Friday, September 12, 2014

My #VSSportBra Store Experience

I'm a part of Influenster. It's a really cool website, where I link all my social networks, they send me cool free samples, and I write reviews on my social networks.
DISCLAIMER: These reviews are solely the views of myself, and not of Influenster or the brands noted herein. I am given all items complimentary, and receive credit/points for reviewing and posting about products and companies.

Now on to the good stuff...


I was sent this really cool box from Influenster on Wednesday. Inside was a VSX Incredible by Victoria's Secret Sport Bra and Knockout by Victoria's Secret Tight Pants. I must say, I love the products so far, but I'll write a review on the products themselves, and how they hold up during a workout, later. Right now, I'm reviewing my store experience. And let me tell you, you are in for a story! 

I received an email from Influenster last week stating that when my products arrive, if something does not fit correctly, I can "exchange it for a different size at any Victorias Secret store without a receipt". So, when I noticed my bra was a little loose in the cup, I decided I'd stop by Victoria's Secret in Altamonte. This location is about an hour from my house, but my friend, Ashley, had decided she wanted to go there, so I went with her. 

I quickly found an identical bra, same price tags, everything, just in one cup size lower. I was helped by a great store associate named Tiffany to get a perfect fit. She was very helpful and friendly. Good part of the story. It goes downhill from there. 

I went to the register to complete my exchange. Keep in mind: I was told specifically that I was able to exchange without a receipt, and that I chose an IDENTICAL product just one cup size lower. Price tags matched exactly. 

The cashier told me that the original bra was ringing at sale price ($12.99). Basically meaning that if I wanted to exchange it, I'd have to pay the difference from the retail price ($49.50). Uh, negative. I didn't pay for this bra, why would I want to pay a difference? So I told him my situation with Influenster, and he contacted a leader. Her name was Sherry. Sherry took over, and let the guy open another register, so we wouldn't be holding up a line. Sherry told me the same thing the first guy did. So I explained to her that I had received it for free, and that I had an email stating that I could exchange it if needed. I wasn't asking for any money (return) or anything. I simply wanted the bra in the correct size. She kept giving me a hard time, saying that they must have sent me a receipt or some sort of barcode that they could input into the computer. I had nothing. It was FREE from INFLUENSTER! She had no idea what I was talking about when I said "Influenster", so I explained that they sent me the product to try and review, AND to review my store experience. Her whole demeanor changed. She immediately called "Client Relations" to ask how to process this transaction. Although, the whole time she acted like she didn't think it was legitimate, because the email came from "influenster" and not "the victorias secret website". Finally, the person on the hotline was able to walk her though it and give her an override code. It finally went through, but in all the commotion/confusion, I was sent on my way without my Drivers License (required to process an exchange). So here I was, at Publix back home, without an ID to purchase the beer I needed to cook dinner. *facepalm* 

I called the store back, and was told my ID was found, and that it was in the office. I asked if they could mail it to the address listed and she informed me that they "aren't allowed to mail it" and that I'd have to come pick it up. Seriously?! As if I don't have enough to do, without driving back to Altamonte to pick up my ID?  And hope I don't need it before I can make it there?! Ridiculous. 

Anyway, I'm very disappointed with the fact that every time I deal with Victorias Secret stores, I'm automatically questioned on my integrity or the integrity of whatever it is I'm talking about (sales, coupons, this influenster day...). I am also upset that corporate did not communicate well with their stores on how to handle these transactions. 

An email has been sent to the CEO of Victoria's Secret, and reviews have been written about my experience. But at the end of the day, I'm here at home, with a correct fitted bra, and no drivers license. Happy Friday, ya'll! 




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