Pickle’s Perspective

Where’s it made?  I ponder.  Where’s it made? and do I care?   This discussion has been common in my family and has in some cases even ended up in an argument.

With the economic down turn, and now a recession with more job losses than the 1992 recession, this year will be a tough one.   The US President stated last week “Buy American”, and this came with harsh international criticism. So do I care, and should you? (continue reading…)

So, I was looking to get some work done by a contractor.   I made a few calls, got a few estimates, and all but decided on a business.  the one I was planning on chosing was a member of the Better Business Bureau, and had no complaints.  that’s when I noticed it.

The “Principal”  listed for this business was a person I knew in High School.  He’s a year younger than I and used to be a complete hothead.  I had several confrontations with him.

After high school, rumors came out that he was arrested, and convicted of drug trafficking.  I checked the courts website, and this is the case.

I ran into this guy in 2002 while standing in line at Silverado’s Night Club.   He seemed calm and more mature.  I think he was fresh out of the slammer back then.  I checked him out on the justice website.  Trafficking Cocaine… Geez….

So, would you hire this guy as your contractor?  I’m thinking No.

Always shop around…. And you never know when a deal will fall in your lap.A little over a week ago, my dad asked me to keep an eye open for a good, used, cheap, lawn tractor. You see, my dad bought a nice Kubota a year ago, but doesn’t want to beat the thing into the ground, so he wanted a second one for mowing the approx. 2acre section of their yard that has untouched prairie grass (and is very uneven).

So on Friday, I’m heading home from work, and I see that a town I pass thru on the way home is having a “Town Garage Sale”… I was going to pass by, but I looked at the clock, and knew there was no time I could make it to the post office to pick up my mail, so I stopped. I bought a hot dog and a Diet coke from the church, and checked out the garbage sales.., I mean garage sales. Like usual 95% were crap. 65 year old ladies selling the 1976 Eaton’s winter catalog for $5.00 or selling those hideos 1980 bedroom lamps that were just a square piece of glass.. You know the ones I mean… those cheap hangers, holding the suspended glass. I thought I had wasted my time. Deflated. I jumped in the truck to head home. That’s when I say a blown over sign that said “more sales in the Community Club”… Why not? I drove the block and checked it out. It wasn’t garage saleish in there either… more bake saleish. Which was okay. Then I saw some DVDs, and then I noticed a photo on a sign of a lawn tractor. (finally the story is comming together)The sign said $200.00. Yup $200 I asked the guy..

“What’s the deal with the tractor? does it run?”“Yup, it runs, but I have to tell you, I was mowing the lawn on Monday, and when I finshed I noticed a little oil leaked out of the motor”

“But it runs?”“Yup, I asked a guy I know, and he said it’s a most likely a Head gasket, which would cost about $100.00 with labor to repair, but I’m not a repair kind of guy. I just bought a new one.”

“There’s nothing else wrong with it?”“Nope, I’m not a mechanic, and I’d rather just sell it than tinker.”This sounds too good to be true… I call my old man… Tell hm about it, and ask him what he thinks. He’s touch and go based on my description. I tell my dad to think and call me back.

I look at DVDs. .. In the background I hear cell phone ring after cellphone ring. Each time I hear the guy say “leaks a little oil, nope not home now, you can come look at it in 1/2 hour”I am quite convinced it’s a deal now. I reach in my pocket, and pull out a nice crisp Sir Robert Borden, and say tothe guy (while he’s still on the phone)

“Hey, you say it runs right…. If it runs, here’s a hund, the next hund at pickup.”“um…”, speaking back to the phone, “you know, I think I just sold it, can I call you back later?”

He ended the call, wrote me a letter stating the down pmt. and I agreed to call him in 1/2 when he’s at home as his daughter is taking over the sale stand.I went home, emptied the truck, and called him. When I drove to his place, there was a car waiting incase I didn’t show up. The tractor ran GREAT! Clean oil, clean oil filter.. the works… this tractor was well maintained. about 10-15ml of oil was puddled on the frame under the engine.

I took this tractor to my dad’s place, he was impressed. We figure this thing would sell as is no prob for $500. we laughed we drove it, and we had a beer. It pays to shop around.

(the photo is not the actual tractor, although it looks quite similar)

Just a notice for all of you that may be buying Easter chocolates this year. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a Health Hazard Alert regarding hard plastic pieces that may be found in Cadbury Caramilk Eggs.

The affected products include the 39 gram Cadbury Caramilk, Caramilk Maple, and Caramilk cafe flavours, in the singles or multipacs. There has already been one injury reported from the consumption of these products.

For more info, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Website and the health hazard alert.

Personally, these eggs are my favorite Easter chocolate, so I’m somewhat disappointed, but by now the affected product has hopefully been replaced in stores.

Have a safe and
Happy Easter.

So…. Now I’m completely frustrated. I’m sure you are too after reading everything I’ve gone through. I sent the BBB this email, because they exist to help consumers right?

From: email address withheld from blog
To: bbbinquiries@bbbmanitoba.ca
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 1:13 AM
Subject: Question about Jewellery stores.Hello,

Can you help me figure out how to protect myself from potential over inflated prices on
Jewelry? I recently got 2 quotes on custom wedding bands from 2 Jewelers in Winnipeg.
Vandenberg’s and Roger Watson.

I used exact details down to karat weight, style, size, width and gold content weight. The
rings were quoted according to illustration I had supplied.I was expecting similar quotes, but instead I received 2 quotes that were out by tremendous
numbers. one place quoted $1400 for a band the other only $850.

When I queried the more expensive place for the reasoning, they claimed that the cheaper
location uses lower grade gold. How is this possible when I specified 18K?

What can I do to protect myself against either overpayment or shoddy quality in an industry
that so few people understand? Are there laws that ensure that an item stamped 18K is in fact
18K? Are there particular laws or Code of Ethics these companies must comply with?Please help,
Frustrated and confused Couple,

The reply I got was a little less than spectacular. The reply was:

From: “Better Business Bureau Inquiries” <bbbinquiries@mts.net>
Date: 2005/04/27 Wed AM 10:13:03 CDT
To: email address withheld from blog
Subject: Re: Question about Jewellery stores.Unfortunately, a company can usually charge what they feel is fit for a product.

You may wish to contact the Jewellers Vigilance Can. Inc. for further information. They can
be reached at (800) 636-9536.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Sincerely,
BBB Manitoba

Okay.. That now totally took the wind out of the sails. Am I at the start of a wild goose chase? Ugggg..

So, I collect my thoughts and check out this Jewellers Vigilance Can. Inc. They have a website. http://www.jewellersvigilance.ca I went there and sent them the exact same email I sent the BBB.

No reply for several days.

So I decided to call them…. Voice Mail

No reply….

This Tuesday. Carla from the Vigilance finally called back and left a message for me.

I called back yesterday as I was on training classes. She told me some interesting facts. As I was writing this blog, some things she told me didn’t sound right so I did a quick search online and have changed some things. I’ve corrected these here.

DID YOU KNOW???

There is a federal act known as the Precious Metal Markings Act. This is a Federal Law that is what protects consumers against Price Fixing and other such things. It states that it is unlawful for a dealer to incorrectly mark precious metals. therefore you can be assured that if the dealer is with in operating within federal law that your 14K necklace is 14K. If your jewellery was incorrectly marked, the jeweller can be fined no more than $500.00 however this only applied to the first year.

That a Jeweller may decide not to offer any warranty on custom work even though they offer warranty on non custom work. They do not need to inform you of this either. Even if they tell you there is a warranty, if it’s not written down it’s nothing more than hearsay.

There are 2 types of appraisals. There is what I was called an “Insurance Replacement Appraisal” and a “Today’s Market” appraisal. I don’t know if these are the actual names. The first one is valued higher. I don’t know how they can appraise the value higher than it actually is, but it’s done. The Insurance Replacement appraisal is used by businesses to sucker you into the store. Big signs flashy ads, get these earrings appraised at $900 for only $600.00. WOW! Great deal? ummmm.. maybe not. People base insurance riders on this appraisal value also, problem is, the insurance companies charge your premium accordingly, but won’t payout to that value very often. The Today’s market Appraisal takes into account what the precious metals are worth today. For more info on this read this warning from the Competition Bureau of Canada.

So How do I protect Myself?

Well unfortunately it’s a true jungle out there. Buyer Beware in every sense of the word. But here’s what I’ve learned..

1. Don’t believe the Appraisal sheets the jewellery people drop in front of you.
2. Shop around at different stores to see how prices match.
3. The Jeweller doesn’t care about you, he cares about his business and sales. He won’t tell you unless you ask, and then he may beat around the bush too.
4. Know the Federal Competition Act and the Precious Metal Markings Act enough to put your fears at rest, but don’t assume all are abiding by the laws as the punishments appear quite minor.
5. Always get everything in writing. Including a guarantee that if an independent appraiser believes you over paid they’ll refund the difference.
6. If possible, especially when the jewellery is over $1000.00, have it appraised by an independent appraiser for the “Today Market” value not the Insurance replacement or value. Do not accept appraisal for consumer resale these are inflated.I’m sure I missed an awful lot too. I feel better about what I’ve learned. I definitely don’t feel stoopid anymore. Am I stoopid? Maybe.. but Considering the warnings from the government, and lack of concise information from the Jewellers and their watchdogs, I definitely conclude that the Jewellery industry is crooked and corrupt.

   I hate jewellery. To any family of mine… if you’re toying between jewellery or anything else for my birthday gift… don’t pick the jewellery. You’re just fattening the wallet of the jeweller who’s most likely taking you for a ride… After my wedding band, I don’t think I’d want any more jewellery.

   -Pickle.

   Third.

The Drive to Roger Watson’s Jewellery shop was just a trip down Corydon. Roger himself was unable to help us as he was tied up on the phone, so John (his son, I believe) came and helped us. We stalled for a few moments looking at pocket watches hoping Roger would become available but this didn’t happen.

We told John that we had wanted to have a quote on a matching set of wedding bands, and that the wedding bands should also compliment the engagement ring, which was custom made here. I explained to John that currently we are only looking for a quote as we hadn’t fully decided what we would do for rings.

I explained to John that Kerri’s ring was 18K gold and that we were looking for a ring for her approx. 6mm wide in a size 7.5. White gold, non-rhodium plated. Myself, I would like a 9mm ring also in 18K and in a Size 12. Both rings would compliment each other and would be white gold with yellow gold accent. Furthermore, I would like a 05ct. diamond on my ring set with a rough setting.

He wrote this down on a sheet of paper.

I then told him that we even know how we wanted the rings to look. I pulled out the drawings on the business card and showed it to him. We discussed the exact same points as at Vandenberg’s, although without the benefit of a digital photo to manipulate. We discussed the more flat top on my ring with a gentle curve to allow the diamond to be offset in the corner a little more. We discussed how the yellow gold should be elevated off the white gold and then blend back in. He appeared to fully understand.

In the past Roger was able to quote me in person what the cost of custom making a ring was, but he wasn’t helping us. Roger did walk by saw me, recognized me, but got the name wrong. “Hi Pat” the said as he walked past. A little disappointing, but realistically how many people does he see every day right?

In the meantime, John’s writing down all the details on a quotation sheet. and reads back all the specs to me. They all sound good. He then goes to copy the drawing I had made as a reference. Curiosity was eating him away. I could see it. The way the played with the business card, I knew he was consumed with the desire to flip it over to see who his fierce competition was. The desire won and he flipped it over just long enough to recognize the Vandenberg’s logo. He quickly flipped it back and handing me the card.

“Thanks” he proclaimed and told me that he would submit the quote to his Jeweller and get back to me in a few days. Side note: I think that John merely asked Roger for the quote. I’m quite sure they’re related and I think Roger’s working on slowly thinking of handing the shop over to the younger generation……

A few days later (Wednesday I think), I got a call at work. It was John. My quotes were in. Kerri’s ring was going to cost $400.00 even and mine was quoted at $850.00 plus the diamond. a .05ct Si1 or .06ct I1 (both G color) diamond would cost $100.00 and a .07ct VS2 H color would run $150.

I thanked John and told him I would discuss this with Kerri.

Now remember. I did everything I could to compare apples to apples.
The Mathematical Break Down.

Vandenberg’s

• • Kerri’s Ring ———- $668
  • Tobi’s Ring ———- $1400
  • Taxes (14%) ———- $289.52
  • Grand Total ———- $2357.52

Roger Watson

• • Kerri’s Ring ———- $400
  • Tobi’s Ring ———- $850
  • Taxes (14%) ———- $175
  • Grand Total ———- $1425.00

Difference $2357.52 -1425.00 = $$932.52

What the heck? Now I can imagine a difference in price. Compare a $1500 TV at two stores and yeah, you may see a difference, but I can guarantee you that difference won’t be $900! Same which furniture, appliances. Looking at percentages, Roger was 40% cheaper, hell you don’t see that with cars!

I called Vandenberg’s. I knew he was way more money, but he DID spend a long time with us helping us create the custom ring. This is worth something too. Perhaps he’ll come with another offer.

I got in touch with Peter. I told him that being a buyer beware world, due diligence told me to get a second opinion, and this opinion was way lower. (I gave the price differences). I then told him that because he was so kind to us and helped us out, I’d like him to consider revising his quote and lowering his price. His reply seemed positive.

Three hours later I got a call back from Peter, but he caught my voicemail as I was on lunch. I returned his call and played phone tag with him pretty much all afternoon. After 4 calls, I finally did reach him.

The conversation went pretty much 100% from what I expected. Peter asked me to review what I told the other shop and their quotes. His immediate response was “In 8 years in this trade this has never happened to me. This other Jeweller must be smelting old gold. We only use new gold, and well the price of gold is the price of gold and that’s what you pay for is the gold.” He then proceeded to knock the other jeweller. (not a wise thing in my opinion as he didn’t know I dumped $4000 on Kerri’s engagement ring there.)

Side note: Just as a side note. The whole “In 8 years this has never happened to me” spiel.. I really heard… “In 8 years blah blah blah blah blah blah… ” ‘Cause really hasn’t every salesman told you this crap… Come on. Roger said a similar thing back when I was iffy about the engagement ring. Only he used it in a different context and used 20 years I believe…

Anyway… Vanderberg’s claimed that the diamond Roger quoted $100 for he had listed at $65 (whoa.. what’s the deal with the near 40% differences here.) and that once again, Roger must be doing shoddy work with less than grade materials.

Less than grade materials? Well if it’s stamped 18K doesn’t that mean it must be 18K? How can gold, an Element in the periodic table be below grade when it’s melted and poured into a mold? Doesn’t the Karat designation give you the gold content of the metal alloy? I’m completely confused.

Okay…. Seeing how I get salesman talk I gotta be smart. I know that 9999 pure gold is sold by troy ounce (31.103 grams) I also know that Peter claimed that 26 grams of my rings total weight was representative weight of the pure gold mixed into the ring alloy (as this was his argument against Roger. I also knew based on the Royal Canadian Mint and CNN that a troy ounce of Gold sells for $440 US or $550CDN (Approx.)

So Based on Peter’s Argument, I came up with this breakdown. Don’t you love math?

Vandenberg’s
Cost of Precious metals: ———————- $550/31.103* 26 = $460 approx
Cost of diamond .05c: ———————— approx $80
(Look at the fudge factor I gave he said $65 on the phone)
Cost of workmanship: ———————— $860
Total: —————————————- $1400

Roger Watson
Cost of Precious metals: ———————- $550/31.103* 26 = $460 approx
Cost of diamond .05ct: ———————– $100 (remember the diamond was extra in Roger’s quote)
Cost of workmanship: ———————— $390
Total: —————————————- $950

I emailed the first part of that to Peter. Asking with these assumptions are correct, or even close. I also asked him to clarify the cost of the rings and give me a breakdown of costs. I didn’t ask a shop rate as that is futile and uninteresting. I asked cost of Precious metals, cost of workmanship and other costs.

It’s been 3 days and no reply. I’ve begun to wonder… Is the Jewellery Industry Corrupt and Messed up, or Am I just Stooopid?

Maybe the Better Business Bureau can help solve this…..

Continued in Part 3….

So, some of you know that I’m engaged, no news there. A couple months ago, we went to the Wonderful Wedding Show at the Convention Centre. One of the booths on displays was from Vandenberg’s Fine Jewellery. They were offering to take photos of engagement rings for free consultations on custom wedding band design. Although we were quite pleased with the custom made engagement ring that I bought at Roger Watson Jewellers, we were planning on purchasing the wedding bands there. Nonetheless we figured lets see what Vandenberg’s has to offer. We had the ring photographed.

About 5 weeks ago, Vandenberg’s called us to set up an appointment for the consultation and we did. We went to Vandenberg’s on April 16th. We spent about 90 minutes in their store working on the computer generating a design we liked for the wedding bands. Once all was said and done. I asked the big question; Cuánto Dinero? Wieviel? Or simply… How much?

Peter did a quick Alt+Tab to Excel. and an Uber complex spreadsheet opened.

Let’s see….
Her ring is 6mm wide, so about 18 gram weight gold in 18K.. that would be $668
My ring is 9mm wide, but bulkier, so about 25 gram weight gold in 18K, plus the .05ct diamond so $1400

…Silence…… I’m sure the hamsterwheel in my head could be heard across the room…. Her engagement ring, which was also 18K gold, was $550ish plus the ROCK; and it was wider than the wedding band was said to be… this is weird…

We asked Peter for a print out of the drawing he made, no go unless we place a $150.00 down payment (makes sense. He does the design and wants to get the business.)

I ask him to repeat the ring’s specifics. I quickly jotted them down on the back of his business card. I looked at my fiancée and started mumbling to her. Peter then got up and told us he’d give us some space to discuss this. Once he left we commented on how we could have used a camera phone or my Palm pilot’s camera…. I then got another business card and hand drew the rings on the back.

I then told him I don’t like to make decisions like this without sleeping on it. We left and headed off to Roger Watson for another quote…..

Part two to come….

The Spa +39 degree water 0 degree Weather!,
originally uploaded by GermanPickle.

So, we did appreciate the mineral content of the water and won’t dispute the minerals therapeutic benefits, but this weekend was about a get away and some her and I quiet time. When we returned to the hotel room we decided not to stay the second night if we could get in at the Temple Gardens. I called the Temple and they had a room for $110.00 a night. We figured that essentially we’d be paying close to the same but getting 4 1/2 star service. True our room now was $88.00 and the temple was $110, but puchasing 2 day passes to the spa was an extra 11.70 after tax and Manitou Springs expected a $2.00 towel rental for the mineral pools. We’d definitely need more than the towels available in our rooms if we were going to get the day pass!

The drive to Moose Jaw was only 1 hour 45 minutes, yet it placed us 2 hours closer to home for the drive because we’d head home on the Trans Canada instead ( and my chance of getting a photo of the inukshuk disappeared.) Another missed photo opp. came when we passed some interesting landscape and some old barns. But Spilled milk right?

We arrived in Moose Jaw at 2:15 pm, and headed straight to the hotel (located at N50 23.562 W105 32.020). The hotel staff saw the huge grins on our faces and commented on how happy we looked to be there and he was right! Our room wasn’t ready but another one was, and we got it instead. The room was nicely decorated with modern lamps fancy chairs and a fresh smell. Television offered full cable, internet and video on demand. Unlimited Mineral Pool access was included, of course. New looking towels and bathrobes were in the room waiting for us. We headed to the pool and relaxed. The water here is perfectly clear and you sink like anywhere else. this spring water comes from a porous rock formation underground and is 40+ degrees so they sometimes cool it before using it in the pool. The pool is an inside/outside pool that offers the ability to totally relax. Although the mineral content isn’t as rich as Manitou Springs, Temple Gardens is more of a relatation resort.

We caved and even ordered Room Service for the first time in our lives. Awesome! You gotta try this.

All in all we had a blast this weekend. For rest and relaxation, I recommend the Temple. For all around Therapeutic treatment, I recommend Temple Gardens also. However for a Mineral intense bath, I’d recommend Manitou Springs for one night only. Then go to Temple Gardens for the second!

Kerri and I decided that a Weekend get away was WAY over due. So we decided to head to Saskatchewan for a weekend at the Mineral Spa. I need to stress that a few years ago, we did stay at Temple Gardens, and really enjoyed ourselves so this time we decided to try the Manitou Springs Hotel and Spa in Manitou Beach (near Watrous). Those were the best directions the hotel could give me!

The Drive from Winnipeg to Watrous is quite fun. Prairie driving may include mostly straight lines without hills, but being that the route to Watrous was along the Yellow Head Trail, so travellers of the trans Canada Highway will have the option of a change in scenery. When you go, have a camera ready. There were a couple spots I wish I stopped to take a shot. First one came about 50 kms into saskatchewan. A small road called Palestine Rd. I guess I thought it was an out of place road name for the area.

About 1/2 hour West of Yorkton we passed by a InukShuk on the side North of the Highway. I told myself, “we want to go to the Spa, we’ll stop on the way back for a photo.” (never say this just stop!) Missed photo opp #2

Next Missed photo opp was Kandahar Saskatchewan. Again. out of place city this time.

Using my trusty GPS I decided to disobey the directions on the highway and instead followed the GPS’ “shortest route”. Well 15KMs of wet, sloppy, muddy gravel road was my reward for wanting to be efficient.

We rolled into Manitou beach and found the hotel at (N51 43.244 W105 26.685) on a gravel road of all places. The outside looked weathered and a little worn, but this cuold have been because it was on the beachfront.
The lobby was as plain as a small town motel office, and the staff didn’t acknowledge my arrival at first. No big deal we were there for the Mineral Water! and the place was only $88 per night.

There’s only one entrance and the parkting was around the side of the building, no big deal… the Water… the Water will be great! The elevator was slower than molasses but alas we arrived at our room. We put the key(not card key. This place is old school) in the door and entered the room.

The television offered 3 channels of poor reception enjoyment, the brass light was old and wouldn’t stand straight and finally there was no temperature control in the room. that’s okay the Water will make up for it. Besides the place is $20 a night cheaper than the Temple Gardens and the were booked this weekend anyway.

Off to the pool
We grabbed our pool tickets, (one pass per day extra $5.00 per person for unlimited pool access) and headed poolside. Entering the pool was like going to a public pool a pay station and then changerooms to seperate men and women. (I guess this is for non hotel guests?) We came out of the change rooms and noticed two things One, the place was uber crowded and two, the water looked like Red River Water. This is apparently because of the high mineral content. The water has a gravity or 1.06 which makes it similar to the Dead Sea. This water is quite amazing as you become so buoyant you can not sink.

The pool is seperated into three areas; the 35 degree pool, which is the temperature of your average public pool and has the 9 feet deep end; the 37 degree outer pool which is only .9 metres deep and the 39 degree hot pool which is a semi enclosed area of the 37 degree pool. The water’s mineral content can not be disputed. I hadn’t shaved in 5 days but when my chin went under water I felt the tingling of the minerals in the areas I normally get razor burned. any scratch on my body was also extra sensitive.

The hotel didn’t recommend water rations for people using the hot pools and we got thirsty quick. We couldn’t leave unless we wanted to pay to re-enter and no water fountain was visible. This was poor planning on the mgmt. side. Also, the water being so rich in color must make it hard to clean. The water is not chloronated (I bet nothing survives in this water anyway) and sweeping the pool for dirt and foreign objects must be tough because you can’t see anything. This might explain why I stepped on a band aid and saw a cotton ball floating in the water. definitely an “Ick” factor.

I can definitely see how this place attracts people from around the globe the water was simply amazing, but the hotel needs some TLC and focus toward giving guests some added umpff for their coin. Essentially, why stay at the shoddy hotel when the water comes from the lake and it can be used for free in the summer??

Continued on Part two.