Try on jewelry but not buying

ittsamother

Fri, Dec 20 2024, 2:36 pm

I mean, you can always walk in and explain the situation and ask if they would mind if you tried something on. If they give you permission, knowing full well you don't plan to buy, then that's a chessed on their part that they chose to do, there's nothing wrong with that. It's more just if you're deceptive about your intentions that could be problematic.

(Personally, if I were a jewelry store owner, and it wasn't a busy time, like I'm just standing there anyway, and someone came in and asked this favor of me, I'd likely be ok with giving them a bit of my time, and I'd also hope that my pleasant attitude gave my store a good name in their mind and maybe one day they'll be back when they need another piece, or they'll have nice things to say about me to others. But honestly even if they'll never be back, if I had the availability to help them, what did it cost me, I'd likely say yes.)

amother

Cappuccino

Fri, Dec 20 2024, 2:44 pm

amother OP wrote:

I am looking into getting a piece from a custom jeweler but it’s remote. I would like to try on similar things locally to see how they look on me

If there is a chance you would purchase from them it is okay.
But from my understanding, if you are certain that you are purchasing from someone else, you need to be honest about that with the local jeweler.

amother

↑ OP

Fri, Dec 20 2024, 3:11 pm

Thanks everyone for the replies! Sorry if it wasn’t clear, I was planning on explaining the situation and asking if they wouldn’t mind if I tried one or two things on. I was not planning on being deceptive.
Listen, life is long (hopefully). There’s many future occasions to buy jewelry for myself and family members. I’m new to my area and there are many options. Giving good service is always wise. Not trying to “justify bad behavior”.
That being said I will probably go to a department store because I don’t want to get into an uncomfortable situation and potentially hurt/annoy someone.

amother

Pumpkin

Yesterday at 11:14 am

I also recently had a custom piece done, so I did walk into a store, but did not ask for any help. I just looked around in the end. There was absolutely nothing that was even close to what I was having made. But I would not have asked a sales person to look at a piece or try on. I have family that’s in retail and I know the only get paid a lot of them on commissions only. So we get someone’s hop up when there’s no chance for sale just doesn’t seem so nice. Look outside the window or walk around I don’t think there’s anything wrong with.

amother

Teal

Yesterday at 7:14 pm

I did this once and clearly told the jewelry store and asked them if it was ok. I wanted to know more about size. Was planning on buying online. They did not mind at all, they said that’s part of the business. If there’s even a small chance I’d find something there and like it better, or decided I liked the service and come back even years later, it’s worth it.

amother

↑ DarkKhaki ↓

Yesterday at 7:16 pm

amother OP wrote:

I am looking into getting a piece from a custom jeweler but it’s remote. I would like to try on similar things locally to see how they look on me

This I don't think is okay. You're just wasting someone's time for your benefit.

amother

Beige

Yesterday at 7:18 pm

amother Impatiens wrote:

It’s wrong. You’re fooling them by having them think that you’ll be back and actually purchase something but you have zero intention to do so. You’re wasting their time, it’s a form of stealing.

Yes, it may be a halachic problem. I remember learning something abt trying on clothes in a store when you have no intention of buying, that it is considered a form of stealing and is not allowed, so op should AYLOR.

amother

↑ DarkKhaki

Yesterday at 7:18 pm

amother OP wrote:

Right, that is why I would make it clear that I’m not planning on purchasing the piece. Just wondering if most stores would be annoyed that I’m asking to try in that case. As for why I’m using a remote jeweler, it’s because I have a credit with them for a substantial amount that I need to use.

But you are planning on copying/ buying it elsewhere. That's not nice at all & probably a halachic question. Maybe ask a Rav.