Return the shoes or not?

[GardenStream]

I have a pair of LL Bean boots, they're leather hiking boots that I paid almost $100 for. They're about 10 years old and I've worn them maybe 10 times. I pulled them out of the closet the other day and the sole of the boots is disintegrating. There are huge chunks of rubber (2" or 3") that have completely broken off and they're no longer usable.

I know that LL Bean has a lifetime guarantee. My DH thinks I'm insanely cheap for even considering returning the boots. I feel guilty about returning them and getting a full credit. I feel I only deserve about $20.

What would you do? Am I cheap or frugal ?

[HappyMommy2]

Since they have a lifetime guarantee, they are asking for it! I say give it a try.

But - my DH would feel the same as yours. And would definitely not go into the store with me!

[brennasmom]

10 years old? Definantly wouldn't return them.

[GardenStream]

Originally Posted by HappyMommy2

Since they have a lifetime guarantee, they are asking for it! I say give it a try.

Oh, I've already contacted them and have a return authorization. I'm just working on getting up the nerve to actually put them in a box and ship them.

I've been undecided for about 3 months and I need to make a decision to return them or throw them away.

[Turquesa]

Ethically speaking, you're not doing anything wrong in returning them. Pricey boots with a lifetime guarantee should not disintegrate after 10 wearings. You can no longer wear them and have effectively spent 10 bucks for each time you've worn them, and that simply isn't fair to a consumer.

*Never mind. We crossed posted!*

[Goddess3_2005]

I would return them based on they guarantee, I think that they need to know of a failure of a product that they expect tolast a lifetime.

[Ornery]

I would absolutely return them.

[odenata]

L.L. Bean has a lifetime guarantee because they stand behind their products. They have great customer service! It's one of the reasons I buy from them.

Return them! Don't feel guilty or cheap. They want you to return defective products - it's why they have the guarantee in the first place.

[MariesMama]

For sure! Now, if you wore them every day for those ten years, and then returned them, that would be cheap and tacky. I know soooo many people who take advantage of LL Bean's and Land's End's return policies this way.

[mnnice]

I have a pair of winter boots of the same vintage and price (not LL Bean) that I have worn hundreds of times and they still going strong.

I would defintely return them. I returned a several year old Lands' End boy's coat last year. I had bought it at the thrift store and it sat around for a few year until it fit last year. DS wore the coat a few times and the zipper died. The coat still looked very good except for the trashed zipper. I got new one from lands end.

[CherryBomb]

I don't see why you shouldn't return them. They have a lifetime guarantee for a reason.

[fioner]

Just recently, my SIL saw my 16-year-old LL Bean backpack and told me I should call LL Bean and get a new one because the lining is disintegrating. That is the only thing wrong with it. And I'm not talking about fabric lining, it's just a layer of protective stuff that they put over the nylon, and it's cracked and flaking off now. To me, I've more than gotten the $50 that my mom spent on it in 1994 out of it, and it would just be wrong to ask for a new one.

In the OP's case, I think that is totally fair to cash in on the Lifetime Guarantee.

[JudiAU]

I wouldn't, personally. You had them for ten years and that is a reasonable life expectancy for a pair of boots, even if you didn't wear them a lot.

[Lucy Alden]

I vote return too. There's a reason they have a lifetime guarantee.

[madskye]

That is great that they will give you a credit--I thought you could exchange them for a new pair--but either way, I think it's perfectly fine.

After ten years, most people would feel that LL Bean "owes" you nothing--but the great thing about Bean is that THEY DO stand behind their products. They expect them to last for you, and that is great. And I am willing to bet that you'll spend the $100 credit and then go back again in the future for something else. (And so are they--they probably have your loyalty now.)

[luv-my-boys]

personally I would return them. After all they do have a lifetime guarantee and that is certainly figured into their cost by them.

[Ola_]

I would return them too. Especially if it's an exchange or a store credit, because then it's not like you will take the refund money and spend it elsewhere. And as someone said I'll bet it's more likely that you will buy things from them in the future too due to this great policy.

[JessBB]

By mail? I would def return them bc it's not like you'll be embarrassed in person

[GardenStream]

I decided to return them and I already have them boxed up and ready to go.

LL Bean has a 100% satisfaction guarantee rather than a lifetime guarantee. I thought about it and I'm not 100% satisfied. I'm 80% satisfied. I really think a pair of shoes should last 10 years when taken care of and rarely worn.

[2xy]

Originally Posted by atobols

LL Bean has a 100% satisfaction guarantee rather than a lifetime guarantee. I thought about it and I'm not 100% satisfied. I'm 80% satisfied. I really think a pair of shoes should last 10 years when taken care of and rarely worn.

Absolutely!

I bought a cheap pair of suede sandals (they sort of look like Birkenstocks) back in 1998 that are still in great shape. I've worn them every summer for the past 12 years, and spent about $12 on them. They've even gotten wet at the beach here and there, and still wear fine!