Handbag Restoration

BubblesBonBon_2

I recently sent off my beloved old Mulberry Roxanne for cleaning and restoration to The Handbag Spa in Harrogate. It's come back and is a shambles. The colour is patchy with orange bits, there isn't any real difference to the actual markings and it's now all stiff. I am completely heartbroken, they've wrecked it and I've paid £90 for this.

I've emailed my discontent and received an unsatisfactory response saying that the bag was "old and dirty", erm yes, that's why I sent it to you for restoration! They also said that they have looked at the before and after pics and said they think there is an improvement. I very much disagree!

They have now stopped responding to me. Any ideas on where I go next? Can I do a chargeback on my credit card and then let them come after me for payment?

agrinnall

Chargeback is an option but you'll need to convince your card issuer to actually do it. If they will then yes, the company would have to (ultimately) go to the Small Claims Court if they felt they had a good case, although I doubt if they would go that far.

gunsandbanjos

http://forum.purseblog.com/mulberry/handbag-spa-furniture-clinic-advice-855213.html?highlight=handbag+spa

They don't have the best reputation unfortunately, I'm sure there are other threads on there about them.

BubblesBonBon_2

Thanks G&B. I wish I'd seen that before I sent my beloved bag off. They are trying to say it was badly damaged which I refute totally. It is old and dirty but there are no rips and tears and is perfectly serviceable for a few more years yet. It's a bit like me, it has that 'lived-in' look
but I'm ever so fond of it. It was my first 'proper' handbag and bought for me by someone who was very dear to me. To say I'm heartbroken is an understatement.

gunsandbanjos

If it's an old Roxanne it's likely Darwin leather which is virtually bomb proof! They just get better with age:)
I would be gutted too, if you're not a member already sign up for the purse forum I linked to above and post a thread, there are some very knowledgeable ladies who may be able to help you get your bag back to its former glory.
I'm on there (same username) if you have any issues signing up or starting threads/posting pictures drop me a message and I'll try and help.

InsideInsurance

PurseBlog is a very odd place, lots of talk of people impulse buying £20k handbags or having their personal assistant at Channel etc but thats by the by and there certainly are plenty with a lot of knowledge on high end accessories like bags

Unfortunately there is very few, if any, good places for cleaning/ reconditioning leather. Whilst not interested in bags did look for a similar service for shoes given it takes so long to do a proper clean and the Mrs hates the smell of the solvents used to remove the old polish etc. Search found none and forums/ blogs were all equally dismissive of them all for a good/ proper service rather than just a spit & shine for a short lived instant polish.

Certainly could try a chargeback if your concern is only the fee you paid them. Some banks are more reluctant than others to do them for reasons that are beyond me but ultimately it comes down to convincing the person you speak to. Code 53 for both Visa and Mastercard covers defective goods/ services. Had to argue with Barclays myself last week but by knowing what I was talking about they eventually agreed to do the chargeback (originally they said chargebacks could only be done on continuous payment authorities or fraudulent transactions)

A chargeback just gets you the money back, it isnt any form of binding decision and the company could decide to pursue you for it. It does put the ball in their court though and they are less likely to issue for £90 than you are.

BubblesBonBon_2

It is darwin leather and I'm completely traumatised! I agree they do get better with age but I just thought it would be nice to have it 'tarted up' a bit. My friend came round yesterday and saw my bag hanging on the doot handle and screamed "!!!!!! have they done to your Roxy?" She couldn't believe the mess of it.

The money is relatively unimportant, I'm not sure how to value the bag therefore just getting my money back will do. I intend to speak to Mulberry and see if they can do anything,

I've spoken to my credit card people today and they are perfectly happy to do a chargeback.

As for the purseblog, thanks I'll look into joining soon.

tomtontom

Heartbroken, traumatised ... Perspective maybe?

BubblesBonBon_2

tomtontom wrote: »

Heartbroken, traumatised ... Perspective maybe?

Mind your own buiness maybe? and don't comment on threads you have only joined in on to take the mick.

BubblesBonBon_2

Had a response, they want me to send my handbag back to them so they can correct the colour but are saying, in not so many words,. basically it's me being fussy. Hell will freeze over before I send my bag back to them.

tomtontom

BubblesBonBon wrote: »

Mind your own buiness maybe? and don't comment on threads you have only joined in on to take the mick.

Open forum, and my point is valid, you are completely overreacting about a handbag.