Shoes ruined when I washed them and company unwilling to compensate in any way.

tealeafxo

So my pair of canvas shoes got muddy and I decided to wash them. They are quite expensive and I've washed shoes in the washing machine before and thought nothing of it. However, the glitter detail on the shoe came off in the wash. I sent an email to their customer services as there is nothing on the shoe labels to suggest not to machine wash them.
They seemed really willing to help at the beginning.They asked me if they were bought from an authorised retailer and if not they could help with a product claim. They asked me how I washed the shoes which I explained and also that I have no proof of purchase. They said that the problem was caused by machine washing and they do not suggest machine washing or drying and will not accept return of the shoes. I asked where this information is specified? And by asking how I washed my trainers it was implied that they are washable. As otherwise they would have stated straight away that if was my fault. They said their instructions on how to wash their shoes are on their website and the reason why they asked how I tried to clean my shoes is because if the instructions were followed they would accept your return and trigger a refund process in case the shoes were flawed by manufacture mistakes.
I then retorted that if the washing can impact the shoes so much why is that information not on the shoes. Products that cannot be machine washed usually state "do not machine wash" on the label. Furthermore if these washing instructions are so important why do you have to search for them on the internet to get them? They should be included with the shoes.
I asked for it to be escalated to a manager and they've just said they cannot process a return.
Does anyone have any tips on how I can reply to this? I understand I'm not in the best position due to lack of proof of purchase and I'm not after a refund but some sort of compensation as they are expensive shoes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

arcon5

You washed a pair of shoes with glitter on in the wash? Is that normal?

wealdroam

OP, have you spoken to the retailer?

hcb42

I dont think washing a pair of shoes is normal. Glitter is bound to come off. I think you are on a hiding to nothing unless the label stated you could machine wash shoes

stevemLS

I have never even thought about putting a pair of shoes in the washing machine.

I recall the instructions on my steam generator iron said "Do not iron clothes whilst wearing them". Perhaps we need that level of labelling.

In this instance if shoes WERE machine washable they would have instructions on how to do so.

My toaster does not say "Not machine washable" - so it should be OK in the machine, yes?

marliepanda

I've washed converse with no issues.

However, you should have known not to wash glittery shoes in the washer. You've got no chance of anything back.

missbiggles1

tealeafxo wrote: »

So my pair of canvas shoes got muddy and I decided to wash them. They are quite expensive and I've washed shoes in the washing machine before and thought nothing of it. However, the glitter detail on the shoe came off in the wash. I sent an email to their customer services as there is nothing on the shoe labels to suggest not to machine wash them.
They seemed really willing to help at the beginning.They asked me if they were bought from an authorised retailer and if not they could help with a product claim. They asked me how I washed the shoes which I explained and also that I have no proof of purchase. They said that the problem was caused by machine washing and they do not suggest machine washing or drying and will not accept return of the shoes. I asked where this information is specified? And by asking how I washed my trainers it was implied that they are washable. As otherwise they would have stated straight away that if was my fault. They said their instructions on how to wash their shoes are on their website and the reason why they asked how I tried to clean my shoes is because if the instructions were followed they would accept your return and trigger a refund process in case the shoes were flawed by manufacture mistakes.
I then retorted that if the washing can impact the shoes so much why is that information not on the shoes. Products that cannot be machine washed usually state "do not machine wash" on the label. Furthermore if these washing instructions are so important why do you have to search for them on the internet to get them? They should be included with the shoes.
I asked for it to be escalated to a manager and they've just said they cannot process a return.
Does anyone have any tips on how I can reply to this? I understand I'm not in the best position due to lack of proof of purchase and I'm not after a refund but some sort of compensation as they are expensive shoes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I've never, ever seen that written on a pair of shoes.

George_Michael

tealeafxo wrote: »

I sent an email to their customer services as there is nothing on the shoe labels to suggest not to machine wash them.

If they were okay when taking them out of the washing machine, would you then have prodeeded to dry them by placing in an oven at 350c for 30 minutes?
After all, I'm sure that there was nothing on the labels stating that this shouldn't be done either.

RS2000.

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I've never, ever seen that written on a pair of shoes.

I can't recall seeing a pair of shoes with washing instructions.

hollydays

Don't feed the troll

POPPYOSCAR

arcon5 wrote: »

You washed a pair of shoes with glitter on in the wash? Is that normal?

You mean you do not put all your glittery shoes in the washing machine?


I thought everybody did!