I was referred by my in-laws. They had good experience with the previous owner, Sherman Tucker.
The first time I came to Tucker was for resizing my engagement ring. I called, Don told me I could just stop by without making an appointment.
Couple months later, I stopped by to check my wedding band without making an appointment. Don was not in the store at that time. So I waited at the door. When he saw me, he asked, "Who are you? Why you are here? Did you make appointment? You need to make an appointment." I apologized very politely and told him because last time when I called, I was told no need to make an appointment. But I'll do so next time. He said that's okay and let me in. He then showed me wedding bands and quoted me the prices. I told him I'll have to discuss with my fiancé and will let him know if I need it.
I discussed with my in-laws, and also shopped around at other jewelry stores. I got quotes from others, and were lower than Don quoted me. In the meantime, my fiancé was thinking to melt down his two family old gold rings into a man's wedding band, or, just get a new white gold wedding band. We don't know which one is better/easier.
So I called and made an appointment. I asked Don if he can match the price with the quote I got from other jewelry stores. He said, "Then just go to other jewelry store. I don't play that game. I don't know their stone quality. I don't play that game." Then I said, "Oh, okay, it's totally understandable." and asked him, "So back to my fiancé's wedding bands. We want to know which way is worth it. What is the price if he wants to get a new wedding band?" Don said, "You know what? I'm not the right jeweler for you. Go to other place." and kicked me out. I still said thank you and okay to him very politely before I left.
I think it's reasonable customers have budget concern. And I wasn't keeping bargaining the price. I'm totally fine with that if he doesn't want to match the price. And I don't see any wrong when I asked him whether to get a new band or melt down old rings is better deal. I was really surprised he acted in such a rude way! I'm always being polite and saying "thank you" or "sorry".
Purchasing diamonds is a lot of money. Jewelers should expect people to compare prices. I get that Don might be very proud of his diamonds qualities. But you should not treat your (potential) customers in this way.
Remember when you step into Tucker, it's not you're picking the jeweler, it's he's picking customers. And you gotta be careful you might said something offend Don and he will kick you out right away.
Don took over this business from the previous owner, Sherman Tucker. Don used to be Tucker's gemologist. A lot old customers came back is because their families had good experience with Sherman Tucker. Don already lost business from me and my family for sure. And we will not recommend this store to our friends. But he probably doesn't care.
If Don keeps doing business in this way, trust me, he would lose more customers that he took over from Sherman Tucker and also new customers.
-Update:
Doesn't seem like the owner try hard to accommodate everyone, or try hard to do business. He didn't even ask me what my budget or offer to work on my budget. Not let me finish my words, he turned mad immediately.
If it's only me had the bad experience. Well, then Don is definitely a racist and probably I look young so he thought he can take advantage of that and give me a hard time!
After I told the story to several friends, they all feel like, it's because I'm an ASIAN WOMAN WENT BY MYSELF. Totally will be a different story if I went by with my WHITE fiance.
Btw, he didn't do a good job resizing my ring. He measured my finger and said either size 5 or 5 1/2 is fine. I was indecisive. Then I decided to go with 5 1/2 in case finger swelling in the summer. It turned out still big on me, within in a week, I asked for a second resizing and how much he would charge. He said, "ITS YOUR DECISION TO MAKE IT 5 1/2, NOT MY PROBLEM. So I still have to charge you." I was like, alright, whatever. So I came by again, he took my measurement and we decided to size down to 4 3/4. Well, 4 3/4 is NOT even the "right" size he claimed to be in the first time. read more