VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[diamondholic]

sept 28th well at least my jewelry will be worth more. Professionals saying they shot themselves in the foot when they removed VCA jewelry from all their boutiques. Most SAs are very unhappy at the price increase since it's slow. Guess they are counting on Christmas season.

 

[etoupebirkin]

I think 6% is a huge increase. Well more than the decrease in April. It makes me glad I bought what I've bought because I got some big ticket item purchases. I knew it wouldn't last. I'm very happy with my current collection. I keep on going back and forth about whether I should stop in at the Place Vendome location and pick something up, but I'm not sure I want the Paris blue porcelain pendant.

My jewelry SA at Neimans is having a tough year, so I don't want to make any large VCA purchase in Paris that I could get in the US. BTW, I've been with my SA for over 20 years and is a personal friend.

 

[TankerToad]

I think 6% is a huge increase. Well more than the decrease in April. It makes me glad I bought what I've bought because I got some big ticket item purchases. I knew it wouldn't last. I'm very happy with my current collection. I keep on going back and forth about whether I should stop in at the Place Vendome location and pick something up, but I'm not sure I want the Paris blue porcelain pendant.

My jewelry SA at Neimans is having a tough year, so I don't want to make any large VCA purchase in Paris that I could get in the US. BTW, I've been with my SA for over 20 years and is a personal friend.

Those relationship are so important
Love this post !

 

[HADASSA]

Those relationship are so important
Love this post !

I think 6% is a huge increase. Well more than the decrease in April. It makes me glad I bought what I've bought because I got some big ticket item purchases. I knew it wouldn't last. I'm very happy with my current collection. I keep on going back and forth about whether I should stop in at the Place Vendome location and pick something up, but I'm not sure I want the Paris blue porcelain pendant.

My jewelry SA at Neimans is having a tough year, so I don't want to make any large VCA purchase in Paris that I could get in the US. BTW, I've been with my SA for over 20 years and is a personal friend.

I understand only too well about loyalty. It's a very honourable thing in a world that has seemed to have lost its footing.

The savings now are not very big compared to purchasing in the US and the VAT refunds can be quite the hassle.

EB, you were smart to purchase your big ticket items at lower prices.

 

[NewBe]

I live in FL and I was at the NY boutique today. I have no clue what's true, but they said unequivocally there is NOT going to be an increase Sept. 28th. They can be lying. The man in customer service couldn't be more rude. I am furious at the horrendous service. I do know for a fact VCA is visiting many of the boutiques/stores they were once in. They have done this over the last 3 months. Whether they will be smart enough to go back into these stores I don't know, but they are looking into it. It seems it takes forever for anything to be done. To say customer service is incompetent would be complimenting them, They sent me back and forth to Sales and CS and back again. They have absolutely no loyalty to their customer base or class in serving their customers. I am fed up. They are so annoyed that you are even there daring to ask a question.

I didn't have a good shopping experience when I was in the NYC boutique couple years ago that I ended up making purchases when I traveled abroad.
Thanks to HADASSA who introduced me to her wonderful SA. Now, I'm a very happy shopper in the US.

 

[sbelle]

I live in FL and I was at the NY boutique today. I have no clue what's true, but they said unequivocally there is NOT going to be an increase Sept. 28th.

I have no idea what is true either. I have been told by a NM manager that there will be an 9/28 increase also, but it seems very out of character for VCA of recent years to be announcing a price increase so far in advance.

There was a period of time-- maybe 2010-2012-- that price increases were announced far in advance and all the SA's contacted clients with the news. There was usually a flurry of purchasing and then things would settle down for a long while after the increase. My NYC SA told me that company decided it didn't like this spike in purchases before an increase pattern, and started giving the SA's very little advance notice on increases.

But maybe this has all gone full circle and VCA is now looking for a way to spike sales and decided to go back to the longer period associated with announcing a price increase.

 

[luckylove]

I was also told by the manager at a VCA boutique there is a price increase coming. She seemed to imply that some pieces would have a greater increase than others.

 

[HADASSA]

I have no idea what is true either. I have been told by a NM manager that there will be an 9/28 increase also, but it seems very out of character for VCA of recent years to be announcing a price increase so far in advance.

There was a period of time-- maybe 2010-2012-- that price increases were announced far in advance and all the SA's contacted clients with the news. There was usually a flurry of purchasing and then things would settle down for a long while after the increase. My NYC SA told me that company decided it didn't like this spike in purchases before an increase pattern, and started giving the SA's very little advance notice on increases.

But maybe this has all gone full circle and VCA is now looking for a way to spike sales and decided to go back to the longer period associated with announcing a price increase.

Sbelle, then this clearly tells us that VCA needs a boost in sales. And if after the price DECREASE didn't generate the sales that they hoped for, they are now using the tactic of announcing the Increase way in advance to their advantage.

VCA needs to take a look at the overall direction that their company is taking - from design to marketing. Give your loyal client base what they are asking for, NOT what you think they might like. Case in point - "Bouton D'Or" and the New Perlee designs.

VCA has lost its originality, going down the path of designs that are too generic. I can buy these designs 10% above the price of Gold and NOT pay VCA prices.

VCA's CORE collection is the Alhambra. When was the last time anything was done to it? 2006 with the introduction of the Magic? Are they being creative enough in sourcing NEW STONES, with Turquoise and Lapis unavailable for years?

I hope they don't price their loyal following out of purchasing, because I always say I, as a consumer, have the power whether to buy VCA or not.

I hope this move is not as a result of the questionnaire that was recently sent out, otherwise, this can do the opposite of what they are trying to achieve.

We don't care for CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS - fact is, I stay away from brands these celebrities plug and get paid top dollar to do. Use real people like those of us on this Forum. We pay for your goods and WE ARE YOUR LOYAL CLIENT BASE. Don't alienate us further...

VCA, this advice is for free, since we are very well aware that you all read this forum.

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Sbelle, then this clearly tells us that VCA needs a boost in sales. And if after the price DECREASE didn't generate the sales that they hoped for, they are now using the tactic of announcing the Increase way in advance to their advantage.

VCA needs to take a look at the overall direction that their company is taking - from design to marketing. Give your loyal client base what they are asking for, NOT what you think they might like. Case in point - "Bouton D'Or" and the New Perlee designs.

VCA has lost its originality, going down the path of designs that are too generic. I can buy these designs 10% above the price of Gold and NOT pay VCA prices.

VCA's CORE collection is the Alhambra. When was the last time anything was done to it? 2006 with the introduction of the Magic? Are they being creative enough in sourcing NEW STONES, with Turquoise and Lapis unavailable for years?

I hope they don't price their loyal following out of purchasing, because I always say I, as a consumer, have the power whether to buy VCA or not.

I hope this move is not as a result of the questionnaire that was recently sent out, otherwise, this can do the opposite of what they are trying to achieve.

We don't care for CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS - fact is, I stay away from brands these celebrities plug and get paid top dollar to do. Use real people like those of us on this Forum. We pay for your goods and WE ARE YOUR LOYAL CLIENT BASE. Don't alienate us further...

VCA, this advice is for free, since we are very well aware that you all read this forum.

Excellent post

 

[HADASSA]

I didn't have a good shopping experience when I was in the NYC boutique couple years ago that I ended up making purchases when I traveled abroad.
Thanks to HADASSA who introduced me to her wonderful SA. Now, I'm a very happy shopper in the US.

NewBe, I am always so very pleased when I refer an SA that many TPFers are happy with [emoji1360]

 

[etoupebirkin]

There's a new article on VCA. Although their sales went up it's due to certain one time factors and really not much of an increase. What they are looking at is the same thing as Chanel, getting rid of SAs and going towards e-commerce. They think we want to spend $10-30K and do a mail order like QVC. Can you imagine the fraud. They don't understand people want a luxurious experience. They just want to get rid of the 3-4% they pay their SAs. I, too, think the new designs are awful. Prices outrageous. After all these flops, one wonders why they are just continuing with these horrendous designers. Why are they not concentrating on Alhambra and sourcing different stones with some diamonds. Is is so hard to even do an onyx and MOP dangling double earring? Or a touch of diamonds or colored sapphires in the Alhambra with normal prices not the limited edition pricing. I just don't get it.

I think VCA execs are out of their minds if they think that people will purchase $20K items sight unseen!!!
Most women buy VCA for themselves. They want to go to a store, foster a relationship with an SA, and build a collection. That's why the Alhambra line is so successful. The pieces mix and match. And how each woman layers the pieces, makes their own individual style statement. Most women, after they buy their first piece--are hooked.

My wish list.
1. Make it easier for special orders. Do it like Hermes, in which you have some parameters -- YG/WG/RG; #motifs; stone choice; alternating motifs. Design a signifier of the piece's special order status. Create a computer program that would depict what the end product would look like. Have people sign off on the design and pay a significant portion of the cost up front.
2. Bring back WG Vintage Alhambra or make it in sterling silver.
3. 10 and 20 motif necklaces with alternating stones or one diamond motif.

My 2 cents.

 

[TankerToad]

I think VCA execs are out of their minds if they think that people will purchase $20K items sight unseen!!!
Most women buy VCA for themselves. They want to go to a store, foster a relationship with an SA, and build a collection. That's why the Alhambra line is so successful. The pieces mix and match. And how each woman layers the pieces, makes their own individual style statement. Most women, after they buy their first piece--are hooked.

My wish list.
1. Make it easier for special orders. Do it like Hermes, in which you have some parameters -- YG/WG/RG; #motifs; stone choice; alternating motifs. Design a signifier of the piece's special order status. Create a computer program that would depict what the end product would look like. Have people sign off on the design and pay a significant portion of the cost up front.
2. Bring back WG Vintage Alhambra or make it in sterling silver.
3. 10 and 20 motif necklaces with alternating stones or one diamond motif.

My 2 cents.

THIS!

 

[Notorious Pink]

I think VCA execs are out of their minds if they think that people will purchase $20K items sight unseen!!!
Most women buy VCA for themselves. They want to go to a store, foster a relationship with an SA, and build a collection. That's why the Alhambra line is so successful. The pieces mix and match. And how each woman layers the pieces, makes their own individual style statement. Most women, after they buy their first piece--are hooked.

My wish list.
1. Make it easier for special orders. Do it like Hermes, in which you have some parameters -- YG/WG/RG; #motifs; stone choice; alternating motifs. Design a signifier of the piece's special order status. Create a computer program that would depict what the end product would look like. Have people sign off on the design and pay a significant portion of the cost up front.
2. Bring back WG Vintage Alhambra or make it in sterling silver.
3. 10 and 20 motif necklaces with alternating stones or one diamond motif.

My 2 cents.

YES!!!!!!

 

[HADASSA]

I think VCA execs are out of their minds if they think that people will purchase $20K items sight unseen!!!
Most women buy VCA for themselves. They want to go to a store, foster a relationship with an SA, and build a collection. That's why the Alhambra line is so successful. The pieces mix and match. And how each woman layers the pieces, makes their own individual style statement. Most women, after they buy their first piece--are hooked.

My wish list.
1. Make it easier for special orders. Do it like Hermes, in which you have some parameters -- YG/WG/RG; #motifs; stone choice; alternating motifs. Design a signifier of the piece's special order status. Create a computer program that would depict what the end product would look like. Have people sign off on the design and pay a significant portion of the cost up front.
2. Bring back WG Vintage Alhambra or make it in sterling silver.
3. 10 and 20 motif necklaces with alternating stones or one diamond motif.

My 2 cents.

Agree with parameters and making the design a signature to the one who special ordered.

I beg to differ about the sterling silver - WG will keep the design from being ubiquitous.

Totally agree with the alternating motifs - VCA has already made it a mainstay with the Malachite/Pave option. Come to think of it, how successful has that been with the Pave? Certainly out priced themselves [emoji107]

 

[etoupebirkin]

Agree with parameters and making the design a signature to the one who special ordered.

I beg to differ about the sterling silver - WG will keep the design from being ubiquitous.

Totally agree with the alternating motifs - VCA has already made it a mainstay with the Malachite/Pave option. Come to think of it, how successful has that been with the Pave? Certainly out priced themselves [emoji107]

The sterling silver would make a great entry level piece and the could price a 20-motif a $5K and I bet it would sell. It should be priced to reflect the workmanship, not necessarily the materials.

Regarding the alternating paves, that's why I suggested placing one diamond motif in a 10- or 20-motif necklace. It would not be beyond core customer affordability.