Which store to go with:

[wiscg]

Here''s a question I''d like people''s opinions on.

I am looking to get a custom platinum filigree setting done. I''ve looked all over the place, and found only a few places that will accomodate. There are two stores I am debating in my head right now. I am not worried about the quality of job they''ll do (Well, I am worried but that''s not the issue here). What I want to know is this - all other things equal, is it reasonable for me to go with a place at which I felt I was treated better by the people there, or should I ignore those emotions and go with a more logical, who can do it better, cheaper standpoint?

Thanks.

 

[questionsRus]

I would go with the place that you think will do it better, cheaper. Maybe they were just having a bad day the first time I'd make sure their worse treatment wouldn't reflect on quality of service after the purchase though, meaning if they treat you bad, maybe they will be unwilling to accomodate any requests you may make after you buy the setting. Just an opinion though, I haven't actually bought anything yet, although I am looking. On a side note...this site is addicting when you are in the market for a diamond. i find myself reading it ALL THE TIME. at work. oh well hehe.

 

[Lauren523]

Hi Wiscg!

In my opinion, I would choose the store that gave you better and friendlier service! Although we all would like to save some $$$ I would rather pay more and receive better customer service than go somewhere and be treated horrible. Was the "friendlier" store also knowlegable about diamonds and were they able to answer your questions? This would be a plus and should help you decide which store to buy from. Good luck on your purchase and engagement

 

[valeria101]

At some point, it must be obvious if the friendly place can barely do the job, and the other will be so hard to deal with that if anything turns out unlike you wanted or expencted, there is no recourse aside calling a lawyer. Despite the makers' quality standards, custom work may need on-going adjustments, all based on dialogue - this is what I am referring to.

Assuming neither of the two seller you are considering touches the extreme, is one more likely to get the job done well, adjustements and all? In either place, you would need to agree on having some reasonable recourse (so you can really evaluate the work before final purchase and ask for a change) and controll over the process (as in inspecting teh wax of a custom piece before casting). Usually things go smoothly, especially if the model is not a complete novelty for the maker - all the safety checks are more the mark of the seller's attitude, than anything. How much they smile, is yet another Q

At least, this is how I would think about this tradeoff.

 

[wiscg]

Thanks for the input folks.

It seems that both of these places will be able to do the job (or find a reliable third party to do it). I won't buy anything from a place that wouldn't let me see the wax mold or that doesn't have a decent policy if the setting comes out all messed up.

The first place I went to, the woman was very pejorative, talking down to me and not listening to my ideas. She kept shaking her head like I was doing something horrible when I would suggest that I wanted the diamond set on prongs instead of flush with the setting or that I wanted it in platinum. I'm okay with someone disagreeing with me and telling me why but she was somewhat rude. She didn't really answer my questions and seemed frustrated that I didn't know or that I cared to ask when I asked her to go over how they made their pieces.

The second place I went to listened to my ideas and took me more seriously, and seemed more willing to let me have input on my custom job. Which is important, imo, when you're having something custom done.

 

[questionsRus]

oops...i just figgured they weren't very friendly by your first post, i would probably go with the friendly place too

 

[quaeritur]

I vote for the friendly place. If you have reason to believe the other place might do a better job, you can politely request to work with someone other than the unfriendly associate that helped you last time. I'd also explain why - poor or unfriendly customer service should be pointed out. I just went thru this shopping for a pro digital SLR camera. Not pleasant. My first choice is to take my business elsewhere, but since I've found other associates at this store that were courteous and helpful, I might make sure it's one of them that gets the commission on the sale.

 

[Hest88]

There is no excuse for bad customer service. If you know the friendly place is going to do a good job, why go to the other place and suffer through a bad experience? And why would you reward them by giving them your business? I'm also always willing to pay more for good service, because the time and heartache I would have suffered otherwise makes it well worth it.

 

[wiscg]

quaeritur-

Good idea about asking to work with someone else, except that the woman who I sat down with was the owner of the shop. You're right - I really don't think I'd be comfortable giving this woman who was short and uninformative with me my business.