SmallBizGenius Analysis

Etnies, a retailer of skate shoes and apparel, faces significant criticism regarding its customer service and order fulfillment. While some customers appreciate the comfort and durability of Etnies shoes, the overwhelming sentiment leans negative due to issues with shipping, returns, and unresponsive support.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 85 recent reviews

Customer Service

2.0/10

A significant number of reviewers report poor or non-existent customer service. Customers describe difficulty contacting the company, unresponsiveness to emails and voicemails, and unhelpful or automated replies when they do receive a response. Many customers struggle to get assistance with returns, refunds, or order issues.

40 reviews mention this

Shipping & Delivery

3.0/10

Many customers experience issues with shipping and delivery, including delayed orders, missing items, and lack of tracking information. Some reviewers report that their orders were never shipped despite being charged, while others received incorrect items or sizes. Several reviewers mention long dispatch times and a lack of communication regarding shipping updates.

35 reviews mention this

Returns & Refunds

2.5/10

A common complaint is the difficulty in processing returns and receiving refunds. Customers report issues with obtaining RMA forms, having to pay for return shipping to the Netherlands (even when ordering from the UK site), and being ignored when requesting exchanges or refunds. Some reviewers claim that their returns were refused due to minor issues like dirt on the soles.

25 reviews mention this

Product Quality

5.0/10

Opinions on product quality are mixed. Some customers praise the comfort and durability of Etnies shoes, while others report that their shoes fell apart quickly, with issues like splitting canvas and worn-out soles. Some reviewers who have been long-time customers express disappointment in the declining quality of the products.

15 reviews mention this

Website Experience

4.0/10

Some reviewers criticize the Etnies website for issues such as broken filters, inaccurate sizing information, and technical difficulties. A few customers report that the website is misleading, particularly regarding the location of operations and return shipping costs. Some customers have also reported fake Etnies websites that are actually scams.

10 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Some customers find Etnies shoes comfortable Mentioned 5x
"I've bought at least 10 pairs of shoes from this company. Other than very minor cosmetic imperfections on some pairs of shoes, all of the shoes I've ever gotten have been more comfortable and durable than stuff like Vans."
Durable skate shoes for the price Mentioned 3x
"Etnies have great soles, insoles, and noticeably higher quality suede and canvas than Vans."

Common Complaints

Poor customer service and lack of responsiveness Mentioned 40x
"Zero customer service. I too have been trying to return shoes through their lousy website... Every email I send bounces back (as others have said) and there is no other means of contacting them. Absolutely disgraceful."
Issues with shipping delays and lost orders Mentioned 35x
"Never received my last order after getting an email from Etnies claiming the item had shipped with a non-working USPS tracking #."
Difficult and costly returns process, especially from the UK Mentioned 25x
"This is a uk website but the item comes from holland, ok unless you need to return something. Cost me £7 by the cheapest way possible to return a tshirt."
Inconsistent product quality and durability Mentioned 10x
"I got a new pair of Etnies about 4 months ago and the bottom of the right shoe has almost completely come off, it looks like a giant tongue and the other side is starting to fall apart to. Would not recommend they are cheaply made shoes."
Website issues, including broken filters and inaccurate sizing Mentioned 5x
"This website is only good if you like browsing every shoe style and color to find your size. The filters appear to give the option of showing the color and size you're looking for, but when going to the product page, you'll find that the size you wanted isn't in stock."

Common Questions About Etnies

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Etnies legit and trustworthy?

Based on the reviews, there are significant concerns about Etnies' legitimacy and trustworthiness. Many customers report issues with orders not being fulfilled, being charged for items they never received, and encountering difficulties in getting refunds. The prevalence of complaints about poor customer service and a complicated returns process further erode trust in the brand. While some customers may have positive experiences, the high volume of negative reviews suggests that Etnies is not a consistently reliable option.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Etnies have good customer service?

The overwhelming consensus from customer reviews is that Etnies has poor customer service. Many reviewers report difficulty contacting the company, with emails going unanswered and phone calls not being returned. When customers do manage to get in touch, they often receive unhelpful or automated responses. This lack of support makes it difficult for customers to resolve issues with orders, returns, or refunds, leading to significant frustration.

Based on 40 reviews

Is Etnies worth it for small business?

Given the numerous complaints about order fulfillment, customer service, and returns, Etnies is likely not a worthwhile option for small businesses. The unreliability in shipping and the difficulty in resolving issues could lead to delays and frustration, negatively impacting a small business's operations. The potential for added expenses related to returns and the lack of responsive support make Etnies a risky choice compared to other brands with more reliable service.

Based on 30 reviews

What is Etnies' return policy like?

Etnies' return policy is a major point of contention for many customers. While they technically offer returns, the process is often described as difficult and costly. Many customers complain about having to pay for return shipping to the Netherlands, even when ordering from a UK-based website. Additionally, some reviewers report issues with obtaining RMA forms or having their returns rejected for minor reasons, making the return process frustrating and unreliable.

Based on 25 reviews

Why do Etnies customers have to pay for returns to the Netherlands?

A recurring complaint is that Etnies operates its UK website while shipping items from the Netherlands. This means that customers in the UK who need to return items are required to pay for international shipping to the Netherlands, which can be expensive. This practice is viewed negatively, as customers expect a UK-based return address when ordering from a UK website.

Based on 15 reviews