Man-Made Boots

[CitySnicker]

Posting here for traffic.

AIBU to expect a £58 pair of man-made, branded boots to last longer than 8 weeks before the 'leather' starts peeling in 4 different places.

The online supplier says its just plain old 'wear and tear' and that 'Products damaged by normal wear and tear or that have exceeded the reasonable life of the product are not replaceable or refundable.'

Slightly peeved to say the least,...but what can I do if they simply refuse?

Have you already approached them or is that the standard phrasing on their website?

I would expect them to last longer, yes.

If the leather is showing signs of peeling already then it wasn't treated properly in the first place.

I emailed them telling them the problem and asking for an exchange for another brand of boots. I also asked whether I would have to send the original pair back as they were, frankly, fit for the bin (sent with 5 pictures of damage too)....and they replied the following;

^Thank you for contacting us with regards to you order.
I am afraid that our we do not accept returns for items that are damaged simply through wear and tear or accidental damage, Please note the life expectancy of any product depends on the individual using the product, the conditions of use, and the characteristic wear patterns of the user. Products damaged by normal wear and tear or that have exceeded the reasonable life of the product are not replaceable or refundable.^

I have since replied asking what the lifespan of a pair of these boots is anticipated to be on average, and for them to clarify this with a senior member of the team too, before I take things further.

I was hoping they would have come back to me today with...'oh, they're only 8 weeks old, let us get this sorted!' But I've had no reply today.

I emailed the US manufacturer to ask them the lifespan of their products, but no reply their either.

*there

Did you pay with paypal? Think they would cover you. You might have protection with you credit card too.

Debit card unfortunately.

Was is Rocket Dog?

I believe there's some new(ish) EU regulation that says that to be fit for purpose, it's implied goods should last 6m unless otherwise specified. Maybe try finding that and quoting it at them.

Otherwise, tell them you're going to tell us who they are and let us decide if they're being unreasonable

Not Rocket Dog, no.....I did consider telling them I was going to toodle off and ask the opinion of a huge number of potential customers....

8 weeks is NOT reasonable lifespan for boots! I buy man made boots and my last ones lasted 18 months (and were a lot cheaper than yours).
Be persistent and quote all regulations at them.
8 weeks ffs

have a read at this
www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/sale-of-goods-act

Ionly buy faux leather boots, usually from New Look, Dotty P, or Barrats. Rarely pay more than 30 quid. Usually last a year

I bought a pair of non-leather boots from New Look about 8 years ago. £20. They were brilliant. Got years out of them. Before then I'd always assumed non-leather was for throwaway fashion. Since then I've bought many other pairs of non-leather boots and have been really impressed with their general sturdiness. Based on my non-scientific analysis I would say your boots should have lasted a lot longer than 8 weeks.

I was wondering if they were Rocket Dog too, BikeRunSki. Mine lasted about 8 weeks.

Yup. I have has Dorothy Perkin's ones and they lasted over a year before they started to peel in places.
Off to read the 'which.com' page.
Colleague has same brand but different style and they lasted a good while.

I've had bad experiences in the past. Perhaps it is the way some people wear them? I only buy leather now.