\u201cI\u2019m writing to share a deeply upsetting experience I had at a shop where I\u2019ve been a loyal customer for over a decade,\u201d says Cail\u00edn.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast week, I purchased a dress for \u20ac85 that the owner assured me was vintage, in fact she told me that she thought it may have been a ballgown in a past life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cail\u00edn used a \u20ac50 gift voucher and paid the remaining \u20ac35 by card. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, upon closer inspection at home, I noticed a \u2018Made in China\u2019 label. A quick reverse image search brought me straight to an Amazon listing for the same dress \u2014 clearly not vintage,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n
So she went back to the shop a couple of days later \u201cexpecting an apology and a straightforward refund given the mishap\u201d. <\/p>\n
But that is not what happened. <\/p>\n
\u201cInstead, I was told I could only receive an \u20ac85 credit note, which included reimbursement for the gift card and the cash portion. I explained calmly and repeatedly that I simply wanted my \u20ac35 refunded to my card, as the item had been falsely described.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says things took a turn for the worst and the \u201cowner became extremely hostile\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe told me that she couldn\u2019t be sure of every item she sold and accused me of being a bully \u2014 apparently because she\u2019s a small business owner. I found this deeply unfair and distressing. Eventually, she did refund the \u20ac35, but the entire exchange was unnecessarily rude and aggressive.\u201d<\/p>\n
What our reader wants to know is, \u201cin this case was the responsibility with me the customer, or with the owner?\u201d<\/p>\n