Carmina Botched job 

Great job, Steve! We couldn’t agree more. Always be upfront and honest with the customer. If a cobbler can’t do something, or doesn’t feel confident doing something, just be honest and let them know. Glad to see the customer had his Carmina’s restored back to new! 👍

Good craftsmanship is worth paying for. Your skill is worth whatever price people are worth paying. Love watching your vids!

" Price is based on my ability not your budget " - every great craftsman ever

Great work, Steve. As always, you’re simply the best.

Steve just gave away hours of expensive labor to call someone out.Gotta love it..

My brother owned a dry cleaner in a wealthy suburb of Chicago. His prices were high, but, they'd been around for 40 years and did the highest quality work. He used to tell me that small dry cleaners would open up in the area and charge a couple dollars less for shirts and pants etc. He said a few times a month customers of his would come in and say that the dry cleaner down the street was 2 dollars cheaper and he would always tell them that if they wanted to take their $300 shirt to that other guy to save $2 then go right ahead. Ultimately they stayed with the quality shop. Shoes are the same. With Steve's quality craftsmanship, it is worth what he is charging.

You can put a price on parts and labor, but honesty is priceless.

Steve, I was in the retail shoe business for 30 years from 1972-2002. My family owned Red Cross Shoe stores which was a nice quality product. You are a true craftsman and artist. You have the skill, knowledge, and talent that is extremely rare these days. You are absolutely correct in your worth. Love these videos.

Clearly people find your prices acceptable as your shop is busy as shit. Some people still pay for quality work. I know where I'm sending my shoes.

It reminds me of a saying: cheap work isn't good and good work isn't cheap.

as my dad says, "- I'm not that rich to buy cheap products" Keep up the quality work, sir!

On a lighter note: My 4-year-old came and sat on my lap while I was watching your intro and started waving and saying "hi" to you thinking I was on another Zoom meeting XD

No one can tell another what his craftsmanship is worth. Carry on...

“Price is only an issue in the absence of value” The value or quality of someone’s skill, trade, profession, service or work product is in direct proportion to their fee or cost. That’s why professionals get paid more than amateurs, Ferrari’s cost more than Chevys, Rolex costs more than Timex, Picasso’s cost more than Kinkade.... you get my point. Don’t ever apologize for being the best and setting a standard of excellence. That’s why the capitalist free market works, the consumer ultimately decide what the worth of something and what they are willing to pay.

I’ve always loved your work and videos but I never realized the quality of the jobs you do until it was put next to another’s. Great video as always.

Dude, hands down! You are a master of your craft. What you've done in this video is nothing short of being proud of what you do. The heart you put into these videos is bar none. Repairing another person's work part of being a craftsman sadly, but at the end of the day, the feeling of a job well done cannot be replaced. Thank you for your videos and knowledge.

“buy once, cry once” can apply to labor as well as goods. You are worth every Penny that you charge.

Bedo not playing around. Love it.

It's the knowledge, the craftsmanship, and experience! The work you do Steve, is exceptional! The price charged for your repairs, etc are on point! Have a great Holiday. To you and your family.

I am so sorry that this happened. We, your fan club, is behind you, ALL the WAY!!! You are a great and honest craftsman and defend your craft! Mega cudos to you

You should never feel bad about how much you charge and what other competitors think about your work, you charge accordingly to your skill set and quality you offer to the customer, if the customer is happy that’s what counts. When I fit kitchens and bathrooms my price is the price ,your paying for quality and my time and effort. The customer will always be happy with the outcome .and the reward they get from a good job shows it’s worth paying the extra in the end.

Honestly I’d love to see the original beginning. You’re always so nice and you joke around. I like your humor. This is very amusing honestly. Won’t lie. I’d love to see and hear the dudes reaction. 😂. Hope you’re doing well! They looked like totally different shoes. Amazing work!

Fabulous re-do! Loved watching each and every step from removing the botched work, to rebuilding the shoe correctly. Yes, there was a cloud of negativity but that is to be expected when re-doing fraudulent work! Excellent job, el hefe!

Love your style Steve. Class act. You can tell just from your videos that your a man with a heart of gold. Keep rocking!

People don’t value skill when they never done it. I like that you are up front with your pricing and don’t cut corners. I enjoy your work.

Great to see Trenton and Heath applaud your thoughts and work. They were the first cobblers I started watching. Like you they are the best. Would like to see T and H repairing other leather items like you.

Steve, I have watched several of your videos during the pandemic mostly because or your authenticity. I worked as a baker with first generation Italians who spoke differently and were cultured. Honest hard workers who taught me the trade and how to treat people with respect. You seem to have taken on those same values and it's obvious that you're down to earth. I watch the vids because they transcend me to another world where I imagine my days with the old folks drinking wine, eating cheese and fresh hearth baked french bread while listening to tales of the old country. I enjoy when you reminisce about your dad and how he taught you his skills. Consider yourself blessed to have lived and learned all you are from your wonderful family. The customer is happiest when thet get more than expected. Great work. Thank you!

Wow, what sorcery is this??? You took a totalled pair of shoes and brought them back to near new as possible 💖 I understand why you made this video. I know you ranted a lot but you took the time to explain why it was bad and made it educational. Please try to shake off the negative emotions this project/situation has brought you, you saved it and it’s time to let it go. Please enjoy a really well deserved coffee for me. *virtual hugs*

I have had similar things happen to me in my business. Having to redo bad craftsmanship. My high price was never questioned again.

Hi Steve, I think we can all tell that this not only bothered you but it also upset you and that because, for you, quality is not an act...it's a habit. Much love and respect from the UK 😀👍

I love your commentary. I love your videos. You point out the places where we should look out for when dealing with the construction of the repair. Keep being uniquely you.

I love and enjoy every video you make. I learn every time I watch your content. I used to watch so much random crap on RU-vid. Now I primarily just watch videos about shoes, and shoe restoration and repair. Thank you, for giving me something that has created a whole new interest for me and something I just cannot learn enough about. I don't know if I will ever actually touch a pair of shoes, ever, but sure would love to, someday.

I’m new to your channel, but must say I’m extremely impressed with you and your work. You are truly a Master Craftsman. The integrity you demonstrated in doing this video is most admirable. Please remain your usual upbeat self and disregard any nay sayers re: this video. Your distaste for having to do this was quite evident, but your honor required it of you. Thank you again for sharing your work with us and reaffirming to me that there are honest , moral, caring craftsmen out there.

Damn that was a compelling story. Your work is impeccable and worth every penny. The markets set the price. If you get tired of the shoe game you would be a great lawyer. Thanks for sharing.

Steve your work is so beautiful, what you charge is absolutely inline with your workmanship and materials used.

There is a LOT of happiness in this video, Steve. The world (& not just your fans) can see what a good man, an ethical man, is. Plus, hammer time! The shoes look magnificent! Just a great video. Merry Christmas, Steve. Thanks again for the great video.

I'm a contractor and go through the same scenarios all the time. love watching your videos. Quality is what matters not the price in most cases. Many times i've been asked to do cheap and quick and every single time i refuse to do the job. It's ether quality or i'm not doing it ..Your the best . Best luck.

Thank you for cutting through the crap and lies. Thanks for being the voice of reason. We need people to speak up just as you are in this video.

Very inspiring introduction and excellent expression of how a real man handles business. Respect to you sir!

Man you are a true master at your work. In your line of work a lot of people can learn from your shared videos. Another challenging project done with perfection. 👏

This happens in other trades as well, and the only way to deal with individuals that work this way is to call them out. How you did it was civilized and informative for everyone. You took the high road by repairing the snafu without charge and that is how business should be done. Excellent job!

Great work, Steve. You are always committed on doing a good job and pleasing your customers needs. You work shows the true craftmanship that has inspired others to do a job well done. Unfortunately, you will always haters out there just to be heard. You along with Preston from the Elegant Oxford have really set the bar.

You are a true artist and a perfectionist. It’s amazing some of the things you have been able to do. You have taken shoes I would have thought there was no hope for and restored them to almost new condition.

Your work is truly amazing. Everything you touch turns out so nice. Complete quality!!!!!

Steve, when you've mastered your craft with years of learning, striving for impeccable work. You have a right to show off. Chris was just jealous of your creativity to solve problems, high standard of service, & the price you're able to charge for that level of skill!

Oh, how I've been waiting for this! Let's see if Chris has the balls to come say something. Maybe he'll be respectful and just learn from a TRUE professional, but I doubt it. OK. Let's get started!

I know this was a hard video to make, Steve, and you handled it well. You put on a good face and once again demonstrated a positive commitment to your art and to your industry. I am delighted that you did this for this individual and I am sure they are delighted with the amazing transformation you did in undoing the poor work of another individual. You have always be open, honest, trustworthy and kind in sharing and going above and beyond in your work, I know I am not the only viewer who sees and appreciates that. Time to shake off the frustrations and move ahead with life and more happy hammer time! ☺️☺️🙏🙏

No thumbs down mate. Your quality and honesty speaks for itself. I love your videos and watch them constantly. I have personal been to bad cobblers who don’t own to their mistakes and taking on jobs they cannot handle. You are a cut above mate. Truly 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

As always, absolutely amazing craftsmanship!!! Some people need to be put in their place, and tough love is the only way to get through to them. I for one, applaud your honesty, and reserve. I’m sure he deserved a lot worse. Keep up the great work, and the videos!!! 👍🏻

Steve, I think good craftsmanship is hard to come by! It is nice to see that good skill of the trade now a days! Love your work! Keep it up!

Wow! What a transformation! Great job fixing that mistake. The customer is lucky to know you. Your work is always top notch.

I'm surprised he even bothered replacing the welt when he was just going to glue the sole on anyway.

Steve - you've done the right thing. I know you'll have wrestled with yourself about how to 'positively' portray the events that occurred, and why shouldn't you have the opportunity to set some wrongs, right! You're a fine fellow, and you've done the right thing in as sensitive a way as possible. Merry Christmas to you and yours my friend 👍🏼👞

The way the shoes were returned was a disgrace. Glad you were able to fix them . They looked a 1000 % better . Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next video .

Easy Steve yo put alot of enthusiasm and knowledge in every project, keep that way, you are the best

"Hammer Time" had a whole new meaning today, as you hammered your point home!!

I feel sick knowing what happened and now it is being washed over. I understand if the cobbler fixed it or replaced the damaged pair. Neither was done. Instead, it was shoved under the rug and lied about. It's being said now that it is all fixed because he is training with someone "With many more awards and knowledge than you.". So he thinks Mike should just shut up and let the issue go. I'm pissed. I'm gonna explode in a few minutes and probably get kicked, but I don't care. Mike was with me when we tried to pickup twice. Horrid and your video and feelings are justified (I'm the only other one who saw them firsthand besides Mike). Thanks for helping him Steve, I personally appreciate it.

Your video hits a spot that shoes action speak volumes. Your ability to redraft shoes from disaster to better than new shoes you are worth the price for the quality craftsmanship you give to the customer. I know quality isn’t cheap as I build custom wood projects and not everyone wants to pay the price for time and craftsmanship. But the ones who do get my best work, like you give to your customers. Thanks for the video.

I sent a pair of my father's 40 year old shoes to that place in Tennessee. I sent them a few emails (the job took over three months). Never heard word back. And when I received the shoes, vintage Blake-stitched Bruno Maglis, I could see the original blake stitch holes. Really disappointing. But also, a real lesson in picking up a hobby online though RU-vid. The experience of watching, communicating, and sending you shoes, Steve is a completely different experience. You care. And this video is yet another example of the amount of care you put into your work and into the profession. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon your channel and to have some of your work in my home. I'd say more about that person in FL, but I don't want the NYC to come out. :)

PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO LEARN, CAN NEVER BE STOPPED. PEOPLE UNWILLING TO LEARN CAN NEVER BE HELPED. YOU DO YOU STEVE!

Do not expect this king of high quality work from too many shops. Steve is try craftsman !!!

So glad you were able to bring them back to life. You are a true craftsman, and it's so obvious how much you care about doing the job right. As far as the prices you charge, that's up to you to determine what your time and knowledge is worth.....and the potential customer ALWAYS has the option of saying no. Great job Steve! "Hey man, why are you so down?......feel better man" (the voice).

You are a true craftsman! Amazing resto on these shoes. Steve you are a star, shine bright my man.

Steve!!!You’re not only doing amazing quality work, you’re doing a favor to the community by calling out dishonest practices!!!Let’s continue👍🏼

Wow...if I knew this video was gonna be this brutal, I’d have brought some popcorn 🍿😂 Top job again pal. Respect from the UK 🤙

Your work and dedication is priceless. I love watching your videos. And I don't think someone will ever say otherwise. Keep up the good work. Cobbler G is a good recommendation. Thank you Steve.

This is definitely one for the records. A masterclass from the master himself Professor Steve from Bedo's Leather Works! Bravo! You can't put a price to quality, craftsmanship and artistry. And you my friend have those 3 qualities in your work. Congratulations on another great repair they look way better than new. I will love to see a video reaction from Mike when he gets the shoes for sure.

Jealousy comes in many forms. I'm sorry that you had to go through that, but you are obviously doing things right and your prices are fair for the work that goes into what you undertake. Craftsmen are rare these days, especially ones who deserve the title like you do. I've been watching your videos for a couple of months now, and I'm always impressed with your work! Not every project is going to be perfect, depending on the condition of the item and available options for a repair or complete substitute of parts and features of the original item. Haters are simply gonna' hate, and you justified your prices and your deserved reputation as a quality craftsman. Keep doing what you do, this naysayer is obviously jealous and what jealous people do is try and tear down the reputations and works of those who outshine them. I hope that person is humbled by this video because they obviously botched these shoes, and you've cleaned up his mess. You'd never know they were botched, which is even more proof of your work. 👍

Beautiful job. The shoes now look as near perfect as possible. Just keep doing what you're doing!

Another beautiful project!!! I searched A1 Shoe Repair and see that guy likes to argue with his customers. He gets a lot of negative feedback, and then wants to argue his point, regardless of what the customer says. It's sad. I'm glad you showed this, to let people know there are some hacks out there. What better advertisement to SUPPORT YOUR PRICES than a shit job!! He's actually helping your cause with your prices. Generally, you get what you pay for. Your quality and craftsmanship speaks volumes!! Thanks for sharing another lesson with us, Steve!!!

wow Steve, I can feel your frustration as I've been in similar situations and you are totally justified and I'm glad you called out not only the shitty work, but the guy who did it and his shop. Every industry has liars and hacks but if you call them out, maybe it will help. And those shoes came out looking incredible. Well done.

You did the right thing!!! And an amazing job fixing their mistakes!!! Don’t let it get you down!!! I still loved the video. You are an awesome cobbler!!!! The best if I’m asked!!!! Let’s continue!!!!

Am sad that instead of trying to reach quality it's a childish jealousy. You do more than repair you give life to items we love and joy to our life's. And you have amazing craftsmanship. That's worth any money and more. 🙏 Let's continue 👍

I love watching your videos. The angst and anguish definitely comes thru. MORE IMPORTANTLY, the LOVE of your trade comes thru. I WISH I had something that was in need of repair to send your way. You will DEFINATELY be looked up when any of my nicer leather items is in need of repair. Keep up the Amazing work.

Amazing transformation Steve, great job as always. Honesty, sincerity and pride are qualities that shine out of you. You can charge the prices that you do because; (A) You have these qualities in abundance. (B) You always go that extra mile for your customers & (C) You are simply outstanding at your job. Nice one👍😃

Respect is hard to earn and easily lost. Good on you for this video. Lying to clients just cheapens the whole industry. Fantastic job too!

Incredibly deceptive to glue and claim closed channel stitching. Looks like he is getting his payback now though LOL.

Awesome work Steve, your passion, your commitment to quality and your craftsmanship clearly outshines those naysayers.

I love to see and hear the passion you have for the great art of shoe repair. What mater is that you made it good for the customer. "Do not send a boy to do a man's job"

People will pay $5000 for a Louis Vuitton bag that as we have seen on this channel is really only worth $50. Good craftsmanship is definitely worth it!

It's called JEALOUSY. I've had to learn that not everyone is going to be happy about your happiness and blessings. The work you perform and the gift that you share with the rest of of us is beyond reproach. You don't have to prove anything to anyone because your work speaks for itself. I have never been excited about name brand stuff but you have truly taught me the difference between quality vs. name brand which confirms my idea between the two. It's okay if someone doesn't respect you as long as you respect yourself. The truth of the matter is that his anger is not even about you. Stay the course and do you. Don't let anyone steal your joy. JESUS SAID knock the dust off of YOUR FEET (or shoes in this case) and take YOUR PEACE with YOU . Peace be with YOU and may YOUR PEACE be multiplied.

Those shoes look like they are brand new! Awesome work! Love watching your videos.

Nice work - excellent video! Cutting the flap for the blind stitch much take a lot of practice and it looks like you nailed it - very consistent thickness and depth of cut. Love watching you work.

I think Carmina themselves would be super impressed by the beautiful restoration you have done to these shoes. Anyone would be shocked and impressed you managed to fix them at all, by the amount of stupid mistakes the other ones did. xx

This Chris guy is certainly jealous of your expertise and success. Truly esteemed gentlemen don't act bitter and lie. Very generous of you to basically reconstruct the shoes for the gentleman. Steve, your booming business is proof your prices are legit and justified. And this is coming from a cheapskaye like myself. I can't wait to send you my pair. Blue suede crepes. Remember these! 😄 just saving up a lil more beforehand.

Awesome work. These videos show the art, expertise and dedication to the craft.

Steve. As usual your quality blows all the others out of the water. But I must say this pair i think you really showed what your capable of. Outstanding work my friend.

“My prices are based on my talent, not your budget” I made a sign for my buddies shop with that statement. You do amazing work, that’s why people are willing to pay your prices.

Steve, you work MAGIC! Just remember that when others try to bring you down!

Steve, you rescued those shoes. You have no need to regret having to explain why you had to fix these. It was a lesson in craftsmanship and honest customer service. Thanks.

I can tell you that in my trade, craftsmanship comes with a price. I have reworked jobs in the past that bid against me and I lost the work, only to have a client call me back to fix what was worked on. Skill, knowledge, the pure artistry of what we have spent our lives learning, comes with a price. What ever it may be, it is what it is. People pay for it for the love of what you do. You are an artist in the craft you do. It it awesome the things you can do to enrich a part of their past, so they can wear, carry or use whatever you worked your magic on. Hold your head up proud in the craft you ply. Your artistry blesses your clients. They bless you back with kind words and payment for your work.

Steve I went to this place's Yelp and they have mostly terrible reviews going back several years. I read a lot of them. Owner seems to be hit or miss, mostly miss. Lots of botched work and ruined shoes. He even screwed up a very simple repair on a horse bridle. How does somebody stay in business doing things like this? Plus the owner seems to have an attitude problem. Anyway, the restoration job you did is just beautiful and I'm sure the customer is pleased. I know I would be.

That's a prime example of you pay for what you get.. you can tell you put your heart into every job you do.. keep up the good work 👏..

God bless you Steve for the AMAZING craftsmanship and attention to detail...Nowadays, there are more CHARLATANS that there are GENUINE ARTISNAS, and you, SIR, you are an AUTHENTIC ARTISAN!

The quality & professionalism you put in your work is worth the price you charge.

Amen brother! You are a true gentleman and artisan.

With Steve you get top quality. Not only that, but also integrity. Sadly it’s hard to find people like him

Top equality workmanship is priceless Steve. You definitely have no reason to apologise for being a generous craftsman so keep up the brilliant work. I know a lot of craftsman have experienced jealously from less skilled individuals. Have a Merry Christmas young man

Well, your labor and expertise is priceless. Not too high at all. And I mean that. The results are stunning.

_"Good, Fast or Cheap."_ Pick TWO.