Welcome to the first edition of our preferred customer newsletter. Since our brochure doesn't change much from one edition to the next, we plan to use this newsletter as a way of communicating up-to-date information to you...our valued customers.

The customer comments that you have read in our brochure are selected from some of the many letters that we receive. This is one segment of the brochure that will change as new customer comments are added. So, please keep those cards and letters coming!

Our goal is to sell classically designed pumps of the finest genuine leather at an affordable price. Although we would like to sell pumps that are manufactured in the U.S., there are currently no manufacturers here. We have selected footwear manufactured in Spain as the best value product. If you have the opportunity to compare our shoes with leather shoes manufactured in Brazil or Asia you will find that there is no contest.

Our business is growing by finding customers like you and by expanding the number of colors that we offer in our most popular styles. We have been considering adding a Nany-like flat or low-heeled shoe, but we have yet to find the design that we want. We have no plan to sell handbags, boots, sandals, or open-toed pumps.

News Notes

We remain committed to keeping the prices on our shoes as well as our shipping and handling charges as low as possible. However, our new brochure does include a two dollar price increase on our shoes. Sizes under 10 will be priced at $56.00 while sizes over 10 will be priced at $66.00 per pair.

Spanish Leather has decided to change the heel shape on their Bella pumps from the current "spike" (pictured in our brochure) to a more curvy hour glass shape. Don't worry, the heel is still quite thin. Instead of tapering to a 1/4" at the base, the heel tapers to 1/2". We still have some inventory of the old shape in many sizes and colors. If you have a preference, now is the time to place an order. The heel shape of Anna will remain the same.

Pepe Jimenez (Amour) Lola pumps were featured in the November and December '94 issues of Mademoiselle Magazine. Black patent was featured in the November issue and red patent was featured in the December issue.

Our best customer to date has purchased a total of 29 pairs from us! (You know who you are.) A special thanks goes out to you. You're only 3 pairs away from your next Frequent Buyer Program discount!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is your most popular style?

A: Rossi is the clear-cut winner. That's one of the reasons why it is available in more colors than any other style that we carry. Lola is a close second.

Q: Is there any possibility of offering Rossi in a spectator style?

A: According to Pepe Jimenez, the designer of this style, the shoe is too low-cut to allow for the techniques required to manufacture a spectator pump.

Q: How do you decide which new Rossi and Lola colors to add?

A: We have had the pleasure of speaking with many of you and have written you letters asking you to provide us with a prioritized list of colors that you would be interested in purchasing. As these colors are added to our inventory, we will notify you by phone or letter. If you have not sent us your list, please do so at ASAP!

Q: What patent colors, other than black, are available?

A: Although we are currently only stocking black, other available patent colors are: dark red, bone, white, royal blue, bright yellow, medium green, and orange. Which, if any, of these we decide to stock will depend upon what you want.

Q: If you're ever out-of-stock of a particular style or color, how long does it take until your stock is replenished?

A: With Spanish Leather, out-of-stock time is rarely longer than 2 weeks. The Amour styles can be out-of-stock for up to 60 to 90 days. However, unlike a retail store, you will eventually get the style, color and exact size that you are looking for.

Q: How do European sizes compare to U.S. sizes?

A: European sizes, including those from Spain, theoretically are the same as U.S. sizes but are prefixed with a 3 or 4. For example, a European size 7 is 37. A 7 1/2 is 37.5. A 10 1/2 is 40.5. So, in European terms, the available Amour sizes range from 33.5 through size 42. However, the reality is that because European feet are wider than ours, there is usually a whole size lower difference between ours and theirs. This means that if you're a size six, you would probably take a size 35. European sizes are unavailable to us.

Payment

For your convenience, we accept personal checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard. Provided that the item you ordered is in stock and if you paid with a money order or credit card, orders are generally shipped the same day they are received. If there is a problem with your order, we will call you if you provide us with a work or home phone number. Otherwise, you'll have to wait to receive a letter from us. Orders paid by personal check will not be shipped until the check clears the bank. This typically takes 10-14 days.

Shipping, Returns and Exchanges

We always ship via 2-day priority mail unless you request an alternate shipping method. If you do not receive your order, a letter, or a phone call from us within 14 days of the date on your order form call us immediately so that we can give you a status report. If we don't hear from you, within 30 days of the order form date, we assume that your shipment was received and that you are satisfied.

Refund requests and exchanges must also be made within 30 days of the date on your order form. Whenever you are returning a pair of shoes to us be sure to:

• Include a phone number with the best time to contact you
• Include all tissue paper, shoe sticks, extra heel tips and the original shoe box
• Pack the Spanish Leather or Amour shoe box in the brown shipping carton
• Include a note requesting a refund or your exchange instructions

Classic Pumps News is published semi-regularly by Classic Pumps, a division of Stagner Consulting Associates, Ltd. Reader comments, letters and suggestions are welcomed. Please send them to:

Classic Pumps News
1320 S. Second Street
DeKalb, IL 60115

Telephone: (815) 748-5506
Fax: (815) 748-5507