shape
carat
color
clarity

Unhappy with vendor and not sure what to do.

Jormax

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 12, 2017
Messages
16
I could really use some advice here, as I'm not sure how to proceed.

Several weeks ago I found a vendor through Pricescope and contacted them about buying a diamond (and setting) from them. As we wanted to compare diamonds and the settings before making a final decision I also arranged a visit to their showroom. At my first contact with them we discussed the specifications of the diamond and I was told that there would be enough to choose from when we visit.

I kept an eye on their stock, and as diamonds continued to be sold and no new ones came in, I started to get a bit nervous about the dwindling selection. I then called them to reserve the one diamond left that we would consider (but that was lower in colour than what our preference was) and transferred the money to them.

At the same time, we also discussed the possibility of ordering in a diamond with our preferred specifications, which the sales adviser said she would get back to me about. A couple of weeks then passed, I had to chase her up about it, she said she'd get back to me, and now I'm still waiting! It really feels like any urgency in responding to me has gone out the window with my transfer of the money.

As it stands now, there's nothing in their inventory that matches our specifications and budget. I put the one diamond on hold that I thought I'd want to compare with better specifications when we got there, but that is now the only diamond left. I understand that stock constantly changes and I didn't expect the stones from a few months ago to be left at our visit. However, she did say to me that there would be enough to choose from and that I needn't worry about there not being enough of a selection. I did ask specifically at our first contact that we want to be able to compare different specifications, and she was very clear that that would not be a problem.
There were a few other hick-ups in my previous communications with her where I felt that customer service was lacking but I thought I'll just get on with it. In hindsight I should have just pulled the plug then. Now it's gotten to the stage where I feel ignored by her and that there's no interest in accommodating my wishes anymore as they already have my money. The joy of making this purchase is gone and I feel incredibly frustrated.

Any thoughts would be very much appreciated!
 
Pull the plug then and get your money back. I would not want to keep dealing with a company that I felt was not giving me the consideration
that the shopping experience/transaction deserved. Its a lot of money so if you're not happy with the way you are being treated, my advice is to
move on.

Have you asked your SA when the next shipment of stones is expected? They might be able to give you a time frame (if you wish to stick with them).
You might also tell your SA that you are not happy with what has happened and that she reassured you that they would have some stones to compare
with.

Most of the vendors we use try very hard to provide you a good experience but every now and then someone slips through the crack.:(2
 
Move on to another vendor.
 
If you are this frustrated already, what's it going to be like when you are reviewing cads? You already regret walking away. That tells you what you need to do now.
 
Another vote for getting the money back and starting over. That is the only way companies understand, when the money walks.
 
Never be afraid to pull the plug on a deal when it starts to go sideways.

One point I would like to make is no vendor can predict what they will have in stock on a specific day weeks in advance and sometimes even a day in advance in the popular ranges during the busy part of the year.
 
I would simply request a refund. There are vendors and salespeople that will work hard to make sure you are happy.
 
Do move on to another vendor. As PP said, however, I would try NOT to go with a custom setting. Try very very hard to find a stock setting or, at worst, something that will require minor customization. You WILL not enjoy a fully custom ring experience.
 
I'd ask when more stones are due to arrive ie new inventory if there is nothing in a set timeframe you are going to be happy with then ask for a refund.
 
Concerning low stock--unless you are looking for a branded superideal, all vendors have access to thousands of diamonds through the memo system--virtual stones. These are stones that belong to other jewelers who are willing to split the commission with your jeweler.

Obviously a jeweler would rather sell you something they already own, but you've made it clear that they will need to call in stones. I agree, there are other options and plenty of jewelers who will be happy to help.
 
Thanks a lot for all the responses, I really appreciate your input on this!

I have emailed the CEO who was my very first contact at this company and I will wait for her response before deciding on how to proceed. After sleeping on it, I thought it's only fair to let them know about this and try and make it right.

However, I do feel that I should have received better customer service given the amount of money we are spending, and I have discussed the option of going to another vendor with my partner.

There happens to be another Pricescope-recommended vendor in the same city, which I have now sent a preliminary request to.

I'll keep you updated!

PS: Someone wrote about viewing CADs - we're not actually getting a custom design, what I meant was that we also wanted to try on a couple of different settings at their showroom.
 
Hi Jormax,
I was alerted to you situation by our CEO when she received your email. I apologize that you have not received sufficient communications about your order. I am currently reviewing the details and will have further information for you tomorrow.

Our inventory flow is a bit erratic at this time of the year due to traditional summer holidays during which the diamond manufacturers shut down entirely for several weeks. Things should be getting back to normal shortly.

Meanwhile, I have been authorized to offer you to be our guest at the Marriot Convention Center in Sugar Land when you come to visit us. It’s our way of expressing our appreciation for your patience during this process.
 
Kudos to @Jormax for the balanced, calm and reasoned posts (rather than ranting posts before a vendor's had a chance to address the situation!) and kudos to @Texas Leaguer and WF for going the extra mile to make things right :)
 
Jormax...we know that all vendors are going to have a hiccup at times but its how they handle it that makes all the difference. Whiteflash understands
its not just a beautiful stone you are looking for but an experience that brings a smile to your face for many years to come. The folks at WF are really
lovely people and I'm sure you will have an awesome experience!
 
FWIW, I tend to keep track of inventory by means of checking certain vendors here and there and yes, inventory waxes and wanes depending on factors, one of which Texas leaguer mentioned.
 
Hi Bryan,

Thank you for your message and for your offer. This is much appreciated.

I have received your email and will be in touch tomorrow once I have spoken to my partner.
 
I experienced EXACTLY what Texas Leaguer was talking about last year. We secured a rough in June/July then the cutters took one vacation after another for the rest of the summer it seemed. It drug the process out much longer. However, my vendor had NO control over the situation. I've been watching WF stock too and it has been low in what I am looking for as well. It is frustrating when you are so excited and ready to move on a project. They do normally have much better stock in super ideals than others. Hang in their! More should be on the way soon. Fingers crossed in time for your trip!
 
Hi Jormax,
I was alerted to you situation by our CEO when she received your email. I apologize that you have not received sufficient communications about your order. I am currently reviewing the details and will have further information for you tomorrow.

Our inventory flow is a bit erratic at this time of the year due to traditional summer holidays during which the diamond manufacturers shut down entirely for several weeks. Things should be getting back to normal shortly.

Meanwhile, I have been authorized to offer you to be our guest at the Marriot Convention Center in Sugar Land when you come to visit us. It’s our way of expressing our appreciation for your patience during this process.
Wow! Just wow. Whatever the OP decides, WF has shown a real commitment to customers and customer service. What a class operation. :mrgreen2:
 
WF is has been wonderful in my personal experience, and I appreciate their commitment to making things right when there is the rare slip up. I think it is impossible for any vendor to be able to guarantee what will be available when a person is planning a visit in the future. Summer is a time when inventories can be low and vacations are taken at all levels of the diamond and jewelry business, as others have mentioned. Plus, Whiteflash stones are competively priced and frankly sell fairly quickly in the most popular specs. Perhaps you can find out when their next shipment is coming in so you can put stones on hold and plan your visit immediately after they are expected to arrive. Their stones are beautiful, I can vouch for that!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Top