Tiffany' CS rant & should it put my key on a pandora lariat? (long)

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

P

PinkKitty2

O.G.
Aug 24, 2009
88
2
#1
So here is the story (reposted from MUA)

I bought a key pendant & chain (I can describe it as a thicker *round link*) this week & found it felt abrasive on my neck. I wore it 2 times to be sure then put it away to return & put my pendant on another chain I already had. I brought the chain back w/the receipt Friday to either return or poss. trade in for a thinner chain. The SA asked if I had worn it, & said they can't take anything back if it had been worn! When I showed her on the back of the receipt that the policy is it has to be "saleable", she backpedald and told me it looked used and couldn't be resold. Honestly if I only have worn it twice and it is already showing wear, that is not good quality.

I have always been able to return clothes that don't fit, skincare that doesn't workout etc., my understanding is that when you are paying that huge markup, it is partly to ensure that you will be satisfied.

I also had told her up front that I wanted to buy earrings, but I ended up wandering out w/nothing & dissapointed.

Since I had just spent 500$ + on 2 pieces & was trying to buy $225 earrings, you would think they could be nice about the chain.

I am thinking about going back to talk to manager, but I am kind of burned out on going into the store.

Stylewise: I am thinking about trying my key pendant (2" silver vintage key) on a leather necklace like pandora, since to me it looks too chunky for the thin chains at T&Co, any thoughts? I spent a long time considering the different chains - I love the pendant & am tryng to make it work.
 
Last edited:
#2
Just go to a different Tiffany's if you can and try to return it there. Otherwise, just go back to the same one when the salesgirl that wouldn't return it isn't working. Just a tip, don't ever admit to wearing something if you are trying to return it unless you are returning due to defect and it is clearly used. Always say this is the condition you got the item in and all you did was try it on once in your house. If the salesperson won't take it back, ask to speak to the manager.
 
#4
I can understand why Tiffany's has this policy because of the nature of the products that they sell they can't resell something that has been worn whereas if you go to a place like Macy's or Banana Republic they just mark down customer returns. That being said Tiffany's has a reputation for having great customer service but a policy such as this doesn't send the best message to their customers. If it's a silver product you can always say that you had a reaction to the silver and they usually always take it back. I guess they can't really expect you to keep something that you're allergic too.
 
#5
I got it returned OK, I went to the customer service department & they helped me.

DreamingBeauty -Thanks for the tip about returns I am new to jewelry and didn't know about that.

I still think their customer service is uneven and leaves a bit to be desired, given the prices there.
 
#7
I ALWAYS go back when I get treated like that and talk to someone else. I did that at Pottery Barn Kids when I got shut down on a doll house exchange and sure enough, the next girl said no problem! IMHO as long as it is in saleable condition they should absolutely take it back. Customer service is going up at some stores and DOWN at others I'm finding...

I've found that even compared to say Sephora, Tiffany's is lacking service somewhat (considering it's a luxury brand). That's pretty weak that they wouldn't take it back... I have changed my mind um... 3 or 4 times now (a few times quite a few months after the date I purchased) with VCA pieces at my authorized VCA dealer (don't want to say the name and get them in trouble!) and they were SO incredible about it - when I was unsure about one, she even told me to take it home, wear it and if I didn't love it to bring it back and exchange for something else. I was blown away! And the store was one that's considered on par or maybe even slightly "less" than Tiffany's. She does special orders for me (I'm talking $8,000 pieces here) ALL the time with no downpayment or commitment to buy b/c she knows she's building a relationship with me and it TOTALLY works... I could order over the phone and have NY or FL boutiques ship two day fedex, but instead I wait a few weeks to get a piece from her just b/c she makes it such a nice experience... and those added touches (like not being overly sticky about return dates, giving me as many extra travel pouches/bags as I need) make it worth my effort. Don't stores GET THAT???

Then I called Tiffany's today to put a $200 charm on hold (called ahead to make sure they had it - need it for this sunday for a gift for my mom) and she made me put it on a paid hold to hold it for me for 2-3 days. I was like, really? I have to do a paid hold? It would kill them to put it aside for me? Sigh. And the last time I went there I was disappointed to get ONE pouch and ONE box for two silver pieces that totaled $350 - they couldn't have given me two little pouches? Isn't that part of the whole experience?

Keep it up Tiffany's - I've read more negative things about them on this forum.... the little blue box only goes so far!!

... but I agree, never tell them you wore it!! ;)
 
Last edited:
#8
I've never had a problem with Tiffany customer service. I usually purchase silver and titanium, too, and I've never come across a salesperson who was rude or unprofessional, though I've dealt with some who were uninformed about their designs.

I've only returned two pieces, a silver cuff that didn't fit, and a titanium chain link 1837 midnight necklace 20" (not the one with the rubber cord, but a vertical midnight bar on a titanium link chain at $550).

It should also be said that I bought the same exact necklace in galaxy on the same order, clearly visible when looking up the order, and the store location was San Francisco.

I didn't have a receipt and more than 30 days had passed. However, the necklace was unstamped on the back! Completely. When the manager saw this he immediately looked up the order, took it back and apologized for it, then wrapped up the same necklace with the stamp for me.

He returned it with no questions asked.

So this is very unusual. Maybe you could go back and speak to a different sales associate.

If that doesn't work simply speak to the manager.

If worse comes to worse, return everything you purchased but the necklace and politely tell them you don't wish to resume business with them ever again.

That is unless you really are tough on jewelry and it is scratched, which is possible with highly polished sterling being worn on two occasions. In that case please understand that they cannot take back merchandise in unsaleable condition. I wouldn't expect them to.

I hope that helps!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top