OMG! I got the dreaded letter!
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^^I'm really sorry, Crissy!! Personally, this is something I never ever thought of before joining any board. To me if I wanted to buy it, and it was mine, then that meant I could do whatever. I totally get what you're saying, and I think most all of us have relied on either personal shoppers or sites like Ebay when we can't find what we want in the stores or otherwise. I think that just limiting the number of items purchased at the time of purchase is really the way to go, and leave the rest alone. They still make a profit at the end of the day. I really think Coach would be better served to worry more about counterfeiting than this. THAT is something that affects their bottom line for sure.
And I totally don't get the "hardball" attitude they have about this. Why not issue warnings first? Or look at each case on an individual basis?
And I've also heard that there is no chance of them undoing the decision, that you may as well not even try. Apparently the dept. that issues these letters will not speak to the individual - you cannot get them on the phone, and if you call the outlet where the letter was issued - they just tell you to call Loss Prevention - and you have zero chance of them speaking with you. So I don't hold out too much hope for the OP, or anyone else who was banned, getting reinstated.
Although I would like to think I am wrong about this one. It's just heresay really.
And I've also heard that there is no chance of them undoing the decision, that you may as well not even try. Apparently the dept. that issues these letters will not speak to the individual - you cannot get them on the phone, and if you call the outlet where the letter was issued - they just tell you to call Loss Prevention - and you have zero chance of them speaking with you. So I don't hold out too much hope for the OP, or anyone else who was banned, getting reinstated.
Although I would like to think I am wrong about this one. It's just heresay really.
Yeah, I think it's pass the buck! I know of one person who got a returns letter that was able to talk to LP, and they said they would reevaluate in 6 months (or some time period, which I think was that). I'm not sure about the perm ban, or what they can do to contest it really. I have a feeling that in most cases, even if they tell you they will reevaluate it again, it's just lip service...to get you off their backs. I don't know, but why reevaluate a return ban in that period when you can't return during that period anyway...so there would be no history of the person's behavior other than purchases a person probably doesn't make since they can't return in the first place (unless they sell what they buy during that period).
I don't really know....not heard of anyone personally that the ban was lifted, but I suppose that's possible it's happened. I guess for me, I would not even ask to have the ban lifted. I would inquire why and give them hell, but beyond that, they have already perm lost me as a customer anyway. I have no desire to shop with ANY store or company that doesn't treat me like a valued customer...and I've said that a few times in my life, which had nothing to even do with a ban letter. I know there are a lot of resellers who probably don't care (I mean Coach is really just a "brand" to a lot of them, I'm sure), but for the people that really do love the products (especially people like us that come and get our daily Coach fix), it affects them even more than just humiliation and anger over getting the letter in the first place. I can't imagine on so many different levels TBH.
I think the one thing that someone on here said that is really unforgiveable was that it made them feel like a criminal. That is really low - like pond scum kind of low. Imagine how a store can make someone whose paid good money for their purchases be made to feel like a common criminal. We are not talking about tag switching or theft here, we are talking about someone paying for their purchases walking out of the store feeling like they've just done something criminal.
And I have no idea who said this (it could have been Lizmil - but I loved it!!!), they said what they do with their bag once they buy it is their business - whether they want to sell it, use it or light it on fire. I totally agree.
And I have no idea who said this (it could have been Lizmil - but I loved it!!!), they said what they do with their bag once they buy it is their business - whether they want to sell it, use it or light it on fire. I totally agree.
Yeah, I think it's pass the buck! I know of one person who got a returns letter that was able to talk to LP, and they said they would reevaluate in 6 months (or some time period, which I think was that). I'm not sure about the perm ban, or what they can do to contest it really. I have a feeling that in most cases, even if they tell you they will reevaluate it again, it's just lip service...to get you off their backs. I don't know, but why reevaluate a return ban in that period when you can't return during that period anyway...so there would be no history of the person's behavior other than purchases a person probably doesn't make since they can't return in the first place (unless they sell what they buy during that period).
I guess for me, I would not even ask to have the ban lifted. I would inquire why and give them hell, but beyond that, they have already perm lost me as a customer anyway. I have no desire to shop with ANY store or company that doesn't treat me like a valued customer...and I've said that a few times in my life, which had nothing to even do with a ban letter. I know there are a lot of resellers who probably don't care (I mean Coach is really just a "brand" to a lot of them, I'm sure), but for the people that really do love the products (especially people like us that come and get our daily Coach fix), it affects them even more than just humiliation and anger over getting the letter in the first place. I can't imagine on so many different levels TBH.
O___O I'm sorry for the OP. That's messed up that a company like this would do such actions.
I recently got into Coach, namely with the Poppy collection, and this is kinda getting me a bit paranoid because I bought 6 items in the last month... and exchanged 1 item because there was some imperfection on it, 2 were for friends but total it's 2 bags, 2 wrislets, and 2 wallets. I buy things at the FP store though... I would be crushed if I received this letter, especially since I just got into Coach =[
I recently got into Coach, namely with the Poppy collection, and this is kinda getting me a bit paranoid because I bought 6 items in the last month... and exchanged 1 item because there was some imperfection on it, 2 were for friends but total it's 2 bags, 2 wrislets, and 2 wallets. I buy things at the FP store though... I would be crushed if I received this letter, especially since I just got into Coach =[
You know what kills me about the ban letter, is the fact that it is enforced by rules the consumer isn't privy too.
For instance, if you want into Target...right there in bold letters is their return policy. Clearly stated, it lets you know how many returns you're permitted per calendar year and what the requirements of a return are. Black and white, no muss and no fuss. A shopper knows "this is what I'm working with". As my nephew would say "easy, breezy, lemon squeezy"
But...here is where Coach fouls up. They say one thing and do another. I was at the FP store today, and talking to the SA's about the new 5/5 rule. I mentioned that this is going to be hard for me come Christmas when I go bananas buying for every single woman I know. And, to my face, the SA say's "oh, well they'll make an exception"...um, no they won't...maybe you would because you know me, but that's you. I know this. I smiled and said something about hoping so...but lets cut the BS...we know that the SA's at the outlet don't play favorites and I'd get pinged, booked and flagged.
For instance, if you want into Target...right there in bold letters is their return policy. Clearly stated, it lets you know how many returns you're permitted per calendar year and what the requirements of a return are. Black and white, no muss and no fuss. A shopper knows "this is what I'm working with". As my nephew would say "easy, breezy, lemon squeezy"
But...here is where Coach fouls up. They say one thing and do another. I was at the FP store today, and talking to the SA's about the new 5/5 rule. I mentioned that this is going to be hard for me come Christmas when I go bananas buying for every single woman I know. And, to my face, the SA say's "oh, well they'll make an exception"...um, no they won't...maybe you would because you know me, but that's you. I know this. I smiled and said something about hoping so...but lets cut the BS...we know that the SA's at the outlet don't play favorites and I'd get pinged, booked and flagged.
I've posted in the past and have openly stated that I am a reseller of coach. I know that there are those that see me as Satan's spawn, but all i do is provide a service. My sales help those who are not located near a Coach outlet, own a Coach bag. I have never returned a Coach bag that i bought and in fact, I will sell a coach bag at break even or a loss if i have to. If i lose money on it, then i made a bad purchase and I deal with it.
Are the price equivalent to Outlet stores, of course not. I have to figure in shipping, ebay and paypal fees and a small profit to make it worth while. Typically i make 10 to 20 per bag.
No I know people receive letters for buying a lot and if i get one, so be it. The fact that Coach defends this action as preserving the brand is total garbage. In fact, with my prices, i am ADDING value to the brand and helping spread it to customers who do not have access.
I think those who so vigorously defend coach need to take a good look at the brand they are standing up for. Coach is not only inconstant in their policies but also prices. In 1 month. I saw a bag go from 99 to 119 to 139 to 99. Some think resellers rip people off, look at COACH ha. In fact when it was 139, you could have bought the bag from me for less on Ebay. Go figure.
In the end, the steps coach is taking will hurt their image. They have gone from a premium brand to a bargain bin in many peoples opinion. That in turn will hurt their bottom line. I wonder if share holders know about this. Personally if i was a shareholder, I would care less how much crap your buying, as long as you are buying. My 2 cents.
Are the price equivalent to Outlet stores, of course not. I have to figure in shipping, ebay and paypal fees and a small profit to make it worth while. Typically i make 10 to 20 per bag.
No I know people receive letters for buying a lot and if i get one, so be it. The fact that Coach defends this action as preserving the brand is total garbage. In fact, with my prices, i am ADDING value to the brand and helping spread it to customers who do not have access.
I think those who so vigorously defend coach need to take a good look at the brand they are standing up for. Coach is not only inconstant in their policies but also prices. In 1 month. I saw a bag go from 99 to 119 to 139 to 99. Some think resellers rip people off, look at COACH ha. In fact when it was 139, you could have bought the bag from me for less on Ebay. Go figure.
In the end, the steps coach is taking will hurt their image. They have gone from a premium brand to a bargain bin in many peoples opinion. That in turn will hurt their bottom line. I wonder if share holders know about this. Personally if i was a shareholder, I would care less how much crap your buying, as long as you are buying. My 2 cents.
Good point, Jillians 129. I am a shareholder, and when it comes to the bottom line all I care about is how much the stock is selling for versus how much I purchased it for, and how much of a dividend I will make from it. Do I think Coach will be worth less because some people sell their products on EBay or other auction sites? Heck NO. I could care less. No company is going to be able to totally prohibit their products from being sold on any auction site or for that matter anywhere else. What Coach should be spending their time and money on is bringing down the counterfeiters out there.
I have learned so much from this thread (and all the other links pertaining to "The Letter".)
When it comes to purchasing multiples of items from an outlet or boutique - well - this is what I have now learned - "BUYER BEWARE".
The customers who did get "The Letter", I am very sorry for the anguish and embarrassment you may have had to endure. But no one can stop you from purchasing a Coach item at a department store or on one of the auction sites. (Although I suspect at this point you would probably not want anything that would remind you of Coach). But I must admit, that if I were to get "The Letter", I would not let that stop me from buying a Coach item from a department store or on an auction site. I would probably buy it just to be able to remind myself that this is a capitalist society and I can spend my money how I like, and do whatever I want with the goods I purchase.
I have learned so much from this thread (and all the other links pertaining to "The Letter".)
When it comes to purchasing multiples of items from an outlet or boutique - well - this is what I have now learned - "BUYER BEWARE".
The customers who did get "The Letter", I am very sorry for the anguish and embarrassment you may have had to endure. But no one can stop you from purchasing a Coach item at a department store or on one of the auction sites. (Although I suspect at this point you would probably not want anything that would remind you of Coach). But I must admit, that if I were to get "The Letter", I would not let that stop me from buying a Coach item from a department store or on an auction site. I would probably buy it just to be able to remind myself that this is a capitalist society and I can spend my money how I like, and do whatever I want with the goods I purchase.
I have to say, I think Coach absolutely should be concentrating on the couterfeits that are being sold on Fbay, as opposed to spending time and resources flagging some shopper for buying 7 of one item.
A Shopper is paying money. She should be able to buy as many of said item that she wants, and once it is hers, she can do what she wants with that item, even if that means reselling on Fbay!
I don't like being told what I can do with something that is MINE! Sorry, but Coach has no right to tell me what I can or can not do with MY Coach bag!
I love Coach bags, but find this trend with them disturbing!
A Shopper is paying money. She should be able to buy as many of said item that she wants, and once it is hers, she can do what she wants with that item, even if that means reselling on Fbay!
I don't like being told what I can do with something that is MINE! Sorry, but Coach has no right to tell me what I can or can not do with MY Coach bag!
I love Coach bags, but find this trend with them disturbing!
This is where i think Coach is missing the point. Resellers selling their product on Ebay is not what is damaging their brand. What is damaging their brand is the buttload of outlets that they peppered the country with. What is damaging their brand is the fact that they are selling bags at an outlet for 99 - 20$ when that bag used to sell at a full price store for $300. That is when peopel start to say, "I paid WHAT!!! for this and you are selling it for HOW MUCH NOW!!!! WTF!!!"
Stop playing wheel of fortune with your pricing. Stop harassing the people who are your most loyal customers. Want to control resellers, set some limits and stop making them feel like criminals, we got your scrawny a$$ trough the recession. Stop letting buyers return bags after years of using them. Do this and all will be well.
OMG LOL!
It is true about the recession. Their stock was way way down, and now it's trading at a fairly good price again. It is very disheartening when I see a bag that I paid $500 + for selling for under $200 at the outlet. I just saw a reveal for a bag that someone got at the outlet that is still on the website for over $200 more than what she got it for at the outlet. I guess Coach is desperate to sell them and move the goods so they can crank out another new line. Just goes to show how much of a profit they are actually making on their full price goods. However - they are making a profit - because their stock is appreciating at a steady rate. I personally think it's related to the new stores they are opening in China, though.
Y'all - I have done a LOT of thinking over the weekend. Struggling, actually, with myself. Some of you might remember the jackass SA that I dealt with at Edinburgh last fall. Between the ever-looming threats of bullshiznit ban letters, the Russian Roulette pricing between the FP and outlet stores, and the fact that I have to drive 5 hours to get to an outlet, and refuse to pay FP anymore after my ordeal with my Mom's Parker, I am moving on. I have jettisoned MOST of my Coach collection (notice the past tense on that verb - they are GONE, so I am not soliciting sales here, as I have nothing left TO sell), except for a few tdf pieces that I MUST keep, and I am done with Coach. They'll get NO more of my money (and the few pieces I've kept are mostly from Bonanzle or the Military Exchange - I got rid of everything I'd bought at the outlets except 2 bags and a couple tiny accessories). Ms. Minkoff has some great designs, and I am SURE that she won't turn me and my hard-earned money away, or ban me for owning too many of her bags. Coach has gotten over-rated, and their egos have gotten over-inflated. I'm not playing anymore. I'll still lurk from time to time, but I'm done. I wish you all well in your pursuit of Coach happiness - I appreciate your friendship over the last 9 months! The ladies (and gents) in the Coach subforum have been the BEST part of being a Coachie! 
^CoachGirlJami,
I'll miss you on the forum. Especially your straightforward way of looking at things. This recent thread has ripped open all my waffling to & fro about the company's idiotic policy versus liking the product. I JUST got a PCE bag today, & keep telling myself I need to return a few things to pay for it. This whole issue makes me want to take every item I have & go back to the store & say "here ya go". A couple of years ago I had NO Coach bags at all & now I have a pretty good sized collection. I have slowed buying considerably, and it's getting slower. I need to weed through what I have. I'm waiting for my emotions to calm down a bit. Perhaps I will get the "letter" myself before I can return, if that's the case I'll see if I can still return with the type of letter or not. If I can, they will see a good sized return.
It's a shame Coach is driving away good buyers & loyal customers the way they are.
I'll miss you on the forum. Especially your straightforward way of looking at things. This recent thread has ripped open all my waffling to & fro about the company's idiotic policy versus liking the product. I JUST got a PCE bag today, & keep telling myself I need to return a few things to pay for it. This whole issue makes me want to take every item I have & go back to the store & say "here ya go". A couple of years ago I had NO Coach bags at all & now I have a pretty good sized collection. I have slowed buying considerably, and it's getting slower. I need to weed through what I have. I'm waiting for my emotions to calm down a bit. Perhaps I will get the "letter" myself before I can return, if that's the case I'll see if I can still return with the type of letter or not. If I can, they will see a good sized return.
It's a shame Coach is driving away good buyers & loyal customers the way they are.
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