Midwest Man Is Suing Bass Pro Over Lifetime Sock Warranty
It's nice to know that in a world where there's really nothing interesting happening that would require the attention of the American people, you've got a sock-less David going after Goliath's sock-replacement promises.
And, since this lawsuit is being filed as class-action, maybe you can get aboard the sock-suit train, too.
Before We Get To The Gist Of This Story, Were You Aware Of How Many Socks Carry A Lifetime Warranty?
If you answer yes, let's pause for a moment for me to tell you to find a hobby.
Okay, moving on.
I thought I would just do a quick search to see if a lifetime warranty or guarantee is something rare in the world of sock-selling, or if it's basically standard operating procedure. It turns out that plenty of sock companies do offer a warranty, but more than likely, it's not a lifetime guarantee like these companies have in place.
- Darn Tough Socks: Full Lifetime Warranty. Full satisfaction, no matter what, forever. "No strings, no conditions, for life."
- Feetures Socks: Unconditional Warranty, exchange anytime for any reason.
- Bombas Socks: Full Lifetime Warranty, on everything. "..we stand by our product 100%, no matter what, no questions asked, no holds barred, no ifs, no ands, no buts. If you have a problem, we will solve it. Refund it. Send you new socks. Whatever it takes.”
- IceBreaker Socks: Lifetime free replacements or refund on all IceBreaker Socks.
And finally, the socks that our Midwestern friend has a problem with, Redhead Socks from Bass Pro. Their warranty reads: “These socks are backed by our Lifetime Guarantee. If ever they wear out, just return them for a FREE replacement!”
So, What Happened To This Guy And His Socks That Would Provoke A Lawsuit?
It seems that Missouri resident Kent Slaughter knew that when someone would return Redhead Lifetime Guarantee All-Purpose Wool Socks, Bass Pro Shops would honor the lifetime warranty and provide a new pair at no charge.
However, Kent says that they changed policy last year. He says that when you return the socks now, Bass Pro will replace them with a new, different pair that comes not with a lifetime warranty, but with a limited 60-day warranty.
The socks now have a different design, “presumably so that [Bass Pro Shops] employees know that no warranty will be honored for those 60-Day Socks beyond the limited warranty period,” the lawsuit alleges.
On the packaging, the brand advertises the garment as “the last sock you’ll ever need to buy.” Slaughter’s lawsuit says Bass Pro Shops consumers “have been misled, induced and defrauded into spending money.”
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