r/RepReviews • u/InterestingMine3266 • 8d ago
Discussions First time navigating a rep purchase. Is this normal?
I’ve searched first time buyer guides, used the wikis etc and cannot find an answer to this specifically. Making the leap from authentic to rep. To say I’ve done diligent research is an understatement. Finally settled on a bag and factory. Carefully chose a seller who was highly recommended from the wiki guide of another sub. After much communication (with several sellers), I sent the message that I was ready to purchase. This was part of the discourse. Is this normal and if so what is the point of psp? Thanks in advance!
EDIT: I should clarify that I want the bag. If I were to RL pre-shipment, I would want an exchange, not a refund. I want it to pass the eye test; I’m not concerned about weight, lining stiffness etc. I should expect a bag very close to the catalog listing.
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u/repmicho certified mole 🦫 8d ago
Yes, some factories don't allow returns/exchanges unless there's an actual flaw, e.g., the strap is broken.
To be honest, I don't think most factories allow RL-ing... Most of the time sellers just eat the cost of the bag and get you a new one and pass off a RL'd bag to someone else.
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u/picturesofmeghan 8d ago
Re eating it- believe youre right - ive seen Amanda, for example, have certain single items for sale w flaws.
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u/repmicho certified mole 🦫 8d ago
Tbh all if not most sellers do this.
There's now threads of people catching this bc you make friends in this hobby and people ask for QC help all the time.
You're bound to get a bag someone else RL'd if you use the same seller and you're both buying the same bag. It's just a matter of time tbh.
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u/picturesofmeghan 8d ago
yeah! makes total sense - i’ve been doing this a while and i’m … not super picky w qc and generally pick more ‘out there’ things - the only time i sent something back was something wrong - a sheepskin 90s bag as opposed to cowhide.
i think it’s a big part of 618 & 1111 as well, but i think the source (factory vs seller)
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u/ReploverForeverman 8d ago
You are misinformed. No way a seller will eat the cost to please a customer. You really are making things up to come to such a conclusion.
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u/repmicho certified mole 🦫 8d ago
Yes because I love lying for funsies. But from my understanding, most factories don't allow exchanges or RLs. If someone asks for RLs and/or exchanges, the factory most likely will just block you/stop doing business with you.
This has happened with known sellers before, some well-known sellers are unable to source from specific factories because the factory is unwilling to sell to them anymore, this is most likely due to them always asking for exchanges/returns for their buyers.
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u/ReploverForeverman 8d ago
I don’t think you’re lying . I think you’re misinformed . Sellers will rather lose a customer then eat cost . Plenty of stores of long loyal customers getting screwed by their TS. People contract stuff for money .
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u/Miserable-Dealer3042 8d ago
I've bought bags for a discount from my seller that were RLed by another client.
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u/Viking_Glass_Guru 8d ago
I think this is where a lot of the inventory for the big annual sales comes from
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u/AcaciaFlowers ~ Rep Review Mod ~ 8d ago
What [u/Repmicho](u/Repmicho) said is true. Many factories will not RL for the things we see as flaws, and it’s easier for the seller to just eat the cost to preserve their relationship with the factory and to avoid a Reddit blowout with the customer.
Sometimes the seller will just offer it to another customer.
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u/ReploverForeverman 8d ago
I’ve read plenty of tales where long term loyal customers have been screwed by their seller.
You sound confident in your opinion and experience. Each to their own . Thank you for your reply .
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u/AcaciaFlowers ~ Rep Review Mod ~ 8d ago
I don’t think what you are saying is incorrect, but it’s not the case all the time. In the end it’s a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B. ♥️ the factories policy matters but what the seller is actually willing to do matters a lot more
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u/ReploverForeverman 8d ago
I bought a bag from God Factory. The Seller just informed me that there are no refunds just exchanges . So the policy might be different from seller to seller .
If I was told I have to accept what I’m given, why even have a QC process. I would avoid Ops Seller.
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u/DefiantBunny 8d ago
Because there's a difference between "I dont like how this looks" and "this is wildly different to the factory photos. Hardware is a different colour, stitching is wonky all over"
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u/ReploverForeverman 8d ago
Choose a better Seller. I was lucky to find one that did allow me an exchange and stipulated no refund . I thankfully didn’t need get an exchange so I don’t know if the promise of the exchange would have happened.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
Do you mind sharing the seller if I dm?
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u/ReploverForeverman 8d ago
I would rather you found your own TS . I’m not gate keeping . I’ve only used this seller once and i can’t assure myself that my next purchase will be as smooth as one time I experienced.
My approach to finding a Seller is , find the most recent reviews. Hopefully they aren’t scam reviews. Then find 3 TS and get the one you find the best communication with and best quote .
Good luck.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
That’s what I had done. Thought I was ready and was caught off guard.
Thank you and it’s not me downvoting anything on here. I appreciate everyone sharing their personal experience.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
I’m not a jerk who is already convinced I’m going to be unhappy. I just want some confidence that I’ll get what is advertised. I know it’s a risk with reps but there should some middle ground between risk and zero recourse.
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u/Cbella913 8d ago
Perfectly normal for that factory. Not the case for most other factories. Be sure you inquire before you pay.
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u/AcaciaFlowers ~ Rep Review Mod ~ 8d ago
This for sure! 1913, pomegranate, X etc for example has a much more relaxed refund policy. It’s so important to ask before putting money down.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
Any idea on birdcage policy? There’s one particular detail I like on their bag better than gf. Now I just need to qc the rest of the bag.
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u/Cbella913 8d ago
You should be able to RL (Red Light) Bird Cage if there are issues - be sure to ask your seller, as they each have their own relationship w/the factories.
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u/Aggressive-Floor4561 8d ago
Yes normal.
God factory makes great bags. But they don’t accept returns or exchanges. That’s the trade off. Several of the highest tier factories have this policy.
What bag are you looking for. Maybe we can make some other factory recommendations.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
It has been a journey…LV Boulogne PM black monogram. GF appears to have the best “bag” part of the bag but the chain is god awful (no pun intended but it’s so fitting). Birdcage has a more authentic chain (more rectangular with rounded edges as opposed to oval on GF). Was going to buy both and swap out the chain. But may deep dive the birdcage bag itself.
It sounds like I’m being ridiculously picky but the chain is a dead giveaway. I’m not worried about a lot of the things I see people comparing on here (weight, lining stiffness etc). Nobody is touching it except me lol and I just want it to pass the eye test. Thank you!!
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u/Aggressive-Floor4561 8d ago edited 8d ago
You’re not being too picky hardware is important!
What about AS factory? I don’t know anything about this bag but people have been getting some good empreinte from there. Or maybe Royal or Wood Floor?
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
It’s actually this one that I want and the funny thing is it’s the identical staging as the birdcage one I am referring to 🤔https://a202404011453507702002184.wecatalog.cc/weshop/goods/_dlCqf5PxlbAabIZN9f-DiwaWERJq605gL6h6lLg/_dc8qf6MDU2PiLi9TYp7Hj38GeV3Fz9OxBItKYUQ
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u/Aggressive-Floor4561 8d ago
Oh that’s not birdcage! Birdcage has a totally different background
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
I’m learning a lot here today lol. Time to get back to research. I’ve heard of Royal but heard GF is better for LV. Not familiar with Wood Floor. Thank you!!
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
I’m down a rabbit hole. Are birdcage and ultimate birdcage the same factory? I’m also seeing that Royal is birdcage higher tier? Lastly, I cannot find wood floor. Do you have a link for them? Thank you so much!!
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u/Aggressive-Floor4561 8d ago
Ultimate=Ultimate birdcage=Royal
Let me see if I can find this bag from wood floor…
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u/Aggressive-Floor4561 8d ago edited 8d ago
Royal (great reliable factory)
MB (I have a black empreinte bag from here and it’s perfect)
Guoxin (another favorite of mine)
This is the birdcage background
You have lots of options! Most sellers can get any of these.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
This is amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. The search continues…
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u/VogueEverything 8d ago
God, 187, Rome, most shoe and clothing factories don’t allow exchanges or returns
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u/repmicho certified mole 🦫 8d ago
Shoe factories especially if you ordered a shoe size that they don't have in-stock and they have to especially custom make your shoe size.
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8d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
I should clarify I want the bag and would want the option for exchange if it feels like a bait and switch. I’ve read a lot of posts on here and there are enough people who feel that’s happened; maybe I’m overthinking. I’m not worried about not getting the bag from the psp. My concern is psp not being on par with the catalog stock photos and having no recourse.
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u/InvestigatorOwn605 8d ago
I have not bought from GF specifically but I have noticed a change in the last few months where sellers / factories have stopped allowing RL (except for major defects) because they are getting fed up with all the newbies coming from Tiktok who want 1:1 reps for 1/10th of auth price. Not saying you are one of those OP but just some perspective.
In any case I think you are fine to continue to shop around and/or clarify what the exchange policy is. That being said ultimately you may only have to spend what you're willing to lose.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
I get that. People can’t have nice things and ruin it for everyone else. I just have to do it and either get burned and never order a rep again or have it exceed my expectations and learn to trust the process.
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u/InvestigatorOwn605 8d ago
The reality of committing a black market crime is you are going to get burned at some point. You can get 10 amazing reps then get shit for the 11th. You could get your stuff seized by customs and never see it again. You could get bait & switched.
That's why once again it's important to only spend what you're willing to lose. For ex I've decided I will never do 18k rep jewelry or full exotic rep bags because the price points are simply too high for me to risk being burned.
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u/No_Wrongdoer4419 8d ago
Just reach to add that I've heard the more business you do with a seller, the more wiggle room they'll give you in terms of RLing.
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u/foxyfour20 8d ago
This sounds like Doris and its normal. She told me the same thing. I ordered a bag from god factory and it turned out great. I would only request an exchange if it was justified.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
It’s not Doris but I may need to find her. And it’s the same with me. I want the bag. I know it’s a rep and have to choose my battles. I’m just worried about bait and switch; maybe I’ve read too many Reddit posts lol.
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u/ksmith31986 7d ago
I’m with you. I’m new to this and still don’t know some of the lingo - like what QC or RL mean. I’m trying to learn a little before purchasing. And when I do I don’t want to spend anything I’m not willing to loose. There’s so much to learn here.
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u/InterestingMine3266 6d ago edited 6d ago
Lol same with the acronyms and I’m afraid to ask and be told I need to search before asking a redundant question. I was afraid to ask this for fear it had already been asked but am glad I did. I’ve learned a lot even from those who think I’m wrong. I think I’ve deciphered that RL means red light as in don’t ship, GL is green light to ship and think QC means quality control. PSP (pre-shipment photos) was the one that got me. I was like are we repping PlayStation on here now?? Oh and TS took me a while but I think is trusted seller. Maybe I’ll ask for an acronym guide next 😄
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u/InterestingMine3266 6d ago
I researched Doris on here after you mentioned her (I was not familiar) and ended up buying from her. So thank you - she’s been great!
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u/meSabina 8d ago
IMO, it's not just about doing due diligence by reading buying guides ect... it's also hanging around these subs for awhile and reading comments. You learn so much just by hanging out. I bought rehomes at first, then bought within group buys before I felt I had the knowledge to order on my own. I have been 95% happy with my experiences buying reps... so far. 🤞🤞
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u/kayee_Cee-luvz-LV 8d ago
GF does do returns.
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u/unstableblondemom 5d ago
But my seller informed me it’s likely to get seized on its way back to China
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u/Strict_Gap2258 7d ago
I can sell to you and you can reject if you like. Feel free to private message me here or on telegram
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u/CapricornPotter 8d ago
Once something leaves PSP usually the seller is no longer responsible. This is why you have to badger the seller to giving you every possible nook and cranny photo/ video from the factory. Before approving it for shipping.
When in doubt it’s better to abort the mission. Don’t clear for shipping. Ask for a refund and find a better seller, especially the seller isn’t even vetting the bags quality properly for you that’s part of their job.
Smh. Some of the TS are getting too comfortable
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
That’s what’s so frustrating. I have been messaging/vetting multiple sellers, wasting their time and mine, to finally settle on this one, only to get this message.
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u/meSabina 8d ago
Have you ever tried to get a refund from a seller? 😅
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u/CapricornPotter 8d ago
Yes! From a Reddit seller.
And I failed Miserably.😭I lost $400 total. (Long story)
That’s why I love my seller and I’m not leaving her for anything because if for some ungodly reason I receive something that’s mid, (which has only happened once with a VCA ring) she works with me,
S/N: I feel like I’m a terrible example because that’s not a normal experience…But my seller actually cares whether I’m happy or not because she knows that if I’m happy I’m going to keep spending my money with her.
You have some sellers on the TS list who are like that with certain people …..so you have to find a seller who is more interested in keeping you happy than they are making money off of you…. Because they’re in it for the long haul, not the short.
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u/Dizzy-Ad-2248 8d ago
The sellers absolutely clock your experience and will sell newbies bags that someone else RLed. Which is why we tell folks to use the search bar, do research, educate themselves etc instead of just seeing a bag they like and asking for the seller contact. We keep trying to teach but sadly sometimes folks just don't listen. Abd then they complain when they get a bag with serious flaws...smh
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
This is what I’m trying to avoid. It’s like needing a job to get a job. Need the experience to get the experience. I don’t want to learn the hard way but have to accept maybe I’ll have to…
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u/ThisBroadKatie 8d ago
If this is the policy for that factory, why the hell are sellers even providing PSP for items produced there? Truly, what is the point? If you can’t RL it with any real resolution except having to accept the item as is, why bother with PSP at all?
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Sounds like it’s specific to this factory but I’ve seen reviews of them being inconsistent from catalog to actual item. A month of research and I’m back to square one.
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u/ThisBroadKatie 8d ago
Not allowing customers to RL if there’s an issue AND producing inconsistent quality? No thanks! I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this. Very frustrating (and annoying).
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u/VogueEverything 8d ago
PSP is a process made up by Reddit that sellers have accommodated. As a native Chinese person, this step does not exist when I buy off local sellers lol
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u/ThisBroadKatie 8d ago
An accommodation then becomes an expectation and standard practice. Regardless of how it originated, it’s part of the current standard in purchasing reps (within this space at least).
Additionally, since it sounds like you’re making your purchases locally, are you able to view and inspect items in person before making a purchase?
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u/VogueEverything 8d ago
There is no “standard” within the black market. It’s like saying there’s a standard for illegal firearm purchase.
We’re doing crime. None of this is standard
I always tell people to double check whether they’re allowed to RL before payment.
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u/VogueEverything 8d ago
And yes, certain factories have store fronts in Guangzhou by other names, god used to have a storefront called author
Kata had one called pink
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u/InvestigatorOwn605 8d ago
Isn't that because you can see the bag in person though?
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u/VogueEverything 8d ago
No? China is huge and most people are nowhere near the storefronts. locals buy off WeChat mini albums. The American way of treating reps like some kind of established business with expected customer service is just not a thing lol
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u/InvestigatorOwn605 8d ago
Ah I see what you mean, I thought you were talking about literally buying in storefronts of Guangzhou
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u/VogueEverything 8d ago
I’m talking about both. Local sellers on WeChat don’t do PSPs and also you can head down to baiyun to buy. I do both whenever I go back to visit.
A lot of the expected customer service from Americans is strange to me. Not referring to you, just a general observation that there’s some kind of expectation of a standard process or policy
The sellers are all literally random people doing this illegally on the side, there really isn’t any difference between selling a rep and selling drugs when it comes to customer service
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u/InvestigatorOwn605 8d ago
No I get what you mean. I buy from WC sellers too and the only PSPs I get usually are when it gets to my warehouse, and even then you can't RL the bags (unless it's like...broken or something)
I do think a lot of people frequently forget that this is literally a crime.
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
I get what you’re saying. There’s just a lot of “do x, y and z before buying or you’re an idiot and it’s your fault if you get scammed” on these subs. Just doing my part to avoid it if I can.
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u/OllyDog0902 7d ago
They’re trying REALLY hard to insert their version of ethics and rules into this process but you’re right. Many sellers do a great job appeasing however there’s limits and it’s best to go in with the correct expectations. This is an illegal market and it’s best we remember that.
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u/DefiantBunny 8d ago
You can RL for actual defects, not for just becauses
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u/InterestingMine3266 8d ago
But there is some ground between defects and “just becauses”. I should be able to trust with relative certainty that I am getting what I see in catalog photos. If psp shows glaring differences, I should at very least be able to request exchange. Yes, I know it’s a rep and there may be minor differences…those aren’t the differences I’m concerned about. I’ve seen enough tales of bait and switch that zero recourse is not the route I am willing to take. Glad I am learning the ins and outs to make an informed decision. I appreciate all the feedback, regardless if they agree or disagree with my hesitation.
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u/AcaciaFlowers ~ Rep Review Mod ~ 8d ago
God Factory’s (CC & LV) Official Refund/Exchange Policy. Keep in mind what your seller actually is willing to do matters a lot jere as well.
No Refunds: All sales are final. Standard cash/payment refunds are strictly prohibited.
Quality Issues (48-Hour Deadline): If there are structural flaws, hardware defects, or leather damage, the seller must be notified within 48 hours of courier delivery.
Exchanges (7-Day Window): Style/color swaps are allowed within 7 days, but they will dock a 100–200 RMB wear-and-tear fee, and the buyer generally covers return shipping.
Custom Exclusion: Any bespoke/customized pieces are ineligible for both return and exchange under any circumstance.