Help! Is it a common practice for tennis bracelet sellers to send items which are different from their listing?

[La2020]

I purchased a tennis bracelets and the item arrived different from the list.

The seller said that the bracelet is the same bracelet, and there are ranges where the deviation is up to 5% and that they "sell hundreds of this model and you do not have to worry because we have recorded the minimum in the certificate" .

Is this a common practice? I cant help but feel cheated since I could have made a different decision if this is made known upfront.

 

[Buttercookies]

I don’t like that at all. The more number of diamond, the smaller the stones given the same ctw. I would feel cheated too granted that it’s just one more.

 

[mrsctobe]

Return it. Shady business practices shouldnt be reinforced, and who knows what else they misidentified

 

[dk168]

If the item received is not the same as the one listed and paid for, then return it.

If the seller is apologetic and willing to replace immediately, then I would perhaps give them the benefit of the doubt in case they have a vast inventory, and the person who did the picking had not been trained to read the labels diligently.

DK

 

[Rockdiamond]

Interesting quandary… sorry you’re going through it.
When companies make jewelry in bulk, this sort of “approximating” is routine.
In general- readers of this forum are not “typical” jewelry buyers and I do believe many would be upset about something like this. That doesn’t necessarily mean it should bother you…..
Do you love the bracelet?

 

[blingmeupscotty]

I really don't think it matters what it was. Weather it was a sweater, a kitchen item, or a scented candle. If it's *not* what you ordered, and not what was advertised just send it back.

 

[lissyflo]

Interesting quandary… sorry you’re going through it.
When companies make jewelry in bulk, this sort of “approximating” is routine.
In general- readers of this forum are not “typical” jewelry buyers and I do believe many would be upset about something like this. That doesn’t necessarily mean it should bother you…..
Do you love the bracelet?

I agree with this as a general principle. The only niggle is that the listing specified 2.06cts. That’s such a specific number! If it stated 2cts or 2.5cts then I’d kind of anticipate a generic bracelet arriving (from some sources), but at 2.06cts I think I’d expect the particular one detailed given the specificity!

I also think it would be good practise to make clear somehow that the measurements are average but that any product supplied will fall in x to y range.

On the good side, if it’s a generic bracelet and you’re not happy then they shouldn’t have any issues providing a refund!

 

[Rockdiamond]

The only niggle is that the listing specified 2.06cts.

this is likely "fruit from the poisonous tree"...IOW- they are not looking at each piece individually, and likely not even the listing specs.....

Again- @La2020 ...if you love the piece, and the price was right, this all might be irrelevant to your specific case.

 

[La2020]

I don’t like that at all. The more number of diamond, the smaller the stones given the same ctw. I would feel cheated too granted that it’s just one more.

Yes exactly @Buttercookies ! I dug through every tennis bracelet sellers' listing to find the least number of diamonds per 2 carat. *ugh*

 

[La2020]

If the item received is not the same as the one listed and paid for, then return it.

If the seller is apologetic and willing to replace immediately, then I would perhaps give them the benefit of the doubt in case they have a vast inventory, and the person who did the picking had not been trained to read the labels diligently.

DK

@dk168

I believe the return fee will be at my own expense.

After the seller insisted that "the bracelet is exactly what you have ordered and the certificate is always listed the lower range.", I went to count the number the diamonds on it, is it 64 instead of 63 diamonds. How can it be the same as what I have ordered?

 

[dk168]

@dk168

I believe the return fee will be at my own expense.

After the seller insisted that "the bracelet is exactly what you have ordered and the certificate is always listed the lower range.", I went to count the number the diamonds on it, is it 64 instead of 63 diamonds. How can it be the same as what I have ordered?

Then it is NOT the same bracelet.

Yes, shame about the return fee.

DK

 

[Lookinagain]

How much smaller could those diamonds actually be? It can't be much. So again, if you love the bracelet, to me, that difference wouldn't matter. I doubt you could see the difference in stone size. That being said, they should have made it clear in the listing that it was approximate, and that the stone count could go up or down by one stone. And I agree, that such a specific carat weight shouldn't be used. So of course, if you are unhappy, you should return it, but that little bit of difference wouldn't bother me at all.

 

[La2020]

Interesting quandary… sorry you’re going through it.
When companies make jewelry in bulk, this sort of “approximating” is routine.
In general- readers of this forum are not “typical” jewelry buyers and I do believe many would be upset about something like this. That doesn’t necessarily mean it should bother you…..
Do you love the bracelet?

@Rockdiamond thank you so much for weighing in! Exactly what I am going through right now...

in all honestly, the seller was nice and responsive to all my enquiries, and this prompted me to go ahead with the purchase from Etsy.

Hearing now that the “approximating” is routine, I feel that the seller should not have posted so many numeric details in their listing with price differences. This gives a false impression and set customers up for failure!

I am someone who is into numbers and details. and the seller listed down different prices for different number of stones and carat weight.



Unfortunately, the feeling of cheated supersedes the joy of the purchase.

 

[La2020]

I agree with this as a general principle. The only niggle is that the listing specified 2.06cts. That’s such a specific number! If it stated 2cts or 2.5cts then I’d kind of anticipate a generic bracelet arriving (from some sources), but at 2.06cts I think I’d expect the particular one detailed given the specificity!

I also think it would be good practise to make clear somehow that the measurements are average but that any product supplied will fall in x to y range.

On the good side, if it’s a generic bracelet and you’re not happy then they shouldn’t have any issues providing a refund!

My sentiment too. Which begets another question, wouldn't the color grade and the clarity be different from what is listed?

I would not have been so concerned if such approximation is also published in the listing, so that I can mange my expectations.

 

[La2020]

How much smaller could those diamonds actually be? It can't be much. So again, if you love the bracelet, to me, that difference wouldn't matter. I doubt you could see the difference in stone size. That being said, they should have made it clear in the listing that it was approximate, and that the stone count could go up or down by one stone. And I agree, that such a specific carat weight shouldn't be used. So of course, if you are unhappy, you should return it, but that little bit of difference wouldn't bother me at all.

Agree, any detail conscious consumers will be taken back.

If the seller knows what the customers will get is an approximation of what they are selling, I wonder why the seller took the trouble to make so many listings (for example

1 Carat 64 Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Certified 14K White Gold Full Cut, (HI Color, SI Clarity) 7.5 inches​

1 Carat 63 Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Certified 14K White Gold Full Cut, Gift For Women, Birthday Gift (H Color, S Clarity) 7.5 inches)​

with different numbers of diamonds and weight.

What an irony.

 

[Rockdiamond]

I'm with you all in your considerations.
I personally don't like the approximating one bit- especially if it's not disclosed.
But remember, everything has its costs.
It's a full time job to keep track of exact weights through production.
If we were making 10,000 pieces a month it would be impossible.....or companies like the big Fifth Avenue "Blue Box" jewelers take steps to mass produce, yet be exacting- but that really costs.....

 

[La2020]

I'm with you all in your considerations.
I personally don't like the approximating one bit- especially if it's not disclosed.
But remember, everything has its costs.
It's a full time job to keep track of exact weights through production.
If we were making 10,000 pieces a month it would be impossible.....or companies like the big Fifth Avenue "Blue Box" jewelers take steps to mass produce, yet be exacting- but that really costs.....

Quite true.

Since now that the cat is out of the bag, that every vendor is offering an approximate of what they stated in their site, what should consumers watch out for when purchasing tennis bracelets?

Some sellers try to differentiate themselves with the promise of higher quality in terms of color, clarity and diamond weight/count..but then again, how can we be sure of what we read is what we get, especially when it comes to online purchases

 

[MissGotRocks]

Quite true.

Since now that the cat is out of the bag, that every vendor is offering an approximate of what they stated in their site, what should consumers watch out for when purchasing tennis bracelets?

Some sellers try to differentiate themselves with the promise of higher quality in terms of color, clarity and diamond weight/count..but then again, how we can be sure of what we read is what we get, especially when it comes to online purchases

Not every vendor - but many I am sure. Vendors who sell mass produced items would be on the bottom of my list though for this very reason. They are generally less expensive but you get what you pay for. Are you able to return the bracelet and get your money back? There are vendors here that would be highly recommended for their products and trustworthiness. Don’t settle for something that leaves you feeling unsettled.

 

[LilAlex]

Unfortunately, the feeling of cheated supersedes the joy of the purchase.

That's the answer -- and reason enough for a return.

With the very clear exception of commoditized things like cars and TVs, I find them "tainted" by a bad buying experience. I would not buy a high-cost, emotionally-charged, non-essential item in an adversarial process.

For the things that truly felt like a symmetric win-win -- they got their $ and I got my lovely trinket -- that has increased the joy I associate with those things.

 

[La2020]

Not every vendor - but many I am sure. Vendors who sell mass produced items would be on the bottom of my list though for this very reason. They are generally less expensive but you get what you pay for. Are you able to return the bracelet and get your money back? There are vendors here that would be highly recommended for their products and trustworthiness. Don’t settle for something that leaves you feeling unsettled.

thanks @MissGotRocks, are there specific vendors that are specialised in tennis bracelets?

I am unsure if the bracelet can be returned since it has been customised shorter to 5.5". Also the seller simply offered $30 off my next purchase from them when I expressed my concerns.

I am not sure what to do at this juncture too...being an international buyer sucked and I wish I can holiday and shop in US now!

 

[La2020]

That's the answer -- and reason enough for a return.

With the very clear exception of commoditized things like cars and TVs, I find them "tainted" by a bad buying experience. I would not buy a high-cost, emotionally-charged, non-essential item in an adversarial process.

For the things that truly felt like a symmetric win-win -- they got their $ and I got my lovely trinket -- that has increased the joy I associate with those things.

Thanks for understanding me...the seller gave speedy responses to all my enquires, and delivered my item quite fast. Hence I was so excited to receive my purchase- BUT the mismatch of the expectations killed the joy - totally.

Now I have doubts purchasing diamond jewellery online...purchasing loose diamonds are so much easier!

 

[MissGotRocks]

thanks @MissGotRocks, are there specific vendors that are specialised in tennis bracelets?

I am unsure if the bracelet can be returned since it has been customised shorter to 5.5". Also the seller simply offered $30 off my next purchase from them when I expressed my concerns.

I am not sure what to do at this juncture too...being an international buyer sucked and I wish I can holiday and shop in US now!

Not necessarily specialize but they sell tennis bracelets in addition to diamond jewelry and loose diamonds. Whiteflash, ID Jewelry and Brian Gavin definitely sell fine quality tennis bracelets. They will tell you specifically what you are purchasing with size, quantity and quality of diamonds set forth in the beginning with a specified price. You can look at their products on their websites.

 

[MollyMalone]

thanks @MissGotRocks, are there specific vendors that are specialised in tennis bracelets?

I am unsure if the bracelet can be returned since it has been customised shorter to 5.5". Also the seller simply offered $30 off my next purchase from them when I expressed my concerns.

I am not sure what to do at this juncture too...being an international buyer sucked and I wish I can holiday and shop in US now!

I'm confused: it doesn't seem surprising that your receipt would show different specs -- less ctw (the diamonds themselves) and lower gram weight (the weight of the completed bracelet) -- from the listing since your bracelet is 2" shorter than the bracelet described in the listing. Would you kindly tell me what I'm overlooking?

 

[La2020]

I'm confused: it doesn't seem surprising that your receipt would show different specs -- less ctw (the diamonds themselves) and lower gram weight (the weight of the completed bracelet) -- from the listing since your bracelet is 2" shorter than the bracelet described in the listing. Would you kindly tell me what I'm overlooking?

Sorry for the confusion.

The bracelet of 7.5" has been cut to 5.5", and the remaining 2 inches are delivered to me since I have planned to set them into earrings locally.

 

[La2020]

Not necessarily specialize but they sell tennis bracelets in addition to diamond jewelry and loose diamonds. Whiteflash, ID Jewelry and Brian Gavin definitely sell fine quality tennis bracelets. They will tell you specifically what you are purchasing with size, quantity and quality of diamonds set forth in the beginning with a specified price. You can look at their products on their websites.

I see! I did check the prices of WF and BG but decided to give it a miss since I would prefer to purchase a loose stone from them for that price.

I will take a look at ID Jewelry if I manage to sort out this mess. *keeping fingers crossed*

 

[MollyMalone]

Sorry for the confusion.

The bracelet of 7.5" has been cut to 5.5", and the remaining 2 inches are delivered to me since I have planned to set them into earrings locally.

Oh thank you for the clarification -- here's hoping that you are able to get a refund!!

 

[peacechick]

Sorry for the confusion.

The bracelet of 7.5" has been cut to 5.5", and the remaining 2 inches are delivered to me since I have planned to set them into earrings locally.

Since the bracelet has been cut, I think this counts as customization, so you may not be able to return without opening a dispute. Not sure what Etsy’s policy on this will be. You used PayPal right?

 

[La2020]

Since the bracelet has been cut, I think this counts as customization, so you may not be able to return without opening a dispute. Not sure what Etsy’s policy on this will be. You used PayPal right?

unfortunately no. I used my credit card instead of paypal. Painful lesson learnt! Would I be able to do that since i purchased from the Etsy platform?

Open a Case​

If you and the seller can't resolve a problem with your order, you may be eligible to open a case.

Sign in | Etsy

Log in to your Etsy account.

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[La2020]

this is likely "fruit from the poisonous tree"...IOW- they are not looking at each piece individually, and likely not even the listing specs.....

Again- @La2020 ...if you love the piece, and the price was right, this all might be irrelevant to your specific case.

@Rockdiamond separately, I have just emailed you about a lab diamond purchase via bank wire from http://diamondsbylauren.com. Hope it is still available *fingers crossed* !

 

[sunandsky]

unfortunately no. I used my credit card instead of paypal. Painful lesson learnt! Would I be able to do that since i purchased from the Etsy platform?

Open a Case​

If you and the seller can't resolve a problem with your order, you may be eligible to open a case.

Sign in | Etsy

Log in to your Etsy account.

www.etsy.com

Don‘t worry - credit cards are actually better protection than paypal, and more straightforward to deal with. That said, it sounds like the seller has a listing for the bracelet you got; could you propose a refund of the price difference?