Charging For Boot Fitting?

[Paul Oberin]

Paul, roughly how much time and expertise is involved in fitting a snowboard boot in comparison to a ski boot?

There is not a lot you can do with most snowboard boots, and being leather they do tend to self adjust to the shape of a foot, in some rare cases a fitter can modify a liner but most often you would only need a fitter to help pick the shape of the boot to fit the shape of the foot, and help advise the type of boot, maybe make a footbed for some, which is why I don't even think about charging for a fitting, I can understand the shops that do charge a small fee, as without them having stock on the shelves how else would all the internet shoppers work out their sizing.

[Mizu Kuma]

It has been done in Sydney for Ski boots for a few years, I am hearing it is now common practice at most Melbourne shops, I know why it is being done and partly I agree with it, to avoid it, seek out a shop that carries a decent range of boots and also has a good boot fitter, then only go there when you are ready to buy boots, they won't charge a fee if you are seriously looking to buy a set of boots, but in fairness if you are only using them to get your size amd boot model so you can shop around, then they should be paid for their knowledge and service.
It is quite well know in the industry that people who are serious about buying boots make an appontment with the boot fitter, those who don't generally are only wanting to get their size to shop for the best price, if she just walked in without an appointment she is sure to get hit with a fee, maybe you made an appointment when you bought your boots.

No appointment was made, I was on my way home from the mountain. Tried on heaps of boots, they even had another guy to act as a runner to get a couple of pairs out of storage. I really appreciated the service and felt that I had picked the best boot for my feet/purpose (probably why I had no problem handing over whatever price that they had on them).

Maybe more is involved in fitting a ski boot as opposed to a snowboard boot?

Posted before I read all comments ^^^

[pboards&mskis]

Read this all with interest... My experience is that price doesn't really come into it so much with Ski boots. They either fit or they don't, they either suit your foot or they don't. Colour is irrelevant too! Last time I got boots, i came out with something totally different to what I thought I would. They're bronze with pink trim and I would never have bought them if they hadn't been the best fit for me - I'm not a girly girl!!!

I've never been charged a fitting fee either, but then again, I made it clear that I was buying new boots and not just window shopping.

I get the impression that snowboard boots are an easier proposition than ski boots. Pboards just tries a heap on, gets the flex, stiffness etc. he wants, and something that's comfy and away he goes. Ski boots take forever to take on and off, play with the liners, the cant etc.... decide whether footbeds are needed.... it just seems to go on and on!

However, given the time spent in the ski boot, anything for a comfy day on the slopes goes. I certainly don't begrudge the fitters a living, because they keep me comfy on the slopes! What will cheese me off though is if boot fitting becomes an additional fee (rather than a deposit that comes off the boots when you buy) due to people window shopping then buying off the net.

[Paul Oberin]

Seems not much changes, this topic has made the news again a few times this season.

[Total punter]

I find this a strange practice because people are crazy to not shop around (locally) and get the best price. What if someone comes in and just trys on some boots but doesn't ask for any assistance and just wants to try them on in peace? I can't see how this is a drain on staff.

I just find it funny its like going to a car yard and saying you have to put a deposit down before you can test drive or talk to us about the cars we have in stock. I would have just thought that would be part and parcel of retail business.

Just my two cents

For something like ski gear I somewhat agree with the deposit. FYI - alot of reputable surf brands don't ship overseas now as the industry has identified that it is on a road to a self destruction (source - very close friend who owns 4 surfshops). Honestly I hope the snow industry does the same for the sake of small business owners.

RE: deposit for car - took +1 to buy a new car two months ago (Mazda 3 for anyone interested) and at one dealer I was asked for a deposit before they would talk to us regarding prices. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it (doh!) but is is the big Mazda dealer near Green Square???????

We ended up getting one at another dealer and walked away very happy.

[Paul Oberin]

I am hearing bike shops now charge a fee for anyone wanting to try on bike shoes, I think this is due to so many getting bike shoes online once they know their shoe size.