Sold as New, Arrived in Questionable Condition — Then 3 Weeks Without Authenticity Proof
I purchased a pair of Adidas sneakers from SneakerSouqq that were sold to me as new, but the pair I received did not appear to be in new condition. The soles had visible dirt marks similar to shoes that have been tried on in a store. There were also rubbing and discolouration marks on the suede, the laces were undone, and the usual wrapping and filling paper was missing. The box also carried an additional QR sticker of the type commonly associated with processed or returned merchandise. What also concerned me was that the item appears to have been sourced through eBay and then supplied to me, which gave me the impression that the order may have been fulfilled through a dropshipping arrangement rather than directly from SneakerSouqq's own stock. This raised further questions for me about the item's chain of handling and the condition in which it reached me. I contacted SneakerSouqq immediately, sent clear photographs, and requested a return. The seller insisted that the sneakers were new and stated that the suede marks were caused by friction with the box. SneakerSouqq also stated that its products are inspected for authenticity and condition and repeatedly assured me that it would provide the relevant inspection report or proof of inspection. I waited for approximately three weeks, but no such proof was provided. After that, communication became even more concerning. My messages stopped receiving responses. I was also given the number of someone presented to me as the manager, but my WhatsApp messages and phone calls to that number went unanswered. When I later called from a different number, he called that number back, but when I answered, he did not say anything. The circumstances gave me the impression that the call may have been made simply to identify who was calling. Despite the condition in which the sneakers arrived, I was told that I would have to pay a 25% restocking fee to return them. I do not consider this a change-of-mind return. The product was sold as new, but its condition raised serious concerns that it had been handled, tried on, or previously returned. Given the condition of the product, the apparent eBay sourcing, the failure to provide the promised inspection evidence after three weeks, the subsequent lack of response, and the insistence on a 25% deduction, I will now lodge a consumer complaint with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. I will update this review with the details and outcome of the complaint so that other consumers who may find themselves in a similar situation can make a more informed decision.
By Firas Al A.