ADVICE NEEDED: Resolve unsatisfactory product from forum vendor

[styleophile]

I commissioned a CMT jacket from a forum vendor with a long history and following on SF. We had extensive communication during the process that is well documented. I requested a full floating canvas construction and believe I was charged accordingly.

The process was typical: I provided measurements, one of my own jackets to use as a 'template' and pictures of myself in that jacket. Communication was challenging but not unusual or unexpected. The fit of the item was not good - again not totally unexpected. I took pictures, sent it back for them to make adjustments. They were willing and communicative. However what came back appeared to be unchanged from before.

I had commissioned the jacket for an event, so I wore it as is. When I took it to my tailor here in the US to see if he could make the needed adjustments, he said it was a fully fused construction and not much could be done about it.

Needless to say, I was very surprised and disappointed. I let it sit for a bit, so as not to react emotionally. I have asked myself - is this a misunderstanding or is this misrepresentation and deceit?

How does one solve this constructively? I have noticed that launching a discussion on the forum will bring out the fanboys and vitriol to match our current political discourse

Help!

 

[bensm1th]

I'd say you got ripped off. A full floating canvass is very, very different from a fused canvass. Night and day difference. I sell a lot of suits on eBay. Many times I'd rather have one fully canvassed jacket than 20 fused ones. My thoughts.

 

[styleophile]

I'd say you got ripped off. A full floating canvass is very, very different from a fused canvass. Night and day difference. I sell a lot of suits on eBay. Many times I'd rather have one fully canvassed jacket than 20 fused ones. My thoughts.

I share your opinion. I am not sure how to address and resolve it. This vendor has many loyal fans on SF. If I were to post on their official thread, I am not convinced that the discussion will be productive.

 

[Sfroide3]

Ask them for a full refund as it wasn't what was ordered. if they refuse, feel free to use your credit card fraud protection.

 

[breakaway01]

My first thought is whether you can be certain of what your tailor told you. What kind of alterations did you request? Most simple alterations on a jacket can be performed on a fused or canvassed jacket AFAIK. So the statement that they can’t alter a fused jacket raises a red flag. Second, it is very easy for you to tell whether the jacket is fully canvassed or not. Look up “pinch test”. If you can’t feel a floating canvas layer at the bottom of the jacket then it is not fully canvassed.

 

[styleophile]

Ask them for a full refund as it wasn't what was ordered. if they refuse, feel free to use your credit card fraud protection.

That does seem like the simplest solution. I have been hesitant to go down the path since it is never that simple.

 

[styleophile]

My first thought is whether you can be certain of what your tailor told you. What kind of alterations did you request? Most simple alterations on a jacket can be performed on a fused or canvassed jacket AFAIK. So the statement that they can’t alter a fused jacket raises a red flag. Second, it is very easy for you to tell whether the jacket is fully canvassed or not. Look up “pinch test”. If you can’t feel a floating canvas layer at the bottom of the jacket then it is not fully canvassed.

Appreciate your presenting the other side.

Very reputable tailor that I have known for a decade. I cannot afford his going rates for bespoke work hence experimented with a well regarded on the forums MTO. The fabric we used made the pinch test subtle for a non-professional like me.

 

[breakaway01]

Still not clear to me what alterations you requested and why they would not be possible with a fused jacket.

If the jacket is indeed fused then you should first go to the maker directly. Is it possible that there was a miscommunication? You wrote "I requested a full floating canvas construction and believe I was charged accordingly." This doesn't sound like you are certain that you were charged for a full canvas. I don't see how it helps you to out them here -- at least not yet.

If in fact it is clear that the maker agreed to make a fully canvassed jacket and charged you accordingly, I would strongly recommend that you have proof that the jacket is fused. Ideally I'd ask your tailor to detach part of the lining so that you can see the fusing and absence of a floating canvas layer, and then take a photo to send to the maker. If they will not compensate you to your satisfaction (e.g. refund or remake) then I would take it up with your credit card company -- but again it would help to have firmer evidence than "my tailor says it's fused." Emails documenting your request for a full canvas and/or an invoice stating this would also help, of course.