Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

[Chocolate Moose]

I bought a necklace a few years ago on ebay, and it never really went with anything. I had it shortened and it was too short. When I brought it back to be redone, I was told I would have to pay in full for the work to be redone.

This is a store I am shopping in since about a year after 9/11, when they relocated. A store that prides itself on its customer service. From this family-run business - where the father is the jeweler, the mother the main salesperson, and the girls do the buying and designing for the store; I bought a heavy gold necklace from them, 2 gemstone necklaces, 2 chains, and a pearl pin from them over the last few years, and that's just what I remember off of the top of my head.

I understand that no one works for nothing, but shouldn't they have offered me a deal? Instead, the younger daughter of the owner hollered at me. Went on and on about it. I got an apology call the next day, but it doesn't erase what transpired.

Today I just went and picked up my stuff. I didn't ask for it to be redone; there are tons of jewelry stores near my office and I can ask any of them for repairs. I just feel bad that the relationship is tarnished.

[Rubelishous]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

I don't blame you for leaving. There is never a reason for a service person to raise their voice at you and let's face it, they are in a service industry.

It is unfortunate however that you lose a favorite store and they lose your custom

[Tearose84]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

Woe..they din't need to yell at you! Although I don't think you needed a deal and I do think you should have the work done at full price, the way they handled it was crummy.

[Ginger]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

Well, it depends if you took their advice about how much the necklace needed to be shortened and how long ago the work was done. Personally, I think I would also have walked away from the problem, or if I was REALLY upset about the service, had a word in private, with the Mom.

[Sabine]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

Well, she didn't need to yell at you. I can't blame you for going to a different store, I would have done the same. If they were the only store, but they are not.

[MissKise]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

with gold going up in price daily, they may be very leery of doing some work for a discount.

I know my jewler is having to tighten the discount due to gold prices and the economy.

And we a GREAT customers...............


but they also have to make a living. So I understand the increase in prices.

[LaurenB]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

I would say that by "Yelling" at you, the CUSTOMER, then THEY are the ones that burned a bridge. A simple, "No, I'm sorry, due to the cost of gold, it would cost us money to give you a discount.. I hope you can understand".. Unless you were being belligerent and obnoxious, there was no reason for them to "Yell" at you or treat you badly. I would not go back there.

[Machele]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

You did get a phoned apology..... maybe she was having a really bad day. If you have always had good service and good customre relationship, I guess I would give them a second chance. It sounds like the entire family and business will be hurt by the one instance of poor customer service.

I wouldn't have expected a 'deal' on the service. But I would make sure I told the parents how upset I was.

[Sewcute]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

WHAT did they yell at you for?
Sounds like something else migh have transpired behind the scenes. Did you walk in and say "This item is too short, can we work out a deal?" and then they started yelling? It just doesnt sound right... something else had to have been going on, maybe behind the counter.

[Tearose84]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

I would imagine something happened earleir before you walked through the door to set them in that mood.
Good of them to call and apologize, but I think I would still not grace their doorstep again.

[Chocolate Moose]

Re: Did I "burn my bridges" in this case ?

I acatully made a little promise to myself not to turn into a grumpy old lady. I've been really kind and patient with ppl lately. I have no idea what triggered this from her.