Customer for Life

[susandennis]

So... When I first learned about Crocs, I googled the best deal. Turns out they don't appear to be discounted anywhere. There are a couple of places that charge more than the going rate but none that charge less. So, then I searched for who had red mediums. That's how I found The Unique Boutique. They had red mediums.

I placed my order but it wasn't a totally wonderful experience. Their web presense is a little funky... They are using bcentral (Microsoft's small business thingie) for fullfillment but the intigration between their website and bcentral is not pretty - it's clear they are not web professionals or even probably know one. And they don't take Discover. And their shipping method is 'regular' (but, cheap) with no other options - although they suggest that there are other shipping options available. It's just a mess.

After I ordered, I sent a note to the e-mail address asking what 'normal' shipping meant, when I could expect my shoes and if they could send a tracking number. I got an annoying automated message and right after that, got an e-mail from Patricia explaining that 'normal' meant USPS. The shoes were coming from Texas and they would likely take 3-5 days and here was a tracking number. (Turns out they were shipped on the 18th and arrived on the 26th which kind of 5 business days but still a long time...)

So last night when I got my Crocs, I knew immediately that I needed more in different colors and I went back to Google. I was looking for a website that felt more like they knew what they were doing - one that took Discover and one that offered shipping options. I found several. One shipped only FedEx and charged $10 for FedEx "10 Day Ground" ????!!!!! (Plus you'd have to add in 2 more days since FedEx never delivers anything to me the first time.)

I just didn't find any place that looked like it would do everything I wanted and I could trust to it was back to Unique Boutique. They may be unsophisticated in the ways of online selling but at least I knew what to expect and the price was good and the shipping price ($4.95) was now looking like a bargin.

I placed my order - two pair - sea blue and yellow...

This morning I got a note from Patricia... "I saw your order this morning and know you like tracking numbers so here's the one for your order. And, I sent your latest shoes out Priority Mail so you don't have to wait so long. We're getting new colors and styles in soon and I'll let you know when the website is updated."

Yepper, Patricia, baby... You have have just sold yourself a lot more shoes than I ever intended to buy.

Anybody want some Crocs? Go 'see' Patricia at The Unique Boutique. Seriously. Tell her I sent ya.

Comments

[pinkrose70.livejournal.com]

If Crocs and the Unique Boutique have the Susandennis Consumer Seal of Approval, that's all the endorsement I need!

You're Shopping Recommendations and Tips have never let me down.

But, tell us first about the Crocs, please. Are they super comfortable?

I've never seen (or noticed) anyone wearing them. I'll be looking now though. I did see your buzznet pics. :)

[pinkrose70.livejournal.com]

Found lots of "testimonials"

http://www.crocs.com/testimonials.asp

So,now of course..I want a pair!

[susandennis]

Actually, I hate to say it but they are exceptionally comfortable. They feel like you are walking on firm foam rubber. They weigh nothing so it's just your foot on squish. It makes you want to bop up and down.

I just had a guy I know pass by my office and say 'hey! You've got Crocs!! I've never seen any in Seattle before!' He said they were the rage in Denver (where they are born) and the latest craze with the kids is to swap out the straps so you have different colors.

They are truly my new found joy! I'm making everyone play "hey look at my new shoes!"

[geordie.livejournal.com]

From my experience I'd say the USPS priority mail tracking orders show that they really aren't interested in competing.

[susandennis]

Yep but their website says that way before you even learn about USPS. However, they have me over their competition for sure.

[geordie.livejournal.com]

For short range stuff, like inside Northern California, they actually perform very well. It's just when it gets to be a few states over and the package still says "shipping information received" the day it arrives.

[shanynrose.livejournal.com]

Okay, SOME brick and mortar store in the LA Metro area has got to have Crocs in stock, and I'm out to find them. Walking on "squish" sounds delightful!

[shanynrose.livejournal.com]

THAT was easy...duh, link on website :D

Not only are there several stores near home, their Roadshow is coming to the Los Angeles County Fair. My "Fish Dress Lady" (she travels around to different fairs selling cool dresses, jumpers, and tops in funky prints and I am totally addicted to the dresses I've bought from her)will also be at the Fair.

Two GREAT excuses to go. Wheeeee, Crocs!

[susandennis]

They really are amazing. I have terrible feet. I've never had shoes that were comfortable - I am so happy when I find some that don't hurt most of the time... Until Crocs. I swear, they are heaven. When you see the Croc people, please tell them thank you for me.