Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I choose a SOMR registered repairer?
All SOMR members are time served repairers who take pride in their work and use good quality materials.
2. What should I do if I am dissatisfied with the work or service from one of your members?
If you are unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion with our member directly then contact us and we shall attempt to mediate.
3. Do your members cut keys?
Most of our members are highly skilled key cutters. Please visit our Find a Repairer page to see the range of services that they offer. Many also offer engraving or other services as well as shoe repair.
4. Is your members’ work guaranteed?
All our members use good quality materials that are guaranteed to provide reasonable wear. Due to various factors, including how often the item(s) are used or worn, timeframes of a guarantee are difficult to estimate.
5. Why repair my shoes instead of buying new?
Wear: The sole and heel materials used by shoe repairers are often better than those used by shoe manufacturers.
Saving: A shoe repair is normally cheaper than new shoes.
Grip: Shoe repair materials are normally non-slip.
Comfort: Your shoes are worn in and comfortable, why change them?
Green: Repairing shoes is better than casting them into landfill.
6. How can I become a member of SOMR?
To become a member of the Society of Master Repairers you must make an account and pay a yearly contribution fee. You can do this by signing up for a membership here. After payment has been made, you will be invited to make a public profile. Please submit shop information, and before and after images of recent work. This will be assessed by our team, and once it is approved, you will be sent a Master Repairer certificate to display in person in your shop. A lack of profile will be followed by an inquiry email, and Master Repairer status will then be determined on an individual basis.
7. What are the benefits of being a member?
Members of SOMR are granted access to our member’s only section on the site. The members only section contains information and updates that might affect them such as tax, workers’ rights and pay. Legal support is also available to members who need it. Upon completion of application, a poster will be sent out of proof of membership; this can be displayed on the shop window to assure new store visitors that the store is part of the Society. The members will also have a public profile on our site, made and managed by themselves, giving them a business-focussed website accessible by customers. They can also access Customer Leads.
8. How much does membership cost?
Membership is a one-off payment for your annual subscription costing £132, or monthly payments of £12. Any other purchases such as design work will be heavily discounted with purchase of membership. Membership payments will be automatically taken annually on the original registration date.
9. Who can become a member?
Anyone who has advanced shoe repairing skills and currently works in the trade can become a member. The SOMR believe that it is our duty to promote and support hard-working individuals that are genuinely passionate about shoe repair and aim to never promote a store that might harm the SOMR reputation. As such, members with unprofessional work, or multiple negative reviews may be removed from our site.
10. I've made my application, how do I set up my online account?
Your online account can be set up once your membership has been paid for. You will receive an email with a link to do your initial setup. To make updates later, click 'Business Dashboard' at the top right of your screen and then click 'Update Profile'. From there, you can upload images of yourself and your shop, examples of your work, or update your address, making it easy for customers to find you. If you have any trouble with setting up your profile, or want to edit your Services Provided Section, please reach out to info@masterrepairers.co.uk.
11. Can I cancel my membership?
Yes, please contact info@masterrepairers.co.uk to cancel your membership. Cancelled memberships will reman valid until the end of the payment period. For example, if your renewal date is 3 months away, your membership will be valid for another 3 months. No refunds for time remaining will be given.
12. Why should I trust SOMR members?
SOMR is here to assist buyers in choosing a good, reliable repairer. We make sure our members have high standards through assessment of their submitted images, along with customer reviews. Buyers are encouraged to contact SOMR if they found a repairer to be providing a poor service. Once receiving such message, SOMR will then contact the repairer and offer support and solutions to resolve the issue.
13. Can I be removed as a SOMR member?
SOMR encourages buyers and consumers to contact the site with any feedback regarding repairers. Members that receive positive feedback will receive a banner near the advertisement linking to the customer feedback. Any negative feedback will be reviewed by SOMR and the appropriate action taken. If multiple negative reviews are received then we will contact the repairer and advise them that they will need to start resolving the issue before they are removed from the SOMR site.