Ruined engagement surprise, what can we do ??

jackomdj

anniec19 wrote: »

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 Xxxxxxx a local established jewellers. Daniel wanted to get the ring from here because of Xxxxxx 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 Xxxxxxx 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 Xxxxxx 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, Sue, 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 Sue 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. Sue told me that she would speak to the managing director and would get back to me.

This happened earlier this week. The managing director, Xxxxx, 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 Xxxxxx 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 have attached copies of the emails.

I consider that Xxxxxx have acted in a very unprofessional manner and that they need to compensate Daniel and Michelle .
What do you guys think ??

I have quoted this because I suspect they posted here expecting lots of support to back their case. However as it has not got the response they want they will delete the post and people will be left wondering what it said.

I would push for a discount but think that will be it

Toothfairy4

I agree with MrsDrink, your obviously looking to bring negative attention to their business by being so detailed with naming them and individuals involved. You'll be lucky to get an apology at all if they find out, never mind a discount!

GlasweJen

So let me get this right, your almost 30 year old son is crying to his mammy because the bad jeweller spoiled his surprise engagement to someone he has been dating for 10 years? He sounds like a child with commitment issues and I think he's lucky Michelle didn't kick him to the kerb years ago!

Your son doesn't need compensation he needs someone to go ahead and cut his umbilical cord.

anniec19

This is the first time I have posted on here. I was looking for opinions, not abuse. Daniel works long hours which is why I offered to deal directly with POB and I have a long background of working in customer service. Everything I wrote is true, and provable, so I have no need to worry about naming names. It has been ruined for them and the attitude from the shop stinks. Ps surely it's traditional to ask the brides father ????

Toothfairy4

anniec19 wrote: »

This is the first time I have posted on here. I was looking for opinions, not abuse. Daniel works long hours which is why I offered to deal directly with POB and I have a long background of working in customer service. Everything I wrote is true, and provable, so I have no need to worry about naming names. It has been ruined for them and the attitude from the shop stinks. Ps surely it's traditional to ask the brides father ????

I think most people had some sympathy for the situation up until the point where you said you wanted the ring for FREE! Are you serious or just hoping they will read this and trying your luck?

arbroath_lass

anniec19 wrote: »

surely it's traditional to ask the brides father ????

It was a tradition, yes, when women were regarded as chattels. Thankfully that has not been the case for a long time.

goonarmy

anniec19 wrote: »

This is the first time I have posted on here. I was looking for opinions, not abuse. Daniel works long hours which is why I offered to deal directly with POB and I have a long background of working in customer service. Everything I wrote is true, and provable, so I have no need to worry about naming names. It has been ruined for them and the attitude from the shop stinks. Ps surely it's traditional to ask the brides father ????

I think you should ask for a free ring, them to pay for the wedding and them to clean my car in compensation. And then you should leave your adult son to sort his own life out. This is sinister.

HPoirot

What has been ruined? Has Michelle thrown a strop and refused to marry Daniel just because the jeweller told her? Are they cancelling the engagement, the wedding, and are they asking for a refund?

Dimey

Nah, I can understand how upset Daniel and the family would be. They took such pains to make a surprise and they can't get the surprise back now, its gone forever. Gutting.

Unfortunately the "Good old Xxxxxx" shop is not a warm cuddly caring olde worlde shoppe. Its a harsh money making machine with a carefully crafted marketing image. So you expect too much of them.

If Daniel and Michelle are prepared to forget about this ring and start again somewhere else, they could give the ring back to Xxxxxxs shop and insist on their money back. (The ring now being unfit for purpose - a surprise - given that Xxxxxxs shop blew the surprise)

Then Daniel could take Michelle on a romantic weekend to London and chose a ring together in Hatton Garden. If you research a few places and book an appointment, explaining what's happened, they'll probably be looked after beautifully. Time the trip to London while the Christmas lights are up and the Christmas market is on - it will be magical.

(Edit: Removed shop name after OP did in her original post.)

swingaloo

If you have a background in customer service then surely you know that you have no chance at all of getting anything more than has already been offered.

You should also know that you have yourself acted very unprofessionally in naming the individuals, that's a despicable thing to do.

If it was such a big thing that Daniel was not going to even collect the ring then why did the store have his number? If he knew there was a chance that they may ring him then why did he let himself get into a position where his girlfriend could pick up his phone?.