Crystal Classics

I have used this business twice to order Waterford gifts, with virtually identical poor customer service experiences both times. This business does not indicate at the time of ordering that an item is backordered; instead, one receives an email a couple of days after placing the order. The first time I ordered, in 2008, I received an email that my item would ship in 7-10 days. It actually shipped 53 days later. I received no additional emails during that time -- I had to call myself throughout that 53 days for updates. The second time I ordered, in 2011, I received an email that my item would ship in 15-35 days. As of 43 days, I was still waiting and again had no further word -- it is apparently not CC's policy to provide additional email updates. I called to inquire, and the CSR essentially admitted that they had no idea when the item would ship, saying the email was just an "estimate" and therefore it could be much longer. She also told me that I should have called to place the original order if I was in such a "hurry," because they could have told me it was backordered before ordering. (I was not in a "hurry" at the time of ordering, but after six weeks I do not consider it unreasonable to question when my order might ship!) I then indicated that I wanted to cancel and she hung up on me. I will not do business with this company again. If the item is widely available elsewhere, it is likely that Crystal Classics has it and the transaction will be smooth. However, if the item is backordered or out of stock on other websites, CC will not have it either, and, in my experience, does not provide accurate information about when the item actually will be available. Moreover, when one calls to inquire, the company is more defensive than apologetic about the way it handles these lengthy backorders.

I would have to say that out of the four registries I had set up for my wedding, this one was the most amazing and my guests all felt the same way. I registered and received all of my Waterford China and Nambe Crystal from this site. For the most part prices are cheaper than competitors' and if you find a better price on another website, they will match it for you. The best part for guests is that all items ship for FREE, are tax FREE and are gift wrapped for FREE. The only draw back is that if you aren't in Ohio, you have to create your registry on line. Really not a big deal though...just go check out your items at a department store and then find them on the site. My husband and I loved every gift we received from Crystal Classics. Customer service is phenomenal...and Lori is THE BEST!