I went in with a friend at around 5PM on 4/29 with three watches (all purchased at a different retailer for about $20 each) that needed battery replacement. We asked if they could change the battery and also fix a scratch on the glass cover of the watch. PETER stated the GLASS was CRYSTAL and could not be repaired, but could be replaced for $40, which we passed on and just opted for the battery replacement. PETER took the watches and spent between 4-6 minutes total repairing all three watches. Following the repair, a woman brought them to the counter and said ""$50, cash or charge?"". I told her that it seemed high, to which she replied only by shrugging her shoulders and raising her eyebrows in a demeaning manner. The $50 charge was then explained by PETER only after asking multiple times why it was so high for 5 minutes of work. He told us that one of the batteries was $25, explained that there was labor involved, and then lowered the price to $40. Feeling as if we had no option but to pay since we didn't ask for a ... on 4/29 with three watches (all purchased at a different retailer for about $20 each) that needed battery replacement. We asked if they could change the battery and also fix a scratch on the glass cover of the watch. PETER stated the GLASS was CRYSTAL and could not be repaired, but could be replaced for $40, which we passed on and just opted for the battery replacement. PETER took the watches and spent between 4-6 minutes total repairing all three watches. Following the repair, a woman brought them to the counter and said ""$50, cash or charge?"". I told her that it seemed high, to which she replied only by shrugging her shoulders and raising her eyebrows in a demeaning manner. The $50 charge was then explained by PETER only after asking multiple times why it was so high for 5 minutes of work. He told us that one of the batteries was $25, explained that there was labor involved, and then lowered the price to $40. Feeling as if we had no option but to pay since we didn't ask for a price upfront, we did. We immediately walked less than 100 feet away to another jewelery store capable of watch repair, and without knowing about the previous repair, the worker quoted us $20 to replace the batteries in all three watches. (How is this possible if one of the batteries costs $25?). We returned to PETER at Elias Diamonds to request a refund and the return of the old batteries. The excuses piled up; 'Our credit card machine wont do refunds - the batteries are previously used now so we cant take them back - maybe you went to a jeweler which is why it was lower - the labor is $10 per watch (so the batteries are only $3 each now?) etc.' We refused to leave without a refund and the return of our previous batteries, and were escorted out of the store by mall security. After explaining the problem to security, they recommended we file a report/complaint with the mall, which we did. A complaint will also be filed with the BBB. I told the woman after we paid originally that they should post the pricing upfront. She replied by coldly saying they would take it into consideration. After asking her about the jeweler comment stated above, she stated ""I'm not in the mood to talk anymore"" - Very professional. I realize now that this is an independant store very capable and willing to take advantage of customers because the money goes straight into PETER'S pocket, unlike the jewelry stores surrounding it in the mall on every other corner.
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