Clarks sold me used shoes

teenz_88

I used to work for clarks and know they do children's fitting. My 1 year old has only just started walking but still unsteady so I never let her walk outside. I bought a pair of shoes without inspecting them as I trusted them to give me a new pair. The man took it to the till and then tells me its £44 which was a shock for children's shoes. I paid out of embarrassment with the intention of returning. My child was crying so I left in a hurry. I kept it tucked away in a cupboard till I could go back. To my horror when I took it back there was sand in the shoe grips and apparently scuff marks according to the manager. I maintained that my daughter did not wear them but the manager refused to take them. She kept saying all their shoes are checked before being sold which is clearly a lie. I complained to customer service but still awaiting a reply after sending photos (they have suddenly gone quiet). I have two issues here, firstly I am being branded as a liar. Secondly, I have been sold used shoes. I don't know what to do. When taking photos of the shoe box, I can see a tiny note saying "code 243- wearing them". I don't know when this was written on the box and by whom. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Bradden

How long have you had them for? If the error was pointed out shortly after purchase it would seem a reasonable to expect to return them for a refund.

teenz_88

I tried to return it after 17 days.

Bradden

I can understand after two weeks they have no idea if they sold the shoes in this condiiton or if they have been used.

sheramber

Did you not look at the shoes in the shop or try them on the child or ask the price?

Seems odd for someone who is concerned about her child's feet to buy without checking them.

I have never bought a pair of shoes i have not clapped eyes on,( apart from online purchase)  never mind not try on.

MalMonroe

When I bought shoes for my daughter we always bought the actual pair she had tried on. We also always had her feet measured and were always really pleased with Clarks. She never had any trouble with her feet, I have to say, not even a blister.

Not sure why you didn't do that, particularly as you used to work for Clarks. It's also not clear why, when you've worked for Clarks before, you weren't aware of the price of children's shoes. They are extortionate but worth it, I always thought. We tried to go when the sales were on. My daughter always really enjoyed going for new shoes - having her feet measured and trying on different styles, etc. And then wearing her new shoes when we got home. A fun game. They did always check shoes for us, ensuring we had two of the same size, etc. and asking if we were happy with our experience. Have these things now changed?

If my daughter had started crying, I'd have just asked for the shoes to be put aside until I could call back later to collect them. Then would have taken my daughter for a stroll, maybe also a snack and then returned.

I can see why the shop thinks you may be trying to pull a fast one here. And I don't think you're going to be able to get any refund. They could even say that you wrote "code 243 - wearing them" on the box yourself.

Never let embarrassment force you into paying for something you aren't sure about. I have had similar embarrassing scenes at cash tills before - I don't care. 

I also don't understand why you pushed the shoes in a cupboard for 17 days. 

Thrugelmir

teenz_88 said:

 She kept saying all their shoes are checked before being sold which is clearly a lie. 

Normally a standard practice to ensure that the box contains a pair of matching shoes. 

soolin

I have never ever bought Clark’s shoes without them checking the shoes first to make sure they are a pair . Also, how did you manage to buy shoes for a child without having their feet measured and the shoes fitted for size and width? 

I’m also unclear how you have worked for Clarks and yet had no idea how much children’s shoes are. 

sheramber

The OP's post says  "I used to work for clarks and know they do children's fitting."  

So, presumably she had her child's  feet measured and the shoes tried on.

Emmia

How did you know what size to buy if your child didn't try them on?

Pollycat

This is a very confusing thread.

Maybe the OP could clarify:
Did the assistant measure her child's feet?
Did the child try any shoes on?
Were the shoes the child tried on the ones that she bought?

I would say that most people who have had children are aware that Clarks are pretty expensive for kids' footwear.
My sister's kids are adults now but I remember her paying a lot for their toddler shoes 20-odd years ago.
I'm surprised that the OP - a previous employee of Clarks - was unaware that a pair of baby walking shoes might be as expensive as £44.00.
I don't buy anything unless I know the price before I get to the till.