danceshoesstsore.com Horrible Returns Policy Internet

I would like to warn folks about ordering dance shoes from DanceShoesStore.com. I was not a very savvy consumer this time, so I am responsible for some stupidity. But here's the story:

Upon ordering, I wrote in the special instructions section my concern that the shoes might be sized a bit big, and asked if an 8.5 women's would really be correct for me. I received no feedback.

When the shoes arrived, they were WAY too big. Yet, they are pointed, and so I don't feel I can get a correct fit by going down half a size, because then my toes will be squished. So I need to return them.

I'm finding out that to return them for a refund, I have to pay $15, PLUS I have to pay $9 for "reshipping", whatever that is, since I also have to go to the post office to pay at least $7 of my own shipping fee. I paid $34 for these shoes originally. And to get them, I had to pay almost $19 in shipping and handling.

So let's do the math: I paid $53.91 to get the shoes, and to send them back, I will lose $31. My refund will be approximately $22. In other words, I will have lost 3/5 of the money I spent, and end up with nothing.

This is not "safe buying" for consumers. It is highway robbery. It's shocking that these sorts of policies exist these days -- most retailers went to risk-free shopping decades ago.

Do not buy from this company unless you are willing to lose over half your money if the shoes don't fit well -- which is always a risk when shopping online.