I just finally decided to bite the bullet and order a pair of the waterproof boots. I have been waiting to attend an event where I could try them on, but that was not going to happen prior to our trip to Nelson, so I went ahead and put in an online order. Unfortunately, the company did not have the size I ordered. Because of the difficulty of finding an alternative, I did call and they had the half size up and I suspect I needed it anyway, I got a pair coming, but the following is the email I got, so others from this forum can be forewarned that the company is having some stocking issues at this time.
--------------------
Dear Cruiserworks Customer,
Apologies, we are currently out of stock in the boot that you ordered. Below is a letter from the owner of Cruiserworks that will explain what is going on with us in regards to inventory. We do have a list of dealers on our website that may have your boot available.
We are doing everything possible to get boots in stock again as quickly as possible and we are very sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment that this temporary situation may have caused you.
Your name has been added to a call list and we will notify you when the boot you ordered is available.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
------------------
To All Cruiserworks Customers,
In October of last year, I made a decision to move production of Cruiserboots from a Canadian manufacturer to one in the United States. I made that decision for two reasons. One was that I wanted to have a Made in USA product and the other is that I wanted to be assured of a more stable supply of boots. After some research, I chose one of the larger of the remaining boot and shoe companies in the United States.
During the first week of October I made it clear to them that it was critical that we be able to build up a full stock of boots before April of 2007. The president of the company and the sales person from that company assured me that there would be no problem doing so and I received continued assurances into March of 2007. Incredibly, by the beginning of April, they had still not even completed samples of our boots. Worse for us was the fact that they had taken possession of essential production equipment belonging to Cruiserworks and we were prevented from getting someone else to do the work.
When we finally received the samples, we found that they had made changes to the materials and design of the boots that we found unacceptable and we were forced to return the boots and terminate the relationship. After some difficulty, we were able to obtain our lasts and dies and we are now searching for someone who can produce the boots for us.
I am not willing to sacrifice the quality of our boots. I don't know how long it will take to find a manufacturer who can live up to our standards but we will continue to honor our warranty. If any customer receives a boot with defects in materials or workmanship, we will replace the boot if we still have it in stock or refund the purchase price.
Sincerely,
Robert Goforth
Owner
Cruiserworks Customer Service Team
Thank you for choosing Cruiserworks!
505-C Cornerstone Court
Hillsborough, NC 27278
800.955.1187
919.644.6701 [fax]