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Showing 1 of 21 conversations about:
indialogue
21
Mar 18, 2017
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Ridiculous pricing for shipping! Carmina(!) offers free shipping for orders above EUR180 - even though these shoes look like they'll be nice, a hard pass
Mar 18, 2017
Jtchinoy
10
Mar 18, 2017
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indialogueCarminas in the same price bracket are Goodyear welt and don't include a shoe tree. Keep that in mind when looking at the price.
Mar 18, 2017
Founders_Footwear
14
Mar 18, 2017
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indialogueHey indialogue. I hear you.
We offer free shipping and returns on orders from our website, but the charged shipping is just a default Massdrop thing. And, yes, Carmina is free shipping at $180+ (bear in mind it's $35 returns, versus our free) but what do they sell that's $180? You'd be buying accessories primarily - their entry oxfords / derbies / loafers are $450. Pick up a black and brown pair of our oxfords, pay the $18.50 in shipping and you've still saved a few bucks! ;)
Mar 18, 2017
indialogue
21
Mar 18, 2017
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JtchinoyI'd argue that Goodyear welt is generally considered more desirable than Blake rapid and that shoe trees, which I'm sure contribute to the high shipping, should be an add on option and not default if that helps lower the shipping price
Mar 18, 2017
indialogue
21
Mar 18, 2017
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Founders_FootwearI wish it was 18 dollars in shipping. It comes out to 60+ for shipping to India. At that price, I'm already past Meermin territory, which I'm assuming will be your one of your main competitors? Just laying out my logic to you guys, not trying to be a party popper. (and you're absolutely right about carmina, but I can go order a pair from the outlet store for around 200 and have it shipped for free which is an incredible deal)
Mar 18, 2017
indialogue
21
Mar 18, 2017
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Founders_FootwearBTW, thank you for replying. I will go check out your website directly and see if that works out to be cheaper. I hope I was being constructive and not negative for the sake of it!
Mar 18, 2017
Founders_Footwear
14
Mar 18, 2017
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indialogueHey! No, not at all - I don't take it as negative, just some good old banter and constructive criticism. So, I guess while we're at it ;) a few thoughts. (1) Yes - shipping is tough, particularly to India. The shoes + the shoe trees add up to about 6lbs so certainly has an affect on cost. The global rates are set by Massdrop and they, as you can imagine, have pretty serious discount pricing given how much product their shipping everyday, so unfortunately, that just is what it is. At this discounted price of $209.99 we'd all be losing money if we shipped for free. (2) The shoe tree option is a good idea, but our logic is it's hard to find anyone out there in the world of shoes who would suggest NOT using shoe trees is a fine idea. Rather, it's a really important part of maintenance. And, while ours are on the house, included for free, you'll usually pay upwards of $30 if you have to buy them on your own. (3) Goodyear vs. blake-rapid: Ron Rider is a bit of a legend in the world of shoes - he's actually sold some product on Massdrop and been interviewed here as well, once said the following: "The Internet-driven opinion that Blake-constructed shoes are of poor quality is flat out wrong. The UK-orchestrated opinion that welted shoes are superior is equally wrong." Take that for what it's worth, and read the full interview here: http://bit.ly/2n0AY6D. Lastly, (4) feel free to shoot me an email at info@shopfounders.com and we'll see if there's a way to get these to you in India! Cheers.
Mar 18, 2017
payodpanda
958
Mar 20, 2017
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indialoguePlease correct me if I'm wrong about anything.
These are not blake-stitched, these are blake-rapid construction. As far as durability goes, blake-rapid is at LEAST on par with GYW construction, with the added flexibility that a Blake-stitched shoe provides you. If you've had both GYW and blake-stitched shoes, you'd know that GYW shoes are harder to break in, and the welting is one of the reasons.
BR construction also allows the sole edge to be cut closer to the uppers, making it more desirable for dress shoes. If I were in the market for a dress shoe, I would not hold the construction on these as a factor against the pair.
EDIT. Also, as @Founders_Footwear pointed out, Ron knows a thing or two about footwear. Listen to what he says. :)
All things considered, I would say this looks like a great deal, but I haven't held these in my hand so take what I say with a grain of salt.
Mar 20, 2017
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