Policy on "putting aside an item"

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war_bunny15

war_bunny15

Member
Mar 31, 2023
203
534
#1
Hi all,

I was wondering if you can shed some light on a recent issue I've had with Cartier Italy. I am due to travel to Florence, ITALY next week so I thought I'll take advantage of shopping internationally for tax purposes.

I booked an appointment few weeks ago at the Cartier Firenze store and recently I got in touch with customer service at cartier Italy. I mentioned that I'm looking to purchase the love earrings and can that particular store, set aside those earrings for me. Their response was a bit strange and something I have not come across before. They said I need to pay a 40% deposit and only then they can put an item on hold for me. I said I understand that perhaps my request is coming in too many days in advance but perhaps 48 hours before my appointment, if they could ensure the availability of the earrings me to buy. They again reiterated that I need to pay a deposit in order for the store to set aside for me. I have shopped from cartier and Van cleef before and never encountered this rule.

Also I do not want to pay a deposit for an item I have not seen in person. It's a piece that is available in boutique and recently with people getting offered scratched jewellery, I just don't think it's fair to pay a deposit.

Am I being unreasonable? What should I do in this case?

Thanks a lot
 
#3
war_bunny15 said:
Hi all,

I was wondering if you can shed some light on a recent issue I've had with Cartier Italy. I am due to travel to Florence, ITALY next week so I thought I'll take advantage of shopping internationally for tax purposes.

I booked an appointment few weeks ago at the Cartier Firenze store and recently I got in touch with customer service at cartier Italy. I mentioned that I'm looking to purchase the love earrings and can that particular store, set aside those earrings for me. Their response was a bit strange and something I have not come across before. They said I need to pay a 40% deposit and only then they can put an item on hold for me. I said I understand that perhaps my request is coming in too many days in advance but perhaps 48 hours before my appointment, if they could ensure the availability of the earrings me to buy. They again reiterated that I need to pay a deposit in order for the store to set aside for me. I have shopped from cartier and Van cleef before and never encountered this rule.

Also I do not want to pay a deposit for an item I have not seen in person. It's a piece that is available in boutique and recently with people getting offered scratched jewellery, I just don't think it's fair to pay a deposit.

Am I being unreasonable? What should I do in this case?

Thanks a lot
Click to expand...

It happens if they don't know the client. It's not Cartier, it's Italy.
 
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#4
war_bunny15 said:
Hi all,

I was wondering if you can shed some light on a recent issue I've had with Cartier Italy. I am due to travel to Florence, ITALY next week so I thought I'll take advantage of shopping internationally for tax purposes.

I booked an appointment few weeks ago at the Cartier Firenze store and recently I got in touch with customer service at cartier Italy. I mentioned that I'm looking to purchase the love earrings and can that particular store, set aside those earrings for me. Their response was a bit strange and something I have not come across before. They said I need to pay a 40% deposit and only then they can put an item on hold for me. I said I understand that perhaps my request is coming in too many days in advance but perhaps 48 hours before my appointment, if they could ensure the availability of the earrings me to buy. They again reiterated that I need to pay a deposit in order for the store to set aside for me. I have shopped from cartier and Van cleef before and never encountered this rule.

Also I do not want to pay a deposit for an item I have not seen in person. It's a piece that is available in boutique and recently with people getting offered scratched jewellery, I just don't think it's fair to pay a deposit.

Am I being unreasonable? What should I do in this case?

Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
I just did this at my regular boutique in the US. I wanted a specific watch brought in for potential purchase and I paid a 40% deposit. I did purchase the watch once it arrived to my boutique but I know the deposit was was fully refundable if I didn't want it upon seeing it in person.
 
#5
Louboutin329 said:
I just did this at my regular boutique in the US. I wanted a specific watch brought in for potential purchase and I paid a 40% deposit. I did purchase the watch once it arrived to my boutique but I know the deposit was was fully refundable if I didn't want it upon seeing it in person.
Click to expand...
I understand that and it totally makes sense. However, these earrings aren't being specifically brought in for me as its a item they have plenty in their inventory.
 
#8
war_bunny15 said:
Hi all,

I was wondering if you can shed some light on a recent issue I've had with Cartier Italy. I am due to travel to Florence, ITALY next week so I thought I'll take advantage of shopping internationally for tax purposes.

I booked an appointment few weeks ago at the Cartier Firenze store and recently I got in touch with customer service at cartier Italy. I mentioned that I'm looking to purchase the love earrings and can that particular store, set aside those earrings for me. Their response was a bit strange and something I have not come across before. They said I need to pay a 40% deposit and only then they can put an item on hold for me. I said I understand that perhaps my request is coming in too many days in advance but perhaps 48 hours before my appointment, if they could ensure the availability of the earrings me to buy. They again reiterated that I need to pay a deposit in order for the store to set aside for me. I have shopped from cartier and Van cleef before and never encountered this rule.

Also I do not want to pay a deposit for an item I have not seen in person. It's a piece that is available in boutique and recently with people getting offered scratched jewellery, I just don't think it's fair to pay a deposit.

Am I being unreasonable? What should I do in this case?

Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
I just did this at another brand in Aruba although it figured out to be around 25%. I had them put in writing that it was refundable, just because we were on a cruise and sometimes the itinerary changes. I assured them if the ship docked there, I would visit and be buying. Somehow it was like new math to me when I arrived and the bill was less so I didn't have an issue with it. 😂
 
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#9
war_bunny15 said:
Hi all,

I was wondering if you can shed some light on a recent issue I've had with Cartier Italy. I am due to travel to Florence, ITALY next week so I thought I'll take advantage of shopping internationally for tax purposes.

I booked an appointment few weeks ago at the Cartier Firenze store and recently I got in touch with customer service at cartier Italy. I mentioned that I'm looking to purchase the love earrings and can that particular store, set aside those earrings for me. Their response was a bit strange and something I have not come across before. They said I need to pay a 40% deposit and only then they can put an item on hold for me. I said I understand that perhaps my request is coming in too many days in advance but perhaps 48 hours before my appointment, if they could ensure the availability of the earrings me to buy. They again reiterated that I need to pay a deposit in order for the store to set aside for me. I have shopped from cartier and Van cleef before and never encountered this rule.

Also I do not want to pay a deposit for an item I have not seen in person. It's a piece that is available in boutique and recently with people getting offered scratched jewellery, I just don't think it's fair to pay a deposit.

Am I being unreasonable? What should I do in this case?

Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
As long as the deposit is 100% refundable I don’t think it’s unreasonable.
 
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#10
As others have mentioned, I believe the issue is that you are not an established client at that particular store. In which case, I wouldn’t be surprised if asked for a deposit to hold an item. As long as the deposit is refundable, since you haven’t seen the item, then no problem.

At my home Cartier, they hold in-store pieces, bring in “limited” items, and order a brand new piece if they sense my hesitation with the one in-store - all without a deposit. But I am an established client, and I would not have that same expectation from any other Cartier here in the US or elsewhere.

Now, here’s my advice. Rather than ask them to set the earrings aside for you which makes it sound like they are now exclusively for you (hence the reason they’re asking for a deposit), get in touch with the store 2-3 days before your visit and tell them exactly which earrings you plan on trying on and purchasing so they can please have it available at the time of your visit. That way you’ll make sure it’s in stock. Hopefully that works!
 
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#11
If deposit is refundable, I don't see an issue. By holding the item for you, they miss out on the opportunity to sell to someone else who may visit the boutique before you. I imagine they want to ensure you are a serious buyer, as it seems someone really planning to purchase the earrings wouldn't have a problem giving deposit since you have to pay for the earrings anyway.

Granted, the fact you could still change your mind kind of blows this theory, but I think it demonstrates intent versus having everyone who may visit the store while on vacation rquesting things be put on hold, which they may or may not ever purchase. Let's face it, plans often change while traveling and some people may intend to visit a particular store and never even make it there, but you'd probably be more inclined to do so if you had already paid a deposit. JMHO
 
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