Boot Your Questions | A Q&A round-up with the Founders of Duradero Work Boots - Jim & Todd!

Summary

This video discusses the challenges and strategies of competing with legacy brands in the footwear industry, focusing on the benefits of a direct-to-consumer approach. The company emphasizes its commitment to customer loyalty, offering high-quality products, exceptional service, and unique offerings like Twice the Life free resoling. With over 200 years of combined industry experience, the company aims to build trust and stand out by delivering products that outlast the competition. The speaker stresses the importance of customer service and innovation to win over loyal customers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The company is focusing on building customer loyalty through exceptional products and service.
• 😀 The product's key differentiator is its 'Twice The Life' free resoling offer, which adds extra value to customers.
• 😀 The company has extensive knowledge in the industry, with over 100 years of combined expertise from its partners.
• 😀 Legacy brands are typically restricted by traditional distribution channels, which creates an opportunity for newer companies to offer direct-to-consumer models.
• 😀 Despite being relatively new, the company is confident in its ability to earn customer loyalty by providing a unique offering.
• 😀 The company emphasizes the importance of customer service in earning and maintaining loyalty.
• 😀 The legacy brands, though established for over 100 years, are facing competition from newer companies with more innovative service offerings.
• 😀 The 'Twice The Life' resoling offer is presented as a way to exceed customer expectations and differentiate from competitors.
• 😀 The combined knowledge of the company and its partners exceeds 200 years, which they believe gives them a significant edge in the industry.
• 😀 While the company may not have the same long-standing customer base as legacy brands, it aims to build that base through performance and value-driven service.

Q & A

Why are most boots and footwear manufactured outside the United States?

Around 99% of all boots, shoes, and footwear are made outside the U.S. due to the industry's global distribution and manufacturing practices. Even major brands like Redwing and Thorogood manufacture the majority of their products abroad due to cost and labor factors.

Has the company tried to manufacture boots in the United States?

Yes, the company explored the possibility of manufacturing boots domestically. However, they found that the skill gap, aging machinery, and lack of available skilled workers made it financially and logistically challenging to set up a factory in the U.S.

Why doesn't being made in the U.S. guarantee better quality?

The company emphasizes that while being made in the U.S. is often seen as a mark of quality, it's not always the case. They prioritize finding factories with the right processes, materials, and skilled workers to create the best possible product, regardless of location.

What sets Duradero boots apart from other brands in terms of quality?

Duradero boots stand out due to their exceptional quality, which is a result of careful factory selection in Mexico, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic. They prioritize high-quality leather, durable stitching, and precise finishing to ensure the best product possible.

What is the difference between steel toe and composition toe in safety boots?

Both steel toe and composition toe boots meet safety standards for impact and compression. Steel toe boots offer a lower profile and can be thinner, while composition toe boots are typically made of materials like carbon fiber, which need to be thicker to offer the same protection. The key difference is the material and weight, with composition toe boots being about 15% lighter.

How long do Duradero boots typically last compared to other brands?

Duradero boots are designed to last twice as long as most other boots, thanks to their superior construction and materials. The company offers a resoling service to extend the life of the boots, which is a significant advantage over competitors.

What is the process for getting boots resoled?

When boots wear out, customers can send them back for free shipping and free resoling. The boots are refurbished with a new outsole, deodorized, and receive any necessary repairs. The process typically takes 4-5 days, not including shipping time, and offers customers the benefit of extending the boots' life.

Are Duradero boots handcrafted?

While Duradero boots use machinery in their manufacturing process, there is still a significant level of craftsmanship involved. Many operations, such as lasting and stitching, are done by skilled workers who manually adjust and fine-tune the boots, making them 'handcrafted' in their own right.

What are the future plans for women's boots?

Duradero plans to launch women's boots soon, designed specifically for women with the right fit and function. They intend to work directly with women workers to get feedback on what they need, ensuring the boots are functional, comfortable, and well-designed.

What is the company's stance on direct-to-consumer sales?

The company believes in the direct-to-consumer model as it allows them to build a closer relationship with their customers. This model enables them to offer better customer service, more personalized experiences, and innovative programs like 'try before you buy.' It's also more competitive against legacy brands that are tied to traditional distribution channels.