I purchased a pair of Super Guy Diablo jeans from Tate + Yoko's site. I tried to gauge the size that I would require. I attempted to do my research, and based upon what I read, I ordered a size up. I am usually a 34. I purchased a 36. Unfortunately, the jeans would not button due to my body type--I have an athletic body. I called Tate + Yoko's customer service to return the item. The individual that answered was cordial and provided me with return instructions; however, that is when the process became expensive. I went to my local NYPS office in Brooklyn, and the clerk informed me that a return would cost approximately $33.00 for standard delivery to Montreal and over $40.00 for express shipping. I called back Tate + Yoko and requested that they pay the shipping. Most companies would oblige in that situation. The customary service rep, though cordial again, told me that they could not because they are a small company. I tried to protest, but they would do nothing. I ended up paying $26.00 at Fedex to return the product.
I knew that I would receive store credit upon returning the item, but the customary service rep stated that I would receive back the TOTAL amount I paid--including shipping. I received credit for $183.00 instead of $193.00 like he promised. I had no choice but to order something else on the website, but I will not order from them again.
I know that other reviews maintain that people should understand that T+Y is a small company in another country, and as a result, one should understand why they make the return process so costly. However, the legal concept of caveat emptor--buyer beware--should not apply to individuals purchasing 1)expensive, boutique products in 2) a retail sector in which free returns are common. I have purchased garments from ASOS that I have had to return, and these products include a return shipping label free of additional cost. I would understand if Tate + Yoko sold cheaper products, but its reputation has a basis in jeans of exceptional quality and, sometimes, exceptional price. (Some jeans are over $400!) I lost approximately $40.00 in this entire process (which is almost 25% of the value of the product that I purchased), and no one there seems to care.
I would recommend other people to go to the Naked & Famous store in NYC (if possible) or purchase these garments from Nordstrom. At least you know that if your clothing does not fit, you will not have to undergo the ordeal of returning them. Naked & Famous sizes are not the same as other products that one might purchase.
By the way, you cannot make Tate + Yoko products to Naked & Famous stores. Apparently, they are the same company, but they do not accept T+Y returns.
Also, I am also sure that employees wrote some of these five-star customer service reviews. So if T+Y has not stated so in a sufficient manner through its actions, I will say it now: CAVEAT EMPTOR. read more