Without a doubt, the most AWFUL shopping experience I have ever had. When spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a product, I don't think it's too much to expect that it be done right. After purchasing an engagement ring from this store, I've had to return no less than 5 times for a variety of reasons. While I cannot blame the Tracy Samuels that I live about an hour away (each way), you can imagine how this added SO much frustration throughout this process.
First, the diamond was clearly not of the quality it had been advertised to be. After bringing this to the staff's attention, the diamond was replaced with a "free upgrade" that proved not to be an upgrade at all. Then, that new diamond was loose and had to be fixed. After this, it was noticed that the head was WAY off center on the ring, and it looked awful. The store ordered an identical setting that would be ordered to the correct size, so no altering would need to occur. When it came in, it was a full size too big. After they "fixed this," it was still the wrong size! FINALLY, the ring was sized properly. Keep in mind that each of these errors made by Samuels cost me a couple hours of driving, plus gas. And what was offered to compensate the customer who just spent $8,500 at the store?? NOTHING. Well, that's not entirely true. Originally, when I first purchased the ring (before the issues), I was promised (by the GENERAL MANAGER) a $500 discount on my wedding band, to be redeemed within a year. Once this manager mysteriously disappeared and no longer was running the store, they offered to sell me a $460 ring for $299.... WOW, so instead of $500 off, I would be receiving a whopping $160 discount... this might ALMOST cover the time and gas money spent driving to and from the store because of THEIR errors. Instead of keeping their promise, they've now permanently lost a customer who still has to purchase a pair of wedding bands.
What it comes down to is this:
First and foremost, the jeweler is nothing less than incompetent. But to add to this, the staff is clearly not double-checking the work before it's picked up by the customer. Finally, there's obviously a lack of customer appreciation. How else could a customer be so inconvenienced and given practically nothing to make up for it?
I will say that Shazia and Ana are excellent employees, and they deserve to be working at a better location. It's upsetting that these two are stuck at such a horrible location. So, if you DO make the awful decision to shop at the Tracy Samuels, make sure to only deal with them.
Personally, except for my free bi-yearly inspection and cleaning (mandatory to keep my warranty valid), I will NEVER step foot inside another Samuels Jewelers. I will also make sure to inform everyone I know about the awful "business" being run. read more