Got my e-ring from a pricescope dealer :-(

[MichelleCarmen]

I'm sorry.

I do agree too that it's YOUR right whether or not you choose to name this vendor, but regardless, finding the vendor on our own is OUR right just as well. There are many *available* tools here on PS to aid us with background searches and it's simply UNREALISTIC to expect us to sedately sit here in a lobotomized manner reading about your stressful and disappointing purchase and not use what information is available in order to protect ourselves from such similar fates.

Pricescope IS a "consumer advocate site," and this is the prospective that I take even in consideration of your situation. You did nothing wrong as you never once bashed the company and in fact, you did all you could to protect their name and reputation. . .AND, you're in the power position of being able to post how easily the refund process went. I'm all to blame for those who've found the vendor's name

So, don't sweat it, you'll get your money back.

I hope things work out for you and the end result of all this time and effort is the ring of your dreams! Good luck.

Michelle

 

[aljdewey]

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On 5/19/2004 3:16:10 PM MichelleCarmen wrote:











I do agree too that it's YOUR right whether or not you choose to name this vendor, but regardless, finding the vendor on our own is OUR right just as well. There are many *available* tools here on PS to aid us with background searches and it's simply UNREALISTIC to expect us to sedately sit here in a lobotomized manner reading about your stressful and disappointing purchase and not use what information is available in order to protect ourselves from such similar fates.

----------------

I guess my take on it is a bit different.

If we as a community cannot be trusted to provide input on problem situations without demanding that a vendor be *outed*, I think the eventual outcome will be that folks won't come here and share their problems/frustrations. And that, in turn, means you'll have an even harder time protecting yourself from a similar fate because no one will raise a flag at all.....we ALL lose then.

After what I've witnessed in this thread.....I'd be very unlikely to even pose a similar question here. People should be able to bring hypotheticals here safely without being pressured to name names unless/until they are ready.

Also, it's a bit presumptive to say "it's MY fault the vendor name got out, you did nothing wrong, so don't worry, you'll get your money back." While that's likely true, you don't *know* that with absolute certainty (unless you work for the vendor). While you've decided it's not his fault, the vendor may feel it is.....if the thread hadn't been started in the first place, there would have been nothing for you to *out*.

More than anything, PS is a community based on respect, and I think that if a poster says he's not ready to divulge names (and even goes so far as to edit a prior thread), we should respect that. For those who are compelled to gossip and/or speculate identities, perhaps PM would be a more appropriate way to do so.

Just my thoughts.

 

[fire&ice]

The key to me for knowing the vendor is that admittedly the vendor did not inspect the ring prior to shipment. This "type" of vendor is not one I would choose to do business with. And, by "type", I mean a drop-shipper.

Might be fine for someone else. Just not for me.

 

[verticalhorizon]

I wonder if Leo can program a rating system, a la Amazon, so even with a stray, unsuspecting bad review, you can get a quick idea how well a vendor is doing and not tarnish their overall rep?

 

[aljdewey]

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On 5/19/2004 5:28:29 PM fire&ice wrote:





The key to me for knowing the vendor is that admittedly the vendor did not inspect the ring prior to shipment. This 'type' of vendor is not one I would choose to do business with. And, by 'type', I mean a drop-shipper.

Might be fine for someone else. Just not for me.
----------------

I agree, F&I.....in fact, there are a whole hosts of reasons supporting why it would be good to know the vendor in question.

I think that can be easily handled by sending a PM to someone and asking privately instead of pushing for an outing on a public forum or telling everyone how to find that information when a poster has clearly said he's not comfortable sharing it publicly.

A few months ago, one poster here expressed her dismay at the lack of response from a vendor. Instead of pressing her to name names on the forum, I emailed and said "would you mind if I ask who you were referring to?" I explained that I was contemplating a given vendor, and she offered the information willingly.

 

[fire&ice]

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On 5/19/2004 5:40:22 PM aljdewey wrote:

----------------

I think that can be easily handled by sending a PM to someone and asking privately instead of pushing for an outing on a public forum or telling everyone how to find that information when a poster has clearly said he's not comfortable sharing it publicly.

A few months ago, one poster here expressed her dismay at the lack of response from a vendor. Instead of pressing her to name names on the forum, I emailed and said 'would you mind if I ask who you were referring to?' I explained that I was contemplating a given vendor, and she offered the information willingly.

----------------

But, it won't be in the archives. And, I think many people don't like PM's.

I'm not debating this particular issue in this particular thread. But, knowing the vendor didn't inspect the ring was noteworthy to me.

 

[Hest88]

I don't support witch hunts. And I don't mean when it comes to vendors. I'm with ALJ that if we make a consumer uncomfortable about the decisions he or she make then we're going to drive away consumers who just want some anonymous advice. If we're here to support consumers, then we should support them even if we disagree with their choices at times.

 

[shibbel]

Michelle,

You're right; it is your RIGHT to search out information. However, I thought it was very "shoddy" to repeatedly post, on this thread, how to find the vendors name.

After talking with the vendor on the phone again today, I am convinced it was a case in which the ring slipped through the cracks. He apologized again, offered to re-make the ring again, and assured me my check will be received tomorrow morning. I don't think they should be bashed, or NAMED for a mistake they made right.

My main purpose for making this thread was to show people how custom settings should be researched as much as the stone. I spent a lot of time researching the perfect stone; but never once thought about how the custom setting would come out. This thread is very useful for that purpose.

You've also mentioned how they burned someone else on a setting...if you're not trying to start a witch hunt, I'm Donald Trump.

 

[noobie]

I was actually hoping the vendor would come here and tell his side of the story and clear his name, especially since the outcome was positive. It would have been a good opportunity.




Shibbel, I'm glad you're getting your money back. Good luck with the ring. If you're looking for a good custom jeweler try asking one of the good independent appraisers in your area. They get to see a lot work. That's how I found mine.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

----------------
I

If we as a community cannot be trusted to provide input on problem situations without demanding that a vendor be *outed*, I think the eventual outcome will be that folks won't come here and share their problems/frustrations. And that, in turn, means you'll have an even harder time protecting yourself from a similar fate because no one will raise a flag at all.....we ALL lose then.

Um, I never once said this vendor should be outed here on this thread. Just said that we have a right to investigate the name of the vendor if we please, and that it's ridiculous for any person to expect us to ignore our curious natures after reading a huge long post were someone describes his deep disappointment with a vendor that WILL only lead to us wanting to know the company at fault. This is the way it is in all facets of business.

Furthermore, people hardly EVER complain about vendors, so I can't imagine this particular thread creating any sort of precedence regarding future comfort level for any customer who has issues with a vendor. Most must usually handle this w/out the need to post a pity post here on PS otherwise we'd be arguing about this more often now, wouldn't we? Instead, I recollect there was a debate about why there AREN't any complaints and ironically enough, the person who posted this question speculated that he thought negative testimonials were EDITED AND DELETED! Hmmm. . .and here's a prime example

While you've decided it's not his fault, the vendor may feel it is.....if the thread hadn't been started in the first place, there would have been nothing for you to *out*.

Obviously! And clearly, this post SHOULD NOT have been written/posted by Shibbel before taking action w/the company & getting a refund, as by posting photos of a poorly constructed ring, he's creating an invitation for us who are more curious & inquisitive to look for the offending vendor. How can we not say this original post is to blame when the majority here have shown the propensity for learning as many of the details regarding various jewelery aspects, sales, vendor's craftsmanship and this vendor ommission only granted us our own free right to investigate on our own? So, basically, I guess this means I'm off the hook as I can't be blamed for what is only human nature!

Regarding the "speculative" aspect you accussed me of, AJ, this is flat out lacking in proof on YOUR part. I found the EXACT vendor name as a result of matching the currently described diamond in this thread here with the same identical diamond listed NEXT TO and stated as SOLD BY the offending vendor in a post predating this one. It was crystal clear back then and even more so now that the vendor's name has been removed from that exact same post I found it listed in.

Michelle

 

[aljdewey]

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On 5/19/2004 7:16:19 PM MichelleCarmen wrote:

----------------

Regarding the 'speculative' aspect you accussed me of, AJ, this is flat out lacking in proof on YOUR part. I found the EXACT vendor name as a result of matching the currently described diamond in this thread here with the same identical diamond listed NEXT TO and stated as SOLD BY the offending vendor in a post predating this one. It was crystal clear back then and even more so now that the vendor's name has been removed from that exact same post I found it listed in.

Michelle
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Michelle, I really don't see the need to put forth an attitude; if you would set it aside, perhaps the content of the post would be clearer. I didn't *accuse* you of anything. Nor did I say you speculated as to the *identity* of the vendor. In fact, the vendor's identity is still present in another of the posts. Not all the posts are edited.

What I said is that you have no founding to assure Shibbel that it will get his refund.....unless you plan to give it to him in the event the vendor doesn't. You aren't the one paying the refund, so you can't say for absolute certainty that he will get it. *That* is what I said was speculative.

You told him "don't sweat it, you'll get your refund." That is speculative......and it indeed may prove to be true. But it's very easy to tell someone else not to worry when it's his money on the line and not yours.

The fact remains that Shibbel was very clear in NOT wanting to identify the vendor *in public* at this time......and I personally feel that should have been respected. I know you disagree, so let's just agree to disagree.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

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On 5/19/2004 6:24:19 PM shibbel wrote:

Michelle,
My main purpose for making this thread was to show people how custom settings should be researched as much as the stone. I spent a lot of time researching the perfect stone; but never once thought about how the custom setting would come out. This thread is very useful for that purpose.

You've also mentioned how they burned someone else on a setting...if you're not trying to start a witch hunt, I'm Donald Trump.
----------------

Glad you proved your point. Clearly, more research is required, than you previously realized, before hiring ANY vendor as you have so eloquently demonstrated via your ring photos and overall disappointing experience (too bad you hadn't done the most basic of search on this vendor

- and don't over dramatize my ability and desire to find out about the vendor as a "witchhunt," just to make yourself seem less at blame for not utilizing the search engine here

)

 

[MichelleCarmen]

----------------[/quote]

Michelle, if you would set aside the very large chip on your shoulder and shelf the attitude, perhaps the content of the post would be clearer. I didn't *accuse* you of anything. Nor did I say you speculated as to the *identity* of the vendor. In fact, the vendor's identity is still present in another of the posts. Not all the posts are edited.

What I said is that you have no founding to assure Shibbel that it will get his refund.....unless you plan to give it to him in the event the vendor doesn't. You aren't the one paying the refund, so you can't say for absolute certainty that he will get it. *That* is what I said was speculative.

You told him 'don't sweat it, you'll get your refund.' That is speculative......and it indeed may prove to be true. But it's very easy to tell someone else not to worry when it's his money on the line and not yours.
[/quote]----------------[/quote]


Yeah, you're right. I have about 20 PMs flying at me about this right now and I've had too much coffee (what else is new) so I'm just on juggling and rambling mode w/out reading as slowly as I should.

I see what you're saying.

Ah, not worth debating anymore. . .lol

Oh, and personally, I think attitude is good

Can't stand passivity!

Michelle

 

[hoorray]

I don't really want to enter this arguement, but I do think there is another way to think of Shibble's original post. He might have been trying to educate himself about what is reasonable to expect in his situation and a get opinions on how to follow up before talking to the vendor. When you are new at something like diamonds, it is nice to get advice before going back with a complaint. There is value in being able to get help on difficult issues, and I think we want people to feel comfortable coming here for that.

 

[aljdewey]

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On 5/19/2004 7:41:43 PM lop wrote:





I don't really want to enter this arguement, but I do think there is another way to think of Shibble's original post. He might have been trying to educate himself about what is reasonable to expect in his situation and a get opinions on how to follow up before talking to the vendor. When you are new at something like diamonds, it is nice to get advice before going back with a complaint. There is value in being able to get help on difficult issues, and I think we want people to feel comfortable coming here for that.
----------------

Very well said.

 

[fire&ice]

While I agree with you Lop, I offer another spin. Since this was a stated PS vendor, it call into question *all* PS vendors. I feel that many vendors responded in this thread, aside from trying to help, to make sure that readers knew it wasn't them. The pics are pretty bad.

I see two down sides to not naming the vendor. The example above & the information being archived.

*HOWEVER* - the orginal poster should make their own determination about naming the vendor.

 

[Jaded Gem]

Pricescope is great that it lets us voice all our opinions from both vendors and consumers. It is a tight community, and everyone should feel comfortable in this setting. I think everyone has tried to offer excellent advice to Shibble. Of course, wondering minds will want additional details whether it is to protect oneself from a case like this or to use this case as a reference point for other posters. It's just human nature for some of us to want to help out as much as possible yet some of us also remain curious of other details. I think that people wanting to help others is what's so great about this forum so I don't think any apologies or faults should be thrown around. I know a little bit more detail from some of you through PM, and I know everybody here who posted on this thread has some type of valid point. Mistakes happen. Crap happens. The customer notices something faulty with the product, and now he is waiting for his refund check. The vendor has this customer's money so the customer wants to remain steadfast and tactful of the situation since both parties are still working on getting the customer his refund. The customer was not happy about the custom job, but the vendor has apologized and agreed that the customer should get his refund. Perhaps the vendor's jewlery makers & setters are not experienced, had a bad day, or was rushed on the job. Who knows? Perhaps this is the regular type of merchandise that they ship out and there is absolutely no quality control whatsoever. Who knows? Mistakes happen. Experience levels vary. It reminds me of a company I used to work for that had another secondary checker for the primary checker who checked the preliminary work. I thought it was hillarious, but I guess the primary checker was not trusted or the company had a really anal view of quality control. So I applaud Shibble for sharing with us what had happened in his case. And I applaud everyone who responded on how they felt about the situation.

I hope you, Shibble, get your refund check, and I hope you remain positive about this whole learning experience. I'm learning something new every time I read a thread on this forum so I hope everyone still continues to contribute information whether it's posting advice or posting a curious question on the exotic and mystifying nature of diamonds and life. Please keep us posted with your outcome, Shibble. Good luck.

 

[Jolie]

oops. Sorry about that.

 

[shibbel]

Just wanted to let everyone know, I got my check today from the vendor. I was also surprised to find a $100 gift card.

That more than makes up for the $18 I lost making the bank wire.

 

[madmarlin]

Shibbel,

Congrats to you for a nice conclusion to the matter. And congrats to the vendor for coming through and resolving this in the best way possible.

As I mentioned before, this thread could have been veiwed as a positive as the vendor continued to work with you throughout the process. This ending proves that point as they took care of you in the end.

I hope your search works out for you and you find exactly what you want.