Ladies...what would you do? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Ladies...what would you do?

318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:39

Morning all. I have a dilemma...its not earth shattering but I would appreciate your opinions :)

I was out with some friends last weekend, and a colleague of a good friend who I had only met once before. We were all chatting away and being merry (it was not too messy at this point of the evening) and whilst I was chatting away animatedly my hand accidentally knocked over my glass of red wine, which tipped all over the chair - which had my friends colleagues gorgeous (barely used) cream leather designer bag on it. Of course I apologised profusely, jumped out of my chair, got some soda water from the bar quick smart and raced to the bathroom with it to try and get some of the wine out before it stained, but despite the fast action, it seeped into the leather and stitching and we didnt have a lot of hope in getting it out. I felt absolutely terrible. Why couldn't it have been my cheap bag! Anyways, of course she was a bit upset about her bag as she hadnt worn it much and I am guessing by the brand it cost about AED 3000 new. She was very good about it though and said several times she knew it was an accident and not my fault and not to worry. She said she would try and soak it some more when she got home and would let me know (via my friend who she works with) how it all worked out.

Anyway, I asked my pal and she said the bag is all but ruined and now I dont really know what to do. She said it was an accident and I shouldnt beat myself up about it, but my apology will not bring back her beloved bag. I am not an expensive bag girl myself but know what these designer ones are worth and what they mean to people! I asked my friend what I should do. She said perhaps a 'donation' towards a new bag would be a nice gesture. She could pass it on to her and would not ask any further questions. The thing is, I cannot afford to buy her a new bag, I am pretty pressed for cash at the moment and I guess in a way if you go out in your best dressed there is always a risk of wine spillage or cigarette burns and the like and often you just have to deal with it without any compensation. In this case, as there is always a chance I will bump into this girl at some point again, I feel I should do something. (and unfort a replacement karama bag will not do!) SO - do you think AED 500 cash towards a new bag and an apology letter would be gratefully accepted or would it be a bit insulting? That is a lot of cash to me right now and probably the best I can do. I would appreciate your thoughts as I am sure there will be many views! Thanks girls xx :(

2725
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 10:43
I was at a charity do recently and burned a very expensive looking bag, the owner of it, said oh dont worry I can buy another one, even thou I felt bad, but accidents do happen sometimes. We all know how messy brunches can be, so taking out a 3000dhs bag is abit risky anyway.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 10:35
Today's gonabit side deal might be worth looking at http://www.gonabit.com/dubai/ndust-shoe-repairs.html shoe and bag repair.
2262
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 11:26
the Bag spa cleans leather, dyes leather and fabric, repairs bags and does touch ups. It would be worth having her bring the bag in to see what it would cost to repair, if possible. She might just go to have it dyed another color so it can still be used. I would certainly let her know and offer her a 150 gift cert. It is is McGrudys mall, on Beach road, behind spinneys, near the One :) top floor in the back.
1238
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:59
Yeah its a dumb name, but they fix and restore designer handbags. Its more like a bag doctor. :). They have branches in singapore and Melbourne too! Feel like I'm living in the Twighlight Zone *taps screen*..helloooo?....where are all the normal people? *hums Twilight Zone theme tune* Funny!
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:13
Yeah its a dumb name, but they fix and restore designer handbags. Its more like a bag doctor. :). They have branches in singapore and Melbourne too! Feel like I'm living in the Twighlight Zone *taps screen*..helloooo?....where are all the normal people? *hums Twilight Zone theme tune* Obviously there are a lot of expat old bags that need help.:\:
2958
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:13
I'd send flowers and a little note and most definitely the offer to send the bag to the spa......if it had happened to me I would be touched that you had tried to put it right even if it doesn't work. I think I'd also change drinking from red to white!!!!! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 17/04/2011</em>
228
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:11
Yeah its a dumb name, but they fix and restore designer handbags. Its more like a bag doctor. :). They have branches in singapore and Melbourne too! Feel like I'm living in the Twighlight Zone *taps screen*..helloooo?....where are all the normal people? *hums Twilight Zone theme tune*
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:11
REALLY? I was wondering about this, I mean surely everything is fixable!!! Even if it isnt I would probably still wear the bag out, stain and all! but I am not fussy about things like this! But hmm, maybe I could give her a bag spa voucher? I mean, its worth a shot right! thanks for the tip xx
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:11
A bag spa?????? I have heard it ALL now! Maybe EW members can get a discount there?
277
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:09
Yeah its a dumb name, but they fix and restore designer handbags. Its more like a bag doctor. :). They have branches in singapore and Melbourne too!
228
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:07
A bag spa?????? I have heard it ALL now!
277
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:06
There is a bag spa on Jumeira Beach Road, offer to pay for the bag to visit the spa and hopefully they will be able to fix it. I cant remember which mall its in but its probably easy to google. Good luck.
228
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 10:03
Don't send money or a gift card! She will feel awkward. Definitely send her some flowers and a card and if you feel the need to pay more then ask her if she has a favourite charity and you will donate some money towards it.
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:58
Thank you all very much! From your replies, I think I may send flowers and a letter, maybe a gift card for a few hundred dhs. I dont really like the idea of giving anyone money. I know she would never ask for it or expect it, but it would certainly make me feel a little better. Thanks all!
18
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:55
I think the fact that you have shown how genuinely sorry you are is enough. A card and flowers would be a nice gesture though. Accidents happen and as an earlier poster suggested hopefully she can claim off her insurance :)
71
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:51
I think sending her some flowers or a gift card (I agree, 300 aed is more than enough) is a nice gesture and it will help to make things less awkward if you see her again.
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:51
I personally wouldn't worry about it. These are risks you take when you take things like that to a bar or out at all for that matter. But anyone silly enough to take their designer purse to a bar knows that the chance of it coming back in 1 piece is a 50/50 chance. You apologized you feel bad, move on.. :)
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:48
truthfully... i wudn't bother.. if she was smart, she wouldn't have placed her precious bag near a glass of wine, anything can or can't happen... She said don't worry right, so take her word for it.. don't worry... S The thing is, she did put it on a chair so it was safe from the ground and any potential danger! just not safe from my clumsy hands!! Wine can have that affect! agree!! :p
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:48
I think maybe a bunch of flowers, with a card and a gift voucher for say 300 dirhams. It's a nice apology, and won't leave you out the earth. Besides if she isn't gracious after that you certainly wouldn't want her for a long term friend! My two cents anyway!
784
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:48
It was probably a Karama special anyway! oh you didn't!! haha
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:46
Don't beat yourself up about it, accidents happen. Advise her to claim off her insurance policy, if she hasn't got insurance, then she stands the risk.
86
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:46
truthfully... i wudn't bother.. if she was smart, she wouldn't have placed her precious bag near a glass of wine, anything can or can't happen... She said don't worry right, so take her word for it.. don't worry... S The thing is, she did put it on a chair so it was safe from the ground and any potential danger! just not safe from my clumsy hands!! Wine can have that affect!
86
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:46
It was probably a Karama special anyway!
228
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:45
Accidents happen. The lady was fine about it and if she can afford a 3000 dhs designer bag then perhaps she can afford to buy another one (just a guess). Anyway, I would perhaps send her a lovely big bunch of flowers with a sincere apology note attached. Dubai Quick deliver flowers. The fact that you feel incredibly guilty is punishment enough!
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:45
truthfully... i wudn't bother.. if she was smart, she wouldn't have placed her precious bag near a glass of wine, anything can or can't happen... She said don't worry right, so take her word for it.. don't worry... S The thing is, she did put it on a chair so it was safe from the ground and any potential danger! just not safe from my clumsy hands!!
149
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:44
Look this is a tricky situation and thankfully that has never happened to me. But I wouldn't give her any money towards a new bag - it is always a risk that something might happen to any lovely things we buy and use out, especially on a night out. It was an accident and you never did it on purpose. I doubt she would go out and buy exactly the same bag again and if anything she has also learnt a valuable lesson too.
14
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:44
I think it is a nice gesture, I would be happy with that. Maybe a gift voucher instead? Even if it is for MOE rather than an actual store so it gives her more levay :)
784
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:42
truthfully... i wudn't bother.. if she was smart, she wouldn't have placed her precious bag near a glass of wine, anything can or can't happen... She said don't worry right, so take her word for it.. don't worry... S
86
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:42
Send her some Dye and tell her Red is the new cream or tell her to claim on her insurance.
 
 

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