How would you deal with a dishonest SA?

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Thank you!!! I’m glad that you’re seeing my point. :smile: Yes! These pieces are expensive. Especially this Diamond pave necklace and this is the way I was treated. I won’t be buying from her anymore. I might be telling her why if I ever encounter her in the boutique.

So you support that it is ok that businesses such as VCA do shady business decisions because they have to make money?! You must be that type of customer who would put up with sneaky SA’s and just let them treat you the way they feel like is right because they need to do what’s best for their business, not what’s best for their reputation and customer satisfaction. Your SA must be very happy to have an easy going customer like you then. ;)
I’m perfectly fine as well to not buy from this SA anymore but I posted this question here to get some validation that my feelings are justified because the way I was lied to by this SA.
I don’t think VCA did anything shady, you said the piece they sold you is in perfect condition. Why shop with them if you think they are “shady”.
 
I don’t think VCA did anything shady, you said the piece they sold you is in perfect condition. Why shop with them if you think they are “shady”.
If you read my original post properly, you would have understood that I only found out recently when I went through my pics from the day I tried on the pendant, that the SA conducted shady business. I must be really dumb if I deliberately still purchased that piece from her and give her my business, had I known on the spot what I know now…
Anyway, no point discussing my concern with someone who only reads half of the story and makes assumptions… SMH…
 
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Correct, she sold me the same one that I tried on, telling me that it is a fresh one that she ordered from the head office. Why would this one come packaged in a clear plastic wrapper had they not tried to fool me? TBH, it is not the fact that I ended up getting the one I tried on, and as others have said here, there’s no guarantee that the “new one” they could have ordered in was untouched, but it is more the fact that they tried fool me… that’s simply being dishonest!
Fwiw I have tried things and then had them put directly back into the plastic sleeve or case.

But I also have trust issues w SAs sometimes too so I understand that perspective.. it is frustrating
 
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If you read my original post properly, you would have understood that I only found out recently when I went through my pics from the day I tried on the pendant, that the SA conducted shady business. I must be really dumb if I deliberately still purchased that piece from her and give her my business, had I known on the spot what I know now…
Anyway, no point discussing my concern with someone who only reads half of the story and makes assumptions… SMH…
You don’t need to be so rude, people are permitted to disagree with you.
 
So, I had bought a few VCA pieces throughout the years and never stuck with one SA as I buy from whichever SA can get me the piece I’m looking for first.
I recently purchased a single pave Alhambra pendant and got in touch with an SA who served me in the boutique. When I was ready for the purchase, I asked for a brand new one which she said that the one I tried on was the only one they had. I asked her to order me a brand new one, after all, the necklace wasn’t going to be a cheap purchase. I was ok to wait since I wasn’t in a hurry to get it. She said ok and would call me when it arrived. I took a few pics of the necklace that day.
When my new necklace arrived at the boutique, my hubby went to pick it up for me since I was out of town. When he picked it up, the SA brought it out to him, still wrapped in plastic. I asked my hubby if it was wrapped and he said yes but he thought they could have simply put the “old” piece into a plastic bag and selling it as a brand new, never tried on piece.
Yesterday, I scrolled through pics on my phone not knowing that I was capturing the serial number of the necklace I tried on that. Of course I immediately compared it to the necklace my husband picked up. And sure enough, the SA was dishonest and sold me that same piece that they already had in the boutique…
I’m mad about her lying to us and for thinking that we are dumb! I initially regretted not taking a picture of that serial number that day but what a coincidence that my phone camera did capture the number…
Now, what would you do? Shall I address her dishonesty with that SA directly? Or complain to head office? I’m not trying to get anything out of this but just want her to know that I am not dumb and don’t appreciate her lying to me! On the other hand, I was trying to establish a relationship with this SA as I plan on getting other VCA pieces in the near future. Sometimes it’s better to have a relationship with an SA to get offered rare pieces but I’m not happy with how she probably thought we would never find out… ‍♀️
So sorry that you had a bad experience, and from reading of your post totally understand the betrayal and dishonest action of the SA has made you feel in order to put it out here.
I had a bad experience with an SA. My original lovely SA had left the company and I happened to be served by an SA I’ve never dealt with. To cut a long story short the SA was very incompetent and I only know this as I’ve been buying VCA from this boutique for a number of years and not new to this luxury brand.
I was very angry, as to sort this out I’d have to go back into the store and it’s far from where I live. I rang and spoke to the manager and explained the situation. The manager was very apologetic and asked me to come in and only the manager dealt with me, dealt swiftly with the issue and gave me a gift as an apology and for the inconvenience.

TBH I have dealt with some very nice SAs but then you do come across the odd bad apple. Some SAs think they beyond reproach and can do whatever they like. What they forget is that they get paid to do this job and that they’re not doing it or volunteering of the kindness of their heart.
Whether your paying for a very small sum to a large sum should not make a difference to the level of customer service that they should be providing, and to remember that the customer is always right.
From what you stated it is clear you wanted a new piece not worn, and was told by SA that this was the only one in the store. But nevertheless the SA had gone and ordered another. Now it’s possible that the new one and the one you handle got mixed up and hence the SA was not aware herself or it’s possible that she really didn’t order a new one and just gave you the one you saw and let a few days go by to make it look genuine that she did as you asked.
I personally would have made an appointment to see the SA or gone straight to the manager. As you wouldn’t want anyone else to experience the same dishonest service as you did.

Even though it’s gone past the 30 days for your peace of mind I’d go in and speak to the manager, show your pics and see what they say, even if you’re wrong or they do nothing this SA knows that you’re not a fool and hopefully SA will know better next time.

I know that the piece you have there’s nothing wrong so wear it and enjoy, build a new relationship with another SA.
But totally understand why you’re feeling this way, it’s the principle of the matter and the fact they’ve been dishonest. Apologies for the long message.
 
There's a few different scenarios that come to my mind that don't necessarily point to a dishonest SA. While it may have been the SA, it may have been someone else within the store who gave priority to someone else for the brand new one (as I don't think they're noticing serial numbers while pieces are tried on) or it may have just been sloppiness where it was put in the bag, then the two were mixed up. While mix ups happen, it's perfectly within one's right to reiterate the request.

To me, given the timeframe and that this one is pristine, I'd casually bring it up the next time I'm in store (I'd requested a new one, but I actually noticed later on it had the same serial number as the one I'd tried on. Weird, huh?), gauge the response, and go from there. If it was an honest mistake and something happened beyond their control, they're now aware of it and can be more attentive the next time because most people don't like egg on their face. If it was deliberate, you know not to shop there again.
 
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There’s nothing wrong with the necklace

I would focus on this. JMO

Going forward, I find sometimes that it’s best to stick to the original SA and make my preferences clear. I would not assume dishonesty, (I agree with @leechiyong and others above), and I believe other posts have given plausible explanations. JMO though, and you need to be comfortable with future transactions
 
No, the problem is not that someone may have tried it on. The problem is that she could have simply told me they cannot order another one for whatever reason and I would have been perfectly fine with it. But lying into my face and thinking I would never know anyway, that’s what I am upset about…

Oh yes of course I got that… but I was just wondering if the problem you had with the item (not the salesperson) is that it might have been tried on by other people other than you… I get why you were upset with the salesperson, I just wanted to make sure I understand the issue you felt you had with the item itself. :flowers:

Edited to add: seems like the item you have is in a perfect condition though, which is good!!!
 
There is no way of knowing whether any jewelry is brand new and "fresh." It could be ordered from another boutique where someone else tried it on. Same with online orders - how does one know if it were not a return? How does one know that the piece anyone is purchasing was made in France, delivered to the U.S. into a boutique, and never touched by anyone? That, however, does not excuse the lack of honesty or clear communication from the SA. I would let it go but it is not my money or necklace. You could politely reach out and ask for an explanation (maybe she has a good one) if it really bothers you. It is a lot of money to be frustrated and disappointed.
 
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agreed that fine jewelry is very different than let’s say a freshly unwrapped birkin. and as long the piece is pristine, then whats the damage? also, I am curious how one can unintentionally photograph a serial number as its so tiny.

the SA should have let you know that this is the only piece that she can sell for xyz reason, and given you the option to proceed or not with the transaction.
 
I understand why you would think the SA is being dishonest. I am pretty black and white and it would be on the SA to check and make sure the piece they send you is NOT the same piece as the one you tried on. It’s their responsibility, regardless if someone else packaged it or the SA. If you’re not comfortable with the integrity of this person, I would move on to another SA. With regard to the piece, it’s a different question. If the quality is to your standards I would keep it. Whether you confront the SA about it is another issue. I think this experience tells you about the SA and nothing you say or do will change who they are. So I wouldn’t say anything and just move on. I would only share honestly if I were asked by VCA why you want a new SA.
 
So, you tried on a necklace and asked your SA to order you a new one. She said she would. You wait a few days, only to buy the same necklace (even though you were told it was a new one) right?

I would not be ok with this.

Instead of texting the SA about it, I’d go in to see a few more pieces on my wishlist and just casually ask about it. Things get lost over text messages. Maybe there is an honest explanation here. Maybe there isn’t. If you are not satisfied, it is up to you to return the piece (and get it from a different SA) or to keep it. Pave pendant is a lot of money.

Either way, I would definitely find a different SA after if I am unhappy with her explanation.
 
We don’t know the SA’s intentions (whether they meant to deliberately mislead you or just forgot), and I don’t know your interactions with them. And while I do agree to just enjoy the necklace, I have been in your shoes and can understand that an unpleasant experience somewhat dims the joy of wearing your necklace.

I’m not a confrontational person, so I would give them another chance and shop with them again. If it doesn’t improve, or if you feel like you’re not willing to give them another chance, swap SAs. These are fun (and expensive) purchases. It’d be a shame if you weren’t having fun. :flowers:
 
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