A preface: I have casually read Yelp reviews in the past, but have never actively participated on this website. This changes today.
The customer service at this boutique ranks as the single worst retail experience I have ever encountered in my 33 years. It has compelled me to start writing reviews on this site.
The weekend before last, I had purchased a high-end (ST Dupont) lighter at this store. The gentleman behind the counter, on that day, was actually very pleasant. Friendly & engaging, he clearly enjoys this store and providing quality service to it's customers.
The lighter that I ended up purchasing wasn't functioning properly when filled at purchase (would ignite maybe 1/3rd of the time), but I was told that this is normal for new lighters, and to give it a few hours/days to "warm up". Later that evening, I called the store from home, explaining it's still not working- this time igniting on maybe 1 in 6 clicks. The clerk instructed to bring it in for an exchange the next day if the problem persists. This is a $200+ lighter.
The next day, I return to the store to swap it out for a non-defective model. Upon entering the front door, I see a different clerk behind the counter (who I later find out is the "managing partner" of the store.) I was the only customer inside at this time.
Typically, when a customer walks into a store- it's customary to greet, or acknowledge the presence of the new customer. If not customary, at least good general business practice. This 'manager' didn't once look up from his computer screen.
I approached the counter and said "hi-there", to which the employee- without glancing away from his computer screen for even a second, replied "yeah?" as if I was causing a terrible inconvenience.
I explained the reason for my visit (described above) and requested to exchange the lighter as promised. After some back and forth, the manager examined the lighter, and found a very slight scratch to the outside metal. This could have been there originally when I purchased it the day before, I have no proof. As soon as I realized the lighter wasn't working (still) at home, I returned it to it's original packaging with receipt.
The manager refused to exchange it. "But it's defective" I explained. This allegedly is the top lighter I can buy, it should work right? -i asked. Clearly bothered, the manager still refused, explaining the lighters are "just luck... sometimes they ignite, sometimes they don't". "Not for $200+, I explained."
I then asked if he can send it for repair, explaining I was told it came with a lifetime warranty. "It doesn't." said the manager. "The employee you met yesterday is new, he doesn't know what he's talking about." (he was referring to the actual nice one).
Long story short (I know, too late!), more than a week has passed and I called today to check on the status of the repair. (I was told at the store it should take a week or so). The phone was answered by the same 'managing partner', who put me on 'hold' (not actual hold, I heard him arguing with Verizon for several minutes on what must have been his cell phone). I was told, "listen man, it takes time. It will be a while."
I asked, how long is a while? "A while is a while" he replied. I asked, "weeks? months?" He answer "weeks, I don't know man."
It's infuriating when faced with such gross incompetence and just overall blatant rude carelessness, to have no recourse.
I will never step foot in this store again. I never want to encounter that "managing partner" ever again. -Cigar Town management, if you are reading this- I am "writing off" this entire experience as a loss. If my lighter is ever returned by ST Dupont, throw it away, as I won't be returning.
If one prospective customer is persuaded to a competing cigar store instead of Cigar Town, that would be satisfaction enough for me.
In fact, and I'm 100% serious with the following offer, I will meet the first customer (or prospective customer) of Cigar Town Reston, to message me online, in front of this store with a chauffeured limo to a competing Tobacconist (John B. Hayes in Fair Oaks, Cigar Connection in Arlington, PG Boutique in McLean) and back. No one should ever have to experience such an ungracious lack of service. read more