Please help - Did I get ripped off on my AEs?

[chrysoprase]

Hi, everyone. I just received my first decent pair of shoes--AE Park Avenues (thanks to the folks here at SF). I bought them on Ebay for $259.99. They're supposed to be "authentic and brand new."

Upon closer inspection of the shoes, however, I noticed a few small "imperfections." I was wondering if these are normal or if I'm just worrying too much. I've uploaded some pictures for you guys to see.

The leather looks pretty good, but the sole looks rough and irregular. I hate to be a stickler, but do you think these shoes are seconds? Should I return them and ask for a refund?

Thanks for all your help!

-Stephen

 

[Ataturk]

They look fine to me. I've gotten AEs that were drop-shipped from the factory that had much more substantial imperfections.

 

[Cavalier]

$260 for a pair of AEs off eBay is crazy. Why don't you go to your local mall for that price? I know for a fact Nordstrom will sell them for that price (or less) at least twice a year

 

[Tarmac]

They look better than most new AEs I have seen. Consider yourself lucky.

 

[chrysoprase]

Ataturk and Tarmac, thanks for the reassurance! I didn't really know what to expect for my first pair. I thought the soles were supposed to be perfectly smooth. Cavalier, I didn't realize I could get the Park Avenue for a better price.

I can't really afford to wait for a sale though, since I have a wedding to attend in a couple weeks. Thanks again!

 

[Cary Grant]

What is that second pic of the heel pointing too? If it is the bias cut- that's normal and part of the heel style- at least, it used to be.

 

[Henry Boogers]

I thought I was picky - those are fine.

 

[marc237]

Originally Posted by chrysoprase

Ataturk, thanks for the reassurance. I didn't really know what to expect. I thought the soles were supposed to be perfectly smooth.

Cavalier, I didn't realize I could get the Park Avenue for a better price.

Park Avenues are among the AE shoes that are harder to get at deep discount. There are other styles that tend to be more frequently featured more inexpensively. You did perfectly fine considering you did not have to risk not finding your size available at a discount that would not have been appreciably better. Promptgratification often outweighs speculation.

As to the condition of the shoes themselves, they are fine. Regrettably, AE finishing can be a bit hit or miss. However, the imperfections are not important. Enjoy!

 

[chrysoprase]

Cary Grant, the second pic is supposed to point out a little "ding" on the sole. Well it looked a LOT more horrifying in person. LoL

Thanks, guys. Now I'm embarrassed for being so anal-retentive.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by chrysoprase

Cary Grant, the second pic is supposed to point out a little "ding" on the sole. Well it looked a LOT more horrifying in person. LoL

Thanks, guys. Now I'm embarrassed for being so anal-retentive.

Oh- that black streak on the upper? Looks like edge dressing.

The things you point out are among the many I've noticed in AE's of late that fret me some about a decline in QC. Still- for the price after you wear them a bit... they'll be fine

 

[Crooow]

Originally Posted by chrysoprase

The second pic is supposed to point out a little "ding" on the sole. Well it looked a LOT more horrifying in person. LoL

Sorry, guys. Now I'm embarrased for being so anal-retentive.

Don't be, it was a fair question. Particularly since they were purchased off of eBay, there is always a concern that you're getting ripped off. As has been said, though, they look fine; if you had bought them at Nordstroms, I doubt you would even have noticed any blemishes.

Enjoy the new shoes.

 

[polar-lemon]

I have no idea what you even saw wrong with the shoes, they look great. Good price for quality black captoes that fit you, you will be wearing these a lot.

 

[Master-Classter]

Did you buy them from a Gypsie?

Looks like you got a good pair of shoes at a decent price. Could you have got a better price?, maybe, but there's opportunity cost here. You needed them, and you still got a deal. The amazing scores the guys around here get are becuase they already have 20 other pairs, so they can wait around for the sales.

 

[sho'nuff]

im not too sure about the second photo though.

the edge dressing should be covering the front end of the heel, but it shows that it is stripped or just revealing the raw leather .

 

[harry2quinn]

Originally Posted by chrysoprase

Ataturk and Tarmac, thanks for the reassurance! I didn't really know what to expect for my first pair. I thought the soles were supposed to be perfectly smooth. Cavalier, I didn't realize I could get the Park Avenue for a better price.

I can't really afford to wait for a sale though, since I have a wedding to attend in a couple weeks. Thanks again!
I do understand urgency... but buying on sale's def something to think about for the future. AEs are great because they're especially likely to go on sale at 50%+ off retail, esp on eBay or B&S. I got a pair of (used) AE Park Avenues for $50 off the B&S forum. You should be able to get new ones in the $125-$150 range.