Poor costumer relations and service

What was suppose to be a joy-full Christmas gift from a dogter to a father ended up in one of my most frustrating experiences with a retail company.

When my dogter bought the Christmas gift, she enquired if it could be exchanged at any of the other American Swiss stores, the answer was Yes! Being a women buying a mens watch just before Christmas and asking that question must surely imply that it is a gift for someone not close to that specific branch. What American Swiss conveniently forgot to explain is that because she is buying it on her account, exchanges must me done by herself in person…..

So…. When I tried to exchange the watch for a different watch of the exact same amount (not a cash refund) and with the American Swiss till slip on hand, I was told that if it was not bought on her account I could have exchanged it, but because it was on her account she will have to do it in person - other wise it would put American Swiss at risk????

What would have happened if I lived in Cape Town and she is in Pretoria??? Fortunately this is not the case.

How can an international company be so nonchalant about their client services specifically in the festive season when it suppose to be their busiest time!

I am very vert disappointed.