Extremely upsetting experience with Woodchucksato
I’ve had a really bad experience shopping with Woodchucksato. I decided to spend more by supporting a business that claims to hand make shoes. I measured my feet based on the size chart and went up one size to be safe (I measured 23.5cm at the longest toe to heel, a 36, I purchased a size 37). When I received the shoes, one did not fit my foot and the other was extremely tight. I reached out to the company only 5 minutes after receiving the shoes to advise them. They asked me to measure my feet on paper, put a measuring tape on it and send it to them, which I did. They suggested my size should fit, if anything I measured the size below (36). They then said either I can pay $30 USD to return them or pay myself. I was wondering - why should I have to pay to return a pair of shoes that I sized up in? If anything, they should be too big. Once I pushed back stating the sizing of the shoes are off (either a faulty pair or the size chart is incorrect), they offered to pay 5% shipping ‘to help make this process a little easier for you’. Which is $1.50. It felt extremely condescending. When I pushed back again, they had me insert a measuring tape inside the shoes from toe box to end to show the length of the shoes. I did this and sent images again from all angles. These photos illustrated why the shoes didn’t fit: both shoes should be 24cm long based on the size chart. One measured in at 22.5cm, smaller than the smallest size of shoes they offer. The other measured at 23cm, a size 35. Both notably different from a size 37 - two sizes too small. Once they replied, they then asked for me to cover half the shipping back to them for $15 USD because I didn’t purchase their ‘worry free’ shipping protection. They said they’d refund it if they found a fault with the shoes. Their website has a policy where faults are covered, which is also something that’s covered under consumer rights protection anyways. They were trying to make ME pay to return shoes that were faulty. After some back and forth - 16 e-mails - they then conceded and provided a return label. After all this, I did not trust the company and have decided to take them to a cobbler to see if I can get them stretched out. I then left a review on their website under the shoe listings. Since I left the review, multiple other 5 star reviews have been posted, but my review is notably missing. I highly recommend going elsewhere to purchase shoes, the company is not trustworthy and will push back against your consumer rights. I’ve had a quick google after and can see people having similar experiences with the company pushing back. The shoes aren’t cheap, save your money and go elsewhere. I’m really upset by my experience and now have expensive shoes I cannot wear and don’t trust the company enough to return.