Looks like my theory that this is a scam is becoming more and more credible. Let us review:
The op contains the following elements:
1. Time constraint
2. Exclusive insider information from an "expert"
3. Hidden information that requires you to send a pm to get
All this stuff is marketing 101. Sabra has no doubt just read the book Influence by Cialdini.
DVY confirms that there is an air of disrepute about the whole operation and that the prices are less competitive than the $200 that sabra initially advertised.
There are similar operations with much better prices that are definitely not scams. I would go with those if you value your time and money.
The op contains the following elements:
1. Time constraint
2. Exclusive insider information from an "expert"
3. Hidden information that requires you to send a pm to get
All this stuff is marketing 101. Sabra has no doubt just read the book Influence by Cialdini.
DVY confirms that there is an air of disrepute about the whole operation and that the prices are less competitive than the $200 that sabra initially advertised.
There are similar operations with much better prices that are definitely not scams. I would go with those if you value your time and money.
Quote: (05-23-2013 02:46 PM)DVY Wrote:
I went to get a fitting and I ended up not purchasing. This was in Beverly Hills Crowne Plaza Hotel.
I went to the front and asked for the tailor by name. The front desk had no idea where or who this was. After futzing around, she found his name under the room registry.
I walked up to the room and its two Pakistani guys (maybe Iranian???) sitting there w/fabric books on the bed. This was unexpected, as its a Hong-Kong shop. I was a little bit guarded here.
I went through and choose some fabrics. I think I choose super 150s 100% wool for the suit, and sea island 100% cotton. The shirt fabric was very nice. 5 mins in, somebody else came in and started chatting w/the other tailor about his wife (a new dress) and for himself (a suit and shirt)
Then we started talking price. The tailor did some calculator work and told me 750 dollars for a suit, 2 shirt. I told him that its too high. Back and forth, we went and it got down to 600 cash up-front w/a free tie thrown in. 6-8 weeks delivery.
I asked him about the fit, and if it needed alterations, what would be the process. He said hes coming back in 2 months, and he would alter it at that time. I offered him half up-front, and half when I got the suit. He refused. I walked.
Couple thoughts-
1) Pakistani guys threw me off. I was expecting Asians. I've been all around Asia and the Arabs/Persians/Pakistani are the generally the scammiest bunch. I wasn't feeling good at this point. Hong-Kong Tailors are you usually from China.
2) Nobody at the front desk knew who they were.
3) Insisting on cash up-front. Promising me free alterations, if needed, somewhere down the line. This doesn't appeal to me- buying a cat in the bag. Who knows what product you can get.
4) Giving money is easy, getting a good product is difficult. What if the fabric is changed, what if the fit is off. What then?
5) Random dude showing up 5 mins in, as on cue. How did he know which room it was? This was the first and only day of fittings in Beverly Hills. He didn't call the room. Its a possibility that he was part of the "group" to up sales. White guy in a blue cast.
6) I can buy a nice suit in LA fashion district (between 7th and 9th), and have it tailored on-site. This will run at most 400 dollars. If there are issues w/the tailoring, I can take it back and they will change it for minimal fee or free. Makes no sense for me to get these suits from HK.
Side note- Yesterday, I ended up buying a charcoal gray wool-cashmere super 150s w/butter-soft hand in LA fashion district for 400 dollars, tailoring included, free tie, free silk pocket square (rolled edges), and a pair of socks.