Rips in trousers- what would you do? Update - no success! - YouLookFab Forum

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Rips in trousers- what would you do? Update - no success!

Sal

Veteran

A couple of months ago I purchased some black wrap front harem trousers. They are a small NZ designer, NZ made, and were not cheap, however they were on sale. I bought them from the main boutique, wore them four times and discovered the seams had split apart in the crotch area (they are loose and with a drop crotch).

I took them back and asked them to repair them for me, which they did with okay grace, but not the best service.

I have worn them another 4-5 times and went to put them on Friday night and discovered the pants have split again, but not only the seam, the fabric has torn too. They will have had three or four washes total, and probably 8-10 wears.

I think I should probably take them into the store and explain, but I find it off putting for a small designer. I am not sure if they can be repaired, or whether I would need a replacement.

I think that is pretty poor, and a design fault, given the use I have had from them.

The "ironic" thing is that I was proud for buying locally designed and manufactured, and pleased to have purchased a quality pair of pants.

What would you do?

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43 replies

Latest reply was from Kiwimom

Gigi

Veteran

Personally, I would take them back again and see what they can do. Quite honestly, you are doing them a favor to point out that their quality control is not so good. If no one points out their construction issues, they will just lose clientele over time and not even realize why. I would probably see what kind of service I got when bringing the pants back a second time before deciding whether to continue buying from there.

What a downer! The pants look like they were comfy and a good fit.

Deborah

Veteran

Absolutely take them back. Is the boutique the designer and producer of the pants? If not contact the label direct if you don't get a appropriate response from the boutique. Don't settle! You either need a new pair or a refund. I don't think I would want this particular pair repaired again. You have a right to expect excellent quality

Brooklyn

Veteran

It's a shame they have not worked out. They look so good!
I would take them back and request a refund. I would think another pair (even if available) would have similar issues.
If they refuse, you might have to get a bit heavy with them and start quoting consumer law. I think this would qualify as a serious fault (a reasonable consumer would not have bought the goods knowing the fault and the goods are substantially unfit for their purpose) so you are entitled to require a refund. It might help that you have photos of yourself in the pants - it shows that they fit with room to spare so it wasn't a fit issue that caused the defect. I know this sort of thing can be unpleasant but I think you will be doing them a favour in the long run if you insist on your rights. Quality is important
http://www.consumeraffairs.gov.....with-goods

Anonymous

I second what other said before me. You should bring them back for two reasons (1) you paid for them and anticipated they would last beyond eight wearings, and (2) the designer needs to understand the flaw so he/she can correct it.

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree. It's no fun , though, so I put these things off and then stew over it. It's too bad to lose a great item but sounds like more of these won't work. I would aim for a refund and move on.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I rarely return items but in a situation like this, do think it is warranted. It sounds like the designer/manufacturer chose an inappropriate fabric for the item being made. That is definitely not the consumers responsibility.

rute

Veteran

The same happened to me with a Massimo Dutti pants (I'm a regular client and that never happened before, I thin it was the fabric of those pants).
I went to the store, they sent it to the tailor, but on the second time, I just asked for my money back!

Anonymous

Oh, Sally, what a shame, I love those pants. I agree with others, take them back. As Gigi said, it's ultimately helping the designer to know about this. Or, if you're worried the boutique will stop carrying the brand, you could contact the designer directly. As Brooklyn said, send photos, especially of the damage. Construction is an integral part of design; without it, a design has failed, no matter how gorgeous it is.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, what a shame! They look so nice on you! And so frustrating.

I would definitely do as others have said and speak with them. It seems ridiculous that they would self-destruct in such a short period of time.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

What they said. If for nothing else than to let them know there is a problem. But I hope you can get a new/better pair - they are fantastic pants!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Soooo annoying. That's faulty fabric. I would take them back.

Carole

Veteran

I hope you return them and they promptly refund your money! Disappointing:(

greycat6

Veteran

Totally agree with all the advice you have been given. I would add that because (it appears) the fabric is to blame you will not be the only consumer with this issue. All others who have purchased items made of this fabric are having the same problem. You are doing them a favor returning the pants. It will give them leverage when working with their fabric suppliers.

Good luck.

Summer

Veteran

I'd ask for a refund, Sally. Given that the pants weren't cheap, you should expect far better wear from them.

Elle

Veteran

I agree with the group - take them back and ask for a refund.
No matter what you paid, they should have lasted longer than 10 wears (unless you are climbing Mt Everest).

How totally frustrating for you.

Echo

Veteran

I agree about faulty fabric and/or seams. I once bought a pair of silk trousers from Nordie's, and they split in a similar manner after only 4 or 5 wears. I LOVED those pants, and it broke my heart to send them back, but I did. I realize that sending a product back is much easier than returning and pointing out a quality flaw in person, but it is warranted either way.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks, I will call by and see what they can do.

I am not a timid person but they were not all that helpful the first time, and a friend also had problems. And with a chain store/big retailer they tend to be quite generous to keep customers happy. With a small boutique, who make their own clothing essentially, I know it is tough going in this current market.

But I agree, honestly the pants have had very light wear and it is shoddy construction or fabric.

Jeanie

Veteran

That's too bad. Hopefully, they will give your money back. I am finding that expensive clothes don't always mean quality fabric. I had to return an expensive piece recently because the fabric just shredded after one wear near the hem. I was afraid to ask for a refund but they did give me a full refund.

Helen11

Veteran

Good luck, I hope they appreciate your experience . I wonder how many unhappy customers never go back, and advise others not to shop there. Let us know how you go.

Bijou

Veteran

Glad to hear you are taking them back. Ungracious sales assistants will put you off from shopping there again.

Anonymous

Oh man. Problems with boutique items are the worst.

I guess it's about picking battles, and deciding which battles you want to pursue. If you have the emotional energy to tackle this one, do it. Go in and ask for your money back. But if you do not, and you need your energy for other battles, then just let it go.

As you might be able to tell, I have other battles and would probably let this one go, ha ha!

Good luck. I really liked those pants.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I agree with what Gigi said. I would take them back, and see what the boutique can do. I would not expect a full refund, necessarily, nor a replacement pair (which would likely have the same issue). If it were me, a store credit would encourage me to give the boutique another try. Otherwise, even if they gave me my money back, I'd be hesitant about shopping there again.

Anonymous

Did you call, Sally? What was the ultimate outcome? Remember you have power as a consumer.

Sal

Veteran

I just got back from calling by. The SA was there who I purchased off, but not the manager. She took them, and is going to get back to me. She did say they would stand by their product. We will see what happens when the manager rings.

And thanks for all the advice and support - it is their problem I agree, I am just in rather a busy/stressful patch at the moment between work, end of year, voluntary work and family life so these extra things are a bit of a pain!!

Colette

Veteran

I'm chiming in late here but I'm happy you brought the pants back and even happier to know they are standing behind their products. It's really a bummer that you even have to deal with such problems, on top of everything else going on in life, but hopefully they will resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

Sal

Veteran

Haha, I spoke too soon.

Just had a phone call, they say it is wear and tear and not a manufacturers fault and there is nothing they can do. I just told them I was very disappointed and I guess I won't be shopping there again!!

I am not going to push it any more - I don't have the energy right now.

Colette

Veteran

What a shame! I'm sorry they didn't end up standing behind their product. Sounds like you could use a little 'me time' so make sure you carve out a few minutes to do something rejuvenating for yourself.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Commiserations Sally. I've had the same kind of problem with small manufacturers in Oz. It's so disappointing when you really want to support local businesses.

Elle

Veteran

That's so disappointing and incredibly frustrating. There's really nothing more you can do but I'm glad you tried.

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