Powerstep Orthotics

Not every story I have ends happily and lucratively. Here's one example of a complaint that met a dead end. Last winter I bought Powerstep orthotics (shoe inserts) for my EMU boots because, as I said in my EMU review, they have zero arch support. These blue orthotics (I bought the Pinnacle model) feel really comfortable and padded. Underneath the foamy padding is a strong metal arch that supports the foot nicely. I was quite happy with them until one day I noticed the top material lining was beginning to peel. After about two weeks, the inserts were totally peeled up for about a half inch. I just cut off the loose flappy piece of material and tried to ignore the annoying feeling. Then the boot season ended.

I pulled them out again for this season's EMUs and re-noticed the peeling orthotics. I sent the company an email telling them what happened and upon learning that I got them last year, the woman was totally unwilling to help me. She claimed that while they do guarantee their products, complaining about it a year later isn't going to cut it. Maybe she's right.

Now I know that when I'm not happy with a product, don't wait until the next season to deal with it. Email or call as soon as you notice a problem.

Ukala Sydney High boot

Pros:

• Very good quality suede that feels thick and smooth.
• The merino wool lining doesn't make your feet feel hot.
• Depending on time and place, they may be stylish.
• Much cheaper than very similar UGG boots.
• The sole is made of a very lightweight foam so you don't have to expend extra energy while walking. It's also very smooth and has no grip.

Cons:

• The sole is lightweight, but it looks like the type that will erode quickly.
• The fur sticks to your legwear for quite a while until it becomes matted down.
• There is a seam running down the back that will eventually dig into your foot once the fur becomes thinner.
• There is absolutely no arch support.
• Although they're called "high" the reach to about 4 inches below the knee. 
• The pink logo patch on the back is kind of tacky and childish.

As you must have read, I got these boots as replacements for the original EMU boots that became defective. Ukala Sydney is a new line of boots under the EMU brand. The boots definitely look nice, but they lack some basic features (e.g. an arch, smooth seams inside, heaver sole with more traction). They're not very practical either since they're made of seude which stains very easily. I recommend using a suede leather protector (spray) to prevent snow and snow-salt from leaving white marks (that don't come off, no matter what you do). In short, they're really not worth $79. As a free boot, sure, but otherwise no way.

An EMU interaction

First, it's pronounced EEM-yoo. EMU is a manufacturer for all kinds of stuff like suede jackets and wool boots. Their boots look much like the UGG-style boots, but they're slightly cheaper. I bought a pear of  them last winter, retail price $99. I paid $79.20, but that's another story. A lot happened since then but basically I had issues with them. Here is the first email I sent to EMU: 

Last winter I bought the Women's Nelly Boot in black suede. I wore it maybe 15 times and I am extremely disappointed with what happened. You see, there is a hard seam running down the whole back of the boot, from the inside. The fur lining covers that but if you press your finger onto the fur, you can definitely feel that thick seam. After wearing it a few times, the lining (the white puffy fur/wool) became more matted down (which, I was told, is normal) and now the seam is totally coming through. It's so uncomfortable and the seam is digging straight into the back of my foot and giving me red bruises. This is not what I expected when I shelled out over $90 for "quality" boots. Something is wrong here. It's winter season again and I would have definitely bought another pair had this not happened. Now I'm stuck with uncomfortable and unwearable boots which have no use. Please tell me what can be done about that. 

After TWO weeks I get a reply saying that I need to officially fill in this whole complicated-looking claim form. The form had me provide pertinent and not-so-pertinent information, along with several photographs of the boots, the soles, and the area that has the problem. Ever try sticking a 18-55mm lens down the shaft of a boot to the heal? It doesn't work. I had to roll the boot shaft down and then use my feet and hands to keep it in place while I shot the picture. I completed the form and sent it back with my photos. A week later, which was today, I receive a nice email that totally overjoyed me: We have reviewed your case. Unfortunately, we no longer manufacture this product. We will be sending a replacement of similar value today.

That's no problem for me! She then sent me a link with a picture of the new boots and I must say they're quite acceptable. More than acceptable even. I can't wait to receive them! What do we learn from this, readers? Complaining gets you someplace, when you do it right :)

General Statement about Buying #2

Second in this series, this post highlights a very important point that may cause some people to think "Duh!" and others to think "Huh?"

Gift cards are free money. If used correctly, they can do amazing things! If you got a $10 gift card, for example, you have two options of spending the money:

1. Go to store, find $10 worth (or more) of merchandise, present gift card and, if necessary, pay remainder.
2. Go to store when there's a current promotional event, find $30 worth of stuff, present $10 off $30 coupon, receive 50% off, pay with gift card.

In the second example, you're tripling the value of your gift card! So my point is, wait until there's a sale at the store you're planning on shopping at, and then use your card. It's a good idea to check the expiration date on your gift cards because some store cards don't last longer than a predefined time. Keep your card handy so it's accessible when you want that slick deal. By the way, the same applies to other forms of free money, such as reward certificates, cash cards, refund checks, etc.

How iRiR maximized $20: In October, I was mailed a DSW Rewards certificate valued $20. I wanted these really cute slippers that cost $34.95. Using a 30% off promotional code, I brought the total down to $24.47. Shipping was $7.95 (the free shipping code only applies to orders above a minimum), and the subtotal was now $33.09 including tax. Then I applied a $5 off coupon and my $20 Rewards certificate, and the grand total was $8.62!!! Postscript: I ended up receiving the order with a small problem and was ready to exchange them. They didn't have my size so I was offered a partial refund of $8.62. I argued with the sales rep that I should really be getting $20 because they should refund my costs, not my shipping charges! I got what I wanted :)

Lands' End - from totebags to tshirts

Pros:

• Return Policy - you can return items for life.
• Frequent email promotions - if you sign up for their emails, you get at least 1 promo a week.
• Ebates gives you 2% cashback.
• Promos always include free shipping
• For returns, items can be taken to a Sears location to avoid return shipping charges.
• Quality clothing - and if it goes defective, it can easily be returned.
• LiveChat and phone assistance available 24 hours.

Cons:

• Sizing runs much larger than other brands.
• Some apparel is in a 1900s time warp.

Bottom Line: Lands' End is a great company to shop from, whether you need shoes, t-shirts, coats or gloves. Just be sure to order a size smaller than you think you would need (this applies to shoes and t-shirts, especially). To conserve time and energy, order 2 consecutive sizes and return to Sears the one you won't be using. This avoids unnecessary hassle. You do not need a receipt to return items, which is a great thing that enables you to return at any time. When you take advantage of a free-shipping promo, understand that it will take at least a week for the items to arrive. 

Shoebuy.com for shoe deals

Pros:

• Good pricing on shoes - many are sold below retail price.
• Frequent promotions - there's a percent off or dollar off coupon at least once a month.
• Ebates gives you 10% cashback.
• Free shipping and return shipping (you don't pay the shipping to return an item).
• No sales tax.
• You can check out without creating an account, which saves you time.

Cons:

• Selection is not that big.
• Stock doesn't change often enough.

Bottom Line: First sign up to receive Shoebuy promotional emails by clicking here. If you're looking for a specific shoe, first see if Shoebuy has it. If they don't, then go ahead with another store. Otherwise, do stick with Shoebuy because chances are, they will have it for a good price and you'll have a discount email. If you're just browsing for shoes, Shoebuy may still a good place for that because you won't have to sift through 17,000 pairs of black leather shoes with 1/4" heel in size 8. On the other hand, you might enjoy doing just that. If that's case, point your browser to Zappos!