Anyone had difficulty returning defective Dubarrys?

[camilla4]

Hi everyone - all help welcome.

My second pair of Dubarrys, which are just under a year old, are cracked across the top and are no longer waterproof (I had the same problem with my original pair but put it down to bad luck and took a chance on a second pair). The boots have been treated meticulously - washed off every day and treated with the Dubarry cream every week.

I have contacted the retailer (Woodland Enterprises in Great Shefford) who initiallly tried to fob me off by telling me I needed to return them to Dubarry. I have pointed out their obligations under SOGA 1979 and insisted that my contract is with them as the retailer, which they now accept. I understand the the burden of proof is on me as the purchaser to prove that the boots are no longer of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose, but I sense that they are going to try and get sticky about this. I rather suspect that they are going to claim either that the boots have not been treated properly or that there is nothing they are obliged to do after this length of time. Anyone else had a similar problem and overcome it?

 

[Kenzo]

If I remember rightly there was a post on here a few weeks back about someone having problems, sorry I can't remember who it was though.

 

[camilla4]

Thanks Kenzo - I hope they're reading!!

 

[smac]

Hey, I work in a shop that sells Dubarry boots. Dont get many back but Dubarry have a brill customer service.

Our shop policy is to bring them in, (clean!!) ideally with a proof of purchase which can be just a print or copy of your bankstatement that shows the shop purchase( it wont be kept) We send the boots back and Dubarry decide if fair wear or fault.

We recently had a well looked after pair that were over 2years old and worn daily but looked after Dubarry decided it was fair wear but offered a hefty disount to the customer on a new pair so worth returning.

At most we require post cost covered to Ireland. Good luck

 

[camilla4]

Thanks for replying smac - I have never actually had to deal with Dubarry direct and am reassured to know that their customer service at least is good. I have not been impressed by the attitude of the retailer at all!

The boots are clean and ready to return; I just wanted to make sure that I stand a chance of fair treatment.

I appreciate your response - very helpful.

 

[CBFan]

My Friend works in a shop that sells them and she sent hers back. She said that they are guaranteed for a year so should take them back...

 

[camilla4]

Thank you!!

 

[sonjafoers]

Really sorry but I am going to give a completely different view as I have had 4 pairs of Dubarrys in 2 years and nothing but trouble both with the boots & their service. It has now got to the point that my merchant is refusing to help as he says they are the worst company he has ever had to deal with and has asked me to deal direct. It took them 9 weeks of arguing to replace my last pair (which they eventually did) but the pair they replaced them with in early december are now leaking terribly.