Jiffy Shoe Cobbler

Review: This complaint is regarding a shoe repair service I requested, and unethical business practices I encountered with respect to pricing those services. Yesterday, I brought in two pairs of pumps to have new plastic "caps" placed on the heels. The owner told me it is $20 per pair. I wrote a check for $40 because he required payment beforehand.

That night, I couldn't stop thinking about how steep this price was. The more I thought about it, the more expensive it seemed for this service. I thought about how I was dressed in a suit because I came to the store straight from work. I also remembered how the owner mentioned my engagement ring in an off-hand comment which at the time had struck me as odd because it was out place. I started to seriously question that $20 was the going rate for this service. The next day, I checked around at different places and was able to find two businesses that charge just a few dollars for this service, which is consistent with my past experience in Michigan (I recently relocated to Pennsylvania). I stopped by the business after work to ask for my shoes and my payment back if the work had not started. The owner asked me why, and I explained that I have been thinking about it and I can't bring myself to pay $20 per pair of shoes for this service. Instead of just honoring this request as repair had not yet begun, he said that he would NOT give me my shoes back but that he would "work" with me. He then started questioning me, asking me why I didn't think this service was worth the money he charges. I said I really did not want to argue with him about it and I really just came in because I can't afford what he charges. He continued to refuse to give me the shoes and money back, insisting that he be allowed to do the work.

I asked him if he had a list of prices for the services that he offers, any sort of list at all. He said "no," and the reason was that he would have "too many prices" to list. I was very honest that I felt like because I came in there dressed nicely, he charged me what he felt like he could get out of me. He explained that he charges everyone differently based on the shoes themselves. [This does not make sense at all in my situation because he told me my price BEFORE I even took the shoes out of my bag.] He also says that he charges this amount because he also shines the shoes "real nice." [This also does not make sense in my situation because one of the pairs of shoes is suede.] As he continued to engage me in conversation about his services and about his "pride" which is really the issue to him, he brought up the engagement ring on my finger AGAIN! He said something about how the diamond costs money... He also said he remembered me because I was the "pretty girl" who came in there "dressed nice" and with the "ring." I truly was disgusted over being judged by the way I look, and felt stupid that I let someone take advantage of me like that. He said that he would do them for $10 per pair and that I could have them the next day. I agreed because I didn't want to argue any longer. He said he would refund me the $20, but he wouldn't give me the refund at that time. He said that he couldn't return my check to me as it was already cashed because he has to "eat every night." I will note that there are no holds on my checking account for this check number.

I have no doubt in my mind that I was taken advantage of. On top of that, the owner flat out refused to give me my property back before any work had even been done. I did not come in there to argue or negotiate, and he put me in a very awkward and unfair position as a consumer.Desired Settlement: The business has a responsibility to: 1) Have a list of prices - at least base prices - for the services that they provide. The list should be at minimum available to a customer upon request; 2) Honor the customer's request to return the items and the payment if the services have not even begun yet.

In this situation, the owner refused to give me my shoes back, and as such, he should honor the verbal promise to reduce the price.

Review: My mother, [redacted], dropped off a pair of my shoes for repair on 10/19/13. One week later, we inquired and was told we would receive a call back. Never heard from him. Another week later, we called. Same thing - was told that he really was not sure of the status of the shoes but he would talk with his daughter and get right back to me. Never heard anything. Two weeks later, I went into the store and his 13 year old and 4 year old grandsons were running the store.There was no adult present. They said their grandfather would return in a few hours. I left a note asking for a return phone call. I have not heard anything. This is 11/24/13. I do not have my shoes, and I placed $20.00 deposit down on them, and I am not getting a return phone call from anyone.Desired Settlement: I would like my shoes back, repaired or not repaired. If he accidentally discarded them, okay. Lesson learned. Then at the very least, I want my $20.00 back. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Revdex.com of Metro DC and Eastern PA <[email protected]>

Date: Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 12:55 PM

Subject: Fwd: complaint #[redacted]

To: [redacted] <[redacted]>

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From: [redacted] <[redacted]>

Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:38 PM

Subject: complaint #[redacted]

To: [email protected]

Hello.