Because You Served Ring by Minter and Richter

This ring was going to be THE Christmas present for someone in my life. That person decided to remove himself from the scene before the ring was done. Since it wasn't a small amount of money, I went back to the ring's creators - the very wonderful Minter and Richter Designs and asked politely if I could get a partial refund on the custom order.

It's based on their King's Ring design, but I asked to have it made with a red and blue inlay bands, so the result would be an elegant, patriotic ring for a former Navy man. As you can see, their talent is astonishing, but more importantly their service and manner is both professional and fair. Minter replied that although they could not offer a refund as the ring was 3/4 complete and their store policies clearly state that there are no refunds on custom orders, given the situation, they would give me half the cost as a store credit. I feel this is a more-than-fair compromise in a situation no one is happy with.

Please see her email below for a great example of customer service that we can all learn from:

Hello! Sorry, I didn't get back to you yesterday. I am afraid that we cannot refund custom work. Please see our policies. We have already almost finished the ring and it is not just the materials but our labor as well. This is a very difficult ring to make as well since it has a cross cut inlay. On top of this, we made it a rush order so that you would have it in time for Christmas.

I do, however, understand your predicament and can offer you a $100.00 gift certificate (or the cost of one ring under $100.00). See below. You could use it towards a ring for yourself instead or for a friend. It will not expire and is valid as long as we are alive and making rings. Or, I can go ahead and mail you the ring when it is finished.

I am truly sorry. Break ups are hard enough without having to lose money on top of it. If we had not already made 3/4's of the ring by the time I heard from you, I absolutely would have made an exception and refunded your money.

Warm regards,

Minter

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36389408