Sports Auhority-insurance on sneakers

Anyone hear of this? Or use it? Does this sound legit?

So I went to Sports Authority today to purchase a pair of running sneaker. I bought a pair that was priced higher than I would usually get. The sales rep told me about their new insurance that you could purchase on your shoes at check out.

Basically you buy the insurance for $15.99 and you have 13mths to return the sneakers and the store will give you a new pair or a store voucher worth the same amount (+tax) of your original purchase. EVEN IF THERE IS NORMAL WEAR & TEAR after months of using them. I asked was any reason they wouldn't accept the return. They said "no" as long as you have your receipt w/ proof that you purchased the insurance. They said "the transaction would be stress free w/ no questions asked."

essentially it's like getting a new pair of sneakers after months & months of using them. I asked how/why they would make such an offer. They said that basically they want to insure that customers will return to there store & continue to shop there.

Anyone have any experience with this? How did it work out for you?

Re: Sports Auhority-insurance on sneakers

Yeah last time I bought sneakers there, the cashier was telling me about it... I didn't purchase the insurance though (because I thought I might have to get a refund on the sneakers anyway which I did)... but anyway, he told me it was 4.99 or 5.99 (I forget), not definitely not $15.99! For that much, I don't know if it's worth it... but for 5 or 6 dollars I'd do it, it sounds legit. The only thing is, you have to be willing to get rid of your sneakers after just 13 months (mine usually last at least 2 years), and, it's very limiting bc you HAVE TO buy your next pair of sneakers there (I like to shop around). Those are the only things that kind of turn me off from it, but otherwise I think it's a pretty good deal.

Re: Sports Auhority-insurance on sneakers

That's a pretty good deal actually! I work out at least 4x/week and my knees are bad so I need new sneakers every 3-4 months, even if they're fancy sneakers. That's about $225 a year on sneakers. If i paid $100 once and then the insurance, I'd have a steady stream of really nice sneakers all year for half the price!

Re: Sports Auhority-insurance on sneakers

Yes, I purchased mine for $135 (then deduct $25 coupon) + 15.99. So essentially if I return them within 12mths & buy the same exact ones. I will have purchased the sneakers for about $65.00. And I will be able to use them for a longer period of time. I think it's a good deal if you go thru several pairs and/or if you have a specialized (running sneaker etc) shoe.

FYI-the cost of insurance is dependent on the price of the sneakers. I think it's something like $50 sneaker -insurance is $4.99
$75- insurance is $10 And anything over a $100 is $15.99

Re: Sports Auhority-insurance on sneakers

Ok so I bought this insurance but have not cashed in yet!

My shoes were $100, and I used a 25% off coupon so they were $75. The insurance cost $10 (it depends on how expensive your shoes are). I run alot and go through 2-3 pairs per year, maybe even 4 this year! DH and I said it is only $10 so lets try it!

The guy that helped me said "Even if your shoes look ok, just use a knife and cut a little hole, bring em in and return them!" Okkk. However I read the whole packet from front to back and you cannot return to the store. You have to register them online and then have to send them into the insurance place and pay the shipping. You also include your receipt and they will reimburse you what you paid. There is a list of 3 things that can be wrong the shoes and it has to be one of those things! I am going to send mine in this winter and will let you know how it goes!

Re: Sports Auhority-insurance on sneakers

Yes, I'm very interested to see how smoothly the transaction goes. So please keep us posted.

FYI- the sales person & the person who rang up my purchase said that even though it states that you have to "send" it back that it is ok to just bring it back to the store. I guess you could call the store and ask.