which of course she took one look at and told him they were the wrong boots... It took 4mths for him to finally pay her for her boots..

That's awful! It seems so silly to get worked up over boots but I really love them! I saved for ages to get ones that comfortable cause I wear them in work where I'm on my feet all day! That's why I know there's no way I'd have ones with a 'crap plastic sole'


I'm glad your daughter got sorted though and hope she got fabulous boots as a replacement.

Valli

While you may not have the receipt do you have a credit card or bank statement which shows the purchase?

lustyrusty

FWIW I doubt he's 'seeing a solicitor' I would suggest that is bluster. But, by all means call his bluff with a Letter Before Action detailing what you are claiming (with evidence; say 50% or 75% of the price you paid) and pointing out that should you escalate to Small Claims Court you will also add the cost of bringing the claim to your claim.

Google Money Claim Online for more information (before you send the LBA) then you know what you are doing,[/QUOTE]



Thank you for this info. So far my sister has spoken to him and she's a bit too nice. I'm not quite as nice as her so I think I'll get out of work early to have a chat with him.

lustyrusty

No I don't have anything like that cause I shred everything! I think I might just have to get over it an accept the £20. I may have to have a strongly worded facebook status about my trauma though...

hollydays

Are they a chain or a private concern ?
Are they within a shopping centre or market?