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Ruined engagement surprise, what can we do ??
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anniec19
Posts: 43 Forumite
Hi, I would be very grateful if you would spare a few minutes to read my son's story. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on where to go from here.
My son, Daniel has been with his girlfriend Michelle since they were at college and this November is their 10 year anniversary. Daniel has been secretly saving all year so that he could buy an engagement ring and propose; he even agreed to work in Moscow for threemonths so was able to do so more easily. The proposal was a secret to everyone apart from me and Michelle’s dad, who of course Daniel had asked for permission.
We all lied to our partners, including Michelle’s mum, to take a trip to a local established jewellers. Daniel wanted to get the ring from here because of their reputation as a highly regarded jewellers and because it is where Michelle’s' parents, who have been together for over 30 years, bought their engagement and wedding rings.
The service we received in store was excellent and Daniel purchased a beautiful ring. He decided to have the ring sized immediately before giving it to Michelle so he paid, in full, leaving the ring there. The staff were fully aware that this was to be a surprise proposal andthat they should not contact Daniel as the ring would be collected nearer the time. We evendiscussed that Michelle’s Dad would collect the ring so that there would be no need for Daniel to make excuses as to where he was going, potentially arousing Michelle’s suspicions so close to the date of the proposal.
All went well until the store decided to ignore Daniel's request and telephoned his mobile. This was answered by Michelle as Daniel was driving. They asked to speak to Mr Cooper, to which Michelle answered “sorry, he's unavailable." The response she received shocked her, “It's @@@@@ here; can you tell him that the ring is ready.” She replied,”I don’t think you were supposed to tell me that!” The caller then, rather than apologising, acted in a defensive manner, “well there’s nothing on the notes saying that it’s a surprise” (which of course there should have been as it had been well discussed in store).
Daniel was extremely upset and phoned the store immediately, then called he me. I spoke to the store manager myself. She was very apologetic and offered to send flowers. Daniel was very upset and asked me to deal with them on his behalf. I told The manager the situation and how their staff member had managed to spoil a surprise that had been months in the planning. This was to have been one of the most momentous and joyous occasions in their lives together and in one moment a supposedly reputable firm had ruined it. She told me that she would speak to the managing director and would get back to me.
This happened earlier this week. The managing director emailed me to say he was sorry that this had happened and only offered a discount on their wedding rings. I told him (via email as he did not even have the courtesy to call me or Daniel to apologise), that we expected nothing less that the ring for free and that we considered that we were being generous by accepting this as it would still not have rectified the fact that @@@@ have informed Michelle that Daniel would be proposing to her. I am shocked that he would think Daniel would want to spend any more money in their store.
I consider that @@@@ have acted in a very unprofessional manner and that they need to compensate Daniel and Michelle .
What do you guys think ??
My son, Daniel has been with his girlfriend Michelle since they were at college and this November is their 10 year anniversary. Daniel has been secretly saving all year so that he could buy an engagement ring and propose; he even agreed to work in Moscow for threemonths so was able to do so more easily. The proposal was a secret to everyone apart from me and Michelle’s dad, who of course Daniel had asked for permission.
We all lied to our partners, including Michelle’s mum, to take a trip to a local established jewellers. Daniel wanted to get the ring from here because of their reputation as a highly regarded jewellers and because it is where Michelle’s' parents, who have been together for over 30 years, bought their engagement and wedding rings.
The service we received in store was excellent and Daniel purchased a beautiful ring. He decided to have the ring sized immediately before giving it to Michelle so he paid, in full, leaving the ring there. The staff were fully aware that this was to be a surprise proposal andthat they should not contact Daniel as the ring would be collected nearer the time. We evendiscussed that Michelle’s Dad would collect the ring so that there would be no need for Daniel to make excuses as to where he was going, potentially arousing Michelle’s suspicions so close to the date of the proposal.
All went well until the store decided to ignore Daniel's request and telephoned his mobile. This was answered by Michelle as Daniel was driving. They asked to speak to Mr Cooper, to which Michelle answered “sorry, he's unavailable." The response she received shocked her, “It's @@@@@ here; can you tell him that the ring is ready.” She replied,”I don’t think you were supposed to tell me that!” The caller then, rather than apologising, acted in a defensive manner, “well there’s nothing on the notes saying that it’s a surprise” (which of course there should have been as it had been well discussed in store).
Daniel was extremely upset and phoned the store immediately, then called he me. I spoke to the store manager myself. She was very apologetic and offered to send flowers. Daniel was very upset and asked me to deal with them on his behalf. I told The manager the situation and how their staff member had managed to spoil a surprise that had been months in the planning. This was to have been one of the most momentous and joyous occasions in their lives together and in one moment a supposedly reputable firm had ruined it. She told me that she would speak to the managing director and would get back to me.
This happened earlier this week. The managing director emailed me to say he was sorry that this had happened and only offered a discount on their wedding rings. I told him (via email as he did not even have the courtesy to call me or Daniel to apologise), that we expected nothing less that the ring for free and that we considered that we were being generous by accepting this as it would still not have rectified the fact that @@@@ have informed Michelle that Daniel would be proposing to her. I am shocked that he would think Daniel would want to spend any more money in their store.
I consider that @@@@ have acted in a very unprofessional manner and that they need to compensate Daniel and Michelle .
What do you guys think ??
0
Comments
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Seriously, you want the ring for free??! This has got to be a wind up.0
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To be honest, I think an apology and flowers is acceptable, a discount off the price is a bonus. It's happened, the shop can't "un-happen" it. Even giving your son the ring for free won't turn back the clock.
By the way, how old is your son that you felt you had to phone the store again on his behalf?:heartpuls Mrs Marleyboy :heartpuls
MSE: many of the benefits of a helpful family, without disadvantages like having to compete for the tv remote
Proud Parents to an Aut-some son 0 -
Compensate them for what? They haven't suffered a financial loss. They have apologised and offered a discount. Your son should take it.
Also why are you emailing them? Its between your son and the jewellers, its nothing to do with you.
A free ring? No chance!0 -
Just wondered what form of compensation is it you feel they are entitled to? Have they suffered financial loss as the result of this incident - I'd suggest not.
There isn't really any sort of compensation that could be offered which would resolve the mistake made.0 -
multiple cross posts0
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Hi,
tell Michelle it's all just a wind up, let things calm down, and surprise her at Christmas with a ring.0 -
Rather unfortunate mistake but your demand for a free ring is silly.0
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I'd expect a discount off the cost of the ring, but hardly the ring for free
Ultimately, it's something they'll laugh about down the line. They've not suffered a financial or major emotional loss, so your demands for a huge compensation aren't going anywhere.0 -
Getting the ring for free isn't going to make up for them spoiling the surprise!
I think you've got a nerve.
Happy moneysaving all.0 -
Human error happens all the time, if Daniel didn't want them to call him back then he shouldn't have left them his phone number. Simples.0
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