GUIDANCE FOR ALL CUSTOMERS.
There are very few shoe-makers left in this country who have the skills required to assess and manufacture footwear suitable for people with severe disabilities. I specialise in this work and over the years I have been able to help people resolve their long standing footwear problems. I also make shoes for people with far less wrong with their feet but who nevertheless find it difficult to buy shoes that are suitable for them.
The traditional materials and methods of construction we use make it possible for us to make a wide range of styles of footwear, but I am unable to copy much of the modern 'fashion' styles because of the technology involved in manufacturing in larger factories.
All footwear orders are accepted on the understanding that no deposits can be returned once work on your order has commenced. Please also note the section 'style limitations' relating to orders accepted entirely at customers own risk.
I do not have available a catalogue of styles of shoes to choose from. All my shoes are designed at the time of ordering and consideration is always given to the suitability of the style for people with problem feet. If you choose a style that I feel is inappropriate or more difficult to complete satisfactorily, I will insist that the order is accepted solely at your own risk.
The making of bespoke shoes is particularly difficult because of the need to understand the interaction between the feet and shoes. It is for this reason great care and attention is required to make sure that the first pair of shoes fit correctly. Making shoes by hand is not an exact science and I ask my customers to understand that while I aim to achieve 100% success this is not always possible.
Inevitably there will be occasions when for reasons outside of my control the finished footwear is not to the customers complete satisfaction but I can guarantee to have striven to achieve as best fit and finish as possible.
Hopefully you will enjoy wearing your new footwear and I look forward to welcoming you as a customer.
THE SHOE MAKING PROCESS
These are main points along the way of completing your order. In some cases the process will be different dependant on circumstances, but these changes will be outlined at the time of ordering. Please make it clear to us when ordering if you do not understand these procedures.
First appointment: Measurements and sometimes a cast taken of the feet. Style and materials chosen. 1/3rd deposit paid.
After 6-8 weeks.
First fitting: Lasts made up to the measurements. 'Mock uppers' made to enable first check on fit and styling.
After a further 2-4 weeks.
Second fitting: Proper uppers cut and shoes made up without the sole and heel, hopefully this fitting will ensure the correct fit before completion. Second payment of 1/3rd made.
After a further 2-4 weeks.
Final fitting: The shoes will have the soles and heels added but may need minor adjustments before wearing.
Balance paid on all accounts.
ADJUSTMENTS and ALTERATIONS are made as and when required and will be free of charge. It is important to note that adjustments or alterations are all part of having a first pair of shoes made.
'ON THE ROAD' CUSTOMERS
Where I visit customers at home the above is necessarily lengthened as I am not able to undertake any of the manufacturing processes at the time.
It generally takes 2-3 visits after the initial measuring to produce the final footwear and I have to limit my trips away to around every ten weeks. It is necessary to make a charge for these visits. However I will consider either reducing or canceling the charge of visits to customers where a problems exists with the footwear provided.
STYLE LIMITATIONS.
On occasions, I might suggest that a style of shoe in particular ladies court shoes) may be more difficult to complete satisfactorily dependant on the nature of any foot problems or construction methods. Although I am pleased to explore ways of over-coming any such difficulties, it must be understood that this work will be taken on entirely at the customers own risk. Those customers will be asked to sign a form to that effect.
PAYMENT SCHEDULES.
All payments must be made as they become due as set out on the Footwear Order. I will consider any request to review the payment options if there is difficulty meeting the payment options.
DELIVERY DATES.
Although I am able to give an approximate delivery date, I occasionally have to amend this at short notice. All dates given are estimated.
DELIVERY CHARGES.
Where Royal Mail is used to deliver your footwear, deliveries are by registered mail. If you wish me to use any other delivery method, please inform me be delivery. A charge will be made for the extra cost incurred.
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