Ordering Overseas with Trekkinn

Ordering from Overseas -- A mistake and not worth the savings

I purchased high end climbing shoes for my son from this company, in Spain.  The price was significantly cheaper than at REI.  I had a feeling there would be problems ordering something from Spain that was available locally, just to save $50 and shipping, but did it anyway.
 
 It was a mistake.  Trekkinn had a shoe size conversion chart below the product that was incorrect.  My son wears US size 8.5 and, according to Trekkinn's chart, this corresponded to EU size 40.  But the chart was incorrect.   8.5 US corresponds to EU size 41.5.  So we ordered the wrong size.  My wife and I tripled checked the converstion before hitting the order button, but we didn't think to check a sizing chart that was not on Trekkinn's page.
 
 The item was in stock and delivery was promised within 7-10 days.  It took 18.  This is not as big a deal, but since it was a Christmas present that extra 8-11 days did matter.
 
 Trekkinn now has the correct size conversion chart on their website.  I expect we weren't the only ones to have been suckered into the incorrect size.

Tom H wrote: Ordering from Overseas -- A mistake and not worth the savings

I purchased high end climbing shoes for my son from this company, in Spain.  The price was significantly cheaper than at REI.  I had a feeling there would be problems ordering something from Spain that was available locally, just to save $50 and shipping, but did it anyway.
 
 It was a mistake.  Trekkinn had a shoe size conversion chart below the product that was incorrect.  My son wears US size 8.5 and, according to Trekkinn's chart, this corresponded to EU size 40.  But the chart was incorrect.   8.5 US corresponds to EU size 41.5.  So we ordered the wrong size.  My wife and I tripled checked the converstion before hitting the order button, but we didn't think to check a sizing chart that was not on Trekkinn's page.
 
 The item was in stock and delivery was promised within 7-10 days.  It took 18.  This is not as big a deal, but since it was a Christmas present that extra 8-11 days did matter.
 
 Trekkinn now has the correct size conversion chart on their website.  I expect we weren't the only ones to have been suckered into the incorrect size.

Personally I always just check this information from the manufacturer. I've seen this sort of mistake happen on several websites.

Never trust the generic sizing charts. 

Conversely, a couple years ago I ordered some AT ski boots from SnowInn because the price savings was huge, even with international shipping tacked on. I was a bit concerned about what would happen in regard to customs but the whole experience went without a hitch and I would do it again. I did know in advance what size I was in that particular boot, already, so no fit issues. Return/exchange likely wouldn't have been fun.

One issue that I do have with Trekkinn is that they often price their products at a similar price as competitors when on discount. In other words, claiming an inflated retail price to make it appear as though their discount is a good deal, when in fact they are just selling at the standard price.

Sometimes they have great prices on shoes nonethless, I've snagged some deals from them.

I've ordered a number of things from TrekkInn / SnowInn, including ski boots and crampons, and haven't had any issues.
Conversely, I've heard of folks having issues with sizing charts from US online retailers as well. Perhaps not as big a deal when it's that easy to make a return, but that's part of the cost evaluation when dealing with overseas retailers.

I've ordered from them a few times, never had a problem. Not sure I'd order shoes without a solid return option, though, unless it's a model and size I'm familiar with.

Incidentally, I wear an 8.5 in Nike shoes, and I have my climbing shoes sized down to EU 40. (La Sportiva Katana LU and La Sportiva Genius) It's definitely a snug fit, but not masochistic like some people like to size them.

Ditto ordering from Trekkin and having no problem. IMO they are reputable. That you had a sizing issue is a bummer, but reason not to imply deception on their part. I am sure they don't want to send you the wrong size and have this problem with you as customer.

I too have found sizing charts to be fickle. When it comes to shoes, perhaps have your son try on shoes in the shop and order the correct euro size based on actual fit. 

I bought a pair of crack gloves from them. Took forever to arrive but otherwise a perfectly unremarkable transaction.

Things I wouldn't order from overseas:

1) anything with a size that I have not tried on (ie anything there is a remote chance I would have to return)

2) time sensitive stuff (gifts/special occasions/upcoming trips)

Rock/ice/camping gear...sure. You could get really good deals from England a while back when Brexit crashed the pound. 

The only problem I've had with TrekInn/SnowInn is that they use the term "in stock" quite loosely. Sometimes their so-called "in stock" items are still in the manufacturer's or distributor's warehouse, and they have to be shipped to TrekInn before they're shipped to you. As a couple of others have said, take their estimated delivery date with a large grain of salt.

Delaney Bray-Stone wrote:

Personally I always just check this information from the manufacturer. I've seen this sort of mistake happen on several websites.

I learned my lifelong lesson.  My initial instincts were correct.  It's not worth the $50 savings to wait the better part of a month and wonder whether the order was fulfilled correctly.  I'll stay local, at least it employs my fellow citizens.