Preschoolians: Love the Shoes But Hate the Company?

Preschoolians Westport Store Closing

2006-01-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

It is official, after a few weeks of speculation and rumors posted by Preschoolians Sucks readers, Jeff announced today on his blog that the Westport store has closed, so that the company could focus on internet sales and their Zappos partnership. Interesting developments over there. In my opinion, it is a sign that Preschoolians is not quite ready for prime time brand status. The greatest products are ones that are readily available everywhere and closing down your flagship store is, in Shoemama's humble opinion, not exactly a confidence-boosting measure that this company is at all serious about building the brand or increasing market share. He did not comment on the status of the Ohio Flagship Store nor on the status of the other retailers listed on the "Where to Buy" page, but Shoemama suspects that these ideas may also be scrapped sometime in the not too distant future.

Also in the post was an earnest pitch from Jeff to improve customer service. It sounded quite sincere, but us loyal customers know better than to believe his empty promises. Preschoolians has been making these SAME promises to make things better, introduce new products and ideas, for as long as that blog has been in existence.

The saddest part is that there was no appeal to Preschoolians' most loyal customers, those of you who have purchased 6, 10, 15, 30 pairs from them. He laid out no plan of how things will actually improve (aside from hiring another person, but again, we've heard that song and dance before). I truly hoped that Jeff would read all those angry posts and maybe even read this blog, and upon seeing the seething anger, the company would realize that they had alienated their biggest supporters. I guess by focusing only on internet sales, the company can remain faceless and unaccountable for their poor customer service. How sad for Preschoolians not to realize how much more money and effort it takes to get new customers rather than keeping the old ones coming back.

Shoemama

P.S. If you remain a diehard Preschoolians fan, do yourself a favor and order directly from Zappos, a company that has an excellent customer service record and you'll know before you buy if your size is in stock. Check the posts below for some excellent other brands of soft-soled baby shoes.

Shoe Review - Soft Star Shoes

2006-01-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, when the temperatures in SoCal were soaring in the 80's, Shoemama bought a pair of the Laguna Sandals from Soft Star Shoes. A Preschoolians Sucks blog reader suggested Soft Star Shoes as a good alternative to Preschoolians, saying they were flexible and soft.

The temperatures have since dropped below sandal weather, but what a great suggestion! Handcrafted by self-titled "elves" in Washington state, Soft Star Shoes are indeed a great soft-soled shoe option. They do have a limited selection and the shoes they produce definitely appeal to a certain Euro-style fashion sense. However, I am really impressed with the quality of the leather and the stitching on the shoes. The bottom of the soles are made from a dense rubber material (like a luxe flip-flop), which is thick enough to provide cushiony comfort, but which remains VERY flexible. This rubbery sole comes "standard" on size 4 and up while sizes 3 and under feature leather only.

Super-supple leather is stitched onto the sole in several pieces. The shoes feature elastic that goes around the ankle to keep the shoes on the feet. The elastic is wide and soft enough not to dig into the foot. Plus, the company offers to increase the length of the elastic at no extra charge if it is not wide enough to accommodate your child's foot. Soft Star Shoes also features a "Design Your Own" shoe, where you can choose style, color, leather cut-outs, etc (sounds familiar...). I didn't try out this option but seems to be a really nice extra for those who want something truly unique.

The sizing seems to run large. I used Soft Star Shoes' printable measuring device, which your child stands on to get their size. The measuring paper told me I needed a full size larger than Shoebaby usually wears, and I ended up with a VERY large shoe that is way too long for him, causing him to trip during our test "runs". I'll have to put the shoes away until summer. Also, I ordered them in wide, which was probably not necessary as the shoes already seem to take into account the wider width of children's feet.

Despite the fit issues, I am definitely going to keep the Lagunas, so I can't write about the quality of Soft Star Shoes' customer service team. The shoes did arrive within 5 days - which is not exactly instant shoe gratification but WAY better than Preschoolians. If anyone has had experience with exchanges or returns with this company, please comment and let us know how it went.

Once Shoebaby grows into them in a few months, he is going to look SO cool (and comfortable) at the beach and around town.

Poll Winner - See Kai Run!

2006-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

See Kai Run won our recent poll asking which shoe brand was the best replacement for Preschoolians by a landslide. The runner-up was "Other" which doesn't help much since there wasn't a write in category. That's why it's great that so many of you keep posting your suggestions in the comments area. Moms helping other moms find great shoes for their children is what this site is really about - now that we've pretty much finished complaining about the lack of service at Preschoolians.

Tomorrow, I'll post a review of Soft Star Shoes. In the meantime, vote in our new poll that asks how many pairs of shoes you'll be buying for your little ones this spring season. If you have two or more kids, go ahead and vote twice. Or just average the number of pairs you'll be buying and enter that.

-Shoemama

Shoe review - Puma Toddler Speed Cat

2006-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Forget Dr. Karp, I want to have the coolest kid on the block. So when I found these awesomely hip Speed Cats from Puma at Zappos, I knew I must have them for Shoebaby. Orange is the new black this year, for toddler boys anyways. Shoemama tried on a pair of Pumas recently at Nordstrom and thought that they were really comfortable and flexible.

Unfortunately, the Speed Cats are not as flexible as you'd think they would be. The sole is pretty thin, but they are also somewhat stiffer than our beloved Preschoolians or See Kai Runs. The Pumas also make that tap-tap sound associated with not-so-flexible shoes. Don't get me wrong, I'm keeping the Speed Cats because they are definitely more flexible than a lot of other fashion sneakers out there. Plus the dark brown is awesome for little boys, like Shoebaby, who like to play in the mud.

Despite my so-so review of the shoes, Zappos offers really awesome customer service. The shoes arrived within three days of placing the order and they offer free returns and exchanges (for real, no silly restocking fees).

-Shoemama

Finally!

2006-01-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

We got our Preschoolians order. I heard from a few people who were waiting that they also received their orders. Maybe Preschoolians is getting caught up? Maybe they are fixing their customer service problems? I sure hope so, but really, I am done with them. I just can't justify waiting so long for a pair of shoes that Shoebaby will wear for 3 months.

Keep the great suggestions coming. I'll post some other shoe brand reviews over the next few days.

-Shoemama

Shoe Exchange? What do you think?

2006-01-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

Preschoolians Sucks Blog Reader "J.Y." posted an interesting idea yesterday...

"Why don't we trade our used shoes? One might get more use out of another's outgrown pairs of great shoes. What do you think, shoemama? We can list them on ebay for 99 cent with buy it now so we don't have to pay too much for listing and final value fee. And add the price you want to get to the real shipping. Say, someone wants to sell her like new pair of preschoolians for $10, she lists them for 99 cent Buy it now price or legular auction, and make the shipping $10+$3.85=$13.85And she leaves the link on this blog. That way, the transaction's safe with a small fee, I think. Or do you think of any other idea?"

Shoe manufacturers recommend not passing down shoes because the shoe gets molded to the foot after a while, but this idea might be a practical solution for our gently used Preschoolians, like the ones we bought for a special occasion, or the ones that our children wore for a week before outgrowing them.

Shoemama doesn't really know that much about selling on Ebay (buying is a different story). Experienced Ebay-ers please post your thoughts and suggestions about how this might work. What do you think? Let us know!

-Shoemama

So many suggestions - Thanks!

2006-01-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can't believe there are so many other parents who are as shoe obsessed as Shoemama. Incredible. Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions that you have posted in the comments. Here are just some of the suggestions for soft-soled baby shoes.

Nike Free 5.0
Pedoodles
Pedipeds
Soft Star Shoes
Bear Feet Shoes
and See Kai Run (which happens to be the only brand in our poll that got any votes)

And in case anyone is wondering, I am STILL waiting for my mid-December Preschoolians order. Shoebaby had a temper tantrum this morning when I put his Not Loafing Arounds on his feet. They are too small, but I thought he could wear them just one more day. So I put on his See Kai Runs, which totally didn't match his outfit (going against Shoemama's fashion sense), but foot comfort and health have to come first. Plus keeping Shoebaby happy makes Shoemama's day much easier.

I know a lot of you are still waiting. Interestingly, only one or two of the 200-plus visitors to this blog have mentioned that they plan to order again. Who wants to wait 3 weeks-plus for a pair of shoes that will only be worn for 3 months before needing to be replaced by a larger size?

Not me!

Shoemama

Anyone taken up Jeff's offer...

2006-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

...for free shoes, that is? On December 15th, Jeff wrote in his blog that he would give a discount or free shoes to people who have received less than satisfactory service from Preschoolians.

I understand that many of you are still waiting for your emails to be acknowledged, much less shipped a free pair of shoes. In an earlier entry, I wrote that I had inquired about my order, but was just given the lame response that my shoes were on their way and would arrive some time soon. But I am wondering who out there has actually received the free pair and HOW did they get Preschoolians' attention?

Please share with the rest of us who are still waiting....

Shoemama

Restocking Fee

2006-01-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

As we've heard from some of our readers, it seems Preschoolians has implemented a $5 "restocking fee". I can't tell you how upset I am about this, and I know many of you are mad, too. One reader reported that the restocking fee would apply to cancelled orders - for example orders that were cancelled because they took too long to arrive! I sure hope that this is not the case and that Jeff and the gang will come to their senses.

It is difficult to buy shoes over the internet, and it goes against many people's sensibilities about trying them on, seeing how they feel, how they look, etc. Preschoolians enjoyed internet sales success in the past because they took away so many of the unknowns and made it easy for customers to do returns or exchanges. But with the new restocking fee (along with increased shipping fees), Preschoolians is marking a change in the way they treat their customer. I associate restocking fees with discount stores like Target, NOT with a premium product like Preschoolians.

Contrast that with a company called Soft Star Shoes. I recently ordered a pair of their Laguna Sandals for Shoebaby, thanks to a recommendation from one of reader jwozy. I'll report on the shoes when I receive them, but in the meantime, check out their customer service policies posted on their website. If the elastic is too tight, for example, you can send the shoes back and they'll adjust it for you. Now that's the way to earn customers trust!

Let's keep up the discussion about our search for new brands. Please vote in our poll and we'll discuss the winners.

-Shoemama

Poll Results - No hell no!

2006-01-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

It's really not a surprise, but just kind of sad...100% of voters in our recent poll said they would not buy Preschoolians again. 73% said "No, hell no" which really comments on the state of affairs over there.

I think that the main reason, quite simply, is the long waits for shoes. It shouldn't take a month to receive an online purchase, especially something which Preschoolians suggests should be replaced every three months. Does anyone agree or am I crazy?

Please take a second to vote in our new poll, asking what you think is the best alternative to Preschoolians. We appreciate your comments and suggestions as well.

Shoemama

Working every day to lose our trust

2006-01-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

I finally got an update on my order status. It's been about 3 weeks now since I placed the order. Basically, it just said that my order had been shipped and would arrive sometime next week. Contrast that with many online retailers who send you a tracking number immediately and tell you exactly when your merchandise will arrive (as I experienced with Tutti Bella, see yesterday's post). My point is that they really have no clue where my shoes are or when they'll arrive. I have confirmed with at least 3 other Former Preschoolians Fans (FPFs) that they have received the SAME generic response when inquiring about their shoes.

Then thing that really made me upset was the last line of the email. The customer service rep said "We trust our customers and work every day to earn and keep your trust". I know you will all have something to say about that.

What about See Kai Run?

2006-01-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

I just ordered my first pair of non-Preschoolians shoes for my son (see below for my frustrations over my orders with them), a pair of See Kai Runs in the style "Jack". They are adorable!! The leather is buttery soft and the soles are very flexible, quite comparable to my former favorite shoes, I'm Walking Barefoot.

See Kai Run just posted their new 2006 styles on their website. They're so cute you will want to eat them up. Unfortunately they don't yet have internet ordering capability, but plug the words See Kai Run into the Google search engine below and you'll get a couple of great online retailers who offer great customer service. I ordered mine from Tutti Bella and got them in 2 days!

Has anyone else tried out See Kai Run? Post your comments here. I think they are really a great alternative to I'm Walking Barefoot.

-Shoemama

Alternative soft shoes - Your comments on Robeez?

2006-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well it is now time to discuss alternative soft-soled shoes. I have been waiting for my order from Preschoolians for over 3 weeks now. It's getting to the point where I really need to consider buying other brands [sad after almost a year of being a faithful customer]. I'd like to discuss the other brands that are out there and compare them to Preschoolians.

So lets start with the obvious one - Robeez. Who has tried them and how do they compare?

The leather on them seems really soft and their designs are so cute. I think Preschoolians just copies all the Robeez designs. But of course, they have no rubber sole option and they only slipper styles. Ladies, please comment on your experiences, I'd especially like to hear from those who have tried both styles. I tried a slipper style of Preschoolians and wasn't too impressed. The elastic around the ankle really dug into my child's skin and left deep red marks.

Your thoughts?

Shoemama

I am waiting on hold...

2006-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

...for a "customer experience specialist" to answer my call. I placed an order 2 weeks ago and guess what? I still haven't received my shoes, despite claims that shipping issues had been fixed. I guess the phone is busy because so many angry customers are calling to complain like me.

Plus, the hold system is playing the most annoying "1-2-3" song I have ever heard in my life. Why do they have children's music playing? It's not like my toddler is calling up to check on the status of his shoes. As if I don't get enough children's music during the rest of my day. Thanks for another annoyance, Jeff.

-Shoemama

Increased Shipping Charges

2005-12-31T07:41:00.000-08:00

When I first became a Preschoolians customer, shipping was free. It was the best deal ever! Then they implemented a .95 shipping fee, which was still pretty reasonable. NOW, my former favorite shoe company has posted on their web site that they are charging $2.95 for shipping. That's a $2 increase in just a few months. Increasing shipping charges is not going to make us angry customers any happier. What is going on over there?

Downward Spiral?

2005-12-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Preschoolians used to be a great company. When I discovered the shoes about a year ago, the company offered world class customer service, quick service and a great quality product. But then summer came and who knows what happened over there. All of the sudden, we went from waiting a week for shoes to waiting for months. And as you loyal customers know, it went from service with a smile to NO ONE EVEN ANSWERING THE PHONE! You can't run a business like that.

I'm so sad because my son loved the shoes and they are really so cute. However, we just can't wait for months to get these shoes, not to mention the customer service issues.

Look forward to hearing your comments or vents. Post here. Thanks!

Shoemama

Love Preschoolians but hate the company?

2005-12-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

Join the crowd. Us loyal Preschoolians customers are fed up with it. Preschoolians used to be a great company, with awesome customer service and the cutest, best quality shoes anywhere. But lately they're just plain awful. Here at PSucks we've heard stories of kids outgrowing shoes before they even arrived. That is just plain unacceptable.

This blog intends to discuss goings on at the company, customer service issues, and alternative soft-soled brands.

Look forward to reading your comments!

-Shoemama