Kay Jewelers Would not exchange wedding band! Jefferson City, Missouri
My husband and I thought we would get ahead in the game and buy his wedding band 6 months before our wedding date. So we had purchased him a Tungsten band. The representative that had sold the band to us had told us that this was the most hypo-allergenic material they carry. That was one of the main selling points for us. Otherwise we were not wanting to spend $850!!
He is allergic to almost everything so like I said, that was one of the selling points for us. Our wedding wasn't for another six months so why would he wear the ring to see if he was allergic to it or not...we just figured he wasn't when we thought we were buying the most hypo-allergenic material.
Our wedding came around...of course he wore the ring...not even 20 minutes later his finger starts to itch. He thought it was just because of his nerves and the fact that he was all sweaty. So he didn't take it off. Ended up getting blisters on his fingers from the allergic reaction.
When we got back from our honeymoon we went to the place where we had purchased the band which was the Capital Mall in Jefferson City, MO. They told us that they had a strict 30-day money back or 90-day exchange policy. She said there was nothing they could do to help us except exchange the ring for merchandise that comes to double the amount we originally paid...which would be $1700! She said we would only have to pay the extra $850. We did not want to pay for another $850 when we were just about done paying the original amount. That was the ONLY thing they could do to help us... so I asked for the corporate number.
The very next day I call them and they give me the exact same excuses. I complain and end up talking to the highest supervisor available and she got so rude with me. Told me that since he was allergic to the material, they could do a thing! I was so piping mad! I asked her what we should do...he is allergic to his wedding band and can't wear it at all. She just ignored and asked if I wanted to be transferred to her supervisor's voicemail since she wasn't there that day.
I said yes ma'am I would..she insisted that her manager would have the same thing to say. So I left her a voicemail. She got back with me the next day. And AGAIN! THE SAME ANSWERS!! So I got online and got the email for the CEO of the company and I'm sending him an email!!
Never again am I going to Kay Jewelers. They have horrible service and they don't care about the customers at all! None of those people had any emotion in their voices...they didn't care that we got ripped off or that we still have to pay for a ring that my husband doesn't even wear! What's the point in that! I'm very disappointed. I know the email to the CEO is probably going to end the same, but they should have a different warranty on the wedding sets because of the simple fact that most couples buy their rings months before the wedding. So I'm hoping I can help them even see my point.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Chris
Altoona,Iowa,
United States of America
Both sides
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, March 30, 2010
I'm sorry this happened to you. There are a couple of things for you to consider here.
The clerk said "this was the most hypo-allergenic material we carry". That doesn't mean they lied, this could be a true statement. If the clerk had said "I guarantee your husband will not be allergic to this" that would be a different story. The clerk is not a doctor and would have no way of knowing what any particular individual is allergic to.
I have heard of these types of complaints before when it comes to expensive items not being used for months after purchase and they turn out to be defective/unusable and they are past the store's return policy. I advise you to test out high priced items ASAP after purchase or wait longer to buy them until a closer time when they will be used if possible.
Also, when you purchase an item from a store, you are agreeing to their return policy. If you are unaware of a store's return policy, ask, especially when buying a high priced item. You may attempt a chargeback, but if you tell the credit card company the truth about what the clerk actually said and not how you took it, it is doubtful they can help you.
However, in this case Kay's could as a matter of customer satisfaction and due to the circumstances surrounding this situation return the item and resell it without being left holding the bag for the loss. They are not required to do this, but it certainly is possible. Hopefully the CEO will help you in this situation as I'm sure he would want your return business (anniversaries, etc). If they do not help you, I suggest filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
Good luck to you and congratulations on your marriage.
Steve G
lewiston,Maine,
United States of America
Charge it back she falseley told you it's hypoallergenic
#5Consumer Suggestion
Tue, March 30, 2010
fortunately, mastercard, visa, even jewellery store cards must charge back purchases that were misleading. For her to tell you he will not get a reaction is a pure fabrication, and against the fair credit reporting act. This justifies a chargeback. Best thing is you can actually keep the merchandise from the jewellery store as a gift, the law says so, seeing you tried to return it and they refused. 30 day policies do not count when the clerk lies. If she told you that he won't get a reaction, that's a lie. Plus I'd sue the jewellery store too, i'm sure the reactions cost medical money, you do have a case, see a lawyer
Please I implore you to show them that this time they barked up the wrong tree. DO NOT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT I hope and pray that you used a credit card.
Jeremy
Columbia,South Carolina,
U.S.A.
Not Kay's Fault
#5Consumer Comment
Tue, March 30, 2010
While I understand your frustration with the situation, this is NOT Kay's fault. The poster above is correct, your husband should have tried on the ring and worn it during the exchange period to make certain it was what he wanted and that he had no allergies.
The prices here concern me as well. $850 for a tungsten wedding band seems considerably overpriced, and I can only imagine what you are trying to exchange it for that costs $1700, unless this is an extremely ornate or diamond-encrusted band.
I am currently shopping for a wedding band as well, and have chosen Tungsten not because of any allergy concerns, but because I like the simplicity, durability, weight, and coloration. I found one that I like at a local jeweler for around $100 when one of the other major chains quoted me nearly $250 for a ring that is indistinguishable.
I strongly suggest that you visit some local jewelers. You can expect, in most cases, better pricing and better service. Ask that they let your husband try some of the other metals (titanium, sterling silver, white gold, or even platinum) and keep them on while you look around, just to make sure there is no allergic reaction. Most local jewelers I have run across would have no problem with this. Many may even offer to buy the tungsten band you currently have or allow you to place it on consignment in their store to help recoup your loss. If you find an inexpensive option at a local jeweler that suits your husband, you may even consider exchanging the tungsten band at Kay's for a piece of jewelry for yourself that you wouldn't have to pay extra for (a nice pair of earrings, a necklace, or bracelet). Then wash your hands of Kay's and do your jewelry shopping with a local store.
Best of luck to you, and congratulations on your recent nuptials.
IamGood
Galveston,Texas,
USA
No Ripoff Here
#5General Comment
Fri, March 05, 2010
Sorry, no ripoff here.
The return policy is what it is. they cannot change it just for you. Your sales man wasnt a doctor, and cannot be held responsible that your husband is allergic to the ring. As you said in your posting your Husband is allergic to almost everything.
At your own admission,
The representative that had sold the band to us had told us that this was the most hypo-allergenic material they carry. That was one of the main selling points for us. Otherwise we were not wanting to spend $850!! He is allergic to almost everything so like I said, that was one of the selling points for us.
Here lies your error!!!
Our wedding wasn't for another six months so why would he wear the ring to see if he was allergic to it or not...we just figured he wasn't when we thought we were buying the most hypo-allergenic material.
Our wedding came around...of course he wore the ring...not even 20 minutes later his finger starts to itch. He thought it was just because of his nerves and the fact that he was all sweaty. So he didn't take it off. Ended up getting blisters on his fingers from the allergic reaction.
Because your husband was allergic to almost everything, if you had had him wear the ring for even 20 minutes after you bought it, it would have caused problems, and then you could have returned it.
Most people arent allergic to Tungsten, oops almost everybody,, not your husband though. But again how was the sales man supposed to know that.