Dooney & Bourke review: Valued customer trade in program 4

ATTENTION DOONEY & BOURKE Customers! I want to share my recent "customer service" experience with all of you! I have a beautiful ocean blue patent D & B purse, that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE! I always call it my "HAPPY Purse" because the color reminds me of the ocean! I've had the purse for about 4 years, maybe even 5. I never carried it frequently; mostly just special occasions. I would get lots of comments regarding how beautiful it was due to the color. About 2 or so years ago, I noticed the strap and the logo area started turning a beige color. I searched the D & B website and tried their recommended methods for cleaning. However, it did not make any difference in the discoloration of the purse. I sent an e-mail, along with pictures to D & B regarding the situation with the purse asking for advice as to how to clean it. I received a fairly quick response stating I could return the purse to them (at my expense) and they would let me know my options. About 2 weeks ago I sent the purse to D & B. Within a week I received a written reply. The letter began "WE are in receipt of the item you have returned and would like to offer you our Valued Customer trade in program. *STAINS AND SCUFF MARKS CANNOT BE REMOVED*" Of course at this point I am ecstatic over their offer! THEN I CONTINUE TO READ "We are offering you a credit of $147.50 to apply towards the full retail price of one replacement item valued at $295.00 or greater. (Sounds great doesn't it?) There will be a $7.50 shipping charge + any applicable sales tax incurred at the time you place your order. "Still sounding PRE-TTY Good, right? THEN I READ "(Credit cannot be applied to sale prices or Limited Edition items)" So now I am thinking, "This can't be right. They want me to spend $148.50 + the " $7.50 shipping charge + any applicable sales tax incurred at the time you place your order" to replace my purse!?!" Oh, I did I mention the letter states, "Once you have given payment for a replacement your original item will be destroyed."! So thinking that perhaps I may have misinterpreted the letter, I call the number given for the Customer Service Department. The lady who answered my call was very polite as she validated my understanding of the letter. If the purse had been < 1 year old, D & B would have replaced the purse with an even trade. Needless to say, I told her I could purchase a Coach purse valued at $200 - $300 (even another D & B for that matter) on sale or at the outlets for $148.50 or LESS (oh, & don't forget the $7.50 shipping charge!)! So I told her to return my purse, and I would happily report their "CUSTOMER RIP-OFF PROGRAM" on facebook or any other social media (and to anyone I know, especially if they are considering a D & B purchase!) ! Needless to say, I will not be purchasing any more D & B products.