For instance, would you pay £14 to have the toes and heels of your favourite cowboy boots repaired, given that the boots only cost £9 to start with? These are the type of things that make economists shake their heads and go, "tut tut" over. Where is the sense in it?
I took them to my favourite cobbler (well, one of only 3 in town) who I have been going to for the past 16 years. My nickname for him is "Mr. Smiley" because he never does. Or at least he didn't use to smile, hardly ever. He was the Basil Fawlty of customer services. But after years of dealing with him, we have a laugh now.
I took in the boots and said, "Can you do toes and heels on these, please?"
He looked at them duviously and said, "Where's the metal toe studs? You've lost the metal bit."
"They didn't have any when I bought them."
"I don't know how I can fix them."
"But you can, can't you?"
"Well, maybe."
"Don't you like a challenge?"
"Me? No, I hate 'em."
"So can I pick them up tomorrow?"
"Day after."
So, when I went back to collect them, he had done his usual fine job. "That's great!" I said. "Yeah, well, now you can get back to your horse," he said. I think he even smiled.
7 comments:
In a word - yes!
If you love the boots and wear them lots, why not extend their life?
I bet the cobbler loves you really! xxx
What a wonderful exchange with Mr. Smiley! Great writing - and of course great boots. Happy to hear you'll get many more rides on the range in those.
Yes, I would! It seems like we're in the minority, though. I often snap up fabulous shoes from chazzas donated for the want of a £3.50 heel tip.
Our independent cobbler is my friend. I brought my blogging buddies into his shop last month and he loved it! x
I would TOTALLY do this!
Many of my precious footwear items need a little love, but the one cobbler remaining at a 40 min drive away just wants out of the racket so badly and also butchered the re-soling of my Fluevog Angel Derby Swirl boots. :( :( :(
P.S. love that pick-up hem!
I love him, and you!!! So sweet and funny. Your logic is flawless as far as I'm concerned. It's about the total amount of money spent, combined with the pleasure of the wearing. By my calculation, you've got an astounding bargain on your hands.
Of course the boots should be repaired. It is well worth it to restore precious items that then can be worn for years to come. Makes perfect sense.
So good to catch up after my gypsy trip and find you radiant and beautiful as always!
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