INSPECTING your CHANEL bag...before purchasing!

TSindy · Jul 10th, 2008, 11:36 PM

I am trying to get some opinions on an experience I recently had w/a manager of a Chanel boutique (Saks in NO). I went into the store a couple of days ago (while on vacation), w/the intention of purchasing a black flap to add to my Chanel beginners collection. I was undecided on the size/texture and naturally, looked at several options (on display) until deciding on the large classic flap in caviar w/silver HW. I must have been in the store for about an hour, total.

The SA that was helping me was very patient, understanding and nice. She even offered to ship the bag to me (with no taxes since I wasn't a resident) and hold it till July 24th in order to qualify for the ECG event! After I decided on a caviar flap, the SA brought one out for me to inspect, before buying (which is what I presume to be standard procedure). Upon inspecting the bag, I noticed the inside flap was sewn on crooked so of course, I asked to look at another one. The SA indicated that she only had about 3-4 in stock; I then asked if she wouldn't mind letting me take a look at all of them so I could pick out the one I wanted to purchase. She brought out 2 more and said she only had 3 total and I proceeded to check each one out, carefully.

Unfortunately, I did not find any of the other 2 flaps to be of my liking. One had excess material (leather) sticking out of the edge of the back pocket and the other had a piece of leather that was peeling at one of the corners of the bag! I really wanted to get a flap (esp. since I was getting a great deal), and was bummed about the fact that a good one was not available at that store. It must not have been meant for me to get a flap that day.

At any rate, during my visit, I noticed that another lady (which I learned later was the manager) kept coming in/out of the boutique. Finally, by her 3rd trip, she came over to me while I was still looking at one of the bags and said, "Hi." The SA then introduced the lady (who shall remain nameless) as her manager. The "manager" then proceeded to say to me in a loud tone, "Is there somethin' we can help you find? You know, the bags are ALL THE SAME!" She gave me a wide-eyed stare and walked away as I started to respond to her comment........(and yes, there were othe customers and SA's nearby)!

My husband was also in the store with me and was speechless after this. What I started to say to the "manager" as she walked off was that each bag is unique and I was just trying to find the perfect one for me. Immediately after the incident, I informed the SA that I no longer needed to look at the flaps and would be leaving because I was rather shocked and embarrassed (insulted, more like) by the comment this manager of her's made. I apologized to the SA for taking up so much of her time and not getting a bag (because I couldn't find one) and asked for her business card in case I ever decided to shop there again. The SA was good about the whole thing and said she understood.

So here are my concerns:
Is it wrong for me, or anyone buying a luxury handbag, to want to inspect the item before purchasing (when possible)? And is it a crime to inspect more than ONE bag, if such stock exists, in order to find thee ideal bag? Did I miss something as far as purchasing etiquette is concerned? Wow...I am still unsure of why I was treated like that--but maybe someone can shed light on the matter(?).

As for the flap, if anyone has a good SA (even at Saks) that I could work with, please PM me the info. Thanks :) I'm done venting.....(sigh).

bagwhore1988 · Jul 11th, 2008, 12:45 AM

that's ridiculous. Inspecting ANYTHING before you buy is standard, necessary even. I can't believe this woman became a manager with her attitude, the SA must have been mortified. You could also send an email to corporate and have the district leader speak with the manager, if not just to remind her how to treat customers.

heffalump · Jul 11th, 2008, 01:44 AM

I inspect EVERYTHING I buy! lol...even my clothes! That's not ridiculous at all, but natural, especially for the price you're paying!

hikarupanda · Jul 11th, 2008, 02:14 AM

Just like you, everytime when I buy a Chanel bag I do want to check out more than just one if they do have more available to make sure I pick one that is flawless (or with less flaws if you will, since Chanel bag quality is going downhill). Sometime I even go to different stores just to pick the best one (Sorry, but based on my "onsite inspection" of some brand new Chanel bags I have seen leather peeling off, twisted chain strap, big scratches on lambskin, loose stitches and what else...mmm....pen mark!). We are spending a fortune on these bags and of course you have every right to check out what they have in stock, and if you are not satisfied with what they have, you are not obligated to buy ANYTHING.

That manager was just plain rude. I have run into SAs that were impatient with me when I am trying to choose and inspect. Well, too bad, if they are that impatient with me then I guess I won't shop with them anymore. Luckily I have found a couple of SAs that are extremely patient and friendly, who actually don't mind me spending some time doing what a wise consumer should do before purchasing.

roey · Jul 11th, 2008, 02:49 AM

You did nothing wrong; the manager, however, did everything wrong. The bags are not all the same, at least not since prices have increased and quality has decreased. If you shop at Nordstrom, I have a wonderful s/a at the Portland store who has worked very hard to pick out the perfect bag for me. I rejected one from a different store, and two from her store, yet she still took the time to contact another store and have one of her s/a friends inspect their stock and transfer the best one to her for me. She called very excited to say that she thinks the bag is perfect and if I'm not satisfied upon receipt to send it back and we'll opt for a different style bag.

I'm sorry you were treated so rudely and poorly but you handled yourself well. You know, even when I grocery shop or buy products in drugstores, I never take the item closest to the end of the shelf due to other customers handling them and putting them back if they don't want the item. I always reach for the farthest item back and have had clerks come up to me and say, "They're all the same!"

TSindy · Jul 11th, 2008, 03:13 AM

Thanks for the suggestions/comments everyone. I don't feel so bad anymore. I can be a bit picky--but I should be esp. with such a big purchase. Well, thanks to you all, I now some nice SAs to contact (to get my Flap). I better get to callin soon (just in time for Saks EGC event--yippie)! This forum is so usefull and you all are awesome!!!!! Muah!

Celia_Hish · Jul 11th, 2008, 03:48 AM

U are doin the right thing....YES WE HAVE TO INSPECT for every purchase, this is no excuse at all, we are customers, we want to get the best esp chanel's quality has dropped so much lately and the prices have went up so much. I do not want to spend so much and ended up gettin a bag that is not up to my standard. It's the same thing when i purchase clothings, i will inspect them and pick the best out of the rest. There is nothing wrong at all, these mgrs or SAs are really ridiculous at times, i jus don't care so much, my $$ is everything and i want to make sure i spent it worthwhile. simple than dat!~

Syma · Jul 11th, 2008, 06:52 AM

I can't beleive the manager was so RUDE to you. Of course if your paying big bucks for a luxury item it has to be PERFECT in every way. I hate the way the SA's stand over you while you inspect the bag as if you might run out of the store with it. I used to find it intimadating but honestly now I really don't care what they think. I hope you find your perfect bag soon!

habanerita · Jul 11th, 2008, 09:43 AM

You did nothing wrong., actually my SA usually brings out a couple of the bags at least and she herself checks them out thoroughly before I even get to the store, then we look at them together, she has at times even called me and said not to come that the bag had come in with some scratches and she would not sell it to me, to wait for another shipment. That Manager was wrong.

H

ShoulderEyeCandy · Jul 11th, 2008, 03:17 PM

OMFG...that is insane! I would complain to the store manager. She had no right to treat anyone like that. It was good that you didn't find a flap there to give her dept credit.

ellelee · Jul 11th, 2008, 05:12 PM

of course you have the right to inspect something. It's a brand new bag and it should be in the best condition possible. I am very strict about it. You are buying it at retail price so why wouldnt you deserve the best product?
I've returned a bag that my bf has gotten me before because I noticed the wrinkled quilting and the SA was fine about it. I also went and asked to see another bag in the same style and she spent 30 minutes getting all the inventory. Unfortunately all the bags looked worse than mine and at the end it was returned. She was still helpful and understood why.
I would complain, especially since she is a manager? wow, what a way to lead an example.

to be honest i have yet to see a "bad" bag when i purchase directly through chanel. I only have that problem at dept stores.

mskitty · Jul 11th, 2008, 07:09 PM

I can' believe the nerve of the manager, when ever I purchase a Chanel, I Always look over it and point out any flaws I come across and ask for another one... That is so unprofessional of her to make a comment and walk away.... I have had impatient SA, but not ever the manager. I would definetly complain to someone above her.... I agree with Elllee, the only time I see flaws in bags is when the Dept. stores carry them, not from Chanel direct...Good for you for leaving and holding it together to let the SA know how you felt...

bhurry · Jul 11th, 2008, 07:43 PM

You have every right to inspect those bags. It might seem to them that every bag is the same, but we know better. I bet if you had purchase the bag without inspecting and returned it coz you were'nt satisfied, that same manager would have asked "Why you didn't inspect it first before buying. We all know that everybody is different, what looks perfect for one is not the same for the other, to each is own. but for the price you are paying, you need to take your time and make sure that the quality is to your standard.

fice16 · Jul 11th, 2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellelee

of course you have the right to inspect something. It's a brand new bag and it should be in the best condition possible. I am very strict about it. You are buying it at retail price so why wouldnt you deserve the best product?
I've returned a bag that my bf has gotten me before because I noticed the wrinkled quilting and the SA was fine about it. I also went and asked to see another bag in the same style and she spent 30 minutes getting all the inventory. Unfortunately all the bags looked worse than mine and at the end it was returned. She was still helpful and understood why.
I would complain, especially since she is a manager? wow, what a way to lead an example.

to be honest i have yet to see a "bad" bag when i purchase directly through chanel. I only have that problem at dept stores.

I used to have that thought too, until recently I received a medium bordeaux patent flap from Chanel NY and FOUND a big black stain as big as 1 dime coin on the back pocket of the flap. The black stain looks like color transfer and cannot be removed from the surface. Then, I realized that it is possible for me to get a 'bad' bag from Chanel boutique if I have items shipped to me instead of purchasing in person.

queenofchic · Jul 12th, 2008, 02:38 AM

The nerve of that manager! I'm glad you stood your ground & did not purchase from them. I always inspect everything I buy (even boxes...I'm that picky). When I first started out with Chanel, a SA even had the audacity to tell me that it wasn't necessary to inspect the bags because the flaws (loose stitching, crooked, scratches, etc..) were meant to be like that & gives the bag character. I remember being surprised at the low quality of the Chanel bags & was too embarassed to return the bag. That was then & this is now. I have to agree that there are more quality bags (or should I say ones with fewer flaws) at the Chanel boutique than those at the department store.

Jul 10th, 2008, 11:36 PM	#1
TSindy Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: The Bay 2 L.A. ~ Cali Posts: 38	I am trying to get some opinions on an experience I recently had w/a manager of a Chanel boutique (Saks in NO). I went into the store a couple of days ago (while on vacation), w/the intention of purchasing a black flap to add to my Chanel beginners collection. I was undecided on the size/texture and naturally, looked at several options (on display) until deciding on the large classic flap in caviar w/silver HW. I must have been in the store for about an hour, total. The SA that was helping me was very patient, understanding and nice. She even offered to ship the bag to me (with no taxes since I wasn't a resident) and hold it till July 24th in order to qualify for the ECG event! After I decided on a caviar flap, the SA brought one out for me to inspect, before buying (which is what I presume to be standard procedure). Upon inspecting the bag, I noticed the inside flap was sewn on crooked so of course, I asked to look at another one. The SA indicated that she only had about 3-4 in stock; I then asked if she wouldn't mind letting me take a look at all of them so I could pick out the one I wanted to purchase. She brought out 2 more and said she only had 3 total and I proceeded to check each one out, carefully. Unfortunately, I did not find any of the other 2 flaps to be of my liking. One had excess material (leather) sticking out of the edge of the back pocket and the other had a piece of leather that was peeling at one of the corners of the bag! I really wanted to get a flap (esp. since I was getting a great deal), and was bummed about the fact that a good one was not available at that store. It must not have been meant for me to get a flap that day. At any rate, during my visit, I noticed that another lady (which I learned later was the manager) kept coming in/out of the boutique. Finally, by her 3rd trip, she came over to me while I was still looking at one of the bags and said, "Hi." The SA then introduced the lady (who shall remain nameless) as her manager. The "manager" then proceeded to say to me in a loud tone, "Is there somethin' we can help you find? You know, the bags are ALL THE SAME!" She gave me a wide-eyed stare and walked away as I started to respond to her comment........(and yes, there were othe customers and SA's nearby)! My husband was also in the store with me and was speechless after this. What I started to say to the "manager" as she walked off was that each bag is unique and I was just trying to find the perfect one for me. Immediately after the incident, I informed the SA that I no longer needed to look at the flaps and would be leaving because I was rather shocked and embarrassed (insulted, more like) by the comment this manager of her's made. I apologized to the SA for taking up so much of her time and not getting a bag (because I couldn't find one) and asked for her business card in case I ever decided to shop there again. The SA was good about the whole thing and said she understood. So here are my concerns: Is it wrong for me, or anyone buying a luxury handbag, to want to inspect the item before purchasing (when possible)? And is it a crime to inspect more than ONE bag, if such stock exists, in order to find thee ideal bag? Did I miss something as far as purchasing etiquette is concerned? Wow...I am still unsure of why I was treated like that--but maybe someone can shed light on the matter(?). As for the flap, if anyone has a good SA (even at Saks) that I could work with, please PM me the info. Thanks :) I'm done venting.....(sigh). __________________ SINDY

Jul 11th, 2008, 02:14 AM	#4
hikarupanda Member Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,710	Just like you, everytime when I buy a Chanel bag I do want to check out more than just one if they do have more available to make sure I pick one that is flawless (or with less flaws if you will, since Chanel bag quality is going downhill). Sometime I even go to different stores just to pick the best one (Sorry, but based on my "onsite inspection" of some brand new Chanel bags I have seen leather peeling off, twisted chain strap, big scratches on lambskin, loose stitches and what else...mmm....pen mark!). We are spending a fortune on these bags and of course you have every right to check out what they have in stock, and if you are not satisfied with what they have, you are not obligated to buy ANYTHING. That manager was just plain rude. I have run into SAs that were impatient with me when I am trying to choose and inspect. Well, too bad, if they are that impatient with me then I guess I won't shop with them anymore. Luckily I have found a couple of SAs that are extremely patient and friendly, who actually don't mind me spending some time doing what a wise consumer should do before purchasing. __________________ Chanel bags I would to have.....

Jul 11th, 2008, 03:13 AM	#6
TSindy Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: The Bay 2 L.A. ~ Cali Posts: 38	Thanks for the suggestions/comments everyone. I don't feel so bad anymore. I can be a bit picky--but I should be esp. with such a big purchase. Well, thanks to you all, I now some nice SAs to contact (to get my Flap). I better get to callin soon (just in time for Saks EGC event--yippie)! This forum is so usefull and you all are awesome!!!!! Muah! __________________ SINDY

Jul 11th, 2008, 03:48 AM	#7
Celia_Hish Where is 02 FB Hobo? Joined: May 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 11,065	U are doin the right thing....YES WE HAVE TO INSPECT for every purchase, this is no excuse at all, we are customers, we want to get the best esp chanel's quality has dropped so much lately and the prices have went up so much. I do not want to spend so much and ended up gettin a bag that is not up to my standard. It's the same thing when i purchase clothings, i will inspect them and pick the best out of the rest. There is nothing wrong at all, these mgrs or SAs are really ridiculous at times, i jus don't care so much, my $$ is everything and i want to make sure i spent it worthwhile. simple than dat!~ __________________ Wishlist Chanel S5018 sunglasses 05 Grey Reissue 06 Dark Gold Reissue Coming [ X] 06 violet caviar e/w flap 05 Balenciaga RT Work 02 Balenciaga S/S FB Hobo 01 Balenciaga FBF

Jul 11th, 2008, 06:52 AM	#8
Syma Member Joined: Jan 2007 Location: UK Posts: 2,981	I can't beleive the manager was so RUDE to you. Of course if your paying big bucks for a luxury item it has to be PERFECT in every way. I hate the way the SA's stand over you while you inspect the bag as if you might run out of the store with it. I used to find it intimadating but honestly now I really don't care what they think. I hope you find your perfect bag soon! __________________ "It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure." Coco Chanel

Jul 11th, 2008, 12:45 AM	#2
bagwhore1988 Member Joined: May 2007 Posts: 48	that's ridiculous. Inspecting ANYTHING before you buy is standard, necessary even. I can't believe this woman became a manager with her attitude, the SA must have been mortified. You could also send an email to corporate and have the district leader speak with the manager, if not just to remind her how to treat customers.

Jul 11th, 2008, 01:44 AM	#3
heffalump Member Joined: Sep 2007 Location: 808 Posts: 162	I inspect EVERYTHING I buy! lol...even my clothes! That's not ridiculous at all, but natural, especially for the price you're paying!

Jul 11th, 2008, 02:49 AM	#5
roey Member Joined: Mar 2006 Location: In the sunshine! Posts: 5,425	You did nothing wrong; the manager, however, did everything wrong. The bags are not all the same, at least not since prices have increased and quality has decreased. If you shop at Nordstrom, I have a wonderful s/a at the Portland store who has worked very hard to pick out the perfect bag for me. I rejected one from a different store, and two from her store, yet she still took the time to contact another store and have one of her s/a friends inspect their stock and transfer the best one to her for me. She called very excited to say that she thinks the bag is perfect and if I'm not satisfied upon receipt to send it back and we'll opt for a different style bag. I'm sorry you were treated so rudely and poorly but you handled yourself well. You know, even when I grocery shop or buy products in drugstores, I never take the item closest to the end of the shelf due to other customers handling them and putting them back if they don't want the item. I always reach for the farthest item back and have had clerks come up to me and say, "They're all the same!"

Jul 11th, 2008, 09:43 AM	#9
habanerita Member Joined: May 2006 Posts: 2,438	You did nothing wrong., actually my SA usually brings out a couple of the bags at least and she herself checks them out thoroughly before I even get to the store, then we look at them together, she has at times even called me and said not to come that the bag had come in with some scratches and she would not sell it to me, to wait for another shipment. That Manager was wrong. H

Jul 11th, 2008, 03:17 PM	#10
ShoulderEyeCandy <3 CHANEL & CL <3 Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,967	OMFG...that is insane! I would complain to the store manager. She had no right to treat anyone like that. It was good that you didn't find a flap there to give her dept credit. __________________ **Licensed SHOPAHOLIC...** Specializing in BAGS

Jul 11th, 2008, 05:12 PM	#11
ellelee Member Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 197	of course you have the right to inspect something. It's a brand new bag and it should be in the best condition possible. I am very strict about it. You are buying it at retail price so why wouldnt you deserve the best product? I've returned a bag that my bf has gotten me before because I noticed the wrinkled quilting and the SA was fine about it. I also went and asked to see another bag in the same style and she spent 30 minutes getting all the inventory. Unfortunately all the bags looked worse than mine and at the end it was returned. She was still helpful and understood why. I would complain, especially since she is a manager? wow, what a way to lead an example. to be honest i have yet to see a "bad" bag when i purchase directly through chanel. I only have that problem at dept stores.

Jul 11th, 2008, 07:09 PM	#12
mskitty Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 402	I can' believe the nerve of the manager, when ever I purchase a Chanel, I Always look over it and point out any flaws I come across and ask for another one... That is so unprofessional of her to make a comment and walk away.... I have had impatient SA, but not ever the manager. I would definetly complain to someone above her.... I agree with Elllee, the only time I see flaws in bags is when the Dept. stores carry them, not from Chanel direct...Good for you for leaving and holding it together to let the SA know how you felt...

Jul 11th, 2008, 07:43 PM	#13
bhurry Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,237	You have every right to inspect those bags. It might seem to them that every bag is the same, but we know better. I bet if you had purchase the bag without inspecting and returned it coz you were'nt satisfied, that same manager would have asked "Why you didn't inspect it first before buying. We all know that everybody is different, what looks perfect for one is not the same for the other, to each is own. but for the price you are paying, you need to take your time and make sure that the quality is to your standard.

Jul 12th, 2008, 02:38 AM	#15
queenofchic Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 87	The nerve of that manager! I'm glad you stood your ground & did not purchase from them. I always inspect everything I buy (even boxes...I'm that picky). When I first started out with Chanel, a SA even had the audacity to tell me that it wasn't necessary to inspect the bags because the flaws (loose stitching, crooked, scratches, etc..) were meant to be like that & gives the bag character. I remember being surprised at the low quality of the Chanel bags & was too embarassed to return the bag. That was then & this is now. I have to agree that there are more quality bags (or should I say ones with fewer flaws) at the Chanel boutique than those at the department store.