Don't think anyone will relate to me on this one, but....
I bought super-expensive boots for competition (I ride horses professionally for anyone who doesn't know by now). Within three months I'd worn a hole in the heel. I have no idea how. But I didn't want to shell out $500 bucks for a new pair, not after I'd just bought these ones. So I went to the store where I bought them, and the manufacturer's rep happened to be there. He saw the damage, I had my receipt in hand, he apologized for the defect and gave me a brand new pair off the shelf for free. I was thrilled.