Complaint Review: LaContrie handbags - Paris

I had a terrible experience ordering a custom made handbag at this shop.  During my travels  to Paris , France in March 2015, I stumbled across a local artisan shop La Contrie , owned by Edwina de Charette in Paris . She makes  custom made leather goods.    I seemed like a very special thing to do since this is a not a  craft that is not done  in the US.  This service comes with a hefty pricetag ranging from $3000 and up.   Inside the shop there were many samples of the handbags which were displayed along the walls of the shop to choose from.   I found a style and size which suited me most and then I began the process of choosing the leather for the outside and inside of the bag.  I was given a few choices, but not as many as they claim on the website.  Upon spending about an hour choosing all the details  which included the inside of the bag, the zipper and the hardware.   We finally came up with the final plan. I was told the bag was going to be ready in  June.  Unfortunately that was not the case .  Around mid May I received notice that the leather chosen for the inside of the bag was not available.  I was extremely disappointed as I put in time and effort to chose the style and colors in Paris and now that I was back in the US  and it was not ideal to start guessing and choosing a new leather over email.   In fact they were trying to choose the leather for me which was not at all custom.  I refused to use a leather scrap of something that they had hanging around the shop.   ONce they realized that I was not going to settle it became a nightmare.  Suddenly they did not return my calls or emails.   It was mid July and I still  did not have any notice regarding my handbag.   I finally had to get my  my Credit card company to get involved to investigate the matter.    Not to my surprise, I  Finally received a call by the shop and I noticed right off the start that they were annoyed , the tone was very different.  They went from calling me "Madame" to barely addressing me at all.  I was not a valued customer to them as the thought they were just going to push me  out the door with just any bag.    Finally after much headaches I did receive my handbag in a brown cardboard shipping  box .The bag was not protected  in box nor did it come with a dust bag. There was no special wrapping , not even a ribbon.!! It was clear that this bag was not made with love and that it was rushed.   I was surprised to see the lack of grace and sophistication of the service and the  finished product, especially that they claim to make handbags for the elite and socialites of Paris.   The bag was ok at most,  and definitely not worth the $4000 Euros.  In fact the bag was poorly made especially for something that is handmade.    The color and the leather is beautiful however the bag does not have any structure, the inside of the bag is sloppy and the zipper is not firm . The strap which you have to pay extra for was also a disappointment as I can clearly see they did not use a full piece of leather and therefore you can clearly see it was glued together.  I tried to contact the shop and never received a call or email .    Lesson learned and I will never give my money away to any  shop unless I know someone or it has been referred by a reputable person.   There are so many beautiful shops In Paris  with leather handbags made by top designers which cost around the same price and you don't have to wait or go through the hassle.      I would not recommend this company.   

 

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