Within a week, I had 2 very different sample collection experiences. The first one was collecting Clarins White Plus sachet samples at their Skin Spa in 1 Utama. The consultant asked for my membership number and after checking, passed me the samples while explaining how they were to be used. Simple and no-hassle.
Yesterday, I received a Dior flyer in the mail which stated that I could collect a Diorsnow Essence of Light sample, While I usually go to their outlet in MidValley as they all know me very well there and I like all of them without exception, I went to the Sunway Pyramid outlet since I happened to be there.
I passed the flyer to the first consultant I saw and told her I was there to collect the sample. The first thing she said was that I wouldn’t get the full-size product, it was only a sample. Of course. That’s what I said but she must emphasise it isn’t a full-size product as if I am some idiot who has no knowledge of anything as basic as this.
She said I had to have a consultation first and ushered me to a chair (fair enough!) so I thought ok, I’ll give you a few minutes. She asked for my membership number and upon checking, she said there was a problem with my membership. What problem, I asked. She said that it was incomplete. Is that my problem? It isn’t my fault that it is incomplete since I remember completing the form for membership to perfection.
Nevertheless, she used a hand-held instrument to analyse my skin and said that it lacked firmness + all the other signs that I was ageing. Tell me something I don’t already know. She said that the Diorsnow Essence of Light was for brightening and in view of my skin condition, I was better off using Dior Capture Totale Dream Skin 1-Minute Mask (image below) and proceeded to extol its virtues and slather some on the back of my hand.
After a minute, she wiped it off and asked me to compare the 2 hands. Needless to say, the one which had been slathered looked brighter and she went on to say I needed this as it could also firm up my skin. I asked if she could pass me the sample already as I needed to go (that’s true) and she countered that by saying I had to go through a consultation first before the sample could be given. At this juncture, it was all getting a bit too tedious for me.
That’s why sometimes collecting samples is not worth my time and effort. I love this brand and their products are fantastic but their customer service could be a bit more refined as reflecting the prestige of the brand.
