Shockingly Bad Experience At Bayard Zermatt!
Unbelievably bad experience! My family and I were in Zermatt for a week of skiing. We were using rental equipment. On my first day I injured my knee and ended up in a brace. The doctor I consulted said I may be able to ski before leaving. I decided to buy a helmet and goggles and stop using rented equipment. So, while my family skied I went to Bayard (which came recommended) on the Bahnhofstrasse. I purchased a Gyro helmet and Uvex goggles. Neither item came with original packaging or tags and the explanation was that it was the end of the season and things had gotten jumbled up in the stock room. This was on Saturday 31st March. My knee continued to remain swollen, in a brace, and I was unable to ski at all. So, on my last day in Zermatt (Tuesday 3rd April ) my family and I went to Bayard to exchange my brand new items for a pair of ski pants for my wife. Inexplicably, the sales lady (Faima) claimed that I had used the equipment despite the fact I explained my knee was in a brace and I hadn't been able to ski! Faima then brought Alexander (who we were told is the owner's son). Alexander accused me of lying, for not having come sooner (their Exchange policy gives you 3 days, and I went on the third day) and he started shouting at my wife and me when we explained what we were trying to do. When my 12 year old daughter spoke up he threw his hands in the air and stormed off. We were shocked. The times were unused, I had the receipts, we were complying with all of the shop's requirements and they simply chose not to help us. We were not looking for a refund, but an exchange (the helmet and goggles for the ski pants). Alexander finally agreed to refund the cost of the helmet but refused to take the goggles back saying that they were scratched. I said that is how they must have been sold to me as I had not used them. We left Bayard with the goggles (Faima kept the receipt and would not give it back to me). Avoid Bayard - they are dishonest, extremely bad customer service and will not honour their return policy.