Suggestions needed re: consumer problem

Gemmzie

Not sure where to post this so thought I'd ask here first...

I bought some jewellery in early October and have only just worn one of the necklaces last night. Still have reciepts and the backing for it.

It's brought me out in a hidious rash around the back of my neck and where the necklace lays on the front of my neck and chest.

It's from Claire's Accessories. I bought two similar, am tempted to return the unworn one without a receipt and hope for an exchange.

Any advice?

elsien

They're under no obligation to do anything if it's not faulty, but if you explain the problem and are asking for an exchange/credit note rather than your money back, some shops will do this as good customer relations.
Otherwise, do you know anyone who'd appreciate a necklace for christmas?!

Gemmzie

An exchange would be fine, I'm just annoyed if I've wasted over £10.

Unfortunately not.

Thanks for the advise

achtunglady

elsien wrote:

They're under no obligation to do anything if it's not faulty, but if you explain the problem and are asking for an exchange/credit note rather than your money back, some shops will do this as good customer relations.

Or if you really loved the necklace but couldnt wear it because of the rash it gave you, would you consider painting that stuff on it, its like clear nail polish, to create a barrier between your skin and the jewellery, if so tell them that at Claires, if i was the manager, id give you a free bottle or two. You may well remain a customer with them, they have to remember that. Best of luck

immoral_angeluk

You're getting the reaction because the jewellery sold by places like claires are stainless steel with a high nickel content instead of being gold/sterling silver etc. Unfortunately it's quite common for people to have a reaction to it and my advice would be to put clear nail varnish on it by dipping it in it and then letting it air dry or to not wear it. Unfortunately the item isn't itself fault so you'll be hard pressed to get a refund or an exchange. Even if it was withing the original refund or exchange time you'd be very lucky if they exchanged it.
I used to work for Ernest Jones and we saw had a lot of people complaining about the cheaper jewellery stores using lower quality materials which brought people out in rashes.
In future, avoid any jewellery or watches that are stainless steel as you'll get the same reaction, and always go for sterling silver, platinum or 18ct gold as these have the lowest nickel content.