"The polka dots are completely mismatched around top, middle and bottom of the dress. The dots are misaligned, droop far too low on the left side and it's only accentuated by the black trim."Browsing a doll forum today I came across the above comment by a very disappointed collector who had received doll dress in a giftset for which he paid $225.
He rightly believes that the dress should have been "impeccably" made for that price. I get the feeling he hasn't been around that long because of this expectation but he is, nevertheless, correct.
The dress in question is seen above.
Royal Treatment Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll Gift Set The Fashion Royalty® Collection 2015 Online Event Exclusive Limited Edition Size: TBA (Edition Size Based on Orders Received) Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Fall 2015
The set came with this dress as well:
Apparently the belt was made too small because many collectors are having difficulty fitting it onto the doll.
All of it:
Blogger "Desperately Seeking Dolls" states:
"I believe IT missed an opportunity here. It wouldn't have been a major cost to include another pair of shoes, some hose, better jewelry (including a pin for the coat), and a hat. That would've tipped the scale. I believe the Royal Treatment is a lovely doll, but they overcharged for a gift set that wasn't executed well. It's left a bad taste in the mouths of their loyal collectors."
But that's not the point of this post.
My question is what is a proper return policy? If the manufacturer cannot provide a properly made item, should you get your money back? Can they tell you that all the polka dot dresses are made that way and there are no replacements and no refunds? Should they give you a token credit to use towards a future product?
This was a direct-from-Integrity-Toys-item-not available-through-dealers, although some dealers have some for sale. The issue a collector could face if this were a dealer product would be that the dealer could get annoyed. We don't want to mess with our dealers, do we? Ahem.
So are we between a rock and a hard place or is there another way to demand appropriate quality for money spent?
There was an issue with mismatched shoes in the Rare Appearance Dania doll. They were animal prints but one was lighter and the other darker looking very odd together. Patient Care did not replace or exchange stating that those were natural variations.
ReplyDeleteAnd was it a widespread problem or just one person?
DeleteMy Dania had the same mismatched shoes.
DeleteLove the doll, not the clothes in this set. My gown doesn't have a problem with the polka dots, but there is too much material on the opaque overskirt, and the sewn-in slip is too long and shows unless it is positioned just so. I don't think her coloring works with it; it looks much better on a black-haired doll who is now wearing it (temporarily). The yellow sheath is terrific, but I have the too-short belt problem. Some people said they final attached it after struggling with it for quite a while. I don't want to do that to attach a simple belt; it should not be as difficult as Midas Touch Poppy's gladiator sandals. The coat is very nice, but I'm not thrilled with another lingerie piece. I wish IT would do a nice set with peignoir and mules -- like Barbie's Honey in Hollywood -- if they feel the need to give us lingerie; that's a much classier approach from my perspective.
DeleteWidespread from what I recall. Several people were told that nothing would be done.
DeleteThanks for your comments, Troy.
DeletePersonally, I feel this is one of those giftsets that looks better in the box than out of it. Something about it doesn't 'flow' if you get what I mean. Polka dots in any stretch does not go on an evening gown, especially in miniature. I have not deboxed my set yet, frankly I am dreading it after last year's set where my Agnes' shoes did not fit correctly. I agree with Troy that a wonderful peignoir, mules like the honey in hollywood - only more over the top would be better. I think the coat and sheath are lovely but the evening gown's colors and pattern do not go well with her coloring. The price would have been justified with more shoes , and accessories .
ReplyDeleteThat's a sad situation when one doesn't look forward to deboxing.
DeleteT
I agree so much with your return policy statements. It also holds them accountable for the product produced as advertised.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't paying attention to the dots, but I did spend a couple of hours 'fixing' the set. For the polka dot dress I added some black vintage pleated trim to the bottom of the dress, that gives it a great deal more weight and it sits better, and added a hat and new belt, and put it on a redheaded Dasha. Then I fixed the day dress belt (which involved undoing the ends, using 450 acid free fabric glue and snaps), and added a black beret. I was underwhelmed with the quality of the polka dot dress, but the day dress and coat are nice.
ReplyDeleteActually it was a fair bit of work, and for the money customers shouldn't have to do that. I imagine many customers who don't sew would not attempt to fix the problem belt. I can't comment on USA consumer protection laws I'm afraid.
Thank you for sharing your fix. The dress must look great now.
ReplyDeleteT
Well, I do like the doll and two of the three outfits. The polka dot dress- the dots could be larger and more graphic, or smaller in scale and less wonky. Many of us have learned craftiness, to fix/ repair items like the belt.......but we shouldn't have to resort to Crafts 101 with the kind of money for an exclusive. Julie's solution to belt seems the way to go, but...........time, patience, and skill level of handling small items are always issues.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty disappointed with the quality of this doll. The head on mine was not of the same skin tone as the body. Her shoulder joints did not match. The yellow belt only fit on a naked doll - did not close with the dress on. Her polka dot dress constantly slid off and exposed her chest.
ReplyDeleteI e-mailed Patient Care and they're giving me a refund. Granted, they may have been swayed by the PayPal claim I filed at the same time. I don't want to settle for a mediocre doll or spend a ton of time fixing Integrity's mistakes when I paid $225 for the doll. Just my 2 cents....
When customers demand good products s you have done, things will improve. Prices will rise no matter what.
DeleteApparently IT is issuing replacements for the too-small belt on the yellow dress. People just need to request one through Patient Care.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that someone did indeed receive a refund. These dolls are too expensive for us not to expect good quality, though it does seem you are right that we don't demand it. It is something to think about.