Company does not refund faulty items
I purchased a pair of waterproof boots from UGG Express in the same size I had previously purchased (a size 41 despite having a size 40 foot) to ensure they would fit. When they arrived, I could not physically get my foot into the boot opening. This was not a case of discomfort or the boots feeling tight once on, it was literally impossible to get my foot through the opening, even using considerable force.
As the boots were completely unwearable due to the fault, I immediately contacted customer service to request a refund. I clearly explained the issue and provided both a photo and a video demonstrating exactly what was happening. It was obvious that the design of the boot opening, combined with the rigid TPU material, prevented me from physically putting the boots on.
In response, I was told this was not considered a fault. The company explained that the boots are made from a rigid, non-stretch TPU material and were manufactured according to specification, suggesting the issue was due to my foot shape. Absolutely ridiculous and offensive. The problem was not the overall size of the boot, it was the design of the opening. Even with a standard size 9 foot trying to enter a size 10 boot, there simply isn’t enough room to achieve the angle needed for entry. It’s similar to buying a shirt with a neck hole that only allows half your head through. Even if the shirt is the correct size, you still can’t wear it without ripping the material to get your head through. A product can be manufactured exactly as designed and still be unusable in practice.
Despite providing clear video evidence, I was told I was not entitled to a refund because the boots were a clearance item covered by a strict no refund policy. Throughout the entire interaction, the company repeatedly relied on its clearance policy rather than addressing the central issue, that the boots could not physically be worn without ripping no fault of my own.
One response stated that I had placed my order after “seeing this information” regarding the material and return policy. However, none of that information stated, or even suggested, that the boot opening was so restrictive that a person with a standard-sized foot may be physically unable to put the boots on. No reasonable customer could have anticipated that from the product description.
The most disappointing part of the experience was being told: “If you placed an order after seeing this information, as an adult you should be aware that returns and exchanges are not permitted.”
I found this comment unnecessarily patronising, unprofessional and plain rude. Throughout the entire interaction I remained polite and respectful, and I have the full email chain to demonstrate that.
After multiple emails and only after I advised that I would seek assistance from Fair Trading, the company agreed to refund the purchase price as a “one-off goodwill gesture”. However, they still insisted that I pay almost $24 in return postage, approximately 35% of the purchase price, for boots that I was never able to wear. I refused this as it puts me at a loss. I also raised Australian Consumer Law consumer guarantees regarding goods that are not of acceptable quality or fit for purpose. Rather than addressing this point, I was simply told the matter was closed and that no further responses would be provided.
This entire experience was incredibly disappointing and frustrating. My concern was consistently reframed as though I simply wanted to return a clearance item, when in reality I was trying to resolve what I believe to be a genuine product design issue. I will not be purchasing from UGG Express again and am now forced to spend additional precious time lodging a Fair Trading complaint in an attempt to recover the return postage plus full refund for a product that I could not physically wear.
24. juni 2026
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