We like it enough to pick up a 2nd piece years later, this time at their booth in Raffles City.
The hair straightener appears slimmer now, but we didn't think that was an issue after being assured that it is just as powerful.
We pulled out a new box, checked the body and titanium plates for scratches to ensure it is new, and have the girl test it on our hair to ensure it functions properly. She went behind the booth to pack it up for us as well as processed our payment.
Upon reaching home, the first thing we noticed was that the unit was full of scratches. Even accounting for the dim lighting at the booth area of Raffles City shopping mall, it was not possible that we could have miss seeing the scratches on the plates and smudges on the body, especially since we were looking out for it. She probably didn't realize we were checking. After we had her test it to make sure it heats up properly, she went behind the counter. That must be when she made the switch from new to old. The one we ended up with looks similar to the demo one we saw in her hand the first time we arrived at the booth. Another giveaway that this unit was not new was that the joint clasping the two plates was rather loose already, like it had been used for quite a time. In any case, one look, and you know straightaway the unit's not new.
Immediately, we rang. She denied surreptitiously replacing our choice unit with a used one, and assured us that we can go back for an exchange the next day.
Early morning, however, she rang to mention that she had checked with her boss. An exchange was now not possible!
The angmo boss turned out to be quite an arrogant fella, preferring to argue it out at length over the phone, as to why he wouldn't allow exchange.
He also warned that it was no use reporting to the head office, as he is the boss and even Jose Eber himself cannot do anything to reverse his decision. It may be just ego talk, because we had earlier contacted the administrative division and a nice lady handling the accounts was open to helping us resolve the issue if we cannot effect an exchange.
The booth sales attitude was quite surreal. Our unit was obviously switched and we don't see the need for a good brand name to ever have to resort to this way of operation. This is a company that offers a lifetime warranty, and we know someone, somewhere would scoop up their shit if they won't.
To avoid inconveniencing other personnel, we mentioned to the 'boss' that we will park ourselves at the Jose Eber booth at Raffles City to observe for ourselves how their business is conducted. As we made our way down, we suddenly got a call that a full refund is now possible, where before even an exchange was denied.
We immediately refunded it of course, rather than be reminded of bad memories whenever we use it.
We are now back to sharing the old chunky version.
It turns out to be a blessing in disguise that our second purchase was unsuccessful because we've tried the new ones purchased by friends, and it's a scaled down version that takes longer to heat. The attachment of the plates isn't as smooth, catching hair as you glide. We even prefer that the old one is heavier as well, since we prefer electronics to be more pro than lightweight.
