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Don't Rush Out And Buy A New Pair Of Shoes
Shoe repairers have managed some pretty amazing transformations during the shoe mending and altering process. They also work their magic on other leather goods.
Having an informal chat with customers to find out what's wrong with the customer's shoes is typically what happens before a shoe repairer can start working. At the same time, shoe repairers often give customers a quote for the cost of a repair.
You Name It, They Can Probably Do It
Shoe repairers can insert new insoles, fix or fasten new heels or soles, as well as change the colour of someone's shoes. These shoe magicians are pretty skilled when it comes to changing shoe colours but, as to be expected, it's easier for them to change a pair of white shoes to platinum silver, rather than the other way around, or to take darker colours to a lighter shade.
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One of the most common tasks undertaken by shoe repairers is the replacement of shoe soles, great for giving shoes years more wear.
''When fixing a sole, I start by grinding the existing rubber sole off completely. Then it's time to check the insole. If that's worn out then I replace it. If the decorative edge (around the upper part of the shoe and running down to join the sole) is also worn out, then it too has to be replaced. A new decorative edge has to be glued on before I put on the new sole unit. The unit that was on the shoe originally, or whatever suits the shoe best, is then chosen and glued on to the underside of the shoe. It's finished off by sanding the sole for a nice, smooth finish,'' says former self-employed shoe repairer, Frank Quaresimin.
Tricks Of The Trade
Frank's father, Danny, also a former self-employed shoe repairer, says the most important part about fixing shoes is to prepare the shoe before you start fixing the actual problem.
''If the shoe has lost its shape, then put in a new insole. You often have to go further than the obvious problem.''
It's important in this highly customer service-oriented occupation that shoe repairers have good verbal communication skills as this can help avoid problem situations.
Frank says there have been incidents where customers have asked that shoes be coloured to match their bags, only to discover when the customer picks up their shoes that it's the wrong colour!
''So the shoes have to be done again. I had another lady who came in about a year after she'd dropped off her shoes. She was saying that they had been dyed red, and she'd lost her ticket. We eventually tracked the shoes down but she had forgotten that she asked us to dye them black. We tore our hair out over that one.''
Both Frank and Danny say they have watched changes occur in this industry. This includes the introduction of sturdier repair products, such as glues, and advancements in shoe repairs machinery. Another significant trend has been the diversification that has occurred over the past 10 years.
''No one can afford to live off shoe repairs alone any more. We have to do key cutting, engraving, watch repairs and even sell some giftware. Because of the prominence of shoe repair businesses in shopping centres nowadays, most of us have to work retail hours too,'' says Frank.
According to Frank, tasks such as key cutting and engraving are generally learnt on the job by shoe repairers.
A Light Manufacturing Industry Training Council spokesperson says that because there is no formal training required for this occupation, there could be future shortages of skilled shoe repairers. Currently a very small workforce, the occupation experiences only moderate turnover. When the economy is tight, people tend to repair rather than replace their shoes and demand for these services goes up.
The starting salary is about $25,000 per year and this may go as high as $35,000 for self-employed shoe repairers.
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