We occasionally get some quite "interesting" emails and calls for product and tech support here at Van's Aircraft. Some of those would probably make you angry if you read them (unfortunately people can be downright nasty sometimes), while others are exactly the opposite.
Here's one from that latter category. 
Liv - of Jamestown, New York - sent us a package with a hand-written note enclosed, which read:
Quote:
8/14/20
VANS,
My left shoe is coming apart on the inside by the elastic. Please repair or replace my shoe. I've been a loyal customer for years. I wear a woman's 8.5. Thank you.
Liv (last name and address withheld)
Jamestown, NY
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and on the back side of the note:
Now, we know all about - and truly appreciate - loyal customers who have stuck with us over many, many years. We love you all.
So, deep down inside we felt for Liv. Also, the shoes that were enclosed in the package and accompanied the note were clear proof (both visibly and olfactorally, if that's a word) that either the owner was a long-term Vans (Shoes) customer, and/or that these particular shoes are very-well used on a regular basis.
Sidebar: I burn through shoes like no one else, so I empathize. And, I hate it when my favorite shoes wear out. It's a truly sad day when that happens. I've even worn shoes with holes in them (in Oregon, in the rain) because they just wear so well.
Anyhow, we understand where Liv's coming from. And hey, our company names are so similar. We understand why people might get confused. That must be why we go to OSH and see all these kids walking around wearing these fancy t-shirts and we're all like, NOOOOO! ... But hey, in the end we're all on the same team here. Right? We certainly all like checkerboard designs...
Okay, so what to do now? I seriously considered prosealing the shoes back together, which would solve that problem for all eternity, but we know what THAT stuff smells like, so... instead I sent a quick message to the Vans (Shoes - with no apostrophe by the way) customer support team. Then while I waited I did a quick search and found the same shoes that I knew Liv was SUFFERING without, I mean what, running around New York barefoot, for gosh sake! I found the right ones on Kohls, and on sale too! Plus, if I discovered that if I ordered one more pair, I'd get free shipping. Bonus! Turnes out my stepson "needs" new shoes and he especially liked exactly two of their ten thousand designs, one of which was available in his size. DONE DEAL. I ordered the two pairs of shoes, and they're en route now.
The next morning, I get a reply message from the Vans Shoes folks: They're similarly amused and offered to send me a gift card to buy a pair of shoes for myself because I was a nice guy and ordered shoes for Liv. I thanked them, but said that wasn't really necessary, as my shoes don't yet have holes in the bottom of them. Nice folks over there at Vans. And at Van's, too. I have great coworkers.
Also, I can only wonder how often Vans Shoes might get Van's Aircraft customer support requests. I'm guessing not too often, but it could happen! "I dimpled my rudder skin and accidentally slipped and punched a hole in it where there shouldn't be one. Do I need a new part?" The imagination runs wild.
So, just to make sure we're all on the same page:
Van's Aircraft (with an apostrophe): Founded by Dick VanGrunsven and located in Aurora Oregon, our company makes cool airplane kits and parts and other awesomeness.
Vans Shoes (no apostrophe): Founded by Paul Van Doren, James Van Doren, Serge D’Elia, Jim Van Doren and Gordon Lee, their company makes the cool skater shoes I wore when I was a kid, and other various clothing/apparel.
Oh, and we also make some cool clothing and hats and stuff. But not shoes. Check it out:
https://bit.ly/3j02knt
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Seriously though, Liv was a great sport and said to go ahead and feel free to share this, using the first name and town and all that. Good sport. Now to go wash these shoes...
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Van's (or Vans) Support Requests - Not always what you'd expect
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