HOW TO COMPLAIN LIKE A GENTLEMAN | COMPLAINING WITH STYLE
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video your host suggests how to complain about something like a gentleman.
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That jacket is perfect with the right accessories...red rubber nose, oversized floppy shoes, white face makeup and a loud rubber bulb horn. See, it's all about the accessories.
😅
pardon me while i guffaw
@@kelpfarming no problem, guffaw it.
Here are some emergency recovery steps, in proper order:
1. Ask the company if they're willing to redo the jacket, explaining what was wrong with the jacket.
2. Complain to the company, and ask for a refund.
3. Debate the charge with your bank, or consider not paying if the bill hasn't been delivered yet and you have a legal right to do so.
4. In the worst-case scenario, donate the suit to Goodwill, leave a negative review, and consider reporting them to the Better Business Bureau if that's possible. Don't consider this revenge, but instead precautionary steps to avoid others being scammed by this company.
As Ash says, remain polite throughout the entire process; poor behavior almost never serves any useful purpose, but kindness always has the chance of working things out alone-besides, it's just what a gentleman does.
Ask the screwups to fix their screw ups? The fact they muffed it the first time does not mean, like love, it's better the second time around.
Complain to the two tailor company? Buona fortuna with that.
#3...YES!
Report Italian company to BBB? Io non credo che hai detto questa cosa.😆
A bespoke suit should have had at least one intermediate fitting so perhaps the real lesson here is use a tailor within a reasonable travel distance from where you live. I'm surprised that the tailor didn't point this out when the suit was commissioned.
They did ask me during the intermediate fitting where I want the button stance placed. But at that stage the garment is all over the place, with lots of threads and the canvas is revealed so it's very hard to properly see and imagine how things will look at the end and fit on the body. Additionally, I'm not a tailor and shouldn't be expected to estimate precise decisions regarding fit, without the tailor stating his professional mind
@@danielmanor605 Ok, didn't realise you had had a fitting. As you point out as customers we are laymen in the arts of tailoring so it can be difficult. I hope you have better luck with your next tailor!
That jacket is absolutely terrible ! I'm surprised about that since Napoli taylors are usually extremely good
Very sad experience
I would just send them a link to this video as my complaint. LOL
I was thinking the same thing!
I’d be asking for a full refund. Unfortunately his issue is by walking out of the shop he’s in effect accepted it. Difficult to go back after that.
Gr8 video as always sir.
Now let's back up.....
In my opinion, as a long time professional stylist. The design looks good to me. I understand it's not in everyone's liking. It's outside the traditional box store styling. Go back to design and some darting will help after a few wears.
Thank you for your gr8 content.
Your program is of the best in the world, in my opinion. Keep up the great work
Looks like a 1930's hobo. Shouldn't have taken delivery on it. Too much time has passed. File a dispute with your credit card and cross your fingers.
Fantastic video Ash. If I may, it may be prudent for the gentleman to review his payment method. For example, in the UK credit cards are afforded additional protection for payments between £100-£30k and there would be recourse for the gentleman to recoup his considerable expense. It may be different abroad but it may still be worth looking into 👍🏻
Good call!
Great point about reputation Ash. In the age we are living in, a one star google-review (containig just undisputable facts). And mentioned in a follow-up call or email (asking if there are any mistakes in it), works suprisingly well.
Great advice Ash. As you suggested, I would always follow up with a clinical but polite email of points covered in a conversation.
I think most artisans would want to know and fix issues, not all of course but most. Good luck to Daniel.
Dear Sir. Make this video a chapter in your book. Excellent video as all ways.
The first thing I'd do is look at the refund policy on their website or on the contract you signed. In fact, I'd do that before I ordered from them. Then I'd ask for a refund, offer to deduct postage or materials as a courtesy and - subject to agreement if necessary - send the items back. Basically, you have both contractual and statutory consumer protection rights. Dealing with people overseas might make working out what they are more difficult, but it should still be possible. If it's not fit for purpose you're entitled to your money back. A final point is that some of the cheaper end bespoke businesses are known to have these kind of problems. I'd only deal with local people you can trust for that kind of service.
I've bought suits at thrift shops for twenty dollars Canadian that look better and fit better than the garments displayed in these photographs.
I agree, Ash, that this doesn't even look like a bespoke suit, in terms of fit, or even quality of materials or construction.
I will never have the money to buy a bespoke suit, unless I win a lottery, but I honestly believe that the law of diminishing returns applies to some high-end, ultra-expensive purchases. -At some point, you cross a threshold where you're simply not getting your money's worth.
I do feel sorry for this gentleman. -It's a shame when you have your heart set on something, and you work and save for it, and it turns out to be a real disappointment.
Thank you so much for the great tips Ash!
Also - the jacket you’re wearing here is lovely and suits you perfectly.
I hope you are able to obtain a suitable resolution for this commission Daniel. I think thst the comments are resounding.
Great advice Ash.
For interpersonal problem solving, live communication via in person, phone call, or video conference will lead to better results than email and texting.
Hi, neapolitan sartorialist here, I’d like to tell you a little bit about my experiences if you don’t mind. I currently have gone bespoke twice and with 2 different neapolitan tailors. One is a reliable, old fashioned, not-so-famous and the other is a worldwide known artisan. Just want to reassure you that in both cases, even after 3-4 fittings, at the delivery the jacket still wasn’t right. Both times, in my case, it was about the collar-shoulder-arms fit that was off and had to be adjusted. That’s probably because since I’m fairly athletic built and into running, I would like to emphasize my efforts to stay fit and so I try to push tailors to go a bit more “fitted”. Apart from that and my personal taste my first bespoke, at delivery, had ridiculously short sleeves and the second has the collar that doesn’t stay in place (collar gap etc) so quite serious issues that needs to be addressed . With that said your case is a bit more extreme and needs fixing IMO. My broad suggestion is of course to talk to them and be polite but also don’t be afraid to be direct. Italians are usually direct and neapolitans are possibly, even more. As Ash said, once you let them understand the mistake and trigger their pride in the right way, I’m sure they will be very keen to sort it out. I hope this is helpful and makes sense.
This should be included in an MBA curriculum:-!
Good Lord! He needs to demand his money back or sue them.
I'd recommend against a lawsuit unless there was some guarantee of satisfaction. It's unfortunate, but I don't think poor taste is a valid lawsuit basis.
Demand the money back or debate the charge on the card with the bank, in my opinion.
Uk guy sue Italian guy for couple of thousand? Jurisdiction in Italy, not worth a lawyers time, not worth travel expenses, different legal system than uk, lots of luck with that.
@@w.adammandelbaum1805 depends on cost-benefit relative to outlay. Probably not worth it.
You are correct.
I am really enjoying this channel. I like the host and enjoy the country flavour of the channel, in contrast to most tailoring channels which focus almost exclusively on the city.
One thing I'm having some dissonance about lately is the rules between English tailoring (country, city, fabrics & shoes in each), and fashion tailoring I've been looking at in channels such as MilanOnTrend. On the streets of Milan - presumably outside fashion week - all the rules are broken, usually to good effect.
I don't live in a place where people wear suits often outside of Sunday morning, so I don't feel bound by English rules, but I also want to know what those rules are so I can obey them in more formal settings and then get more playful for evenings out.
Anyway, I enjoy your channel. Cheerio.
This video advice is very applicable to so many situations in life or work. Thank you! 😁
Glad it was helpful!
Sorry to hear about this chap's plight. I've suffered shoddy work from supposed "alteration tailors", thankfully, we are only talking £50 or so.... Neither used recognised/proper alteration methods when doing the work. This wasn't a case of me hunting down the cheapest place locally, it's all that was available locally and no better than what could be done by yourself with a bit of practice . It's always been the way, a lot of business people are just chancers.
Most transactions are done by using credit cards. Most credit cards include a free extended warrantees. I have used this benefit before, but it requires documentation. Photos etc. If that is the case return it to them. They are not skillful enough to make it right, let your credit card company make you whole again. The measurements were pitiful, the tailoring was worse. This was not a mistake. It was the best they could do. They shouldn't be proud of it.
The jacket is way too short. I’ve had an experience with a store where six people told me different things, some of which were plain wrong. It took a while to get to a satisfactory point. As it was a chain, there was a customer services department and that helped. - Generally you need to sign off on work you have commissioned. The business then can try to make amends if that seems feasible. If this fails, then you can ask for a replacement or your money back.
Oh no, what a bother. My heart goes out to Daniel- being stuck between "I am gutted" and "is this an issue" is a horrible place to be.
Great advice, as ever.
This was hard to watch because I can 100% relate.
I good approach very much in keeping with your law enforcement background
Great advice Ash. After working in retail for many years I can say you get more bees with honey than vinegar. A grievance can be resolved better and quicker with respect on both sides. Going in person or on phone is the best way to convey your grievance. When purchasing a bespoke suit you should expect to be satisfied with the results. I definitely would not worry about hurting their feelings. Just be respectful and lay out your case and disappointment.
It just goes to show that there is no substitute to the old names on Savile Row
Were there any fittings? I'd assume if there were, such issues would have been caught.
Would say. You are a tailor your expectations should be higher than mine.
It's really sad when you think you are indulging your dream and find the result is that horrible, however i think the gentleman hasn't done well enough in the process, there are obvious issues that must have been obvious in the pre-fittings the most obvious is the jacket length , drop and as you rightly mentioned the buttons height , those should have been captured earlier.
If an item is unacceptable, this should be disputed and/or returned within 7 days. In this case, the opinions of what's good is subjective. This video has taught me that if I commission bespoke garments or jewelry, ALWAYS obtain a detailed drawing which both parties sign off on BEFORE manufacture. What are the T&C's of the contract/quote. There's probably clause addressing disputes and a resolution process if any. It's common here in South Africa as part of your common law consumer rights. The jacket is unflattering no doubt.
Good advice. My friend's restaurant gave me a horrible meal once. I called my friend, and He was actually very thankful for me to report this. The cook was new, and He always prepared that particular meal like this. He thought it was good. Actually, it looked good as well, so my friend was not aware it tasted so bad (too much tarragon smells like feet) They simply thanked me and offered another meal from the menu for free, which I accepted. He was genuinely thankful for me pointing out this mistake, which could have damaged his business.
Similarly, a tailor is becoming better through helpful criticism. The worst thing you can do to them is to walk away with a bad looking jacket and tell your friends who made it.
Some good points but it’s always good to formally recognise good service too. Not many people do.
People wouldn't buy that suit as it fits at the rummage sale I volunteer at.
My behavior or personality approach would usually depend on what kind of person I'm dealing with. I'd be encountering all kinds of different people. From street guys to sweet little old ladies.
The product was not a custom fit for him. The photo tells the story explain to them in a polite way that this needs to be fixed and be open to their solutions. List 3 to 5 items and be very clear so there is no room for ambiguity using a second opinion from an expert. Have this information ready for your bank so you can apply for a recharge if there is no movement within the next 28 days. Challenge if the company is based overseas, but in the UK, my advice would be to see them in person wearing the ill-fitting suit 😉
Think about options: partial refund, full refund, correction, with no additional cost. It could be that the tailor lost your measurements or a new person was being trained up, and they dropped the ball.
Re - offering solution, as a general rule I agree, but I think this situation is different. One goes to a bespoke tailor in much the same way as to a doctor. That is, absolute reliance on and deference to another’s professional judgment. To me, a refund the only satisfactory solution here. Expecting the victim to suggest a professional solution places an unreasonable burden on the victim (Daniel cannot be expected to identify all the flaws of a bespoke coat), allows the ‘professionals’ an unwarranted escape hatch in the event he does propose solutions (“we did what you wanted; not our fault it didn’t work out”), and in any event the trust bond sounds completely broken.
A gentleman writes a book ;)
Bespoke has multiple fitting prior to the final product this we have to keep in mind
Is that polyester?🤔
I guess what I'm wondering is, didn't he see examples of this tailor's work, either online or when he visited their shop for the first time? If you visit Henry Poole or Huntsman, or any reputable tailor on Savile Row or in Italy (or anywhere else, for that matter) you'll be able to get a sense of what their house style is; it looks like the "house style" for these guys is boxy, shapeless, too short jackets with a comically high button stance, but he should have been able to determine that long before he got the suit.
I've returned 3 suits or jackets, ask me anything. Yes I shop in vietnam and thailand 😅
3:30 your "am i a chap" series wears worse suits than this, seemingly everyday 😏
Very good advice.
I have just learned a great lesson from this fine English Gentleman! 🇬🇧👍
Greetings from Boston from Russian American subscriber.
This sounds briliant, well mannered and it is probably the best approach that I am trying to follow when I want to complain about something. However, and admittedly, this is an extreme example, allow me to bring up the example of Neville Chamberlain and Hitler who, right after the Munich Agreement in 1938, Chamberlain very reasonably presented his points to the latter and they both agreed and signed a declaration saying that UK and Germany would never go to war again. My point is that, unfortunately, more often than not, people are not very reasonable. They do not seem to care as much as one would expect about their reputation or the damage that they may suffer if they do not provide a decent service. Of course, you will say that is their damage and, therefore, their problem. Well, it is still yours too, if you are left with the expense for a bespoke suit you cannot wear.
My conclusion? Avoid situations that have a high proobability of giving you a headache. Get references on a tailor before you actually try him. Word of mouth is the best way. Ask someone you know and trust to provide information, if possible. Try something more simple with that tailor first. An MTM jacket for example or a pair of trousers and, if you are happy, proceed with the bespoke suit. Check the tailor's other work. Usually, they have on display pieces that they have prepared for others. I can think of quite a few ideas on how to avoid a problematic situation, rather than trying to find a solution for it. Dear Ash, if you agree, it would be very interesting to share your opinion on this approach. Thank you.
As an Italian please allow me to share my two cents:
I have encountered this type of jacket with absurdly high buttoning before. It always left me puzzled as it almost seems like a three-button suit with the bottom one removed. But I have seen it often enough and in different contexts that I am now convinced it's a stylistic choice rather than faulty tailoring. Although it is certainly not a style I like, Italy is a rather warm country most of the year, and (often) one not really concerned with etiquette (but then again, we wouldn't be the home of 'sprezzatura' otherwise).
The result is that if you walk around most italian cities (Pitti Uomo is absolutely NOT an indicator of how the average suit-wearing italian dresses) you'll see that most people wear their jackets unbuttoned. A jacket designed to be mostly worn unbuttoned may have a relaxed enough fit that the high button may simply become a distinguishing feature.
Ultimately, all of this shouldn't matter for a bespoke suit which should be made exactly to match the requirements of the customer. But unless you specified it (and you might not have had any reason to do so as you would have expected the button to sit at a 'normal' height) they may have just gone with the styling they are used to.
I think you should contact them and say that you're not happy with how it turned out. I can't imagine you spent less thant €1000 so you are well within your right to complain.
My only question to you would be if you researched these taylors beforehand (i.e. looked at several suits made by them, compared them with other tailors or suits you already have etc...). If their other suits have 'regular' buttoning, then you will definitely be in a stronger position as you may simply indicate to them that you expected the buttoning and fit to look like those other ones. The only problem would be if you realise that all (or at least most) of their suits have that type of cut. Then it would be much easier for them to say 'well, this is our style, why did you choose us if you don't like it''?
In any case, I am sorry you had this experience and hope you can find a way to rectify it!
Thank you so much your insights. I am in the middle of sourcing the right tailor for my bespoke garment. I agree with you, research and compare the tailoring styles. Look at a lot of pictures.
Seems like they placed the button for a two roll three jacket and just left off the lower two.
I found in my own experience that people in this custom business are incredibly forth coming, so i would expect there to be a good chance they would willingly re do the jacket if he voices his dissatisfaction with it.
It would be such a shame to have well fitting pants and waistcoat, but no jacket, purely on that i would consider getting the jacket redone.
But i do have to wonder, if that hasn’t been discussed during the first or second fitting.
They did ask me during the second fitting where I want the button stance placed. But at that stage the garment is all over the place, with lots of threads and the canvas is revealed so it's very hard to properly see and imagine how things will look at the end and fit on the body. Additionally, I'm not a tailor and shouldn't be expected to estimate precise decisions regarding fit, without the tailor stating his professional mind
Any man would look like Humpty-Dumpty in that jacket!
I feel so sorry for your viewer! Good advice as always. By the way the jacket you are wearing looks beautiful Ash. Could we know the maker?
Debenhams - now defunct department store in the UK. Purchased for £7 from Vinted. Wool blend and excellent condition.
@@TheChapsGuideWow there are no flies on you Mr Jones that is a fantastic purchase👍
@TheChapsGuide Wow! That's an amazing purchase. Fits you perfectly and looks like a very good quality material. Just goes to show you don't need to spend a fortune. Rather ironic given the subject of this video! All the best.
Yes, a Chap will indeed do this but a Gentleman would just dispatch his Valet...
A third hand suit from a flea market would likely fit better. What a nightmare.
Crikey, that jacket's a monstrosity! No professional tailor should allow something like that to leave their workshop. Daniel, it seems your big mistake was to be too passive during the process. However, take the excellent advice that Ash gives here & try to end up with a garment that reflects what you wanted & what you paid for it.
I would go in personally taking another jacket that fits you perfectly, tell them you were expecting some thing like that. A second button would make it look better but it still would not be right. Bad reviews is something they want to avoid.
Calm down it's not that bad
Great topic: What do you do when your guest in a restaurant receives bad food. If I receive bad food I don't eat it and stay quiet. What they bring next may contain revenge by the chef.
Yep, don't want pea soup to become pee soup.
well company has 3 choise .. make a new one , refound , or say no you left the shop is your problem now ,, if they say no , you can go on social and say they suck , with the risk of getting sued by them ,( may aslo get some jall time for that ) or sued them and pay legal fee to get refound but you also may end up spend lot of money and time and get nothing ,,
Today I wear a pair of spectators black and red Oxford Dress shoes by Girotti brand light charcoal trousers by Brook Brothers and a burgundy dress shirt by French Crown and green pattern regimental tie with a brown belt and dress watch brown band blue dial gold edges boss watch a navy blue linnen 2 button blazer by Paul Frederick and a Panama Fedora Hat all topped of with a combination of the Royal Water by Creed and the Dubai extreme by perfume de Dubai
Is that boutonniere of a Knight in Obidience of the Order of Malta by any chance?
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Prevention is key. Do your homework before ordering. There is much info on TH-cam regarding the qualities and fit of a bespoke suit. Most people would research the types and quality of cars before getting on the lot, and ordering an expensive custom-made garment should be no different. Also, -is this a shop in an out-of-the-way place, with a price that seems too good? See samples or pictures of their work, and investigate their reputation. Nowadays you can often find reviews posted online. I would be wary of a tailor younger than 30 yo, because a tailoring apprenticeship is very long. Ask about his/her training, the elements of their signature style, and their ideas about flattering the figure. Know what measurements they should be taking, the quality of the fabric, lining, and canvas, etc., and the number of fittings you should expect. The problems with the button placement and lack of shaping should have been caught long before the garment was finished.
Jacket too short and button too high.
Oh wow... the jacket looks... honestly worse than my first *made to measure* (!) jacket looked... and that was pretty much way too large and I seriously commissioned it in an unintentional 80s look of double breasted with a notched lapel... it looks very 80s... but it's at least wearable... in a 80s kind of way...😅
The button is just...weird and I think it's the worst. It completely throws off the look and proportions and looks a lot like the whole jacket is three sizes too short in order to fit a thin frame if it where ready-made - I don't even know if it's too short or if this is an effect of the high button... wow... you have my condolences.
In addition to the other options I'd also try to appeal to professional pride without condemnation - "it might be intended to be in this boxy style but I feel I was clear in that I wanted it - *in this and that and more "English" or "American"* ".
I'd also try to formulate it non-confrontational, if possible, yes you initially said nothing but now, with time to consider, you've come to the conclusion that in spite of the great workmanship in the details... **euphemism,** **euphemism,** **criticism,** **euphemism.**
I recently had a pair of trousers as part of a suit arrive in the wrong fabric (same pattern but dark navy instead of charcoal... understandable how this could have happened) so I went ahead and took a photograph with everything highlighted by flash light so it was actually visible, and they immediately remade the trousers in the right fabric.
But of course there is no vanity involved in this. But even if... heck we re-made shoes almost competently because of a miscommunication regarding the hue of the leather... and it's a health-insurance paid-for article, we could have just (correctly I feel) made the point that there was a misunderstanding and it's still a medium brown...
But to us this is a matter of *professional pride* and this is what I'd *try to appeal to.*
Maybe also mentioning the trousers as very satisfying and in this context I'd honestly suggest that I'd use this to plant a "white lie" in that you mentioning that you feel that you belive you *could* be satisfied (if you get redress).
You can always escalate if you feel it's needed.
I'd get the opinion of other professionals *but* to keep it in reserve, not opening with it in the first communique.
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
This Episode truly will come handy to the majority of whiny Man Children out there especially to those under 40 year old with High Degree in Entitlement and Self Pity.
Doesn't even look like a suit (3:39)
Why is this guy getting "Huntsman" looking clothes in Naples? Sounds like someone getting what they paid for. Go back and get their house-style. But it looks like the customer played designer.
That is a silly looking suit!
Wow, that is terrible, like a prop for a self-deprecating comedian. Nine out of ten, if not nineteen out of twenty, randomly selected tailors in Vietnam would probably do a much better job at a fraction of the price. I'd take it back like Basil Fawlty carrying a garden gnome...