Patina Shoe Parlor

I have already reviewed this business twice. I sustain my recommendation to avoid this company at all costs. Please note Mr. Bourne’s response to my second review. My response follows.
Regarding Mr. Bourne’s first paragraph, I respond: «The second review I wrote had nothing to do with boots. I do recall you serviced some footwear for me and my wife, perhaps boots were included. It has been years now, so I’m not sure. However, I will say that any work that you did for me was paid for in full, in cash, and often (at your insistence) in advance. Regarding your complaint about non-​payment, I think you must have me confused with some other customer, because — as my personnel records attest — I never deployed anywhere while I was stationed in New Orleans.»
To his second paragraph, I respond: «When I came to retrieve the briefcase, you had not STARTED the work. That is a very important difference from having not yet finished. Three months without a single second of work put into my briefcase? That’s negligence, not operations difficulty.»
To his third paragraph, I respond: «After three months of not working on my briefcase, you tried to complete the job in a few days. No wonder you had to run around! You rushed, you took short cuts, you damaged a briefcase you had been paid to repair, and you left a lot more than just a few specks of debris inside. You clearly failed to devote adequate time to the job while you had my item, notwithstanding the hours you claim to have put in after your original failure was brought to light.
«Finally, since your business’s stated policy (via verbal agreement with your customers) is/​was to ‘pay what you think is fair’ then you ceded the decision on final price to your customer (in this case, me). I examined the work, felt that the $ 80 you already received was too expensive for the extremely poor service and workmanship you provided, and so I decided not to continue to overpay or start an argument about a refund. If you feel that this was somehow unfair, might I suggest you provide an itemized invoice to all customers for the work you provide, and include line-​item costs and a total on every invoice. These records exist to protect you and your customers.»

I’ve used Alexander once, for two pairs of shoes. I was charged $ 150 on the spot, and my shoes were never returned. I’ve called at least 100 times, emailed him my address and left messages untill his voicemail box was full. I’ve gotten in touch with him twice, and both times he promised to return the shoes.
I’ve resolved that I’m never going to see my shoes or my $ 150 again, so I have settle for leaving this negative review. Go to Congemi’s on Williams Blvd. They were half the price and actually performed the work.

Please!!! Please!!! Please, Run if you ever encounter this man or company. I gave Alexander Bourne a pair of boots that were brand new and cost over $ 1000.00 to take in the boots around the leg. I gave these to him in January and paid over $ 100.00 to do. I still have not received my boots and I have tried to contact him several times via email and by phone and he will not respond. This man runs in a good circle of people so he seemed reputable and professional. If you encounter this man, please do not ever allow him to take any of your belongings to repair as you may never see them again. This is not the end of this. If I don’t have my boots and my money by the end of the week, I will file a claim with the better business bureau. I will also be filing a civil lawsuit to retrieve my money/​boots and last but not least, I will be calling the police to file theft charges. Anyone else who this has happened to, I suggest you do the same. Oh and the only reason that I gave him one star was because you had to select at least one to post this review but he deserves several negative stars.

Avoid this «business» at all costs. I thought I would give someone else a chance and it appears I’m paying for it. After holding my shoes for nearly a month without any communication, Alexander Bournce has not responded to any of my emails or calls requesting my shoes be returned. His voicemail is also full so I can’t even leave a message.
It appears I’m out a nice pair of shoes and a good chunk of money.
SAVE YOUR MONEY AND AVOID THIS BUSINESS.

Unbelievable. Today I logged into Unilocal and what do I find, over a year after writing this review? A (grammatically incorrect) response from this business owner stating the following:
«If only I could respond to you publicly. You know that your review is false all around the board. I’m truly disappointing [sic] in you. I wish you all the best in life!»
I felt the need to update anyone looking into this business of this recent message (a screenshot of which I will post to the pictures). I personally have already felt harassed by this individual, but to respond an entire year later feels somewhat threatening.
I was advised to check the reviews on the business page. The vast majority of the reviews are also negative and many of the responses and correspondence have ranged as well from passive aggressive to outright untruths. I would encourage y’all to go ahead and look those up as well… Before going to the garden district shoe repair.

I would not recommend using Alexander Bourne or Patina Shoe Parlor for any service. This «business man» is not who or what he claims to be. He is not nice, professional, or reliable. I am baffled at this man’s success within the local community; all things come to the light eventually.
My personal headache with this I met the «proprietor» out last summer, he was a nice enough guy, we had a bunch of mutual acquaintances. When he told me what he did, as shoe junkie I was happy to support a young local business as I too have a young local business, and strongly believe in supporting young entrepreneurs and craftsmen.
Fast forward to January, when I called to have my shoes picked up, as Patinas had transitioned into a mobile service. Alexander came to my house at 8am to pick up my shoes that needed repair; five pairs (4 heels, one pair of flats). He requested I pay upfront, being that it was early in the morning, we had numerous mutual contacts, and he is a young business with hesitation agreed. Thankfully I wrote a check tragically it was for nearly $ 250. What I was told I was buying was a six pair sole and heel package, the remaining pair I could call in at any time. A receipt would be emailed to me, and my shoes would be done in 10 – 14 days.
10 days later I call to inquire about my shoes, they are not ready. Day 14, I get voicemail. Day 20 I get hung up on. This persisted. I sent emails, Facebook messages, texts. I get no response.
Eventually I get a weird and vague communication from Alexander’s «assistant». Nothing is resolved, and then I am blocked from any means of contacting the business and its owner.
In March 3 months later I run into Alexander, we have a hostile and rude exchange. He proceeded to call me a peon and other nasty names, denying having my shoes. In April I see this individual at another event, he laughs as I walk away knowing good and well what is up. Literally as I am prepping to sue this questionable character calls, yep I was that upset he calls and claims there was a mix up, he indeed has my shoes and will drop them off later that day. I give him my work address via a text and email. No response.
He shows up the next morning, doesn’t say a word and shows me the 4 heels he has repaired. The work is not bad, I have had much better work done elsewhere without the drama. I inquire about my gold flats, give a description and am told he would look for them, No apology, no explanation given, nothing.
I get an email asking for the shoes to be described, which I find odd considering that I just did this, and that I would get an apology letter later in the day. In my response I suggest a refund, my other shoes found/​returned or replaced, only to be answered with «I never had your flats, and a link to his website. No apology, no receipt.
Funny, he doesn’t have my flats like he didn’t have my shoes, like he did not remember who I was in March before he decided I was all these terrible random things, and cursed me out.
The lies, deception and utter disregard for customer service and human decency is too much. I responded professionally requesting a refund, shoes replacement, receipt, and apology. I got zero response.
This whole exchange was really frustrating, and unprofessional. At this point I am out a pair of flats, it’s not the end of the world but it is disappointing. It’s unfortunate that someone feels entitled to treat others in this fashion, to deceive and steal.
While I am elated that I have my heels back, the reality the work Bourne did was mediocre and his customer service is HORRIBLE! I will chalk this up as a lesson to be careful who I choose to do business with. Research everyone, and do not use Alexander Bourne or Patina Shoe Parlor for ANY service. You will be disappointed, ripped off and or treated poorly. Just go elsewhere and save yourself the trouble.

Great job! Found this spot on Unilocal and decided to give it a try and it ended up being great! Great prices. Woo.

I gave Mr Bourne two pairs of very expensive boots to repair, paid in advance for three, now it is more than 10 weeks later and after numerous phone calls and request IN PERSON, I have yet to receive my boots or even a return phone call. I am starting to think that I am out $ 250 as well as $ 3000 worth of boots. Be warned!

Did a fabulous job on my Frye boots. Great customer service.

I first learned about this cobbler via twitter. I was hesitant to take my favorite pair of 7 y/​o Leopard pumps there because they are my faves, and I have heard so many cobbler horror stories.
However, Alexander worked a little bit of a miracle on my shoes. I dropped them off with a worn down sole and completely torn up heels. I left with an awesome new grip on the bottom and revived heels. The turnaround time was just a few days and though they are a bit pricey (not that I know what the going rate is in NOLA for these services) it was definitely worth every penny.
I would definitely recommend this place for all of your shoe repair needs.

Patina Shoe Parlor does meticulous work and took excellent care in servicing my needs. Quick, Efficient and Attention to Details! Definitely would recommend Patina Shoe Parlor for your shoe care needs.

Very professional and speedy service! I can see my reflection in the shoes!