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Friedman's is the third largest jewelry retailer in the country. The Georgia-based company likes to say it is the largest chain within the 20 Southeastern and Midwestern states where most of its 681 stores are located.
The company says it has established itself as the "Value Leader" by offering a broad array of quality merchandise at competitive prices. It has also skillfully located its stores in high traffic locations where its target audience shops. All this sounds great, although not all of Friedman's customers are dazzled by the service, quality and refund policies.
There've also been some questions about the chain's financing policies, including a class-action lawsuit and a challenge by the Attorney General of Texas.
Here are a few of the more recent complaints we've received:
Melissa of Northeast MD (07/08/08)
Purchased a diamond engagement ring on 10/04 for $2000.00 dollars cash and I had a life time warranty. On July 3, 2008 my diamond fell out of my ring and I lost it. I contacted the store and found out they went bankrupt. So now what am I suppose to do this ring as sentimental value. I am missing my diamond. I feel they need to be held accountable.
Purchased a diamond engagement ring on 10/04 for $2000.00 dollars cash and I had a life time warranty. On July 3, 2008 my diamond fell out of my ring and I lost it. I contacted the store and found out they went bankrupt. So now what am I suppose to do this ring as sentimental value. I am missing my diamond. I feel they need to be held accountable.
Tim of Hephzibah GA (07/07/08)
I purchased an engagement set from Friedmans on July 23, 2007. Around July 2, 2008 I attempted to secure a motorcycle loan only to find out that I was denied because I had an delinquent account on my credit which was handed over to a credit agency. When I called the agency they told me that Friedmans had referred my account to them. I attempted to contact Friedmans by phone to find out why, but got no answer so I went to the store only to find out that they have gone out of business.
So I called the collection agency to talk to them and they told me that I had not made a payment for 2 months which was not true. I have made all payments and was not behind. I asked the collection agent why I was not notified that they thought I was behind and that my account was handed over them. They said that they sent a notification to me alone with a payment booklet, but I never received anything from them. It turns out that they sent the information to the wrong address. I have 2 payment floating around out there somewhere.
As a result, I was denied credit because of the bad mark on my credit report.
Kim of Todd NC (06/29/08)
My husband and I bought my engagement ring at the Boone NC location. We bought the ring on sale for $500.00. We made all but the last 2 payments. Being only two months behind, they sent the debt to a collection agency. Finally, we had the money to pay it off and paid the final amount of $210.96.
After having proof of making the final payment, they all of a sudden say we didn't make any of our payments and still say we owe them the full $500! They have sent this info to 3 different collection agencies and we are constantly being harassed by people from different countries since they have outsourced this to collections in different countries!
Because of this, my credit has been damaged.
Melissa of Glens Falls NY (06/25/08)
My husband purchased my diamond ring and Lifetime warranty from them 4 years ago. They are bankrupt and going out of business and when I called I was told my warranty which we paid for is no longer valid since they are out of business. All customers who purchased a Lifetime Warranty should be refunded for the extra charges for this warranty.
Patrick of Hoover AL (06/24/08)
On 1-28-06, I discovered a bad mark on my credit report from Friedman's Jeweler's in Savannah, Georgia. I never bought anything from Friedman's. I had my wallet, soc sec card and driver's license stolen in 2005 and a man was arrested for identify theft and fraud in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
I notified Frideman's via fax and U.S.mail that this was not my account and sent a certfied statement along with the police report and the name of the person arrested for the fraud. I confirmed via telephone with Paula, Fraud Assistant, that the fax and supporting police report and data had been received.
Not only have they not taken the information off my report, now a collection agency is also showing up for the same amount. I sent a new certified letter but it keeps getting forwarded to different addresses in Savannah.
I have not been able to get credit in my name because of this. I even had to have my mother co-sign for my apartment. I can't get anybody to respond and fix this.
Sharon of Coward SC (06/16/08)
I went to Friedman's yesterday (6/15/08) to find out that they were gone. I ask the Mall information desk about them and was told [they] have gone out of business. This upsets me. I have my wedding ring, My Husbands watch, and my sons rings and watch warrantied by [them]. What happens now to my life time warranty?
Wendy of Florence SC (06/12/08)
I had someone drop-off a womens ring for me to get repaired. While i was making payments to have the ring returned an associate informed me that the store will be closing in eight weeks. She also informed me that I would be contacted about my ring if the store was to close before that specified date of 6/1/2008. Three weeks before the closing date I go to the store locations and it's closed. The ring was and still means a great deal to me
I would love top have it back but, but when I try to call the corporate office in TX there is no answer only a CPU. I really would like to have my ring returned or have someone contact me and inform me why I wasn't informed that I needed to pick-up my ring.
The ring was given to me four years ago by someone who is very dear to me. Now when I glance down at my hand where the ring was I am hurt because that is left is a mark
Brooke of Tampa FL (06/08/08)
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THEM MAIL YOU A ZERO DOLLAR DUE RECEIPT when you pay them off! I paid off the account by phone payment with this company that took over & called for the $0 bal receipt & was told that they owe me a credit payment of $40.03. I don't know where they got the figure but will be happy to take my $ back! Once the check comes (by the end of June 08) I am to call them to have a $0 bal receipt sent to me for proof of pay off. I worked for this company for over 8 years. I would love to know how my employment history will be verified since there will be no one to contact. Their jewelery is [expletive] and always has been.
It was not the merchandise they were selling, it was the credit. They were staying in business from the interest rates and fees everyone was paying. They made some major mistakes in their business decisions which has affected everyone but the CEO & CFO. Many managers were wrongfully fired & then there were some that truly deserved to be fired. BY the time that the company decided to use a 3rd party collection agency instead of inhouse collections it was too late to redeem themselves, hence the outcome of closing shop & now several Americans are out searching for a job to keep a roof over their heads.
Nellie of Cartersville GA (06/07/08)
On 3/1/2008 I bought one ring for me and one Seiko watch for my husband. I paid for pre-market apraisals and protection plans for both items. As everybody knows Friedman's went on bankcrupcy, and I am hanging now with an useless protection plans and never received appraissals. They have a phone number that is disconnected. Watch out consumers! They are now changed to WHITEHALL. SHAME ON THEM AND IN GEORGIA' STATE THAT DOES NOT PROTECT THE CONSUMERS!
$144.97 of appraissals and warraties that I paid and never received.
Teresa of Birmingham AL (06/01/08)
OK everyone...if you have an account with the now bankrupt Friedman's, be prepared. I have not yet received a statement from the creditors who have taken over the Friedman's accounts. Knowing when my payments are due, I just go to the store to make them.
Went yesterday and was told by a sales associate that she didn't know how to process a statement. There was no manager on sight. I asked for my balance & payoff. Again, I was told she didn't know how to do that. So....I asked her if they were still accepting payments in the store. She said they were?????? I told her I had not received statements for the past 3 months or any information regarding where to make my payments in the future. She said they will probably send me something and were just behind.
As a former manager for this company, I know first hand that this is MASS CONFUSION and that if and when I do get a statement that it will probably be incorrect. I think the government needs to step in at this point and do something. I would stringly advise everyone to keep a close watch on your credit rating from this company. Will I pay them? Sure, always have and ahead of time..but not until I know where to send it and they can provide me with an accurate account statement.
Jamie of Gautier MS (05/27/08)
My husband and I purchased our wedding rings with the Friedman's in Gautier, MS. We have had our rings warrantied by this company every three months for four years now. Yesterday I went to our local store to have our rings checked and the warranty updated and the employees told me that my warranty is void due to the fact that their company is going out of business. They would not fill out my warranty for this month or even clean our rings.
I would like to know what are we suppose to do with our warranties now? Does your company have a plan of what to do with their valuable customers and their warranties? This is our wedding rings and they are very special to my husband and I. Something needs to be done about this! Why do they not have someone who will take over their warranties after the doors are closed. Why did they not send out any information to their customers regarding the fact that they will be closing and will no longer handle matters like this?
Amanda of Oxford NC (05/22/08)
I was informed by the sales person that my warrenty is no longer valid and they could not even clean my ring. I ask what happens if my stone becomes loose or falls out, She stated it was nothing that they could do. I asked her what was the pupose of my warrenty if they can honor it. Was it some one I could contact? Would another store take over the accounts? She said no and If something happens I would have to take care of it myself.
I am very disappointed and upset regarding this. I WILL FIND HIGHER AUTHORITY....SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE, PEOPLE TRUSTED THIS COMPANY.They are still selling jewlery and asking people if the would like to purchase the warrenty. I sent one of my friends in the store just to see.
The warrenty on my ring will expire and if the diamond falls out I may not be able to replace it. This is my wedding set.
Bradley of Thomasville NC (05/19/08)
In mid-March 08 I purchased an engagement ring. The relationship did not work out & I tried to return the ring. My receipt clearly stated it could be returned within 30 days of purchase. I was well within my 30 days, BUT the store is now going out of business and they would not take the ring back. There was no mention of the business closing at the time they took my money for the down payment & financed the rest of my purchase. I tried talking to several managers of both this store and another store, but no one would honor their 30-day return policy.
I now have a ring I don't need ... AND a healthy monthly payment to go with it. I DO NOT feel I should have to pay for something that in good faith I tried to return within the store guidelines. False advertisement, false representation, terrible business practices. Of course, since they are closing - I can't spread the word to never buy anything from them!
Ann of Athens GA (05/13/08)
I noticed the going out of business signs on the Friedman's Jewelers shop and went to investigate what bargains I might find. I noticed a gold link necklace and asked to see it. It was 22 long, original price was marked as $1000. After the various discounts, the price came down to $240. I liked the chain and decided to buy it. I assumed it was 14k or better with an original price as high as it was, but I did not ask. Bad consumer, I know, but I thought I was dealing with a reputable jeweler!
When I got home, I looked at the sales receipt (which I never saw until the sales lady stapled it to my credit card receipt) and I noticed it said 10k. I thought that had to be a mistake. No 10k 22 necklace of any description would have an original value of $1000 unless it was extremely heavy, and this one isn't. I got out my loupe, and sure enough, the chain is marked 10k. I took it back, but of course, all sales are final. I can see why this company is going out of business after reading all the tales of similar sleazy business practices on the consumer affairs web site.
I got a necklace that is probably worth $100, for which I paid $240 plus tax. Mostly I just hate being made a fool of.
Evelyn of Tallahassee FL (05/13/08)
A couple of days before Mother's Day (May 11, 2008)my son purchased me a gold bracelet from Friedman's. When I tried on the bracelet it broke in the middle. I took the braclet back to Friedmans to tell the manager what happened and he was rude and disrespectful. He indicated to me that it was my son's fault for not inspecting it more carefully; and he could not replace or repair the bracelet because all sales were final.
I told him that I was not asking for my money back but just wanted him to replace or repair the bracelet that my son purchased from him in good faith. He ordered me to leave the store and threaten to call the police on me after I proceeded to tell other customers that he refused to honor the bracelet he sold to my son a couple day prior. The bracelet cost $154.80.
Heidi of Clarksville TN (05/12/08)
First of all, to all those who work for this horrible company and are complaining about customers complaining have no right to be in the resale business. We, as consumers, have the right to complain for poor quality service and merchandise. Find a different line of work. I bought a saphire ring from them on their close-out sale. After I wore it for a day, I couldn't help but notice the stone was really crooked. So I brought it back because it was a manufacturer defect. And as the signs posted all over the store stated that was one reason for merchandise to be returned. But the sales lady there convinced me to exchange it for the opal version of the ring. With hesitation, I agreed. But when I put the ring on the next day, I noticed the opal was loose.
I brought that ring back and the manager said that it was not considered a defect and there is nothing they can do. I told her it was loose and she didn't seem to think so. She then proceeded to state that they sold the saphire I had returned and that she shouldn't have let me return it in the first place. I told her due to their policy, it was defected but she would still not take it back. So I took it to Kay's Jewelers across from them and they took it in to get fixed. I had to pay about $30 for it to get fixed!!! This is poor customer service and they deserve to go out of business. And it's their loss because a friend of mine was prepared to purchase a $900 ring when her husband came home on his mid-tour leave. Big mistake on their part.
Jessica of Woodstock GA (05/08/08)
I work with friedmans and have for over a year now. They were an amazing company and they offered all of you complaining people great prices for the items you bought. Some of you should be glad that you have the 2 year protection, at least your jewelery is still covered! And for those of you complaining that your lifetime warranty is gone let me hand you some statistics real quick.
Friedmans owns over 680 stores NATIONWIDE and employs over 7500 people. SO think about those 7500 people who are about to be roaming the market for new jobs or possibly applying to take over your current job! You can still protect your jewelery, take it somewhere else and have them look at it. And if your jewelery is so important then you should have it on your home-owners or renters insurance anyway, right? I have a feeling most of you complaining people do!
The employee's that work for the jewelery stores CAN NOT change the fact that we cant keep the warranties good. That is a company thing, so screaming at the employees and telling people not to shop there is not going to help out the fact that the warranties are gone! So how about you think of the bigger picture instead of just your jewelery.
Ashley of Gainesville TX (05/07/08)
I have worked for Friedman's for about 4 years. It started as a good job, I have been managing for 2 years now. And let me tell you things have changed so much and people dont understand. It's a corporation, when they tell you this or that, thats what it is and nothing else. I'm so sick of people complaining about their accounts, their warrenties, their jewelry. LOOK people they went bankrupty for a reason. The whole company is closing.
When a company closing theres isn't much they can do. How do you think we feel, we dont have jobs and you are worried about your jewelry. Give me a break. Take a number and stand in line. I have done everyting that I was able to to please my customers. When they cut us off, then what would you like me to do? Its sad to see a whole jewelry company close, but it is.
Anndrea of Crawfordville GA (05/03/08)
Purchased a ring on 2/18/08. an onyx diamond gts10KYG for my husbands twenty fifth anniversary, size 13. Wrong size so I returned back to the store to get it fixed with the jewelry protection plan that I purchased from Friedman's of 2yrs. costing $36.99.
Manager for the store gave me the toll free number, and now Friedman's are refusing to stand behind the protection plan due to bankruptcy in all their stores. However if I am willing to mail the ring and all receipts at my risk to a company called N.E.W. which Friedman's is the passing the bunk to this company that I don't know and at my expense and risk, and made NO acknowledgment that the company was the one backing up Friedman's to begin with for repairs or resizing of their products.
I bought the protection plan from Friedman's and I expect them to stand behind the product not some company that I don't even know and was not aware of at the time when the plan was purchased. I feel ripped off royally by a company that I thought was outstanding to stand behind their products. I had bought my first cross necklace in 1970, and other jewelry from Friedman's through the years and now I am very disappointed in their customer service.
I just wanted my husband to have a special ring for his twenty fifth anniversary. Now he has the ring but can't wear it due to one size to big, and feeling betrayed by a leading jewelry company brings distrust in any jewelry purchase in the future.
April of Hoover AL (05/01/08)
My husband recieved a letter thru the mail from a collection agency saying he owed 1,027.35 we have had friedman's paid off for years now the funny thing about it is they say they will settle with 154.10 if paid by 5-27-2008. Come on that dont even sound right you owe over a thousand dollars and they will settle for a hundred please, u wont be gettin anymore money out of us.!
Shannon of Sandersville GA (05/01/08)
I purchased a LIFETIME warranty (old policy) insured by Friedman's. Now with the Bankruptcy, I'm being told my warranty is useless and that Friedman's is not doing anything to buy out, refund, or service them. I'm being told that they will only service 2 YEAR warranties insured by another company. Could a class action lawsuit be filed? Is there anyone to call for restitution?
I paid good money for a LIFETIME warranty. With the bankruptcy, I'm being told that I cannot get my jewelry repaired if needed under the policy, nor am I being offered a refund for the warranty.
Rick of Swainsboro GA (04/30/08)
I purchased Bulova watch as well as two wedding bands. I purchased the lifetime warranty with all three purchases. Friedman's is now going out of business and I called them to find out who was going to honor these warranties, and was told no one was going to honor these warranties and that I could not get a refund on them either. I bought these with good faith and they ought to be made to honor them or refund the purchase price of the warranty. Thank you.
I've already had problems with the diamonds coming loose in the wedding bands. If the past problem is indicative of the future I'll have to pay for the repair or replacement of diamonds. It's just not fair.
Toby of Washington NC (04/30/08)
order a class ring for my son on 12-8-07. I received the ring 1-18-08 and when the ring came back it had the wrong year,so they[friedman's employee]shipped the ring back out on 1-21-08. I never heard anything from [Friedmans] the whole time it was gone, until the beginning of march when i decide to call them and find out what was going on and still was lied to over and over.
the youngman that help me was a real nice and caring person[Keith got tired and mad because of the lies,so he gave me gold lance phone# to find out what was happen with my ring. Friedman has a bad debt problem with gold lance. it took me two weeks after that to get my ring.i thank gold lance and glad the store [Friedman is Closing in my town[Washington,NC]. the young man that help me should move on and put [FRIEDMAN] behind him. thank you
Aimee of Sumter SC (04/23/08)
My fiance and I purchased a diamond engagement ring from Friedman's in December 2007. I didn't have problems with the ring until 4 weeks ago. I took in the store to have them fix it since we bought a warranty. The stone was loose and chipped. I was told by an employee that they could not do repairs, i would need to box it up and ship it myself. I was not going to do that. I went home that niht and called the number to the headquarters, now this was before they put all the recordings on there) and the woman said she worked with Whitehall, the store that bought them out. She said that they did not have our account info yet and to call back the next day. So I did, I called back at 1:30. The lady that i talked to said that they would not have our account info until sometime next week.
That same day my fiance and I went back to the store and told them that they either exchange the ring or they take it back. Well, Ms. Kirby said that as of today they could take repairs but would need the original receipt. I told her that i talked to someone at 1:30 that day and they said that i would need to send it myself. She argued with me and said that they were given permission at 1:00 that day. So we left it, but that didn't sit well with me. I went and picked my ring up the next morning and the receipt was ripped up (not the condition it was in before)and I took to another jewelry store. The man looked at my ring and told me it was a man-made diamond (moyzanite) with diamond filler, and then I took it to another jeweler and was told the same thing, I even got a third opion. This jeweler's tester showed diamond, but when he examined it he said it was the poorest quality he had ever seen, and his tester could be off but it would cost more for me to maintain this ring than what it was worth.
I went back to Friedman's. There I was called a liar, and was given two numbers to call. I called both numbers and all i got were machines, and no one has called me back yet. The only people that were helpful were the customer service people at whitehall. I talked to the Head of Whitehall yesterday, and he told me that there was still a Friedman's in Florence and that they could help. I called them and first the girl told me that they had been bought out (that is not true because Whitehall told me that the 78 that were bought officailly became Whitehall April 11, 2008 and that he knew for a fact it was still Friedman's) I told her the information that I was given and then she changed her story. She said that were still Friedman's but were going out of business.
All I want is for them to take the ring back, they can even keep the payments that were already made but wipe the rest clean. She called her district manager and she said no they can't take inventory back when they are trying to sell it all now. And of course I was given another number, and of course no answer or call back. We got the bill last night as well, and now they have our appraisal fee back on there which was suppose to be taken off but some how it was put back on there. So we are being charged with fees that aren't suppose to be there, we have to pay off a fake ring, no one can tell you anything about your account, and i'm just wondering exactly what they would have done to us if we had left the ring with the store that day. It isn't fair and i deserve my engagement ring to be a real certified diamond. I'm not even asking for a refund.
We are stuck with payments on a fake expensive ring, and we have to pay for a warranty that is no good.
Tommikko of Barstow CA (04/22/08)
I purchsed a ring which was paid off years ago. I had the money coming out of an allotment and I did not know that Friedman was still getting paid. About a month ago i finally got the buisnss straight with Friedman and i was told over the phone that i was supposed to get a check for four thousand dollars back for overpayment.
i called last week to check the status, and found out frieman went bankrupt. i am having a hard time finding out how i dan get my money since the money was automatically coming out of my check.
I need to know how i can get my four thousand dollars since they promiised me to send my money
Melissa of Murfreesboro TN (04/16/08)
Today, 4/16/08, I called Friedmans Jewelers and spoke to Amanda. I told her my husbands diamond wedding band has lost a diamond in the middle and need to have it repaired and I ask her when the repairs go out. She told me that the company has filed bankruptcy and are no longer doing any repairs or anything of such. I told her we have been faithfully getting our rings checked and cleaned every 3 months as the warranty papers state and she gave me home office phone #'s and said they may do something but not sure.
I then called them and only to get recordings on both phones that no one was available and I could leave a message. After I read of others leaving messages I just hang up. I am really furious and sick that we done business with this company and that they are refusing to warranty their products at least until they are closed. Last time we had our rings cleaned and checked in March'08, we ask them about store closing and warranty's and they said that this store would remain open if the others closed; even then we were a bit skeptical but trusted them; how foolish we must be. All we want is for our warranty money we paid or if they will send us to another company and warranty our rings and #1 to get my husbands ring fixed ASAP.
We have had diamonds fall out in the past and we made sure we purchased the extra warranty when we upgraded our wedding rings. All we want is for his ring to be fixed correctly.
William of Smyrna TN (03/27/08)
December 13, 2006 purchased set of rings from Friedmans Jewelry in Smyrna, TN. Rings had to be repaired 3 times. At that time we decided to get another set of rings. On August 26, 2007 we were in another part of Nashville at a shopping center and there was a Friedmans Jewelry store there. We looked at a set of rings that my wife and I liked and the store manager took the first set on trade. At that time we had paid about half, or approx. $850.00 on the set of rings. The store manager took those rings and gave us the set we liked. She said we would be given credit for those rings. This has not happened and we have had trouble because that particular store has since closed. It was in Hermitage, TN. We are now paying for the first set of rings in addition to the ones we purchased in 2007. I would not have a problem with this if I had the first set of rings or an equal amount of merchandise. When a company rep finally called he was talking to someone in the background and really never talked about the problem or left a return number.
I am having to pay for merchandise that I do not have.
Arthur of Bluffton SC (03/14/08)
On June 29th, 2007 I brought my college ring into their store to have it resized.On July 16th, 2007 I picked up the ring and placed it in a drawer.On September 27th,2007 on my way to a class reunion I put the ring on for the first time. Immediately I noticed that the part of the ring where it was resized came apart into small pieces. On October 3rd, 2007 I returned the ring and showed them what had happened. They said they would remedy the condition. On October 12th, 2007 they called and said they could do nothing with the ring and admitted that the salesperson should not have taken in the ring in the first instance but that the ring should have been returned to the manufacturer, BALFOUR COLLEGE RINGS.
The manager told me to order a new ring from the manufacturer which I did and sent them the bill for $634.00. I have not as yet been reimbursed. I started a small claims action in Magistrate Court and they claim that they are in bankruptcy for the second time. They are a bunch of phonies. Their advertisements and county Business License states they are doing business as FRIEDMAN' JEWELERY, INC.yet this corporation did not file any bankruptcy petition. A corporation named FRIEDMAN'S INC.filed a petition.
I am out $719.67 so far. the cost of the replacement ring was $634.46.
Kathy of Broussard LA (03/04/08)
My husband and I had an account with Friedmans and we paid out our account back in 2006. We were trying to buy a house and we ran our credit report, it showed up as we owed Friedmans of a balance of $7.00. So I called them to let them know they needed to take it off of our credit report because it was paid out. I called on January 4, 2008 and spoke w/Rudy and he said not only would he take it off our credit report but we overpaid on our account of $272.02. So needless to say we had a refund that was due to us that we NEVER received since 2006. I asked him if he could send us our refund and he said he would note it in the comments. I called back on 2/7/08 and spoke with Brittney she said that the department for the refunds was behind so we should receive it in a couple of days. Today it is March 4, 2008 and WE STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED OUR REFUND. Since 2006 we were owed a refund of $272.02 and still to no prevail. I think they should pay this amount PLUS the interest.
Linda of Lawrenceville GA (02/20/08)
My husband purchased a Bulova Watch, Pendant and Earring Set for me as a Christmas Gift. He paid CASH for it in the amount of $210.68. I immediately was uncomfortable about Friedman's Jewelers reputation. A week after Christmas I decided I would look at the gift again. I noticed the watch was not working (after he had set the time a week ago). So I decided to return it. He said he would do it. He returned home with the set. I told him my judgment was to return it for a refund, because it may not work in another month or two. I also would like to note none of the items in this set was never worn. So I took it in for a refund. The original clerk advised him since he paid cash he could get a cash refund with the receipt. They advised me their policy was to issue a check refund from the home office, and I would receive it within 14 days. The product was returned on Jan. 17, 2008. It is now Feb. 20, 2008, and we still have not received our refund.
I called the store and spoke to the manager; she said she will call the home office for the status and call me back. She called back and advised she left a message. She also said the person who sends out the checks was having a problem with the mail. I feel Friedman owns us interest for the additional days we are without our funds for this return.
I wanted to use the refund money to purchase a gift more suitable for me or put in my bank account until I do so. This process has also been very discouraging to my husband, who never goes shopping but wanted to do something special for me. Now I'm concerned if he will make this special effort to do this again for me.
Amy of Seymour TN (02/16/08)
My husband had an account with Friedman's that we paid on time every month if not earlier. We purchased several items of jewelery over the course of about four years.The last payment we made was about two years ago in 2006. At that time we were told that the store was closing, and we would get a statement in the mail every month to pay our bill. We never received a statement to make a payment. My husband has received two harassing phone calls wanting the payment in full. He asked for a statement to be sent on what we owed and never received any. Our credit is bad because it shows we have an unpaid account with Friedman's, which is entirely their fault.
Connie of Winston Salem NC (02/04/08)
In 2007 (between June 1 and October 15th) my youngest daughter purchased merchandise from this store. In mid-October she lost her job, and her cell phone was cut off. She had her mail forwarded to my address even though she is not living with me. When she got behind on her payments, Freidman's starting calling my house and my oldest daughter's cell phone. We told them NUMEROUS times that my youngest daughter had no job, and we had no way to contact her. We asked them to stop calling us since we did not owe the bill. My oldest daughter had to go to the expense of changing her cell phone service to get them to stop harassing her. I finally got them to stop calling me after getting VERY nasty. The amount of my youngest daughter's purchase was $98.16. I thought that if I started paying them maybe the harassment would stop. It did not. As of 1/18/08, Freidman's has charged $108 in late fees and $7.67 in finance charges.
I called trying to see if we could come to a settlement. They asked for my phone number but would not discussed the account with me because I was not on the account. Immediately after giving them my home phone number, the calls (more than one a day) started again. How can they call and harass me for the money BUT will not discuss with me any arrangements to pay off the debt? I have already paid $95 of the original $98.16 purchase. They deserve to go bankrupt.
My oldest daughter had the expense of changing her cell phone service. She never purchased anything from them....her sister did.
Jacqueline of Blacksburg SC (02/01/08)
I returned a watch January 9th; the sales associate told me that the refund would be mailed within fourteen days. It has not, and I have found out that they are filing bankruptcy!
Larry of Shepherdsville KY (01/16/08)
They are not very helpful. I have been buying jewelry from this location since they first opened and I have never been so dissatisfied with their service until November of 2007. I had much better service when the prior staff handled this facility. They were helpful but most of all they were courteous and treated you with kindness. As a matter of fact, we just called (7:08) the Shepherdsville store and asked about a ring we had to have sized that was suppose to have been back yesterday, and they replied we close at 7:00 p.m. call back tomorrow if you want any information. One customer may not seem like much, but now it is one less customer.
What category is rude treatment? As far as economical, whatever distance it takes to find a different jewelery department.
Teresa of Martin TN (01/11/08)
My husband bought me a bridal set from them and he paid $2800.00 for the set. I have taken it back to them because a diamond keeps falling out of it. The first time they replaced it, I turned down the diamond because it is a 4 star ring and the diamond looked terrible that they replaced it with. They replaced it again and the diamond was acceptable but now the same diamond has fallen out again and the store is closed. My husband had bought several pieces of jewerly from them and both rings have a diamond missing out of them right now. I also paid for this insurance that they had and had a diamond warrenty on the rings.
I still wear my bridal set because my husband worked hard to pay for this ring. I would love to have it back like it is suppose to be.
Patty of Eastman GA (12/15/07)
I purchased a bridal set of rings on Feb 2007. I received my monthly statement with an address on it that was wrong. I sent it to that address but received it back to my home in GA 3 weeks later. I called cust. service to make sure I had the correct address and they gave me another address. Every month I have had to call cust. service for charges that I shouldn't have had to pay. I have always been on time with my payments. Over the last 11 months, I have had 4 different addresses given to me by cust. service. I started paying by phone, even though there was a $2.50 charge. It was better than getting the wrong information each month. Then the charge went to $5. I continued payments by phone just so I wouldn't have any late payments. Then the charge went up to $7. I finally said that was enough. So, I used my major credit card to payoff Friedmans. I received another monthly bill stating that I owed $12.48. I called and they said it was finance charges. I said whatever and got the cust. service to give me the correct address to mail my final payment. I told her I wanted to make sure it was correct because I have had many different addresses given to me before. I repeated it back to her TWO times to make sure I was correct. She said yes. I mailed it off from GA on 27 Nov. 2007 and received it back on 15 Dec 2007 with a RETURN TO SENDER label on it. WRONG ADDRESS. So, I wrote a letter to management expressing my opinion on this company. I am waiting to hear from them after they receive the letter with my final $12.48 payment. I refuse to pay anything other than that. There is no excuse for professionals to be so incompetent. I will never use Friedmans again and will make sure my friends know what has happend to me.
Stephen of Hampton SC (11/28/07)
I have been purchasing jewelry from the Friedman's store in Walterboro SC for the past 2 1/2 years. The jewelery purchased, ranging from women's rings, small neclaces, and a watch. I think that someone needs to look into the insurance contracts at this location. I pay my bill every month, and still get harrassing calls at home and work. Stating I am behind or delinquint. I had all pieces of jewelry I purchased from Friedman's appraised by a notable jeweler. I was told that the value (weight of gold and stone quality DID NOT MATCH THE EXTREMELY HIGH MARK UP of the items. I also think that they are charging for insurance I requested not to have. Not only to mention a 30.00 a month added on my bill. It will take me 10 years to pay for 3 rings a watch and 2 necklaces. This is wrong,
Linda of Tampa FL (10/14/07)
I have been dealing with this jewelery store for the past two years and have had to have it financed through their installment plan. The payments have always been on time if not early. Last month I purchased a necklace through them and again had to go through the application process to have the necklace financed; they said because my other account had been paid off. That was fine.
Today I went to purchase another necklace, and also made a payment on the existing account. I had been told previously that I could add onto the account because I had been approved up to $2400.00. Today went I went to add a $100.00 necklace onto the existing, active account I was told they would need to set up another account and then again charge me a payment on the new account, despite my just making a payment on an existing account. I asked why the new account was needed since I already had one and it was active and current and was told this was a new policy that the company put into effect.
I will not do any further business with them, despite my purchasing more than my fair share of items, i.e. necklaces, rings, bracelets from them over the past two years.
Cherie of Kissimmee FL (02/15/07)
On 2 separate occasions, 2 different sales people tried to charge more for a piece of jewelry than was listed in their catalogue. Specifically, I went into purchase a diamond bracelet I saw in the Friedman catalogue for $99. The sales person insisted the price was $160. I showed her the catalogue and she was forced to sell it for the price in the catalogue. I also asked for a price on another piece and was given 2 different prices for 2 separates sales people on the same day at the same time.
On February 13, 2007, my boyfriend went into Friedman's to buy me a Valentine's ring I had chosen. He had the card from the salesman who had previously helped me. The ring on the card was $215 but is now 30% off costing $145. The 30% and original price of $215 is fully displayed in the case. The saleswoman who helped my boyfriend told him the price was $279 with tax and she told him the difference was the tax. He walked out of the store.
Kathie of Sallisaw OK (09/29/06)
My husband and I bought a bridal set on clearence and paid extra for a appraisal and never received it, we have made repeated attempts to resolve this but never get anywhere. I will never be able to get a good price on reselling it if I dont have proof it was a 2500.00 dollar set
Janita of Wilmington NC (09/01/06)
i purchased a 5 carat bracelet on clearance and the clasp came apart and i lost it. I only wore it couple of times and it was put on very well. I know something was wrong with that clasp in order for it to come apart so i went to the store to try to get another one since I had insurance on it. They told me it dont cover that.
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