Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be upset and disappointed in the store experience?

144 replies

inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 20:34

Me and my partner went to Paris as a birthday treat and he said he would get me a purse in a designer store (I have like one other designer bag that I bought years ago when living at home so it was a very rare splurge)

We walked up to the store and the man at the door didn’t hold it open, so a bit confused we stepped back and a couple walked around us and the door was held open for them straight away.

We walked in behind them, I was looking at the glass cabinet when I was eventually approached and I asked to view one. He reluctantly got it out, didn’t talk me through it. A vast contrast to how the other customer was being talked to behind me regarding her purchase.

All other customers had drinks, instead I got the previous customers used water bottle and glass set down in front of me. I questioned why we didn’t get a drink and was told “I forgot”

We did buy it but only because I knew my partner had organised this and I didn’t want him to think I was hurt that they clearly treated me as different because I wasn’t dripping in designer and assumed I wasn’t worth the experience as their commission from me was meaningless.

Aibu to be disappointed?

OP posts:
Original poster
inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 22:33

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 11/12/2023 22:21

Wow, what is the power of a“designer “ (and who defines that anyway?) that they make you feel like second class povvos and you still give them your cash on hugely overpriced stuff and help that rude assistant make his commission targets?

it 👏is👏just 👏a 👏bag 👏

I just think sometimes people on here need to accept that just because they don’t like something that not everyone has to have that viewpoint.

Its not your money that’s being spent so why does it matter that I don’t see it as just a bag.

Off subject but I paid for a PT once and I only spoke about it when people commented on my weightloss and asked how much it was. I remember one person was so outraged and yet it’s like why? It’s not his money, it’s not him getting up and going to the gym, it impacts him in one way and yet he still felt the need to voice his outrage on my finances.

OP posts:
JudyGemstone · 11/12/2023 22:29

‘You only work in a shop you know, you can drop the attitude’

Edina Monsoon!

RosesAndHellebores · 11/12/2023 22:23

I don't understand why you bought the bag if they were that rude. I wouldn’t like the bag in the circumstances.

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 11/12/2023 22:21

Wow, what is the power of a“designer “ (and who defines that anyway?) that they make you feel like second class povvos and you still give them your cash on hugely overpriced stuff and help that rude assistant make his commission targets?

it 👏is👏just 👏a 👏bag 👏

Sconehenge · 11/12/2023 22:18

I recently went bag shopping with DP and we went to basically every designer shop - stand out service was from Prada, Gucci and Celine. Dior gave everyone in the line ice cream but once inside they were pretty uninterested. Try not to take it personally as you might have had a lovely experience in a different store on the same day if you’d kept shopping. I’m cross that they got your money though! I would write a complaint email.

Salacia · 11/12/2023 22:13

@JaceLancs - that’s a lovely story. I remember going into Furla in Verona on my honeymoon when I was still a student (know it’s not YSL etc but still expensive for me). The lady asked if I wanted a closer look at things but I said I was just browsing and it was a bit out of my budget. She told me that it didn’t cost anything to try on and showed me all the limited edition bags they had under the counter. I didn’t buy a thing that trip but I’ve certainly treated myself in there since, that customer service made me a fan of the brand.

2021x · 11/12/2023 22:13

Its a crap feeling to be treated differently. I suppose when they have treated people like this before, they have just left the shop and gone somewhere different- so its not like they learn.

I would write the complaint out, and then wait for 24 hours to see if you still want to send it. You have legitimate cause for feeling that way, but if they fob you off then it might cause you more unnecessary distress

JaceLancs · 11/12/2023 22:06

That’s disgusting customer service
I remember as a child going into the main omega watch dealer in Geneva whilst on holiday with my parents to try and get DF watch fixed (this was in the late 70s or early 80s) they treated us like royalty
DF told them the story of how he’d acquired the watch in the late 40s whilst in the army in Palestine after he’d served in WW2 (swapping his cigs n booze rations for a long time)
They listened intently and when we returned a week later to be told they couldn’t fix it - they offered him the choice of any watch in the shop at cost price if they could keep his watch for their museum
He had the watch they sold him until he was in his 90s when it was sadly lost on holiday not long before he died
I now have 3 omega watches and would not buy another brand

Atethehalloweenchocs · 11/12/2023 22:00

*Waitingfordoggo · Today 21:58

That’s so true @Atethehalloweenchocs. Same with romance in my youth. I always lusted after the boys who were the most aloof!*

Similarly when I was not interested in them!!!! 😂

Waitingfordoggo · 11/12/2023 21:58

That’s so true @Atethehalloweenchocs. Same with romance in my youth. I always lusted after the boys who were the most aloof! 😂

Mirabai · 11/12/2023 21:58

inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 21:45

True, but then neither does Mr Primark. I think 95% of private businesses only care about the bottom line.

Show quote history

You’re not giving Mr Primark so much of your money though. People don’t buy Primark to feel special.

salamirose · 11/12/2023 21:58

Atethehalloweenchocs · 11/12/2023 21:41

There was an article I read not long ago which said that luxury brands actually sell more when their assistants are rude. Cant remember why exactly, but it all made sense at the time.

It makes it seem unobtainable so people want to prove them wrong. I guess it's similar to that negging thing

Atethehalloweenchocs · 11/12/2023 21:55

Yes, @Waitingfordoggo that is kind of my memory of it but as I said, I dont remember much about it other than the fact that they were positive that there was a link. I guess its that thing about playing hard to get - we always value what felt more difficult to attain.

therealcookiemonster · 11/12/2023 21:54

inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 21:49

My inner bitch did come out a little when I asked where our drinks were and he said he “forgot” and I said “I guess those are only offered to every other customer but us” and he did look a bit panicked

Show quote history

I see your "those must be for other customers only" and raise you "bless you, is this your first day? i understand it can be stressful making sure everyone is looked after. why don't you ask one of the experienced staff to help you out?" head tilt, tinkly laugh

Chickenkeev · 11/12/2023 21:54

inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 21:45

True, but then neither does Mr Primark. I think 95% of private businesses only care about the bottom line.

Show quote history

Mr Primark doesn't look down on you though, does he? I mean, there's lots wrong with them, but at least you can go in and not be judged. Obviously, primark and deigner is apples and oranges, but if you're not haughty enough to withstand their haughtiness, what's the point? It sounds horrible tbh (but i would totally abhor that type of shopping)

Original poster
inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 21:49

therealcookiemonster · 11/12/2023 21:45

aah OP, the problem with you and others like you is that you are too nice. this is the kind of situation where my inner bitch comes out. you have to just out haughty and out snob these pretentious wankers. if they look down their nose, you look at them as if they smell of 3 week old roadkill. it's just a shop, they are just selling the same thing as everyone else. the quality is only marginally better (my family are in the leather trade, a lot of these big brands use poor quality leather). the mark ups are huge and literally the value is based on what people have been convinced to believe is acceptable.

My inner bitch did come out a little when I asked where our drinks were and he said he “forgot” and I said “I guess those are only offered to every other customer but us” and he did look a bit panicked

OP posts:
Original poster
inthedrunktankk · 11/12/2023 21:45

Mirabai · 11/12/2023 21:34

The designers don’t care about you though.

It’s a good lesson in who you give your money to.

Show quote history

True, but then neither does Mr Primark. I think 95% of private businesses only care about the bottom line.

OP posts:
QueenOfHiraeth · 11/12/2023 21:45

I would complain @inthedrunktankk
Many years ago now I went into a designer shop here in the UK to buy an item and was treated like you have been so I left without buying. I hadn't planned to complain but a friend of mine (very well off and shopped there regularly) was incensed and complained anyway. I got a telephone call of apology, an offer of a personal appointment and a small gift from the manager

therealcookiemonster · 11/12/2023 21:45

aah OP, the problem with you and others like you is that you are too nice. this is the kind of situation where my inner bitch comes out. you have to just out haughty and out snob these pretentious wankers. if they look down their nose, you look at them as if they smell of 3 week old roadkill. it's just a shop, they are just selling the same thing as everyone else. the quality is only marginally better (my family are in the leather trade, a lot of these big brands use poor quality leather). the mark ups are huge and literally the value is based on what people have been convinced to believe is acceptable.

Waitingfordoggo · 11/12/2023 21:44

Atethehalloweenchocs · 11/12/2023 21:41

There was an article I read not long ago which said that luxury brands actually sell more when their assistants are rude. Cant remember why exactly, but it all made sense at the time.

That’s interesting. I suppose it’s because people think ‘Fuck you, I’ll show you I’ve got money and I’m worthy’. They want their Pretty Woman experience!

tttigress · 11/12/2023 21:43

Mirabai · 11/12/2023 21:33

That’s what designer shops are like. They fawn over customers who are clearly super rich because they want to make money.

Doesn’t seem to put people off designer nonsense though.

The thing is I know that in my head, I know what the markups are, and I know companies artificial limit supply of things even going to the point of destroying what they don't sell, so they don't have to put them on sale and "damage the brand".

Yet I still lust after such and such designer pieces.

(To be fair I think it is ok, if you just limit it to one or 2 special things)

Atethehalloweenchocs · 11/12/2023 21:41

There was an article I read not long ago which said that luxury brands actually sell more when their assistants are rude. Cant remember why exactly, but it all made sense at the time.

OftIwandered · 11/12/2023 21:37

Sounds very rude by the shop assistant. When you're buying something like this the whole shopping experience is a large part of the fun. If you ever find yourself in a similar position look for someone else to serve you/get the commission

easilydistracted1 · 11/12/2023 21:37

I'm guessing you're English and the other customers were French. You didn't attempt to speak non perfect french in an English accent did you? Still you bought a bag not an experience so if you like the bag it's all good. Although a coffee would be nice and the old glasses is a bit rude. It's also reminding me of pretty woman. Were you definitely wearing a full outfit under the trench coat. This would be most easily explained by forgetting your trousers 😂

Swipe left for the next trending thread