In December, Rogelio Villarreal, a surgical resident from Tamaulipas, Mexico, stumbled upon a shocking offer from Cartier Mexico.
A pair of 18-carat rose gold diamond-lined earrings, typically valued at over $13,000, was listed for merely 13 USD. This discovery was made when Villarreal, who was unfamiliar with the luxury brand, clicked on an Instagram ad that led him to Cartier’s website showcasing various high-priced items.
The Purchase That Sparked Controversy
Upon noticing the price, Villarreal purchased two pairs of the earrings. Shortly after, Cartier adjusted the listed price on their website to 237,000 pesos (over $13,000), leading to a month-long dispute between Villarreal and the company.
This event captured the attention of hundreds on social media, including supporters and detractors, and even involved a Mexican senator.
Cartier’s Response and Consumer Rights
Cartier attempted to cancel the order shortly after, citing the earrings were not available. They then admitted the pricing mistake and offered Villarreal a Cartier Cuvée champagne bottle and a leather item as compensation, which he declined. Instead, Villarreal cited Mexico’s federal consumer protection law, which allows disputes over terms and conditions to be escalated to the Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor for mediation.
The consumer protection agency, similar to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, has a history of stepping in when retailers change listed prices post-sale.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
The issue of pricing errors is well-known in Mexico, often highlighted on social media where consumers share similar cases involving major retailers.
This case reached such heights that The New York Times interviewed Villarreal, who detailed his experience, underscoring the widespread attention and the eventual notification from Cartier that they would honor the purchase price.
Villarreal’s situation drew extensive media coverage where he shared his story. With a consumer mediation session scheduled, Villarreal expressed relief on social media, proclaiming:
“War is over.
Cartier is delivering.
I’m not enough money for lambiscones to like me.
I don’t know who the employee is or his status, if you want to know you can ask the brand, no, I didn’t hire him.
You are only debating between socialism and capitalism”.
A History of Cartier
Cartier is a French luxury goods company that designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather goods, and other fashion accessories. The company was founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, France. Cartier quickly became known for its exquisite jewelry designs, which were often inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. The company’s clientele included royalty, celebrities, and other members of the elite.
In the early 20th century, Cartier expanded its product line to include watches. The company’s watches were known for their precision and elegance, and they quickly became popular among the wealthy. Cartier also began to produce fragrances, leather goods, and other fashion accessories.
By the mid-20th century, Cartier was one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. The company had stores in major cities around the globe, and its products were coveted by collectors. Cartier continued to innovate and create new designs, and it remained a leader in the luxury goods industry.
Today, Cartier is still a family-owned company. The company is headquartered in Paris, and it has over 200 stores in 64 countries. Cartier’s products are still considered to be some of the most luxurious and desirable in the world.
