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.