SmallBizGenius Analysis

Joe's New Balance Outlet offers discounted New Balance shoes and apparel, but customer experiences are mixed. While some customers praise the prices and selection, many report issues with order fulfillment, returns, and customer service, leading to significant frustration.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Shipping & Order Fulfillment Issues

3.0/10

Numerous customers report problems with their orders, including delays, cancellations, items being out of stock after ordering, and incorrect items being shipped. Many reviewers stated their orders never shipped or were canceled shortly before the expected delivery date: 'My order never shipped, and customer service was useless' and 'Ordered shoes for my race about 11 days before race day. 4 days before the race, they tell me my shoe is out of stock and are issuing me a refund.'

35 reviews mention this

Return Policy & Costs

3.5/10

A major point of dissatisfaction is the return policy, which requires customers to pay for return shipping. Customers frequently mention the high cost of returns, especially when items don't fit or are incorrect: 'I will NEVER buy from here again! The colors on the website are off and when I tried to return them I was supposed to pay for my own shipping label. $30!!!' and 'They will not pay for any returns at all. Do not buy from them anymore.'

30 reviews mention this

Customer Service Problems

3.0/10

Many reviewers describe poor customer service experiences, citing unhelpful representatives, lack of communication, and difficulty resolving issues. Some customers reported that customer service representatives were unable to cancel orders or provide accurate information: 'Avoid this company! My order never shipped, and customer service was useless' and 'Customer service is non existent. The person I spoke to dont even know the return policy and I have to explain to him.'

28 reviews mention this

Product Quality & Accuracy

4.0/10

Some customers received the wrong items, different sizes than ordered, or shoes that didn't match the description on the website. Several reviewers mentioned receiving shoes of lower quality than expected: 'They sent the wrong shoes. I ordered 3 pairs of NB CT302 in all white; and they sent me red ones' and 'Both shoes were different sizes and too small to be a 9.'

15 reviews mention this

Pricing & Deals

8.0/10

Several reviewers praised the discounted prices and deals available on the website. They appreciate the opportunity to purchase New Balance shoes at significantly reduced prices: 'Great shoe at less than half the price' and 'Found a great deal on my favorite shoes that are not available anywhere else.'

12 reviews mention this

Shipping Speed (When In Stock)

7.0/10

A few reviewers noted that when items are in stock, shipping is fast and efficient. These customers were pleased with the quick delivery of their orders: 'Great product, Fast Shipping' and 'They shipped so fast, arrived quickly.'

8 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Competitive pricing and frequent sales offer significant discounts on New Balance products. Mentioned 12x
"I was ordering my usual New Balance from a competitor. I got a shopping pop-up telling me I could save money at Joe's New Balance Outlet. The shoes I was trying to order were $135. At Joes, I paid about $50."
Wide selection of New Balance shoes and apparel, including discontinued models. Mentioned 5x
"Ordering was a great experience—there’s a wide selection, and shipping is fast when items are in stock."
Fast shipping when items are in stock and the order is fulfilled correctly. Mentioned 8x
"These guys are fantastic! I ordered a pair of NB Rebel V3's for half off of retail! ... I got these three days after I ordered my shoes!"
Some customers have had consistently positive experiences over many years. Mentioned 4x
"I have been a customer for at least 15 years and they never disappoint. Even the high end made in America shoes will occasionally surface. Customer service is excellent."
Offers sizes that are hard to find elsewhere. Mentioned 2x
"As a woman size 12 isn't easy to find. And if you do find the size they are very expensive. This is my first purchase at Joe's New Balance Outlet."

Common Complaints

High incidence of order fulfillment issues, including delays, cancellations, and incorrect items. Mentioned 35x
"Ordered shoes for my race about 11 days before race day. 4 days before the race, they tell me my shoe is out of stock and are issuing me a refund."
Customers are responsible for paying return shipping costs, even for incorrect or defective items. Mentioned 30x
"I will NEVER buy from here again! The colors on the website are off and when I tried to return them I was supposed to pay for my own shipping label. $30!!!"
Poor customer service with unhelpful representatives and difficulty resolving issues. Mentioned 28x
"Avoid this company! My order never shipped, and customer service was useless. They claimed they couldn't cancel the order because 'everything is handled by the warehouse.'"
Inconsistent product quality and accuracy, with some customers receiving the wrong items or sizes. Mentioned 15x
"This has been a terrible experience. I was sent the wrong pair of shoes and the company has completely failed to take responsibility."
Website issues and lack of clear communication regarding order status. Mentioned 5x
"I ordered last week. They sent me a shipping confirmation email with a link that doesn't work. I created an account to find my order, but the account page doesn't work."

Common Questions About Joes New Balance Outlet

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Joes New Balance Outlet legit and trustworthy?

While Joe's New Balance Outlet is a real online retailer, the reviews suggest a mixed experience. Many customers report issues with order fulfillment, receiving incorrect items, and difficulties with returns. The negative feedback raises concerns about reliability, particularly for small businesses. While some customers have had positive experiences, the high number of complaints suggests a degree of risk when ordering from this site.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Joes New Balance Outlet have good customer service?

Based on the reviews, Joe's New Balance Outlet's customer service is a significant area of concern. Many customers describe unhelpful representatives, lack of communication, and difficulty resolving issues. Some reviewers mentioned that customer service representatives were unable to cancel orders or provide accurate information. The negative feedback suggests that customer service is not a strong point for this retailer.

Based on 28 reviews

Is Joes New Balance Outlet worth it for small business?

For small businesses, the inconsistent service quality and potential for logistical issues may outweigh the benefits of lower prices. The risk of order delays, incorrect items, and the cost of return shipping could disrupt operations and negatively impact customer satisfaction. Small businesses needing reliable supply chains may want to consider other options with more consistent performance. While the discounts are appealing, the potential for problems makes it a risky choice.

Based on 15 reviews

What is Joes New Balance Outlet's return policy like?

Joe's New Balance Outlet's return policy is a major source of dissatisfaction for many customers. The primary complaint is that customers are responsible for paying return shipping costs, even when the error is on the company's side (e.g., sending the wrong item). This can make returns expensive, especially for lower-priced items. Some customers also reported difficulties in getting refunds processed in a timely manner.

Based on 30 reviews

Why are there so many complaints about shipping issues?

Many customers report problems with their orders, including delays, cancellations, items being out of stock after ordering, and incorrect items being shipped. This suggests potential issues with inventory management, warehouse operations, or order processing. Some reviewers stated their orders never shipped or were canceled shortly before the expected delivery date, indicating a lack of reliability in fulfilling orders.

Based on 35 reviews

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