SmallBizGenius Analysis

New Balance faces significant challenges regarding online order fulfillment and customer service, according to recent reviews. While some customers praise in-store experiences and product comfort, a large portion express dissatisfaction with the brand's online operations.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 288 recent reviews

Customer Service Issues

2.0/10

Many reviewers report negative experiences with New Balance customer service, citing unhelpful representatives, lack of responsiveness, and failure to resolve issues related to shipping, returns, and defective products. For example, several customers mention being given the runaround or receiving generic responses that don't address their specific concerns.

40 reviews mention this

Shipping and Delivery Problems

2.5/10

A significant number of reviewers complain about issues with shipping and delivery, including delayed orders, missing items, and packages marked as delivered but never received. Some customers also report paying for expedited shipping that was not honored. One reviewer stated, "Item purchased with outrageous next day delivery costs however, I needed them urgently. Never arrived."

35 reviews mention this

Product Quality Concerns

3.0/10

Several reviewers express disappointment with the quality of New Balance shoes, reporting premature wear, defects, and materials that don't live up to expectations. Some customers claim that the quality has declined in recent years. For instance, one reviewer noted that their shoes "fell apart inside and out in under 2 months."

25 reviews mention this

Returns and Refunds Difficulties

2.0/10

Many customers describe difficulties with the returns and refunds process, including lost returns, non-functional return labels, and refusal to accept returns for various reasons. Some reviewers also mention being charged shipping fees for returning defective items. One reviewer said, "Tried multiple ways to return my item, spent hours on returning my items. None of the access points or shops mentioned on the website accepted my return."

20 reviews mention this

Online Ordering Issues

2.5/10

Some reviewers report problems with the online ordering process, such as orders being canceled without explanation, inability to cancel orders, and incorrect items being shipped. One customer shared, "I ordered a pair of new balance 480 and paid £14.50 for express delivery but instead l got the wrong item new balance 550 and delivery was not even on time."

15 reviews mention this

Comfort and Fit

8.0/10

Several reviewers praise the comfort and fit of New Balance shoes, particularly for those with specific needs like wide feet or flat feet. They highlight the brand's wide range of sizes and widths. A reviewer mentioned, "because of a birth defect I have had a horrible time buying shoes all my life. my feet are wide with high arches and 2 different sizes. Things changed when I found New Balance."

12 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Comfortable and supportive shoes, especially for walking and running Mentioned 12x
"Very comfortable shoes for walking and running."
Good fit for people with wide feet or other foot issues Mentioned 5x
"because of a birth defect I have had a horrible time buying shoes all my life. my feet are wide with high arches and 2 different sizes. Things changed when I found New Balance."
Helpful and attentive service in physical stores Mentioned 3x
"The lady named Elouise gave us a great service in order to get the most comfortable and suitable shoes. Elouise is a very..."
Stylish shoe designs Mentioned 2x
"stylish pair of shoes I have now....new and fresh, now with my jeans i also got new, i ma dripping like a king, all eyes on me now"
Durable shoes for everyday use Mentioned 2x
"New Balance is a really good shoe brand, . They dont look too fancy but they just work. Super comfy for walkin or runnin, and they last long too. I had a pair for years, still solid."

Common Complaints

Poor customer service, unresponsive and unhelpful Mentioned 40x
"New Balance customer service were absolutely not interested."
Frequent shipping delays and missing orders Mentioned 35x
"I never received my New Balance order, and they’ve completely refused to take responsibility."
Concerns about declining product quality and durability Mentioned 25x
"The comfort isn't worth the price. I paid £120 for shoes that literally fell apart inside and out in under 2 months."
Difficult and frustrating returns and refunds process Mentioned 20x
"The return policy is useless. The return label I have been provided with for ups don't work."
Problems with online orders, including cancellations and incorrect items Mentioned 15x
"Ordered a pair of new balance trainers received 1 shoe in delivery 😳how can that happen !"

Common Questions About New Balance

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is New Balance legit and trustworthy?

While New Balance is a well-established brand, these reviews paint a concerning picture of their online operations. Many customers report issues with order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service, suggesting a lack of reliability in these areas. While some customers have positive experiences, the high volume of negative feedback raises questions about the consistency of service. Small business owners should proceed with caution and thoroughly research New Balance's capabilities before committing to any partnerships or bulk purchases.

Based on 45 reviews

Does New Balance have good customer service?

Based on these reviews, New Balance's customer service appears to be a significant pain point for many customers. Numerous reviewers describe unhelpful, unresponsive, and dismissive interactions with customer service representatives. Common complaints include difficulty resolving issues with orders, returns, and defective products. While a few reviewers mention positive experiences with specific customer service agents, the overwhelming sentiment is negative, suggesting that New Balance needs to improve its customer service significantly.

Based on 40 reviews

Is New Balance worth it for small business?

For small businesses, the value proposition of New Balance is questionable based on these reviews. The reported issues with order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service could create significant headaches and negatively impact business operations. While the brand may offer competitive pricing or a desirable product selection, the potential risks associated with unreliable service and support may outweigh the benefits. Small businesses should carefully weigh these factors and consider alternative suppliers with more consistent and reliable performance.

Based on 30 reviews

What is New Balance's return policy like?

The reviews suggest that New Balance's return policy can be difficult to navigate. Many customers report issues with the returns process, including lost returns, non-functional return labels, and difficulty getting refunds. Some reviewers also mention being charged shipping fees for returning defective items, which further complicates the process. While the stated return window may be reasonable, the actual experience of returning items appears to be fraught with challenges and frustrations.

Based on 20 reviews

Why are customers complaining about New Balance's shipping?

Customers are complaining about New Balance's shipping due to a multitude of issues. Delayed orders are a frequent concern, with many customers reporting that their orders arrive later than expected, even when expedited shipping is purchased. Missing items and packages marked as delivered but never received are also common complaints. These shipping problems, coupled with poor customer service, contribute to a negative overall experience for many New Balance customers.

Based on 35 reviews