Re: [Philmont]: Branding Boots

MessageChed,

You wrote, "Although I would never consider returning an item that had simply worn out, my situation fit their policy comfortably."

The typed word is not always the best way of communicating certain things. In this case, the quote above from your reply was what I was implying. My apologies for the confusion and the implication of underhandedness.

To reiterate about boot branding, if one has a good pair of leather hiking boots and it's highly likely you won't be utilizing the warranty for repair or possible replacement, I would be the first to encourage the branding of boots at Philmont. I just wore mine over the weekend and smiled as I saw the brand. Ahhhhh, the fond memories that brand represents to me!

Pete Swiggum
Troop 1173
Green Bay, WI
Philmont 2005
Peter.Swiggum@sbcglobal.net

  
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Ched Hudson
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 1:30 PM
  Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Branding Boots

  Pete Swiggum wrote:
    I won't comment on the practice of returning boots for full credit after using them after a year. That's for a different time.

  Pete,

  Although you didn't "comment", you did highlight that aspect of my message, leaving me and probably others to think that you believe my actions were less than completely honorable. So I will comment anyway.

  Businesses like LL Bean and REI are not fools, and they have lifetime satisfaction guarantees for exactly one reason: because it improves the bottom line. Their prices are not the lowest, meaning the consumer pays a premium for the privilege. Overall, the resulting increase in sales more than offsets the cost of returns and exchanges. It's just good business.

  Bean's policy was the significant reason why I chose to give my boot money to them and not one of their competitors. They get a fair amount of my business overall; you could say that I'm a pretty loyal customer. So when the salesman in the Bean store says "Bring 'em back *anytime* if you're not completely happy with them" (emphasis was his), I take them at their word. Although I would never consider returning an item that had simply worn out, my situation fit their policy comfortably.

  My replacement pair is now three years old, has in excess of four hundred miles and a pair of Philmont brands on them, and I am completely happy with them. Fact is, when these boots fall apart, I'll probably buy my next pair from Bean based on this experience.

  Explain to me why this is not in keeping with the values of scouting.

>Ched Hudson
  ASM Troop 994
  Fairfax Station, VA
  Philmont '67, '04, '06

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Received on Mon Nov 21 14:08:15 2005