Red Wing shoe Thread

[SinRed]

pre-loved and break-in? you'll find these at gd prices at Rakuten Japan.

 

[Scribblemyname]

You've worked in retail, but do you know the true cost? Unless you are the one dealing with the importing, you will not see the true cost. What you see is probably the "lowest price" list you are allowed to sell at. And compared that to the retail price to get your so called "margin". The true cost is WAY WAY lower. Have you ever wondered why shops can have 50% - 70% sales? It's because even if they do, they still make profits from it. That's how low the true cost is. FACT.

MRT broke down during noon, got some time to read through. Ignoring other points since we are both having our own entitled opinions and different interpretation of service.

I'm not saying the lowest price list. RW have no lowest price list, their price are fixed. Their true cost price is so low that you won't even believe if I would tell you. But, do you know how many pairs they sell on average a day?

On a very good day, about 5-8 pairs (that usually during pay day )and on normal weekday average 0-3 pairs, normal weekends 2-5 pairs. And they do have many days they have almost 0 to 1 sales. Now a month how many pairs would that be selling? Pretty low to sustain business in orchard area tbh. Their profit come more from working line boots rather than the fashion ones.

I not related to RW in anyway but I know people working there.

 

[llx384]

MRT broke down during noon, got some time to read through. Ignoring other points since we are both having our own entitled opinions regarding that.

I'm not saying the lowest price list. RW have no lowest price list, their price are fixed. Their true cost price is so low that you won't even believe if I would tell you. But, do you know how many pairs they sell on average a day?

On a very good day, about 5-8 pairs (that usually during pay day )and on normal weekday average 0-3 pairs, normal weekends 2-5 pairs. And they do have many days they have almost 0 to 1 sales. Now a month how many pairs would that be selling? Pretty low to sustain business in orchard area tbh. Their profit come more from working line boots rather than the fashion ones.

I not related to RW in anyway but I know people working there.

Scribblemyname, yes we can agree to disagree.

You do not need to tell me their true cost. I do bring in stuff. I know the true cost of an item is so ridiculously low. It's the same across the board (any brand). I had a choice. Because the cost is so ridiculously low, should I, 1) Sell it at a very high mark up to earn a huge profit but price out the crowd, or 2) Sell it at a lower price, so that I can sell everything quickly and yet still earn a decent profit. I chose option 2.

Yes, that's exactly my point regarding the numbers. Do they want to sell cheap but many, or do they want to sell at a high price but less? It's a very fine line. I think they will do a lot better if they can find that balance. Because as of right now, I think they are sitting on the extreme high side of things, they are pricing out many people in the market. MOST consumers are price sensitive, especially with non-essentials and especially when the difference is over $100. Maybe that is their intention, to use strategy 1? I'm not sure.

They can sure afford to be more consumer friendly though, especially during GSS. I can assure you, I went to RW with the intention of buying a pair locally. I waited for GSS to come, and I visited the shop, but they were not participating in it. Even with the voucher thing, it was still $378. Let's put aside the voucher thing because I believe this is a one off thing to promote the mall. I may be wrong. But for now, lets treat it as an anomaly.

So coming back to cost, why can't RW have like a 25%-30% discount during GSS? I got my friend who visited HK to check the price there for me, and of course did my own research on prices around the world. My friend told me that HK was selling at $350 SGD (without bargaining) at a brick & mortar shop. US price was also around there. So, I was a willing buyer at $330-$350. But they were going for $438-$458 (mocs)!

It's the same as the equities market. If there are willing buyers at $350, and there are willing sellers at $450, no transactions will be done unless one decides to hit either price. Who fills up that gap in between? Who do you think has more ability to fill that gap? I reckon it is the retailers. Because they will still be making profits even if they fill that gap. And it's not as if it is an unreasonable gap. Just match what RWs are going for around the world. The online retailers are willing to hit the willing buyers' price or even less, so of course transactions will be done there. That's how a free and efficient market works.

Haha, yes, that's what I thought. That you are related in one way or another (family, friends, acquaintances).

Scribblemyname, if you want to take this private, I can. If not, we discuss here.

 

[Scribblemyname]

^
Most consumer will always find bargains regardless what price they are priced even they don't save on $100+ in this case they will still find saving any amount would still be better than paying SRP. And the market for boots in Singapore isn't really that huge. If we use your analogy on A&W popularity based on just numbers from FB page, 8053 isn't a great number to begin with right?

Well I do agree that if they participate GSS that would be great because I'm looking to get another pair soon (;.

And we don't have to take it private because my post reply isn't to debate to begin with but merely letting you know that don't assume I don't know the true cost just because "you think".

And back to you assuming me "attacking" consumers and bias towards retailers. I don't know where you coming from since I've never ask anyone to stop buying from online but merely asking those who are more well off to get it from the local stores since indirectly they are helping out our market in the longer run which something you disagree so nothing to debate about it so spare me the long wall of text of assumptions.

 

[llx384]

^
Most consumer will always find bargains regardless what price they are priced even they don't save on $100+ in this case they will still find saving any amount would still be better than paying SRP. And the market for boots in Singapore isn't really that huge. If we use your analogy on A&W popularity based on just numbers from FB page, 8053 isn't a great number to begin with right?

Well I do agree that if they participate GSS that would be great because I'm looking to get another pair soon (;.

And we don't have to take it private because my post reply isn't to debate to begin with but merely letting you know that don't assume I don't know the true cost just because "you think".

And back to you assuming me "attacking" consumers and bias towards retailers. I don't know where you coming from since I've never ask anyone to stop buying from online but merely asking those who are more well off to get it from the local stores since indirectly they are helping out our market in the longer run which something you disagree so nothing to debate about it so spare me the long wall of text of assumptions.

I never claimed that RW is in high demand here. All I talked about was them pricing demand out. 8 is still demand, as with 8000. You are right, the demand for RW isn't high here if we look purely at FB likes. So the question now is, what should RW do? 1) raise demand, and 2) ensure all demands are met. But by pricing themselves so high, they definitely will not raise the demand for the product as consumers are mostly price sensitive. Which means they will probably not be able to capture the full 8000+ likes. Btw, the A&W analogy and facebook was yours, not mine. I just put into words the details you conveniently left out to argue why A&W left and not come back. I also said that it isn't a like for like comparison.

"Attack consumers" means "defend retailers" simple enough to understand? I gave you the analogy of the equities market. You ARE asking the willing buyers at $350 to fill the gap all the way to $450. Is that fair? Unbiased? One-sided? You may claim that you are not, but your words and your argument certainly makes it feel like you are on the side of the retailers (attack consumers). Clear? Assumption, no. That is why from the start, I asked if you are related in any way (family, friend or acquaintance). Do you get special discounts?

And I quote,
"I feel we should support our retailers" -Scribblemyname 05-07-2014, 12:40 AM

We SHOULD because we are well off? HUH? Why should we? You see, you speak in such generic terms I don't even know if you really believe or understand what you say. "since indirectly they are helping out our market in the longer run" Huh? How?

 

[Scribblemyname]

I never claimed that RW is in high demand here. All I talked about was them pricing demand out. 8 is still demand, as with 8000. You are right, the demand for RW isn't high here if we look purely at FB likes. So the question now is, what should RW do? 1) raise demand, and 2) ensure all demands are met. But by pricing themselves so high, they definitely will not raise the demand for the product as consumers are mostly price sensitive. Which means they will probably not be able to capture the full 8000+ likes. Btw, the A&W analogy and facebook was yours, not mine. I just put into words the details you conveniently left out to argue why A&W left and not come back. I also said that it isn't a like for like comparison.

"Attack consumers" means "defend retailers" simple enough to understand? I gave you the analogy of the equities market. You ARE asking the willing buyers at $350 to fill the gap all the way to $450. Is that fair? Unbiased? One-sided? You may claim that you are not, but your words and your argument certainly makes it feel like you are on the side of the retailers (attack consumers). Clear? Assumption, no. That is why from the start, I asked if you are related in any way (family, friend or acquaintance). Do you get special discounts?

And I quote,
"I feel we should support our retailers" -Scribblemyname 05-07-2014, 12:40 AM

We SHOULD because we are well off? HUH? Why should we? You see, you speak in such generic terms I don't even know if you really believe or understand what you say. "since indirectly they are helping out our market in the longer run" Huh? How?

I merely put it as reference for the crowds that people want A&W back and there are social platform and including verbally and action that they want it and asking you to check it out yourself I am not asking you to take a statistic number base on likes which you conveniently did. For your awareness since you say your social circle of people never have wanted it.

Assumption on attacking yet again. If I defend someone does not mean I am attacking the another, it is not even logically sound.

Another assumption on "special discount". Do you only make friends only with people if they have special benefit to you? If yes, I pity you.

Taking out of context. I did mention clearly that consumer are not wrong to buy cheaper alternatives? What wrong to tell people who are better well off to purchase from store since I did state my point on what is the benefit of going local retail and not just to "SUPPORT" only which you disagree on my opinion on paying premium for service and assurance which clearly shows that we are not on the same perspective that's all. Clearly there are people from either side so who to say who is wrong?

Huh?How? I already state my point previously which you don't agree but doesn't mean you are right.

 

[llx384]

"This mentality in the long run will prevent potential brands to be brought in by company to sell in Singapore, like how many people complain why A&W not re-opening here despite there is "potential crowd"."

"Well, you could always google that there are petitions flying around and even FB sharings asking for A&W to return and people who always go other country enjoy A&W complained why SG don't have it and it's just a small example which I'm trying to bring across my point."

The "small example which I'm trying to bring across my point" which is, you said that it is the mentality of the consumers (buying from overseas) that prevent A&W from re-opening. Which I disagreed. I argued that it was because there is a lack of demand. And I argued that you cannot order it from overseas to ship it to SG. It's not a like for like comparison. We are also talking about a currently opened physical shop and not to reopen a business i.e A&W.

Pray tell then, how will you quantify what you term as "potential crowd"? Since you conveniently used it in your example without proof. There's no specific national survey. The next best thing, which you asked me to go check is social media and forums. That is what YOU defined as "potential crowd", not me. From there, I merely went on to try to explain how the demand isn't big enough (based on likes and forum pages) for them to come back. And that their food is bad. Again, to point to the fact that it is not the mentality of consumers but rather the lack of demand. Do tell if you can find a better way with the little info we have on how to define "potential crowd".

Well the logic is pretty simple actually. I am not making any assumptions. If you defend someone, you are taking sides with that someone. Did you side with the consumers in this argument? A lawyer who defends his client, WILL be 'attacking' the other party. Simple. Maybe the word 'attacking' is not well used. My bad. How about the word 'against'? If you are not for, then you are against. If you came from a neutral stance, you wouldn't be asking consumers to 'close the gap' in price. Instead you will be discussing with me ways that both consumers and retailers can come to a compromise. Which is what I've been trying to argue.

"Do you get special discounts?" It was a question. NOT an assumption. Please see the question mark (?). All I want to establish is that there may be some biasness here because you are related to that person. And I was right, you are related to that person. Even if you do not receive special discounts, can you be objective enough to really read what I've argued? (Question not assumption) in case you missed the (?) again. Instead of trying to make sarcastic remarks about how I make friends (not true btw), you may want to answer the question which you conveniently skipped - Do you get special discounts?

How is that taking out of context? You said "SHOULD if you are well off"! Even if I am rich, why should I?! You are essentially saying, when you have money, you SHOULD pay the maximum. What logic is this? How you manage your money is none of our business, but don't come here and tell us how we SHOULD or should not spend our money without having GOOD SOLID reasons to back yourself up. This whole argument started from this. You were the one that said "I feel we should support our retailers for bringing them in if we are financially able".

If this is how you live, good for you. I guess we both see money differently. You come from 'support is given' (regardless of logic), I come from 'support is gained' (convince me why). I am all for supporting local shops when they are fair to local consumers. Like how I mentioned the vouchers are an alternative to online. That's the mall treating customers well, and that is how support is gained.

You certainly have not convinced me that I am 'wrong'.

 

[patryn33]

This thread is still about redwing shoes?

The watch thread moved from watches to dinner pics to travel to audio equipment...

Happening trend. Lol

 

[llx384]

This thread is still about redwing shoes?

The watch thread moved from watches to dinner pics to travel to audio equipment...

Happening trend. Lol

I did offer to take this private.

You know what, Scribblemyname, this will never end. You can have the LAST say in this. You can make any points you want, also throw me names or make sarcastic remarks at me if you want.

I promise I won't comment to anything you say, not because I cannot, but I won't. I will reply with a 'Okay' and lets move this back to Red Wing.

Cheers

 

[Scribblemyname]

I did offer to take this private.

You know what, Scribblemyname, this will never end. You can have the LAST say in this. You can make any points you want, also throw me names or make sarcastic remarks at me if you want.

I promise I won't comment to anything you say, not because I cannot, but I won't. I will reply with a 'Okay' and lets move this back to Red Wing.

Cheers

Firstly on A&W I'm letting you know despite there is a crowd retailers are not intending to opening here because they know locals won't be willing to spend on it esp the pricing for the kind food isn't that great in the first place not comparing people going overseas eat like what you mention which is totally different from my intention.

And if you can't read between the lines, no I DONT RECEIVE ANY DISCOUNT.

I'm not convincing you to pay more. I already mention you are entitled to your own way of spending. But like you say you have the freedom to share all the cheaper alternatives why can't I voice out for the retailers ? I did say I'm not against people who buy online, I even recommend them to go try even they are not getting from local because I feel there is a need even you save 100+ you are still spending a lot on a pair of shoes. And not everyone have pleasant experiecne with online retailers which include AMAZON. You can do a search on the number of unhappy customer and wrong sizes order and they are selling it because returns are too troublesome.

Well you are the one who "attack" anyone who have dfferent opinion as yours. Not me being not objective but you being defensive on every word people say.

I already not intending to reply to your wall of text until I read that you attacked me personally just because we have different view on spending money.

 

[Scribblemyname]

And I do buy online. I also try to save on stuffs esp if the retail store is unable to give me the good experience to make me a returning customer. So before you say one spend money without logic (which to me service is important ) just because you have a save money mentality regardless the service, it does not make anyone who prefer retail to be "carrot head".

 

[llx384]

Okay. 10 char...

 

[All in a Day]

This thread is still about redwing shoes?

The watch thread moved from watches to dinner pics to travel to audio equipment...

Happening trend. Lol

What's happening on the watch thread is kind of an evolvement of a community-at-large that started with a common watch interest. So u get the thread having travel blog, food blog type of posts, as well as posts that are essentially conversations on non-watch topics from time to time. The digressions are not (yet) excessive, imo, but that is of course subjective..

My 2cent topic-irrelevant comment on this thread (from someone who do not own nor looking to buy redwing shoes haha).

 

[patryn33]

What's happening on the watch thread is kind of an evolvement of a community-at-large that started with a common watch interest. So u get the thread having travel blog, food blog type of posts, as well as posts that are essentially conversations on non-watch topics from time to time. The digressions are not (yet) excessive, imo, but that is of course subjective..

My 2cent topic-irrelevant comment on this thread (from someone who do not own nor looking to buy redwing shoes haha).

Community at large maybe made of handful of ppl enjoying the topic. Much like here community of a few. Excessive yes it's subjective. Yes this is very irrelevant.

Let's go back to red wing.. Boots all about care, design and getting a great deal or where to find great service! Let's no debate about buying preference no pt much like travel thread telling ppl off when they want to shop while traveling. Ppl wanna do what let it be, ppl may think pap control us but we still have these basic freedom of choice. Lol

 

[All in a Day]

I did offer to take this private.

You know what, Scribblemyname, this will never end. You can have the LAST say in this. You can make any points you want, also throw me names or make sarcastic remarks at me if you want.

I promise I won't comment to anything you say, not because I cannot, but I won't. I will reply with a 'Okay' and lets move this back to Red Wing.

Cheers

My 2 cents. End of day the each of you are stating your preference of buying online vs at local retailer. Some of the points brought up to support your preference appear "aggressive/inaccurate" to the other (which maybe an inherent extension/enthusiasm of your preference and human nature to stand your ground). No right or wrong. Agree to disagree and chill.

My own thoughts on this: so long as the premium on physical shopping is excessive AND the online avenue is available, I will go for online. And that's just me. I know of others who will go through the trouble of going to the store, try out and then proceed to buy online even if it's ultimately "only" (IMHO) a $10-20 savings (and the typical risks of online shopping which cannot be entirely eliminated e.g. wrong orders, a slight that not quite make the cut for a defect, leaving u in 2 minds whether to do a return/exchange or not).

It is the onus and of every benefit for the retailer to work out an arrangement with redwing to protect their interest. E.g. septieme largeur shoes no longer can be shipped to Singapore.

If they do not, as a consumer, I have nothing to complain and can only be delighted to not be held hostage to ridiculous prices (septieme largeur, my favourite negative example) when the brand is brought into Singapore, and with the tremendous advantage of being able to try out the product before I make my purchase.

 

[llx384]

My 2 cents. End of day the each of you are stating your preference of buying online vs at local retailer. Some of the points brought up to support your preference appear "aggressive/inaccurate" to the other (which maybe an inherent extension/enthusiasm of your preference and human nature to stand your ground). No right or wrong. Agree to disagree and chill.

My own thoughts on this: so long as the premium on physical shopping is excessive AND the online avenue is available, I will go for online. And that's just me. I know of others who will go through the trouble of going to the store, try out and then proceed to buy online even if it's ultimately "only" (IMHO) a $10-20 savings (and the typical risks of online shopping which cannot be entirely eliminated e.g. wrong orders, a slight that not quite make the cut for a defect, leaving u in 2 minds whether to do a return/exchange or not).

It is the onus and of every benefit for the retailer to work out an arrangement with redwing to protect their interest. E.g. septieme largeur shoes no longer can be shipped to Singapore.

If they do not, as a consumer, I have nothing to complain and can only be delighted to not be held hostage to ridiculous prices (septieme largeur, my favourite negative example) when the brand is brought into Singapore, and with the tremendous advantage of being able to try out the product before I make my purchase.

Yup, we can agree to disagree.

Searching around, Amazon seems to be the only one that slipped through the crack of RW international restrictions. Not sure why. Not sure if this will be allowed to go on indefinitely. But I wonder how much impact this will have on RW SG sales even if the crack is closed. I think not much.

Till then, buy away!

 

[Mavieboy]

Yup, we can agree to disagree.

Searching around, Amazon seems to be the only one that slipped through the crack of RW international restrictions. Not sure why. Not sure if this will be allowed to go on indefinitely. But I wonder how much impact this will have on RW SG sales even if the crack is closed. I think not much.

Till then, buy away!

Yes it won't have much impact because the price is still high in singapore, Only solution here for red wing sg will be to bring the prices down like you have stated, only than the demand will be back as the prices are lowered. No point ordering online when i can get it almost the same price through local shops right?

The crack even became wider due to freight forwarders. Yea and amazon slipped thru, red wing will probably notice it due to complains and they will eventually stop shipping to sg. My brother is still deciding on getting a pair of beckman from there haha

I'm sure most people here also use freight forwarders to get red wing shoes when red wing implemented the global policy And you can even get it cheaper if you find the model you're looking for on STP.

 

[llx384]

Yea. My friend was like, "WHY DID YOU POST ON THE FORUM ^#$$%!!", "someone might notice and complain to Red Wing US!"

LOL, funny reaction, but true.

 

[Mavieboy]

Yea. My friend was like, "WHY DID YOU POST ON THE FORUM ^#$$%!!", "someone might notice and complain to Red Wing US!"

LOL, funny reaction, but true.

well i thought about the same thing when u posted this, heck it, already cop a pair of 1907, it's already in singapore, hopefully it arrives tmr

 

[LeeBaka]

well i thought about the same thing when u posted this, heck it, already cop a pair of 1907, it's already in singapore, hopefully it arrives tmr

I also ordered a pair of 1907, but i was not at home when they delivered it this evening.
Ordered on Sunday and 1st delivery today, thats pretty fast.