In the past, dyeing shoes had been a painful process that too often resulted in customer dissatisfaction. In many cases, technology prevented an associate from fully satisfying the customer's expectations for dyed merchandise by "exactly" matching her garment color. Rather, reduced dye capabilities often produced color matches that were claimed to be "within an acceptable tolerance" of the garment. This created a conflict between the ability to ensure close color matches, and the customer's desire for color coordination throughout her ensemble. (David's Shoe Dye manual, pg. 1)
Throughout the bridal industry, it's well known that glue and surface contaminants inhibit dye coverage. Unfortunately, the detection of these defects typically occurs after a shoe has been dyed. At this point the merchandise is typically discarded and the process begins again, with hope for better results.
To increase customer satisfaction and minimize profit loss, David's Bridal has instituted a rigorous pre-inspection process that allows surface contaminates to be detected prior to dyeing. Since the fabric of our shoes contains a special chemical called an optical brightener, they glow under ultraviolet light. Where glue is present, the fabric will not glow as brightly as in the surrounding areas. Therefore, newly provided Ultraviolet lamps allow the consultant to identify contaminants, prior to dye application. Unfortunately, this ultraviolet device is unable to detect surface oils and dirt. If shoes are tried on without foot stockings and there is a transfer of oils and perspiration to a dyeable portion of the shoe, those areas may dye a different color. Additionally, if a consultant has hand lotion or grease on her hands and attempts to dye ...