Wedding band issue

[SuLi]

Hi everyone...I'm not entirely sure this is the right place to post, but if it isn't, I'm sorry!

My FI and I have been wedding band shopping for a few months now. I fell in love with this gorgeous, antique-looking band at a BM place in New Jersey. From what I know, they are really reputable and my FI has purchased jewelry from them for me in the past.

At the time (about two months ago), the associate there told me the name of the band and through my own fault, I forgot to ask them for the style number. Last month, I went back again (we live in the DC area, but grew up in NJ and my parents still live there) and the band was gone. I spoke to an associate who knew which band I was talking about and took down my information. She said that she was going to e-mail me a picture of the band, along with pricing (I wanted to know what it cost in platinum). Well, we never heard from her.

I went back home this past weekend, and stopped by at the same place again. They had some sort of event in the store, and was EXTREMELY busy. After waiting about 10 minutes before someone acknowledged us, we found an associate to help us. They had the band, but again, I wanted to know what the pricing was for the band in platinum as my e-ring is platinum. I was also curious as to whether they could make the band in a sapphire and diamond combination as well. The associate told me that she was going to e-mail before the weekend was up. Well, no e-mail.

At the point, should I just give up on the band? I got the distinct feeling that the associates didn't think that we were serious about spending money given the treatment that we got at this place the last few times we stopped by. My FI and I look really young, even though we are both 28. Should I try contacting them again? Or, should I contact someone over at Quest to make the band for me? I am really in love with this band (to the point where I've dreamed about it...which is emabarassing.

Thanks for "reading"!

 

[decodelighted]

Call them to follow up. Most sales associates don't spend much time in front of a computer emailing ... and they often chase the fish in front of them rather than follow up on old leads. Just put yourself in front of them as an "immediate need" on the phone & get your answer.

BTW .. I was late 30s when we were wedding band shopping & the smaller boutiques were the same way. Little follow through unless called repeatedly. Funnily enough, the band I wanted -- they couldn't FIND the info about where they got it to even check current pricing in platinum ... so I'd have been out of luck with them ANYWAY. But I found the AWOL band online at a great price. My "prong check up" could be interesting THIS year ... "HEY! That band we couldn't find. You have it" Eh, they won't remember.

ETA: somehow the "calling repeatedly" PROVES your interest & makes it "worth their time".

 

[Steel]

I would look at this from two points of view:

1. If they are this difficult to deal with at this stage, walk away.

2. If you love it, don''t let it get away, as DD says , follow up by dropping in or calling them.

Let us know....

 

[jewelerman]

If you really want the ring and you are not getting the satifaction you need from a sales associate then contact the store and deal only with the manager.Explain your situation and that you are ready to put money down if you can get the service that you need.An associate should never offer to look up informationor or send e-mails when they know that they are not given time off the sales floor to follow through with customer service issues.Good luck with your problem and make sure that if you do order the band that the company will stand behind the quality of diamonds and platinum your ordering.Make sure that there is a full money back return if you are not happy with the ring that comes in for you.

 

[SuLi]

Thanks for the advice so far. I made it a point to mention to the associate that I live in the Washington, DC area and that it was my THIRD time visiting the store to inquire about that particular band. She claimed that the best way to reach her was by e-mail, so I sent her one this morning. I will call a bit later to follow up and see if I can get some movement. Otherwise, I think I may have to go the custom route, and since so many people have had wonderful things to say about Quest, I may end up going there.

 

[surfgirl]

SuLi, with all due respect, it does seem like you''ve been a bit passive to date. If I really wanted that ring, I''d have been on the phone the next day and speaking with a manager. Now if THAT didn''t pan out, I''d get the info on the ring and look for it elsewhere or call the manufacturer directly. You need to take the initiative here since they obviously aren''t.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Let''s see...I would call and speak with a manager and tell them "Hi, yes I was in your boutique this past weekend and there was a band that I absolutely must have. I have spoken with your associate three times with promises of emails, but have yet to receive anything. Since you are a bit too busy, would you mind giving me the manufacturers name and style number so that I may call them to inquire on where I can purchase this"?

But, I have been a bit on the moody side lately.

 

[SuLi]

An update - I spoke with the associate who helped me this past weekend. She told me that the band was made from a company overseas and that she left a few messages for them inquiring about the band. She apologized again for the service I got previously, and promised to follow-up as soon as she hears from them.