what is this "restocking fee" ridiculousness

It would equal $24, plus shipping back (which is more acceptable to me, but still...another $15 on top).

I think it's simply to discourage people from returning things? But come on. SHOES. How can you know without trying shoes on in person? Plus these are dance shoes. With a high (for me) heel. No way. Sadly, Boston only has one brick and mortar store that has tango shoes, and they're ugly and even more expensive.

But it's cool that I even want the shoes now! Updated to say that last week my instructor said I have "tango instincts." Woot!

I can't believe I'm even fantasizing about a stiletto heel. (Talk about a "fantasy life," eh.) I have been taken over by aliens. But IF the shoe were guaranteed to fit well, and I could feel comfortable in it, this is what I would buy. It's gorgeous. OMG, I can't believe I'm wishing I could wear high heels.

(For some reason I can't use their pic as a jpg. If you go to the page, it's on the left toward the bottom: 1010 Reptil.)

http://www.felinashoes.com/40.html

I'm not buying them. I still want to know why there are restocking fees.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Tango instincts! wow! I love the sounds of that.

I do not love the sounds of the restocking fee. Sheesh.

lyn*

I have heard of restock fees for things like electronics that needed to be checked over before being put back onto the shelf.

I'm not sure why they would apply to shoes though; I think I agree with you - it is to discourage returns.

catgirl

Just that - ridiculous.

Mochi

I feel like emailing the woman to complain. I won't, I won't. But it's a tiny operation, not even a brick and mortar store. I think she sells out of her apartment in NYC and has these occasional "open houses" where you can go and try on the shoes. So forget it. I just hate when customers are treated this way.

velvetychocolate

I really enjoyed your post Mochi - just love the idea that you have "tango insticts" - just FAB!

Sorry to hear that the shoes you're interested in come with some ridiculous "restocking fee", but you know what? Being a tango person just might be worth it.

Don't laugh, but years and years ago, when I met my husband and were newly dating, we went and saw a movie, called "Assassination Tango" (Robert Duvall). It was a matinee, and after the movie, we sat on the patio of a coffee shop, and analyzed passers-by as to whether or not they were "tango people."

I really like "tango people" and even if that means stupidly expensive or hassle-y shoes, I'd say it's worth it.

Fab scene from Assassination Tango:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OPZWLx2fiw

I don't think it's still running, but Luis Brava's "Forever Tango" is *amazing*.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nSaydD3s8

Never mind the restocking fee, and enjoy the dancing

Hah, velvety, I'd heard of that movie and was already curious to see it (will check out your link later).

I took a chance on some other booties a few months back, and had a bad experience (they may be knockoffs). This is not the same. It's just a risk that they don't fit, or are uncomfortable and I can't (yet?) handle the heel, especially for dancing. But part of me is also thinking, try it! I've gotten better at heels in general since starting my workout program. But I'm not sure if I'm a 39 or 40, etc etc etc.

Blah. Now I will be thinking about these stupid shoes.

I know I am getting OT now, but I found this beautiful video that I am obsessing over. Look how lovely this woman looks the second she starts dancing--and how gorgeous the heels are (and supposedly, make you dance better than you would in flats):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....8;index=33

Anonymous

yep, I think is a small company, we can go next time you come here. Tango instincts, that's awesome;)

(They are having another open house tomorrow, Zap. I was planning on going after saying good bye to you all, or maybe the two of us would have gone

Loved that video Mochi...and you must rent or download "Assassination Tango" when you get a chance.

I *love* tango, even though I've never taken a class.

In terms of shoes...

While I don't "dance" exactly, I will say that Ecco brand Bridget t-strap shoes have worked out beautifully on a few dance floors for me. I can't find these online right now, but here is another t-strap shoe that might work (if you can handle the heel height):

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-nep.....ckle-black (pic#1)

The Bridget version that I have, and can't find online - are a lower heel height, and are just perfect for dancing - all night shoes, if you ask me. That said, I think these Nephi t-straps might be ideal for tango...just a thought.

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deb

I have to pay restocking fees for plumbing and electrical but never clothing.

Ingunn

Love your tango instincts! I would also love to learn to dance tango, it's been a secret wish for years. I think the restocking fee is utterly stupid. Good luck with finding the perfect shoes, and with honing your tango skills.

Traci

I think a restocking fee is probably just a reality of her small business. She may not be able to sell returns, even very gently tried returns, at full price. Her business may not be robust enough to eat the loss if she takes your return and either cannot resell them, or must discount them to resell them. Larger companies have entire divisions to resell the items they have taken back with their generous return policies.

krishnidoux

I wonder why your brick and mortar local store only stocks shoes you find ugly... can you gat to speak with the manager/owner/buyer? There may be a reason...

Trying on dance shoes and making sure they fit and can absorb shock is very very important. I once fractured a bone under my foot for dancing salsa too hard on shoes that looked really nice, but were just not up to the part.

Thistle

Hmm, not sure on restocking fees, especially shoes! I wouldn't buy them as it seems spurious at best. I know Zappos etc. all resell the shoes once returned. That's why they do 't credit you back for them until after they have inspected them.

Sounds like you have it figured out by going to the open house.

Love the fact you are a Tango person!

DonnaF

Ugh! Is that where your tango teacher sent you? So is Boston's store a dance supply store, i.e., one where you go to buy Capezio leotards and ballet shoes, choir shoes, tap dance shoes, etc.?

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