Alterations company ruined my item

vixtagirl

Hi I'm looking for some advice please on a recent problem with a sewing / clothing alterations company. I purchased a new coat and unfortunately the belt that came with it was too long, so took it to their shop and asked them to shorten it. The end of the belt was shaped into a 'V' and I asked them to retain this shape. During the discussion with the shop assistants, one of them suggested cutting the length from the buckle end, and I specifically told them not to do this as it would mean the holes in the belt would be left in the wrong place.

I collected the belt last Thursday and they had done exactly what I asked them not to, and cut the length from the buckle end making the belt unwearable. After a minor meltdown in the shop (me), they have offered to add back the piece that was removed and shorten it from the correct end. I am not very happy with this as it will be obvious that the belt has been re-joined, and this will show at the front. I just wondered what my rights are concerning this? Can I ask them to refund the cost of the coat (£50)? I can't wear the coat without the belt as there are belt loops attached and it would look odd. However I don't want to wear it with a belt that will have a visible seam either. I would be very grateful for any advice on this, thanks

sheramber

can they not put extra holes in where they are needed?

bris

Shortening it from the buckle end would retain the holes at the front end, you are complaining about nothing.

marliepanda

bris wrote: »

Shortening it from the buckle end would retain the holes at the front end, you are complaining about nothing.

I too am confused about how this affects the belt negatively.

whitewing

Can they organise the new alteration so that the rejoined seam is situation/sewn under the belt loop and is therefore fixed but not noticeable?

Alternatively could they make a completely new/contrasting belt with the same design/buckle but different material?

It seems to me that there could be a compromise that doesn't involve wasting the coat.

If I were the company and did agree to refund you then I would want to keep the whole coat.

peachyprice

vixtagirl wrote: »

During the discussion with the shop assistants, one of them suggested cutting the length from the buckle end, and I specifically told them not to do this as it would mean the holes in the belt would be left in the wrong place.

If they cut the belt from the buckle end the holes would be in the same place they were before the alterations. It sounds more like they did exactly as you asked resulting in holes too hear the end of the belt.

pathtofreedom

I think what the OP is saying is the belt is a V shape not a --- shape, so they'd need the extra material take off the bottom of the points of the V, else the point will be over to one side, rather than in the centre of the back.

peachyprice

pathtofreedom wrote: »

I think what the OP is saying is the belt is a V shape not a --- shape, so they'd need the extra material take off the bottom of the points of the V, else the point will be over to one side, rather than in the centre of the back.

She definitley said the end is V shaped, not the belt. And she has asked them to take fabric from the other end, not the middle.

vixtagirl wrote: »

The end of the belt was shaped into a 'V' .................. they have offered to add back the piece that was removed and shorten it from the correct end.

pathtofreedom

peachyprice wrote: »

She definitley said the end is V shaped, not the belt. And she has asked them to take fabric from the other end, not the middle.

Ah ignore me then, you're right it just doesn't make sense then.

Andypandyboy

This is a £50 coat, not top end designer, you are being too fussy. I cannot see how what they have done will negatively impact the look when worn.

vixtagirl

Unfortunately what they have done does affect where the holes are situated on the belt, perhaps I didn't explain it properly. Yes they do remain at the front of the belt, but not in a position where it is possible to actually do it up - well I couldn't anyway (perhaps someone with a size 4 or 6 waist might have been able to!). So what has been incorrectly altered is the size in relation to the buckle and where the holes are.

I was annoyed that they having paid my money for the service they didn't do what was asked - so yes perhaps I am being fussy and expecting too much! Oh well lesson learned not to use the company again.