Bought a suit that doesn’t match the description.

LEDM on 17/08/2015 - 18:02

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I need some assistance with a suit ($400) that I bought from a tailor 2 weeks ago. I was advised at the time of purchase by owner/wife that it was a half canvas construction. I have since found out that it is not a half canvas suit, by comparing it to other suits that I do own that are half canvas. I questioned the manufacturer to confirm my findings. Yesterday I returned to the store to seek a refund and was yelled/sweared at out of the store by the owner and was told that the manufacturer was wrong and that it was half canvas. I spoke to another sales assistant later on the same day to be advised that it was probably due to miscommunication and that I should come by later on, to seek a refund.

I went by the store today, to speak to the son of the owner. He advised me that it was never stated it was half canvas when I first made my purchase (he wasn't there at time of sale, him somehow making a call to advise said owner/wife of what the construction is, was told on the spot at time of sale it was, without an obvious thought process or call that I saw), yet the day before I was told by the owner and wife that it was. I don't like to be this petty and particular but I appreciate the difference/quality and feel like I was misinformed in which I made my purchase.

What can I do and would I have much luck in resolution by going to CAV/VCAT?

Thanks for any help :)

General Discussion

Comments

  • grasstown on 17/08/2015 - 18:54
    +2

    "is it a half canvas suit?"
    "yes"
    is that how it went?

    was it clear to them what you wanted. given the miscommunication point you make, does that mean language barrier? can you say more about the conversation about the half canvas please. we cant give you a useful answer otherwise.

    • EDM on 17/08/2015 - 19:13

      Yeah that is how it went. It was very clear to them what I wanted. I was advised by the owner that all suits within both stores were half canvas. I brought it up multiple times to ensure that I was getting what I wanted.

      There was a language barrier, however at time of purchase we were in agreeance as to what this canvas is, not fusible, horsehair etc. I spoke to another salesperson next shop along (same owner) who even advised me that the owner is a 'hothead' and that it was due to miscommunication.

      • grasstown on 17/08/2015 - 22:59

        I think it was miscommunication. I think you saw what you were getting. I think he thought that you decided you liked what you saw. If he tailored it, I think it's slack. If it is as off shelf and he is just refusing a refund, I think he should give in since you are adamant you were misled.

  • DealzEddy123 on 17/08/2015 - 20:41
    +1

    this is kinda funny.

    It seems like you couldnt even tell it wasn't half canvassed anyway. i.e. you were fine with how it looks, so why does it matter.

    If you're worried the glue is gonna disintegrate and ruin your suit, I'm sure your $400 suit will not outlast the glue anyway.

    While I know it sucks being misled, I think trying to get the refund is more hassle than it's worth, since you liked the suit and bought it anyway.

    also, curious how u "compared" it to your other half-canvas suits, and why you didn't do that when you bought it?

    • EDM on 17/08/2015 - 21:24

      Fused garments don't look a lot different to canvas at first glance. There aren't much differences visually, but in comfort and long term use it is noticeable.

      I didn't wear a suit to the shop and therefore wasn't able to make a direct comparison, lapel roll and stiffness in the chest were easily noticed once compared.

      I will happily take the matter further based on principle alone. I just wanted to know whether I should expect a result based on others peoples experiences.

  • chumlee on 17/08/2015 - 21:35
    +1

    Yes pay the $55 a go to VCAT. Well worth it with a $400 suit

    • EDM on 17/08/2015 - 21:49

      Sarcasm?

      • chumlee on 17/08/2015 - 21:57

        Not at all. Recently I had an issue with a door manufacturer that refused my warranty claim and it dragged on for months. Lodge VCAT paperwork and they folded and gave me a new door. Didn't even need to go to VCAT in the end.

        • EDM on 17/08/2015 - 22:08

          Oh, thank you :) do you still pay the fee if they fold? Or can you seek compensation for the fee if you win?

    • SirFlibbled on 18/08/2015 - 11:47

      This. I had an issue with a mobile phone the store wasn't going to cover under warranty when their advertising stated the phone would do it. In the end I just asked the manager a simple question "Would you be happy telling a magistrate that?". I had a refund that day.

  • chumlee on 17/08/2015 - 22:21
    +1

    I completed the VCAT forms and also had to pay for an ASIC company search ($10) to list directors and address. I emailed the National Sales Manager I was dealing with for a refund and informed him I am listing the directors as respondents and they will need to come to VCAT. Next day they caved in and gave me a new door. I didn't get a chance to lodge paperwork with VCAT.

    My understanding though is once lodged there is no refund.

    • EDM on 17/08/2015 - 22:45

      Thanks for the help :)

  • isthisreally_me on 18/08/2015 - 07:28

    If its a chain store then VCAT will likely help you get a reasonable ending though if its a one off / independent tailor even if VCAT decides in your favour they cant enforce the finding AFAIK and so you may end up with the suit you have and paying for the VCAT hearing.

    • EDM on 18/08/2015 - 11:38

      It is an independent store. That doesn't sound good.

    • SirFlibbled on 18/08/2015 - 11:48

      Of course they can enforce the finding.

  • chumlee on 18/08/2015 - 16:19

    If you are successful at VCAT but store does not comply with order you will need to have the order enforced at magistrates court and then take it to Sherreifs office and they will take care of it. Bit of a pain but that's the crazy system.

  • godofpizza on 20/08/2015 - 15:27

    credit card charge back?

    • EDM on 20/08/2015 - 18:17

      Unfortunately paid by eftos with my debit card, I won't be making that mistake again!

  • godofpizza on 21/08/2015 - 15:46

    this wouldn't have happen on bridge rd right?

    • EDM on 21/08/2015 - 23:26

      It was indeed, why do you ask?

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