***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

Price is what you pay, value is what you get.

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

Click to expand...

a couple points:
... it could be that many people found Style Forum and helped spike the Alden popularity ...

I think you're very right!

Anyway, you make some good points. I don't have much experience with some of the British shoe makers you mention (yet), but I do have a pair of C&J boots on order as well, so we'll see.

Gentlemen,

I don't think any of us are here to dispute the merits of quality. The question is how can we have our concerns addressed? In my case, the size Aldens (special make-ups) I wear has to be pre-ordered causing me to wait those grueling 8 mos. to receive my footwear, no matter what. If Alden were to slow production and increase QA would any of us be willing to wait, say, another 2 mos. to receive their product? It's obvious that all of us here have an admiration for their footwear. The question is how do we proceed without sounding like that "broken record" every 1.5 to 2 weeks, bringing up quality concerns?

Also, let me add, I own about 9 or 10 pair of Alden. All shell but 2 pair. All boots but 3 pair. I had a QA issue with some Indys where the grommet was missing from an eyelet. I sent it back and all is well with the world at this time.

Any thoughts on my original points? Suggestions?

Originally Posted by joz411no

Click to expand...

Any thoughts on my original points? Suggestions?
I think the entire 'broken record' stems from this point exactly, that no one is doing anything about it. I would suggest voicing our concerns to the Alden dealers we know and purchase from and have them talk directly to Alden. I think that's probably the best and most efficient way. I've sent an email to Alden before and never received a response.

Originally Posted by joz411no

Click to expand...

Price is what you pay, value is what you get.

Originally Posted by saracen

Click to expand...

I think the entire 'broken record' stems from this point exactly, that no one is doing anything about it. I would suggest voicing our concerns to the Alden dealers we know and purchase from and have them talk directly to Alden. I think that's probably the best and most efficient way. I've sent an email to Alden before and never received a response.
It seems that either A. their customer service is lacking or B. they are really backed up with orders/customers.

A local shop has an account with Alden. He called them to verify if they have a certain model in a certain size in stock so he can order for me. He called 3 times on the first day, and another 2 times on the second day. All he got was a recording. He left a message and asked to be called back. It's been almost 2 weeks and he never got a call back.

Originally Posted by saracen

Click to expand...

I would suggest voicing our concerns to the Alden dealers we know and purchase from and have them talk directly to Alden. I think that's probably the best and most efficient way.
This. I've been in this situation with another company and the end customer is basically ignored. The way the company sees it their retailers are their customers, not us; they're the ones who pay their bills. I'll only spend $600 once or twice on a pair of Aldens, whereas Leather Soul probably buys over $10000 worth of shoes every month. If you have a problem with the shoes you bought, take it up with the retailer you bought it from. It's a ladder, and unfortunately the end customer is at the bottom. At the same time, a good retailer should uphold their supplier to a standard of quality rather than selling a poorly made product to their customers. A bunch of individuals posting pictures of poorly made Aldens on the internet isn't going bother Alden too much. A pissed off retailer on the phone with a stockroom full of returned Aldens that he can't sell, however...

Just got a brand new pair of AF53's in the mail today... Not a flaw to be found... Frickin perfect boots.

Makes sense (PeterParker)! Just to add to that: If the retailers can't sell a product due to quality issues (or otherwise), then the manufacturer will have change things as well.

Originally Posted by PeterParker

Click to expand...

This. I've been in this situation with another company and the end customer is basically ignored. The way the company sees it their retailers are their customers, not us; they're the ones who pay their bills. I'll only spend $600 once or twice on a pair of Aldens, whereas Leather Soul probably buys over $10000 worth of shoes every month. If you have a problem with the shoes you bought, take it up with the retailer you bought it from. It's a ladder, and unfortunately the end customer is at the bottom.

At the same time, a good retailer should uphold their supplier to a standard of quality rather than selling a poorly made product to their customers. A bunch of individuals posting pictures of poorly made Aldens on the internet isn't going bother Alden too much. A pissed off retailer on the phone with a stockroom full of returned Aldens that he can't sell, however...

This is what our whining friend doesn't understand. You don't like them? Don't buy them simple as that.

jason, throw up some pics.

Originally Posted by jet

Click to expand...

This is what our whining friend doesn't understand. You don't like them? Don't buy them simple as that.

jason, throw up some pics.

I'm not gonna get into your childish crap. It's really people like you why more folks don't post their disappointment here. Yes, I do have an order for a pair of Aldens, but do you know the whole story. No! So back off! If this pair has problems, you bet it will be the last, and you'll be the first to know. But really, don't let me poop all over your party!

You don't have a girlfriend do you?

lol

Originally Posted by jet

Click to expand...

You don't have a girlfriend do you?

Technically your mom's already married, so it's more of a tryst.

Originally Posted by saracen

Click to expand...

I'm not gonna get into your childish crap. It's really people like you why more folks don't post their disappointment here. Yes, I do have an order for a pair of Aldens, but do you know the whole story. No! So back off! If this pair has problems, you bet it will be the last, and you'll be the first to know. But really, don't let me poop all over your party!

do you still enjoy getting breast fed?