twodoebs

For those of you who know the Jung family, you'll know the grand tradition of "writing a letter" when irritated with pretty much anyone or anything. I personally wrote a letter to my congressman once when I got so irritated by cellphone companies locking you in with contracts that you have to pay for even if they can't provide you service. (My congressman even called me because of my well crafted letter).

I digress...

I have a new beef I'd like to write about. Footlocker and both their ridiculous return policy AND the inexcusably poor customer service received at a store in the center of Manhattan.

On December 4th, 2006 I bought a pair of sneaks as a Christmas gift. Turns out I got the wrong size. Holidays come and go and on Saturday January 6th, 2007 we returned to the store to make an exchange. After going to two stores who didn't have the stock necessary to make the exchange we decided to make the return to unburden us by one bag then return to another footlocker the next day to buy different shoes all together.

The manager at the W. 34th street Footlocker, who had some paperwork spread out all over the counter, informed us that we missed our 30 day window by 2 days. Initially prepared just to take a gift card since we did plan to buy some new shoes the next day, we asked about other options. The only option offered was that he'd order us a pair and we'd receive it in about 5 business days. To me- there might have been another option to call the Footlocker in my neighborhood.

Anyway, when asked if there was any way he would be willing to just take the return he simply said "we're not supposed to". This of course indicated to us that he could do it if he wanted to, he just didn't want to. And considering we were a mere 12 days after Christmas we were suprised at this mans unwillingness to make the exception in the name of following corporate policy. Naturally the conversation unfolded and the manager grew increasingly accusatory as though we were trying to pull something over on them. In reality we were just looking for the manager to be understanding about the holidays.

I have written my letter to Footlocker, and referenced this site, so feel free to share your thoughts too! I have vowed never to spend another dollar in Footlocker. Modell's and Sports Authority are now the only sporting goods stores I will go to.

And making it ALL better- further proving why Modell's and Sports Authority are superior - BOTH stores have special holiday season return policies allowing customers the added time needed at the holidays to make necessary returns.

So there- bye bye Footlocker and your ridiculous policy and rude managers.