SmallBizGenius Analysis

Shoe Carnival receives mixed reviews regarding its online order fulfillment and customer service. While some customers praise in-store experiences and helpful employees, many report issues with online orders, returns, and shipping.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Customer Service

4.5/10

Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with Shoe Carnival's customer service, citing unhelpful or rude representatives, long wait times, and difficulty resolving issues related to orders and returns. Some customers report being hung up on or given conflicting information.

30 reviews mention this

Shipping & Delivery

3.0/10

Numerous customers report issues with shipping and delivery, including delays, incorrect items being shipped, and packages not being delivered at all. Some reviewers also mention being charged for shipping that was supposed to be free or expedited.

25 reviews mention this

Returns & Refunds

3.5/10

A significant number of reviewers describe negative experiences with returns and refunds, citing difficulties in getting refunds processed, being charged return shipping fees, and having returns rejected for unclear reasons. Some customers also report issues with returning items purchased with coupons or loyalty rewards.

20 reviews mention this

Product Quality

6.0/10

Several reviewers express concerns about the quality of shoes purchased from Shoe Carnival, with some reporting that the soles split apart quickly or that they received used or defective items. One reviewer suspects that the company sells slightly defective products.

10 reviews mention this

In-Store Experience

8.0/10

Some reviewers highlight positive experiences in Shoe Carnival stores, praising helpful and friendly staff, particularly specific employees by name. These customers appreciate the assistance they received and the overall shopping experience.

10 reviews mention this

Website & Ordering Issues

3.0/10

Several reviewers report problems with Shoe Carnival's website, including difficulties placing orders, errors during checkout, and being charged multiple times for the same order. Some customers also mention receiving unwanted marketing emails without an unsubscribe option.

8 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Helpful and friendly staff in some physical store locations. Mentioned 8x
"Jennifer at the Maplewood location in St. Louis went above and beyond to assist my daughter to get her online order processed!"
Wide variety of shoes to choose from. Mentioned 2x
"Variety of shoes to choose from."
Easy checkout process. Mentioned 1x
"Was happy with the checkout process and the product, 5 Stars!"
Some customers have positive experiences with online order returns. Mentioned 1x
"It was a great experience ordering and return. The separate shoe order came in 2 days."
Sizes are true to fit for some customers. Mentioned 1x
"My experience with Shoe Carnival has been great... The sizes are true for my feet."

Common Complaints

Frequent issues with shipping delays and incorrect orders. Mentioned 15x
"Ordered shoes, january 24th, today is February 7th, still waiting, gave me a delivery date, than it changed again..."
Poor customer service and difficulty resolving issues. Mentioned 15x
"Customer service was unhelpful and only claimed they might not have been scanned by FEDEX and could still be on the way."
Problems with returns and refunds, including delays and refusal to refund. Mentioned 12x
"I waited patiently for about a month, but after receiving no refund contacted their customer service. I was told my refund had been canceled because I hadn't sent the shoes back."
Reports of receiving used or defective shoes. Mentioned 5x
"Not only do they send you used shoes but there in the wrong size. There gross and covered in something sticky."
Website issues, including problems placing orders and unwanted marketing emails. Mentioned 4x
"FIX YOUR WEBSITE. JESUS. CALLED CUSTOMER SUPPORT MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY ARE NO HELP WITH PLACING ORDERS."

Common Questions About Shoecarnival

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Shoe Carnival legit and trustworthy?

Shoe Carnival is a legitimate retailer, but customer reviews indicate mixed experiences, particularly with online orders. While some customers report positive in-store experiences and successful online purchases, a significant number describe issues with shipping delays, incorrect items, and difficulties with returns and refunds. The company's Trustpilot rating of 2.2/5 reflects these concerns. Customers should exercise caution when placing online orders and be prepared for potential issues with fulfillment and customer service.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Shoe Carnival have good customer service?

Customer service is a major pain point for many Shoe Carnival customers. Numerous reviewers report unhelpful, rude, or unresponsive customer service representatives. Common complaints include long wait times, difficulty resolving order issues, and being given conflicting information. While some reviewers mention positive experiences with in-store staff, the overall sentiment regarding customer service is negative, especially for online order-related issues.

Based on 30 reviews

What is Shoe Carnival's return policy like?

Shoe Carnival's return policy appears to be a source of frustration for many customers. Several reviewers report difficulties in getting refunds processed, being charged return shipping fees, and having returns rejected for unclear reasons. Some customers also mention issues with returning items purchased with coupons or loyalty rewards, with the value of the coupon not being reinstated. The return process is often described as cumbersome and time-consuming.

Based on 20 reviews

Is Shoe Carnival worth it for small business?

For small businesses, Shoe Carnival's inconsistent online order fulfillment and customer service may make it a risky choice. While the retailer offers a wide variety of shoes, the potential for shipping delays, incorrect items, and difficulties with returns could disrupt business operations. Positive in-store experiences are reported, but relying on physical stores for bulk purchases may not be practical. Small businesses should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks before using Shoe Carnival.

Based on 10 reviews

Why am I receiving unwanted emails from Shoe Carnival?

Some reviewers report receiving unwanted marketing emails from Shoe Carnival even after attempting to unsubscribe. This suggests potential issues with the company's email verification and opt-out processes. Customers express frustration with the lack of a clear unsubscribe option and the persistence of unwanted emails. This can be a significant annoyance and may raise concerns about data privacy practices.

Based on 5 reviews