Hi all, I'm new here but have been a long time lurker and a much longer time walker! I am just after some advice if possible:
Mid March - ordered some Hi-Tec boots from Go Outdoors for ~£100, received in good condition, wore them round the house to break them in, but I never got to wear them for a proper walk (30km) until the weekend just gone. Upon return after cleaning and during re-waxing I noticed a crack split in the leather near one of the ankle eyelets, and the stitching around the heel is coming away on the same boot (the other boot is fine):
Add https:// to the below URL:
thumbsnap.com/ClhV4gth
thumbsnap.com/wXygVvqY
I ordered online, so I called customer services who advised I need to take them to my nearest store for inspection, then they will be sent back to the manufacturer for inspection or repair and advised that this could take 4 weeks. However my nearest store is ~25 miles each way, so a considerable time sink, plus parking, etc etc. I grumbled on the phone to the customer service representative who advised to email in the complaint with pictures to see if it could be escalated. 4 Working days later I receive an update, advising to take them to my nearest store and they will be sent back to the manufacturer.
I am a bit peeved - I know I probably should have worn them sooner to check them, however I just wondered what my rights are here, they have clearly failed with one use but 4 months after purchasing? Can I demand a refund and then just order a new pair of boots? Or do I have to accept being without them for a month just because I didn't wear them sooner? The reason being - I am going away in 2 weeks' time and - you guessed it - I was planning to take the boots!
Would appreciate any advice if possible - many thanks
Edit - sorry I can't post external links