Interesting...

[OlgaMUA]

I'm not surprised. Just one of the 'benefits' of the job I suppose?! Doesn't make it right though. She's probably waiting for the final markdown and as you said, then her staff discount and whatever other points or rewards she can apply so she can get it at the lowest possible price. I'm sure it's done more often that we think!

when I worked in retail many moons ago, some of the SA's and managers did this ALL the time.. item comes in, they like it, they put it in the office until it is clearanced out.. which could be months.

[chloe-babe]

Completely unethical, but you just know it goes on the whole time, yet they wont hold anything on sale for "real" clients. Disgraceful.

[Balto Bag Lady]

Originally Posted by Smoothoprter

I just called and spoke to the SA again and she told me it's on hold for the manager for sure. She says it happens all of the time.

Mon, that's revolting. Even Nordstrom will not hold a sale item for a top customer, let alone an employee. I can't believe that (well, I do believe it, because you stated it is true) that they would even admit it. Four weeks on hold is bad enough, but for a store employee? This is unconscionable. This information just validates something I've been thinking for a long, long time.
Sorry this is happening to you. It really stinks.
--Judy

[**Chanel**]

I'm sorry this is happening to you
Can't believe that they're doing this, 4 weeks on hold for themselves...
I really hope this story will have a happy ending and that you get that jacket Smoothoprter.

[Jayne1]

Originally Posted by Smoothoprter

I know SA's hold items for their customers, but normally only a few days (a week at most), but to hold it for themselves for weeks and not make it available for someone who is actively trying to buy it, that's just bad customer service.

Now that people are mentioning this, I have always been told that what I buy at the presale is only mine if no one comes along before the sale starts and wants to buy it for full price.

I never know if the clothing will be mine until the morning of the sale. I've given them my credit card number, but that doesn't matter. If someone wants to buy it at full price, the day before the sale starts, it's Chanel policy to release it to that customer.

Is this different in the States?

[Michele]

It's not fair at all.

[cchan83]

You should file a complaint. I know Chanel only hold for 3 days maximum. Same for LV. They normally refuse to hold longer if there is a customer who wants to buy after day no 3.

[scholastican]

My Balenciaga SA contacted then presold me this jacket I've had my eye on all season last autumn once it went on sale. When I picked it up, he informed me his manager was upset I ended up with the jacket because she was going to purchase it for herself. At least in that boutique they do not hoard the pieces for themselves if there is a valid sale awaiting their items.

Sorry to hear of your troubles Mon. Let us all know how it unfolds, we're all very interested to find out what happens to this intriguing saga.

[Smoothoprter]

Originally Posted by Jayne1

Now that people are mentioning this, I have always been told that what I buy at the presale is only mine if no one comes along before the sale starts and wants to buy it for full price. I never know if the clothing will be mine until the morning of the sale. I've given them my credit card number, but that doesn't matter. If someone wants to buy it at full price, the day before the sale starts, it's Chanel policy to release it to that customer. Is this different in the States?

Normally during presale you give them your CC information and they use that to hold the bag in your name until sale actually starts.

[sw33p3a]

Mon, you posted earlier that you were def going to complain to someone in Chanel, PLEASE let us know the result, your "interesting" thread has me hooked, blow the whistle on all these cheating employees , I'm just curious if Chanel actually has a policy on this matter.

[Expat]

Oooh, how absolutely maddening. I can't say I'm totally surprised, but surely the customer should always come first?

[devoted7]

i think that's kind of messed up considering they are an SA and it should be clients first. Also, since they are the SA I'm pretty sure they can find the jacket elsewhere for their self or perhaps for you?

but the situation does not surprise me at all. it's happen plenty of times before. and I also read a comment where someone said if the SA had it on hold for 4 weeks, shouldn't they just buy it already? yes they should, and they're being greedy with their discount

[Jayne1]

Originally Posted by Smoothoprter

Normally during presale you give them your CC information and they use that to hold the bag in your name until sale actually starts.

So if some rich tourist comes in and wants to buy it at full price, they won't give it to her? They will in Canada. They hold the item for me, I give them my credit card and hope for the best.

Back to topic - please let us know what happens when you make a complaint. I would love to know who Chanel values more, the customer or their sales people.

Also, it just occurred to me, are you worried about SAs being angry if they find out you filed a complaint?

[purseinsanity]

I'm not shocked to hear this, but I'm still appalled. It's infuriating. I swear, some of these SAs only work in order to get first access to sales and use their employee discounts.

[Smoothoprter]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I promise to update very soon, I'm working on something and hoping it works out for me. Will keep you posted.