Buying at Cartier: brand new stock question

[scheurin]

If there are no scratches and nothing else is wrong with a new item, I'd have a preference for the one tried on and then had chosen. The 'one from the back' as sight unseen may not be the better.

Display models notwithstanding. I also wonder at 'us'. Plenty of people try on stuff they don't go on to buy. Are Cartier (and others) then to throw away these tried-on watches? How does that work for 'sustainability'? Ultimately, are Cartier going to say people can't try on unless the person buys first? I know that De Beers already has policies that if the client is unknown, a cabinet will not be unlocked never mind a piece tried on.

Exactly. Astonishing what some people think.

 

[Starburst 413]

If there are no scratches and nothing else is wrong with a new item, I'd have a preference for the one tried on and then had chosen. The 'one from the back' as sight unseen may not be the better.

Display models notwithstanding. I also wonder at 'us'. Plenty of people try on stuff they don't go on to buy. Are Cartier (and others) then to throw away these tried-on watches? How does that work for 'sustainability'? Ultimately, are Cartier going to say people can't try on unless the person buys first? I know that De Beers already has policies that if the client is unknown, a cabinet will not be unlocked never mind a piece tried on.

Tbh I would prefer that high end jewelry stores like Cartier, Tiffany etc have display options just for trying on. Then if you purchase you get a brand new one. I was in Tiffany trying on the lock bracelet. The CA dropped it on the floor and I heard it hit something on the way down! And I know they were just going to sell it to some unsuspecting person after me (obvs I wasn’t going to buy it lol). When you’re paying 5/10k+ for things I think you should have the option for pristine.

 

[fawun507]

Tbh I would prefer that high end jewelry stores like Cartier, Tiffany etc have display options just for trying on. Then if you purchase you get a brand new one. I was in Tiffany trying on the lock bracelet. The CA dropped it on the floor and I heard it hit something on the way down! And I know they were just going to sell it to some unsuspecting person after me (obvs I wasn’t going to buy it lol). When you’re paying 5/10k+ for things I think you should have the option for pristine.

I agree - I thought that high end places would at least have a display model for trying and a brand new one for purchase that is in pristine condition especially when you’re paying thousands 🤭 but what do I know, I’m new to purchasing Cartier etc.

 

[papertiger]

Tbh I would prefer that high end jewelry stores like Cartier, Tiffany etc have display options just for trying on. Then if you purchase you get a brand new one. I was in Tiffany trying on the lock bracelet. The CA dropped it on the floor and I heard it hit something on the way down! And I know they were just going to sell it to some unsuspecting person after me (obvs I wasn’t going to buy it lol). When you’re paying 5/10k+ for things I think you should have the option for pristine.

Most stores, even the ones in major cities, have very few pieces of all but the very best sellers (like classic Love bracelets).

None of us know whether SAs drop things in the back (too). That's why I check the one I'm going to buy.

If that one is scratched or damaged (as has happened to a friend of mine) I would ask for another.

Although $5-10K is a great deal of money (for me too) in the Cartier world it's still entry level. We can only do due diligence. I'm sure the dropped watch will go to the back to be checked, as was a necklace in Sloane Street that had the wrong pendent left on and yet was offered to me.

 

[Starburst 413]

Most stores, even the ones in major cities, have very few pieces of all but the very best sellers (like classic Love bracelets).

None of us know whether SAs drop things in the back (too). That's why I check the one I'm going to buy.

If that one is scratched or damaged (as has happened to a friend of mine) I would ask for another.

Although $5-10K is a great deal of money (for me too) in the Cartier world it's still entry level. We can only do due diligence. I'm sure the dropped watch will go to the back to be checked, as was a necklace in Sloane Street that had the wrong pendent left on and yet was offered to me.

With my example, the dropped bracelet went right back into the case as if nothing had happened. She didn’t even examine it closely or anything. And she laughed. It was really unbefitting a brand of Tiffany’s caliber.

I always ask if a pristine one is available before I purchase…..sorry but I don’t want one that fifty people have tried on. If a new one isn’t available then I order one in. Frankly, this is one of the reasons I prefer to buy online….these brands scrutinize online returns heavily so at least if it’s a return I know it’s been checked thoroughly. Every item I’ve purchased that came from a warehouse has been pristine, items that were shipped from stores were usually not.

 

[Starburst 413]

If there are no scratches and nothing else is wrong with a new item, I'd have a preference for the one tried on and then had chosen. The 'one from the back' as sight unseen may not be the better.

Display models notwithstanding. I also wonder at 'us'. Plenty of people try on stuff they don't go on to buy. Are Cartier (and others) then to throw away these tried-on watches? How does that work for 'sustainability'? Ultimately, are Cartier going to say people can't try on unless the person buys first? I know that De Beers already has policies that if the client is unknown, a cabinet will not be unlocked never mind a piece tried on

I don’t this anyone’s saying ‘don’t sell items that have been tried on’. Obviously that’s ridiculous on so many levels. However, I do think it’s not unreasonable to have display items just for trying on.

 

[880]

I’m not sure any store can allocate part of their budget on ‘try on’ pieces for such popular items. These popular items are relatively entry level in comparison to the bigger pieces, so there are many more of them (think rings, bangles, bracelets, small necklaces, and every variation of watch one can imagine). I also don’t think it’s sustainable from either an economic or environmental point of view.

I agree with the post above that stated if you truly cannot be happy about the possibility and cannot trust the SA even if there are no signs of use, then perhaps refrain from purchase. The flip side of a client demand that a piece never be tried on is not only to refuse a test drive (as op had been allowed to do) but also make every item final sale, not returnable.*

I was at a Tiffany event where my SA pulled out a signature high jewelry piece for me to examine. I’m sure if a client of hers was seriously interested in purchase, she would have been able to try it on. And, I don’t think that this would have been an impediment to the final purchase.

ETA: If a prospective client feels this way, I would suggest thorough examination prior to purchase. By the same logic, it would not be fair to the person who might purchase a returned piece, as such an item, taken home; examined with a loop; tried on; with fingerprints of the original purchaser, would no longer be considered in saleable condition.

 

[Starburst 413]

I’m not sure any store can allocate part of their budget on ‘try on’ pieces for such popular items. These popular items are relatively entry level in comparison to the bigger pieces, so there are many more of them (think rings, bangles, bracelets, small necklaces, and every variation of watch one can imagine.

I agree with the post above that stated if you truly cannot be happy about the possibility and cannot trust the SA even if there are no signs of use, then perhaps refrain from purchase. The flip side of a client demand that a piece never be tried on is not only to refuse a test drive but also make every item final sale, not returnable.

I was at a Tiffany event where my SA pulled out a signature high jewelry piece for me to examine. I’m sure if a client of hers was seriously interested in purchase, she would have been able to try it on. And, I don’t think that this would have been an impediment to the final purchase.

I think there’s a huge difference between a few people trying on a high jewelry piece with white glove service than 50+ people trying on something as they please. Obviously much more opportunity for ‘wear’, Of course, perhaps the more popular items are being sold so fast that they get handled less.

 

[lalame]

When I've shopped at Cartier stores, they did have some display models just for trying on... and they looked it! Maybe this is just for the super popular models like Love bracelets and rings? I can understand them not doing this for steel watches though... they're so hardy and not easily scratched.

 

[CParis815]

I’d rather buy an item I tried on and inspected than some random “just taken it out of the box” item in the back that I didn’t witness the removal of the packaged item, while also trusting the someone’s word that is brand new, and I didn’t get the chance to inspect or try on.

Also I think your expectations are possibly too high. Just because you spend a few grand for an entry level piece does not guarantee you perfection. Be happy with your purchase or don’t buy at all. 🤷🏼‍♀️

 

[Purrsey]

This reminds me when I buy a pack of gummies off the shelf , I wil always pick one from the back as the first pack probably has been squashed by some touchy touchy kids whose parents say no to buying. lol.

I will always ask for new piece when I’ve decided to buy (Jewelry) and then inspect it. There will be times SA can’t fulfill that (for whatever reason). Then I will just get the one I tried on so long it looks and feels brand new. I’ll be happy either way.

 

[Starburst 413]

I’d rather buy an item I tried on and inspected than some random “just taken it out of the box” item in the back that I didn’t witness the removal of the packaged item, while also trusting the someone’s word that is brand new, and I didn’t get the chance to inspect or try on.

Also I think your expectations are possibly too high. Just because you spend a few grand for an entry level piece does not guarantee you perfection. Be happy with your purchase or don’t buy at all. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’m genuinely curious…..at what level of spend is one allowed to have expectations of quality?

There seems to be a pervasive sentiment on these luxury boards that ‘entry level’ products that ‘only cost a few thousand dollars’ aren’t expected to have the best quality. Frankly, I don’t understand it. Realistically, we’re already paying an upcharge for branding, so at the very least these brands owe their customers good quality. Maybe I’m old skool, but that’s how it was years ago…when luxury actually signified quality. Luxury brands today take advantage of low customer expectations.

 

[Swanky]

I’m genuinely curious…..at what level of spend is one allowed to have expectations of quality?

There seems to be a pervasive sentiment on these luxury boards that ‘entry level’ products that ‘only cost a few thousand dollars’ aren’t expected to have the best quality. Frankly, I don’t understand it. Realistically, we’re already paying an upcharge for branding, so at the very least these brands owe their customers good quality. Maybe I’m old skool, but that’s how it was years ago…when luxury actually signified quality. Luxury brands today take advantage of low customer expectations.

Quality? I think there's not a specific dollar amount, it's too fluid and relative imo.
But discussing Cartier pieces, you should expect a quality piece no matter the price point. I think it's a little crazy to expect an untouched piece for most purchases. They're not just sitting out on display like a shoe department. I have 7 pieces and I've never taken a flashlight or loupe looking for minute scratches. I rarely hear of a quality issue with Cartier, it's to be expected all new pieces will be immaculate. JMO

 

[Starburst 413]

Quality? I think there's not a specific dollar amount, it's too fluid and relative imo.
But discussing Cartier pieces, you should expect a quality piece no matter the price point. I think it's a little crazy to expect an untouched piece for most purchases. They're not just sitting out on display like a shoe department. I have 7 pieces and I've never taken a flashlight or loupe looking for minute scratches. I rarely hear of a quality issue with Cartier, it's to be expected all new pieces will be immaculate. JMO

I agree Cartier typically delivers on their brand promises. I’ve purchased 6 Cartier pieces and all have been wonderful and met my expectations for a luxury product/experience. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for most of the other luxury brands I’ve purchased from.

 

[CParis815]

I’m genuinely curious…..at what level of spend is one allowed to have expectations of quality?

There seems to be a pervasive sentiment on these luxury boards that ‘entry level’ products that ‘only cost a few thousand dollars’ aren’t expected to have the best quality. Frankly, I don’t understand it. Realistically, we’re already paying an upcharge for branding, so at the very least these brands owe their customers good quality. Maybe I’m old skool, but that’s how it was years ago…when luxury actually signified quality. Luxury brands today take advantage of low customer expectations.

Luxury brands should have quality at all price points.

To assume that someone should be given an untouched piece as OP is suggesting is unrealistic.