Factory Seconds and Samples
What are they?
Factory seconds, samples and custom overstocks are pairs of boots that have been created as prototypes, for displays/pictures, leftover custom orders, or with minor cosmetic flaws from production which put them just underneath the benchmark for first quality. We are happy to offer these boots and pass along some savings to our valued customers.
Where do factory seconds come from?
With so many manual steps involved in creating a single pair of boots, sometimes imperfections can occur. For every 100 pairs of boots that are produced, we get about 5-10 pairs of these which come out with minor flaws due to the nature of handcrafting a boot with over 180 manual steps.
During the build process, sometimes any of the following examples of events can occur:
1. The sole stitching machine rips the shoe out from underneath and the thread appears crooked or dents the upper leather. Same applies for upper stitching.
2. The sewing machine jams in the beginning, middle or end of sewing a quarter while the needle has already poked through and produces a stitch line outside of pattern tolerance.
3. Deviation of leather scarring, texture or shade is more plentiful on one boot than another or on the pair as a whole as compared to first quality.
While none of these impact the performance or quality of the boots built, and most of the factory second's flaws aren't immediately noticeable when wearing, we do monitor instances such as these and ensure to mark the boots as factory seconds on our website should we come across them.
Grading:
1. Factory sample, prototype or overstock. Also includes boots which have been tried on in the local shop or exchanges from online purchases. Please note boots which are exchanged won't carry as steep of a discount since they are first quality and just tried on once or twice, never worn. Boots may have certain aesthetic differences such as stitching or other surface or cutting differences from first quality. Descriptions of this grading will be provided on the product page.
2. Footwear was worn once or twice for photos or around the factory or warehouse for grading. Other instances include damage sustained during production or unevenness in color or tone or leather imperfections. Descriptions of this grading will be provided on the product page.
What Determines the Price?
Much like with first quality items and custom orders, pricing depends largely on materials used, mainly soles and upper leather. These are the two major cost-driving components of a boot or shoe's end price but they're also arguably among the most crucial of components. For example, kudu, moose, Dublin, Chromexcel and horse leathers are more costly and difficult to obtain. Therefore they carry a higher end price.
Pricing may fluctuate from time to time depending on the grading or condition of each pair when they become available. Commando, Ridgeway and Vibram 430 soles tend to also be a higher priced component used therefore may carry a higher end price. This of course can vary from boot to boot depending on remaining components, use and designation of second or sample status. Factory seconds and samples are final sale.
So why consider a factory second?
Maybe you live in Buffalo and the snow, slush rain and salt are part of your commute for 8 months out of the year. Maybe you're looking to go to Wegman's (or grocery store of preference) and want to put on something that will get you from the parking lot to the deli counter in style. Perhaps you don't want to wear a $500+ boot to go fill up your car at the gas station. Or just maybe you're looking for a general pair of boots to beat around which you don't have to worry about taking care of. From groceries to the gas pump, seconds and samples make for a great addition as a worry-free option to your everyday rotation.
