I hesitate to make this post, but it's really bothering me.

So, I have a semi-custom ring that I want. I also have some pieces that I need some work on, and a jeweler had a ring I was interested in seeing more closely before I agreed to a purchase.

Several vendors *have* been very gracious in getting back to me with quotes. Another one, who I was honest with by telling them that I was seeking quotes from several jewelers, actually emailed me back to tell me that if I hang around the boards I must know they're not the cheapest ones around, thanks for the interest, lovely ring you're wanting ... and no quote! Really? I don't get it. I didn't think I needed to include that Leon Mege gave me a quote, so they aren't automatically going to be as pricey to me as they think - though I did say that on my reply. They do lovely work, and unless they simply don't want to make the ring, I can't understand the haughtiness. It's a very straightforward design that any bench could make, which is why I'm seeking quotes. It's essentially going to come down to who has the best price.

Another one, I keep having a hard time just getting answers. I like to try and include my questions in the same email so as to not have to bother them multiple times. I can't get a straight answer: either you will or will not do some work I've asked about. They advertise this, so I don't see what the problem is. The one with the ring finally got back to me after much back and forth of me continuing to ask about it, but I'd finally bought elsewhere.

I'm starting to feel as though I'm blacklisted! Yet I've only begun my jewelry habit, so that can't actually be the case. I think. Do they have their own board where they talk about who not to work with? I'm sure i'm being overly paranoid I do NOT want to name names, as they're not all vendors used here, and if any vendor recognizes themselves, I don't mean this to be a call out and don't want it to deteriorate into that. This is purely a post about my frustration. I see other people getting great service and it stings when I'm trying to actually bring business and can't seem to get anywhere! Maybe they just sense I'm a PITA from the get go I will say that I'm getting much better response from the vendors who are more expensive, maybe great CS is factored into cost. Though everyone has been friendly enough, that doesn't equate to *service*, kwim?.

Does anyone else have problems trying to get answers? Could I be doing something wrong?

I TOTALLY know how this goes. I have waited for way too long to get quotes and responses from a few vendors, and some of them just don't answer all my questions. It really gets on my nerves and I also start to wonder if I am labeled as a pain the A$$ from the get go and they already know they don't want to work with me (or reluctantly so).

That's okay though, the money in my pocket will go to vendors who are happy to have me and overly accomodating and understanding. I'm all about the best quality/bench, but I'm not going to throw my money at someone who makes me feel like a burden.

Have there own board where they can talk to each other!! LOL
That was funny!!

They certainly would not have time for that!! I really think that is what it comes down to for each of them.(time)
I think sometimes they get OVER there head,...and thats when it goes downhill.

believe me,...I have been there before also and it stinks!!

DK has been known to do this at times,..and he is just too busy sometimes and running back and forth to jewel shows, custom work,...and he does other stuff in the jewelry business too.

Go with who you trust,...are comfortable with,..etc.
But I have also learned that the lowest price is not always the quality that I want for my ring. So I am cautious about quality control too,..and what is the refund policy??..that is very important to me also. I have seen many girls here stuck with a ring,..that was just not what they wanted in quality once done.
That makes me sad!!

I want all your sparkle dreams to come true!!

I have had issues before and it can be quite frustrating. I think it helps to actually call sometimes because then they are forced to answer your questions and it is more direct.

Kanga, you'd be surprised! Years and years ago, I was involved in the cloth diaper world. The diaper sewing WAHMS (work at home moms) had their own forum and they most certainly did discuss business practices. It eventually came out that they sometimes discussed their PITA customers or customers who scammed. While I'm sure it was sometimes necessary for them to know who was the non-paying customer, or who was most likely to demand a refund no matter what, or who could never be pleased, once it came out, some of those WAHMS who participated were blacklisted by the consumers. So yeah, it has occurred to me once I wasn't get a couple of responses that maybe the same thing was happening ... but I think (certainly hope!) the jewelers are far too busy to engage in this type of behavior!

I'm just relieved to know it isn't just me that it's happened to, and think I will go ahead with one of the vendors who has been happy to respond quickly and with fair pricing. Thanks so much for responding and helping to ease my fears!

I understand your frustrations. I am having a hard time with my local jewlers. I need to find someone local to set my moissanite once I get my setting and stone. I've emailed, called, and I'm not sure what the hours are always I have not herd back from a single one. So, still on the search for someone to set my stone. I totally understand.

luckyb...sorry that you are experiencing this. I would not take it personally. I think it just boils down to customer service. I am having a similar experience with a vendor on this board. I am a repeat customer with a particular vendor and I sent 2 e-mails with absolutely no response. The 3rd e-mail was answered but not very polite or professional in my opinion especially when I ordered something almost 2 months ago and I just wanted an update. I felt like you did and took it personally. But realized that this customer service rep is either too busy or too lazy to be bothered with my questions. Seems like maybe this representative has another job and squeezes this one in when they have time and do a half-a** job. At any rate, it will be my last purchase with them unfortunately because customer service is important to me. I do not like being ignored or feel like it is pulling teeth to get answers. I am not a Pain in the A** at all and just expect politeness and simple questions answered in a timely manner.

Go with you feel comfortable with. Have you tried Poppyseed with Amcor Design? She is really sweet and answers questions very quickly. Love her! Good luck! Let us know how it all turns out.

Lucky -- have you contacted Poppyseed with Amcor Designs? The woman rocks, I tell ya.

Edited to add: Oh, Addict and I both typed Poppy's name at the same time!

I know someone in the UK but that's the UK....

You all are being sweet for not mentioning vendors by name, but if by chance my company is one of them, I apologize in advance. Please send us an email if this is the case. If not, best of luck, and I hope it works out .