I recently had yet another lesson is dealing with entitles people, these types of lessons are tired and old. I try to be a nice individual that trust folks, gives them the benefit of the doubt and supports other young people/entrepreneurs, unfortunately this does not always go well…
A few months ago I hired a mobile shoe service and then all hell broke loose, well if you are a fashionista this is hell. Otherwise you might just not understand the pain and suffering I have experienced from this stupidity.
My personal headache with started when I met the "proprietor" out last summer, he was a nice enough guy, we had a bunch of mutual acquaintances. When he told me what he did, he was a cobbler... As shoe junkie I was happy to support a young local business as I too have a young local business, and strongly believe in supporting young entrepreneurs and craftsmen. We really did not keep in touch, but I kept him in mind for some shoes I needed repaired.
Fast forward to January, when I called to have my shoes picked up, as Patinas had transitioned into a mobile service. Alexander came to my house at 8am to pick up my shoes that needed repair; five pairs (4 heels, one pair of flats). He requested I pay upfront, being that it was early in the morning, we had numerous mutual contacts, and he is a young business with hesitation agreed. Thankfully I wrote a check tragically it was for nearly $250. What I was told I was buying was a six pair sole and heel package, the remaining pair I could call in at any time. A receipt would be emailed to me, and my shoes would be done in 10-14 days. FIRST RED FLAG!
10 days later I call to inquire about my shoes, they are not ready. Day 14, I get voicemail. Day 20 I get hung up on. This persisted. I sent emails, Facebook messages, texts. I get no response. At this point I was more than worried.
Eventually I get a weird and vague communication from Alexander's "assistant". It is a series of emails, where this individual is first telling me I cannot write bad reviews or truths online about said fuckery that is happening with my missing shoes, then the dude is flat out rude claiming they don’t have my shoes. Um but they did. Nothing is resolved, and then I am blocked from any means of contacting the business and its owner. WHO FUCKING DOES THAT!?!?!?!
In March 3 months later I run into Alexander, I am bartending as a favor for a friend at an event and he stupidly hands me his phone to charge. I took this as an opportunity to leave and maybe get his attention to give me my shit back. You stole from me, I will steal from you. In my head this was a great plan, in reality this is pretty childish. This yahoo chases me down, not gonna lie dude is SCARY and was aggressive. We have a hostile and rude exchange in front of the police, how I wish I would have chucked his phone in the street. I eventually gave it back as he proceeded to call me a peon and other nasty names, denying having my shoes.
In April I see this individual at another event, he laughs as I walk away knowing good and well what is up. I had the desire to chuck a chair at him, but that’s crazy and unrealistic. Instead I prayed karma would punch him in the face, because in the end that’s all you can do in certain situations.
Of course like any sane fashion junky who has been scorned, robbed and fucked over I discuss this tragedy with everyone including my lawyer friend. It is decided I have to sue dude. Considering he has taken over $1500 worth of my property plus the money I paid him this was actually a felony. Can you believe that?!?!
Literally as I am prepping to sue this questionable character calls, talk about timing. He claims there was a mix up, he indeed has my shoes and will drop them off later that day. I give him my work address via a text and email. No response.
He shows up the next morning, doesn't say a word and shows me the 4 heels he has repaired. The work is not bad, I have had much better work done elsewhere without the drama. I inquire about my gold flats, give a description and am told he would look for them. No apology, no explanation given, nothing.
An hour later, I get an email asking for the shoes to be described, which I find odd considering that I just did this, and that I would get an apology letter later in the day. In my response I suggest a refund, my other shoes found/returned or replaced, only to be answered with "I never had your flats, and a link to his website. No apology, no receipt.
Funny, he doesn't have my flats like he didn't have my shoes, like he did not remember who I was in March before he decided I was all these terrible random things, and cursed me out.
The lies, deception and utter disregard for customer service and human decency is too much. I responded professionally requesting a refund, shoes replacement, receipt, and apology. FINALLY this clown responds saying he never had my gold flats and saying I never bought a 6 shoe repair package and that one of the shoes were repaired on the house. The lies. Oh the lies! I am still wondering what my point would be in lying and why my story not his is consistent. He cannot be that stupid, or maybe he is? Who knows. I respond, he essentially ignores any of the actual issues, sends me a faux receipt that he clearly had JUST made up leaving off my flats. At this point I have already reviewed him in a variety of places and happily am telling everyone not to use him! THEN he sends shitty ass apology, and a $85 gift certificate for shoe repair.
Wait what? Why would I use your shoe service again? I still have missing shoes because of this stupidity. This is just too much. Foolio neglects to respond to my request for my flats to be replaced, nor responds to my suggestion he use that resource for business etiquette classes.
While I am elated that I have my heels back, the reality the work Bourne did was mediocre and his customer service is HORRIBLE! I will chalk this up as a lesson to be careful who I choose to do business with. This whole exchange was really frustrating, and unprofessional. At this point I am out a pair of flats, it's not the end of the world but it is disappointing. It's unfortunate that someone feels entitled to treat others in this manner, to deceive and steal
