[bettymm]

Ok so i bought a pair of little baby shoes..those pre walker soft leather slip on shoes from a little local shop (their own brand) for my 12 month old for $40 just before Christmas. She was learning to walk at this time so i really wanted these as they were nice and soft and flexible. After wearing them for 2 weeks, one of the shoes literally started falling apart at the seams.

I have bought something from this shop before, a shirt, that had a lace trim on it that the stitching was coming away after one wash. I took it back and they actually repaired it for free. i was so happy with the way they handled that i have actually become a regular customer there, they know me. This is why when one of the shoes fell apart I took it back and told them. The shop assistant working there didnt really know what to do but I told her to tell the manager. The manager actually rang me and told me to bring the shoe in and she would have it repaired. Again, i was really happy with the way she handled it. They ring me last Friday to tell me the shoe is ready , waiting at the store and I can come and collect it. I was so busy this week , didnt get a chance to get in there till today and when I go in they tell me..they have lost the shoe.

The sales person looked and looked , i was waiting about half an hour while she searched. I actually had to go pick up my daughter from child care while she continued to look, ring the manager etc, (its a really small shop too!) I returned there later to see if they found it but, no. Apparantly the manager said I can buy another pair of the shoes for half price.

Im a little annoyed at this. Im really not wanting to fork over more money for a pair of shoes that are obviously not that well put together. Am i expecting too much for them to replace the missing shoe?

[Avogadro]

They should replace the shoes if they can't find the missing shoe. Simple.

[amabanana]

They should be giving you a pair for free. You would have a pair already if they hadn't lost one them! Totally their fault so they should reimburse you.

[AnnBB]

Uuuuummm what? They lost your shoe and instead of giving you another pair for free, they are you letting you buy another pair for half price. That is crazy! I would be telling them where they can shove their shoes ( and the rest of the things you won't be buying fom them in the future).

[Tammy Swanson]

OP that is crazy, they should be replacing the pair for free! I would insist as $40 for pre walkers is very very expensive!

[Liadan]

Pretty sure that under consumer laws, you are entitled to a complete refund.

They should be replacing them for free, or offering you a refund.

[mini mac]

Pretty sure legally they have lost your belongings therefore should replace it or reimburse you. I hope you have a receipt of proof incase they go all dodgy and pretend they never had it...

[tenar]

Tell them thanks, you'll take the free half of the pair they are offering, to match up with the half pair you have at home.

Then wait and see whether the penny drops...

[bettymm]

Tell them thanks, you'll take the free half of the pair they are offering, to match up with the half pair you have at home.

Then wait and see whether the penny drops...

ha! awesome. I may just have to do that!

I hope you have a receipt of proof incase they go all dodgy and pretend they never had it...

Nup. Im hopeless at keeping receipts..never do

So, no legal ground to stand on i guess.

just wondering if there is anything else I can do bar getting in a huff and flouncing telling them Ill never buy from that shop again?

[FiveAus]

In a polite and conversational tone, just say "Oh, I'm not happy with having to pay more money for a shoe when you guys lost it. I'll just give Consumer Affairs a ring and see what they advise."

At the very least, the lost shoe should have been covered by the manufacturers warranty (for the damage, not them losing it), and you could also find out their number and give them a call.