BRIDES MUST SEE!
Here are what some bridal shops are doing to us brides!!
What do you tell gals that are constantly wondering what style and designer it is?
We don`t give that information out over the telephone or by email. I`ve only had one to ask to take this info with them and actually, I was thankful that they were leaving the store! Otherwise, I will write it down for OUR future referance.
I don`t see how you can get around telling them. What do you say when people call and ask if you carry such and such brand and you do. If they come in to see the line how do you show it ?
We don`t cut the tags. We are proud of the lines we carry and we have "good" prices. I have no problem sharing over the internet or phone. We have not lost a gown to the internet (including Maggies) or had to discount to meet the competition. Granted we may have lost some we did not know about, but the brides we have developed relationships with, price has never been a problem. We refuse to let the gown business become a commodity business, cut the tags and that is what will happen.
Hi,
As far as service goes, I`ll match our customer service against any shop around here.
But, we have a major discounter four miles south of us that will sell gowns for $200.00 and $300.00 under keystone. She once sold a gown that cost $505.00 for $615.00 to a girl that used to work for us. This was a new gown that was ordered. She came back to show us the receipt because she could not believe the price she paid.
We have had many brides come in that have been here to look and try on and ended up buying at the discounter because of the difference in price. (Our prices are keystone or MFSP). They appoligize, but still buy there. Some brides have purchased there and will try to come here for alterations, which we will not do.
So customer service will only go so far, no matter how much the bride likes the shop...
We had a girl call one week after she was shopping here asking if we could give her the names and style numbers of the gowns she had tried on the week before. When we told her we had all the information here so that when she comes back, we will have her file available. She said she did not intend to come back, but wanted the information so she could buy off the internet! We told her the information was ours and not hers to have. We explained that if there was an error anywhere along the line with the information, either by us or her, we did not want to be held responsible. After ten minutes of arguments, she said was there anyway for her to get the information.
We said yes, We figured she was here for two hours and our cost was $50.00 per hour, so if she would send us a check for $100.00, we would send her all the information she needed. You can imagine what she said to that.....Oh, well, we can not please everyone.
By the way, we give the names of the manufacturers, but not the style numbers. We will give them a PID number that the computer generates whcih doesn`t help them at all, but at least we give them something.
You are right, sometimes it is better they go buy somewhere else. I know we have been used as a "try on" station for the internet, but we continue to service them for the other business. I guess that is why we position ourselves as full service.
Hi Guys and Girls
To clarify our policy on alterations on gowns purchased elsewhere.
If they purchase a gown elsewhere that they have tried on in our shop, we do not do alterations.(They purchased for price, let them pay the bigger money for alterations, and get the customer service they deserve, etc.)
If they purchased a gown somewhere else that they did not try on in the store or from a manufacturer we do not carry, we will do alterations with an "out of shop" fee of $50.00 to have the use of our seamstresses and facilities.
If they purchase from the big box store (is that politically correct?) next door, we charge $75.00 and they are responsible for getting any fabric we may need for the alterations.
We agree that many times, you can become the "hero" if you save a bride when she needs alterations at a reasonable price in a less than perfect time frame. Since we have seven seamstresses working through the shop, any time frame can be met.
Usually when they need alterations, they have most of the gowns and dresses they need, but the good will generated (along with jewelry, trinkets, etc.) make it worth while.
What do you tell gals that are constantly wondering what style and designer it is?
We don`t give that information out over the telephone or by email. I`ve only had one to ask to take this info with them and actually, I was thankful that they were leaving the store! Otherwise, I will write it down for OUR future referance.
I don`t see how you can get around telling them. What do you say when people call and ask if you carry such and such brand and you do. If they come in to see the line how do you show it ?
We don`t cut the tags. We are proud of the lines we carry and we have "good" prices. I have no problem sharing over the internet or phone. We have not lost a gown to the internet (including Maggies) or had to discount to meet the competition. Granted we may have lost some we did not know about, but the brides we have developed relationships with, price has never been a problem. We refuse to let the gown business become a commodity business, cut the tags and that is what will happen.
Hi,
As far as service goes, I`ll match our customer service against any shop around here.
But, we have a major discounter four miles south of us that will sell gowns for $200.00 and $300.00 under keystone. She once sold a gown that cost $505.00 for $615.00 to a girl that used to work for us. This was a new gown that was ordered. She came back to show us the receipt because she could not believe the price she paid.
We have had many brides come in that have been here to look and try on and ended up buying at the discounter because of the difference in price. (Our prices are keystone or MFSP). They appoligize, but still buy there. Some brides have purchased there and will try to come here for alterations, which we will not do.
So customer service will only go so far, no matter how much the bride likes the shop...
We had a girl call one week after she was shopping here asking if we could give her the names and style numbers of the gowns she had tried on the week before. When we told her we had all the information here so that when she comes back, we will have her file available. She said she did not intend to come back, but wanted the information so she could buy off the internet! We told her the information was ours and not hers to have. We explained that if there was an error anywhere along the line with the information, either by us or her, we did not want to be held responsible. After ten minutes of arguments, she said was there anyway for her to get the information.
We said yes, We figured she was here for two hours and our cost was $50.00 per hour, so if she would send us a check for $100.00, we would send her all the information she needed. You can imagine what she said to that.....Oh, well, we can not please everyone.
By the way, we give the names of the manufacturers, but not the style numbers. We will give them a PID number that the computer generates whcih doesn`t help them at all, but at least we give them something.
You are right, sometimes it is better they go buy somewhere else. I know we have been used as a "try on" station for the internet, but we continue to service them for the other business. I guess that is why we position ourselves as full service.
Hi Guys and Girls
To clarify our policy on alterations on gowns purchased elsewhere.
If they purchase a gown elsewhere that they have tried on in our shop, we do not do alterations.(They purchased for price, let them pay the bigger money for alterations, and get the customer service they deserve, etc.)
If they purchased a gown somewhere else that they did not try on in the store or from a manufacturer we do not carry, we will do alterations with an "out of shop" fee of $50.00 to have the use of our seamstresses and facilities.
If they purchase from the big box store (is that politically correct?) next door, we charge $75.00 and they are responsible for getting any fabric we may need for the alterations.
We agree that many times, you can become the "hero" if you save a bride when she needs alterations at a reasonable price in a less than perfect time frame. Since we have seven seamstresses working through the shop, any time frame can be met.
Usually when they need alterations, they have most of the gowns and dresses they need, but the good will generated (along with jewelry, trinkets, etc.) make it worth while.
Posted by Nic; updated 09/25/04
Reply
We brides need to get over ourselves. The bridal shops need to make a living too. The only thing they are saying on these posts is that the "Bridezilla`s" have made things so difficult for the true specialty store that they have had to protect themselves from us. Try using the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
If you were the person who owns the bridal store, bet your bottom dollar, you would be saying the same thing. I worked in a bridal store for years and the biggest complaint I have is how every bride and their mother will come in and ask why the prices are so high and if they can have a discount. Remember, they spend several hours with us, many times we go to several stores before we even pick a style or buy a dress, we have just used one of their products for free. Their service!! Do they help you like that at JC Penny? You don`t even realize how many hundreds of dollars each one of the dresses in that store cost. If you want to complain about something, let`s look at the designers. They say what the minimum prices of their dresses will be.
I am also sure that many of the brides that will find this outrageous, are the brides that would go buy a dress, wear it for the day they need it and then return it, for a full cash refund.
Grow UP. It is not anything different than what we experience everyday at say, Walmart.
You are not just buying a product, you are also buying the service and experience of that store.
If you were the person who owns the bridal store, bet your bottom dollar, you would be saying the same thing. I worked in a bridal store for years and the biggest complaint I have is how every bride and their mother will come in and ask why the prices are so high and if they can have a discount. Remember, they spend several hours with us, many times we go to several stores before we even pick a style or buy a dress, we have just used one of their products for free. Their service!! Do they help you like that at JC Penny? You don`t even realize how many hundreds of dollars each one of the dresses in that store cost. If you want to complain about something, let`s look at the designers. They say what the minimum prices of their dresses will be.
I am also sure that many of the brides that will find this outrageous, are the brides that would go buy a dress, wear it for the day they need it and then return it, for a full cash refund.
Grow UP. It is not anything different than what we experience everyday at say, Walmart.
You are not just buying a product, you are also buying the service and experience of that store.
Posted by Tina; updated 09/28/04
Reply
GIVE US A BREAK!! All you shops cut out the tags of the gowns so we do not know who makes the gowns! You give us phoney style numbers, tell us it takes up to 6 months to get a gown AND you oversize us so that you make more money on the alterations! We all know that you there to make money BUT PLEASE dont try to retire off each sale!! Give us you best price along wth the services need for us to make the whole process a pleasure - not a overcharging pain in the a#$ everytime we walk throught the door!! If you feel your prices are the best or competattive with other shops inclusding your serivces, then you should have to cut out the designers tags and lied to us about it!!
Posted by Joan; updated 09/28/04
Reply
I must say that this thread bothers me. I opened a bridal shop less than a year ago. The reason I did this was because of the many experiences I had when I was a bride (similar to what I am seeing posted here). Are you ready for this brides? I found out the hard way why full service bridal salons operate the way that they do. I do not cut the tags out of my gowns unless I am told to do so by the manufacturer. And that DOES happen. I will give my customers style numbers unless I am told not to do so by the manufacturer. And that DOES happen. It is ashame that so many brides have developed this negative attitude about Full Service Bridal Salons. I do not know one owner of a salon who entered this business to get rich. And if they did, they are no longer here. I entered this because I love LOVE. I love to see a bride shine when she finds that perfect gown. How many of you have a horrible day at work and need to vent? How many of you have a problem at work with the budget or sales number and have a team meeting in order to brainstorm resolutions? Well, many bridal shop owners do not have the working capital nor the simple luxury of having a body other than their own in their shop. This is our team. This is who we vent to. And if you have no proof that you are in this industry shame on you, because you have no business and are not authorized to be on the site that you have used. You call us liars! Step back and look in the mirror.
Posted by BridalShopOwner; updated 09/29/04
Reply
I am replying to Joan. Joan, I can give you some answers to the issues you brought up in your message.
1) Regarding phony style numbers. Joan, I don`t know what you do for a living if you work. But let`s just say you`re an accountant. Suppose I go to your office, sit down with you for about an hour and a half, and you tell me all about the little ways I can save on my taxes; you show me what forms I need to file, what type of system best tracks my spending; and you answer all the questions I have about my financial needs, based on your years of experience in the field. Then I leave your office without paying you, and go use H&R Block. Does this sound reasonable? Does it make sense?
Lots of Bridal Shops originally did give out all information on a gown. But with all the discounting and "piggybackers" out there, why on Earth should the bridal shop help you buy your dress somewhere else? Why should they spend an hour with you so you can give your business to someone else?
The sad part is, you end up paying just as much through a discounter b/c all they do is sell you the dress. They don`t guarantee what happens after that. Fitting, pressing, storage, accessories, problem-solving, etc. And what happens if they order you the wrong gown or size or it`s damaged? They don`t have the personal relationship with manufacturers that can solve unforeseen emergencies.
2) Six month ordering. What makes you think that this is a lie? Some high-end designers actually require nine months to hand-make a couture style. 4-6 months insures a mass manufacturer the time it needs to get enough orders of a certain style and size so they can mass-produce it. Making one gown at a time based on each order would be financially unthinkable for a factory. Furthermore, wouldn`t you rather have your gown ordered early so you have time for fittings, to correct errors, or anything else that might happen? What`s so wrong with that?
3) Oversizing. Trust me, Joan, if bridal shops could order dresses that fit perfectly, they would. Alterations are a super headache for shops. They have to pay seamstresses, they can`t charge what they need to because no one wants to pay for alterations, and most companies make dresses "hourglass" style when most women are "pear" shaped. So I`m sorry if the dresses don`t fit perfectly, but that`s not because the bridal shop orders the wrong size on purpose! Any reputable shop will show you the size chart and involve you in the ordering process so you both know what`s coming.
4) You wanted to know why a shop would resist disclosing information if they are proud of their prices. Read what I wrote above about discounters. A discounter offers dresses a couple hundred dollars below retail, so it LOOKS like your`e getting a huge discount. But a reputable full-service shop can go over the dress price with you and help you calculate all the "hidden" costs you might face with a discount gown. Then that $200-$300 difference suddenly starts to even out... But if you saw a dress for $800 in a shop and the discounter offers it to you for $500, would you even stop to consider the full-price dress? Most people would jump to order the $500 dress and think about the rest of it when it`s too late. So forgive the bridal shop for not being 100% open - they`re not cheating you, they`re protecting a business they love and for which they work pretty darned hard. It`s the people who take advantage of the shops that make business so hard and who perpetuate myths about the "evil" overpricing bridal shop.
Joan, it sounds like you`ve had some pretty negative experiences with full service shops. I hope what I wrote clarifies some of your misconceptions. Most small boutique owners do it because they love it, they love dressing you ladies up and they love seeing the pictures and pretty people on their wedding days. This isn`t a get-rich-quick business at all. But it is a business, and you can`t expect something for nothing, which unfortunately a lot of brides do.
1) Regarding phony style numbers. Joan, I don`t know what you do for a living if you work. But let`s just say you`re an accountant. Suppose I go to your office, sit down with you for about an hour and a half, and you tell me all about the little ways I can save on my taxes; you show me what forms I need to file, what type of system best tracks my spending; and you answer all the questions I have about my financial needs, based on your years of experience in the field. Then I leave your office without paying you, and go use H&R Block. Does this sound reasonable? Does it make sense?
Lots of Bridal Shops originally did give out all information on a gown. But with all the discounting and "piggybackers" out there, why on Earth should the bridal shop help you buy your dress somewhere else? Why should they spend an hour with you so you can give your business to someone else?
The sad part is, you end up paying just as much through a discounter b/c all they do is sell you the dress. They don`t guarantee what happens after that. Fitting, pressing, storage, accessories, problem-solving, etc. And what happens if they order you the wrong gown or size or it`s damaged? They don`t have the personal relationship with manufacturers that can solve unforeseen emergencies.
2) Six month ordering. What makes you think that this is a lie? Some high-end designers actually require nine months to hand-make a couture style. 4-6 months insures a mass manufacturer the time it needs to get enough orders of a certain style and size so they can mass-produce it. Making one gown at a time based on each order would be financially unthinkable for a factory. Furthermore, wouldn`t you rather have your gown ordered early so you have time for fittings, to correct errors, or anything else that might happen? What`s so wrong with that?
3) Oversizing. Trust me, Joan, if bridal shops could order dresses that fit perfectly, they would. Alterations are a super headache for shops. They have to pay seamstresses, they can`t charge what they need to because no one wants to pay for alterations, and most companies make dresses "hourglass" style when most women are "pear" shaped. So I`m sorry if the dresses don`t fit perfectly, but that`s not because the bridal shop orders the wrong size on purpose! Any reputable shop will show you the size chart and involve you in the ordering process so you both know what`s coming.
4) You wanted to know why a shop would resist disclosing information if they are proud of their prices. Read what I wrote above about discounters. A discounter offers dresses a couple hundred dollars below retail, so it LOOKS like your`e getting a huge discount. But a reputable full-service shop can go over the dress price with you and help you calculate all the "hidden" costs you might face with a discount gown. Then that $200-$300 difference suddenly starts to even out... But if you saw a dress for $800 in a shop and the discounter offers it to you for $500, would you even stop to consider the full-price dress? Most people would jump to order the $500 dress and think about the rest of it when it`s too late. So forgive the bridal shop for not being 100% open - they`re not cheating you, they`re protecting a business they love and for which they work pretty darned hard. It`s the people who take advantage of the shops that make business so hard and who perpetuate myths about the "evil" overpricing bridal shop.
Joan, it sounds like you`ve had some pretty negative experiences with full service shops. I hope what I wrote clarifies some of your misconceptions. Most small boutique owners do it because they love it, they love dressing you ladies up and they love seeing the pictures and pretty people on their wedding days. This isn`t a get-rich-quick business at all. But it is a business, and you can`t expect something for nothing, which unfortunately a lot of brides do.
Posted by Janet; updated 09/29/04
Reply
I can not believe what you shops do. We have never removed any tags from any dress in over 30 years of being in the business. We are honest with our customers because many designers post the style numbers on their websites so when the customers see the gowns on the internet and they find out that the number syou gave them a "coded" numbers only makes them not trust you. Maybe this is why our business is up from last year!
Have we lost some business to girls who shop around on the internet, I am sure we have but I feel we had a better year because of shops that do remover tags, give coded numbers, ect, ect. ADN WE DONT!! This shows we are honest with our customers!
And no designer has ever said or told us we should remove the tags!! This is also another dishonest sales tatic!
Also, as far as gowns taking over 6 months to be shipped - this is such a line it makes me laugh. I work with budget line gowns to the very high prices couture lines and I have never had a gown take longer than 16 weeks so to those who use the sales pitch that it can take 6 months or longer for gowns to come in should be locked up. Deigners like DaVinci ship certain gowns within ONE WEEK while deigners like Eve of Milday usually ship within 14-16 weeks for a $4000.00 gown!!
I was thinking about joining this website but with some many of you venders who out right lied to your customers make me NOT want to be associated with this site and its venders. Meanwhile you keep on doing what your doing since you only helping my sales go up and up !! Thank you!!
Have we lost some business to girls who shop around on the internet, I am sure we have but I feel we had a better year because of shops that do remover tags, give coded numbers, ect, ect. ADN WE DONT!! This shows we are honest with our customers!
And no designer has ever said or told us we should remove the tags!! This is also another dishonest sales tatic!
Also, as far as gowns taking over 6 months to be shipped - this is such a line it makes me laugh. I work with budget line gowns to the very high prices couture lines and I have never had a gown take longer than 16 weeks so to those who use the sales pitch that it can take 6 months or longer for gowns to come in should be locked up. Deigners like DaVinci ship certain gowns within ONE WEEK while deigners like Eve of Milday usually ship within 14-16 weeks for a $4000.00 gown!!
I was thinking about joining this website but with some many of you venders who out right lied to your customers make me NOT want to be associated with this site and its venders. Meanwhile you keep on doing what your doing since you only helping my sales go up and up !! Thank you!!
Posted by A Honest Vender; updated 09/29/04
Reply
A few words, since I`ve begun looking. Service is part of the job, whether you sell something or not. Remember, these dresses often run thousands of dollars and will be used for what some considered to be one of the most important events in your life. I think you should expect good service, truth and sales teams that are straight forward. That`s what a sales job is all about, investing all your time and energy and backing a product you believe in, with that in mind..you either make the sale or you don`t. Every business that is in a service oriented industry comes into that knowing that if they don`t have a product that they can stand by and if they don`t have the service to make someon want to buy it, then they aren`t going to be successful at it. That`s what I expect as a consumer who potentially will be spending thousands of dollars in your store. I don`t want to be rush, I don`t want to be made to feel bad b/c I want to try on ...yes, that dress on the display. And truthfully, honestly, I don`t need a salesperson constantly in my dressing room helping me try on my clothes..only so that they can watch whether you`re taking a picture of yourself in the dress. That`s why you shop with a friend or parent...unless requested..I don`t see why a salesperson needs to be completely stuck to you 100% of the time.
Posted by in search of; updated 09/29/04
Reply
To "A Honest Vendor:" please don`t call someone a liar. What you experience and what someone else experiences may not be the same situation. There absolutely are companies, especially in Europe, that take a very long time (they have said 9 months!) to ship dresses. At any rate the point is that it does take time and it doesn`t hurt to give yourself a cushion.
You are very volatile and harmful in what you say, especially since you are not correct. Your grammar also needs some freshening; it`s painful to see someone rant and rave with such obvious disregard to fact-checking and education.
And for the girl who doesn`t want a salesperson "stuck on her 100% of the time," you said it yourself: these dresses are expensive. Not only does the shop owner want to make sure the girl is putting the dress and accessories on the correct way to get the right effect, but she also wants to protect her investment. Bridal shops have had people put heels through hems, get makeup all over the gown, deodorant...if helping the customer can alleviate the risk of damaged goods, I think we should definitely assist there, no matter how competent you are.
And I agree with what you said about service and sales. I also think that bridal shops have every right to do what is legally necessary to keep their business profitable. Unethical shops will drop by the wayside, while savvy business people who protect their business and their customers` interests, will survive and thrive in the long run.
Good will and trust come from interpersonal experience; and the value one puts on someone else`s work and time is always subjective. A good bridal shop will combine trustworthy service, products and reliability over time. Their reputation will speak for their shop. Word of mouth is essential to a small bridal shop`s success, which is why angry people like the "honest vendor" should not be condemning anyone. I don`t know if I would want to buy a dress from someone who is so quick to bad-mouth others.
You are very volatile and harmful in what you say, especially since you are not correct. Your grammar also needs some freshening; it`s painful to see someone rant and rave with such obvious disregard to fact-checking and education.
And for the girl who doesn`t want a salesperson "stuck on her 100% of the time," you said it yourself: these dresses are expensive. Not only does the shop owner want to make sure the girl is putting the dress and accessories on the correct way to get the right effect, but she also wants to protect her investment. Bridal shops have had people put heels through hems, get makeup all over the gown, deodorant...if helping the customer can alleviate the risk of damaged goods, I think we should definitely assist there, no matter how competent you are.
And I agree with what you said about service and sales. I also think that bridal shops have every right to do what is legally necessary to keep their business profitable. Unethical shops will drop by the wayside, while savvy business people who protect their business and their customers` interests, will survive and thrive in the long run.
Good will and trust come from interpersonal experience; and the value one puts on someone else`s work and time is always subjective. A good bridal shop will combine trustworthy service, products and reliability over time. Their reputation will speak for their shop. Word of mouth is essential to a small bridal shop`s success, which is why angry people like the "honest vendor" should not be condemning anyone. I don`t know if I would want to buy a dress from someone who is so quick to bad-mouth others.
Posted by Janet; updated 09/29/04
Reply
You keep on telling yourself that removing the tags helps your business - your type of shop is my best advertisment!!
Now for the 6 month delivery deisgners, I donot know of any in the world today that do this. Maybe I wrong. Maybe I am not privi to these lines. But many of the "high-line" designers that we deal with only take at the most 16 weeks. As far as the Europe designers, again, I do not know of any of them that take 6 months to produce a gown. Pronovias, which is made in Spain only takes 12 weeks. Paloma Blanca from Canada only takes 12 weeks and the lsit gowns on. Most gowns are made in China and they still only take 12 weeks to be made. Even with special cuts like hem to hollow, longer trains, add sleeves, ect these special cust only add approx. 3 -6 weeks from the regular production time table which is still less than 6 months.
So since you do not like to word "lie" then I will use misleading. Stop misleading the brides. Tell them the truth. If not, then I will tell the the truth and make the sales.
And as far as my grammer goes, it is fine thank you its my typing skills that needs work.
Again, all you shops that use the sales tatics I have said here, you keep on doing it . It will be only a matter of time when you will be spending more time here and not making sales!!
Speaking of sales, I have to help a bride right now who is looking for some honest help for her wedding
Now for the 6 month delivery deisgners, I donot know of any in the world today that do this. Maybe I wrong. Maybe I am not privi to these lines. But many of the "high-line" designers that we deal with only take at the most 16 weeks. As far as the Europe designers, again, I do not know of any of them that take 6 months to produce a gown. Pronovias, which is made in Spain only takes 12 weeks. Paloma Blanca from Canada only takes 12 weeks and the lsit gowns on. Most gowns are made in China and they still only take 12 weeks to be made. Even with special cuts like hem to hollow, longer trains, add sleeves, ect these special cust only add approx. 3 -6 weeks from the regular production time table which is still less than 6 months.
So since you do not like to word "lie" then I will use misleading. Stop misleading the brides. Tell them the truth. If not, then I will tell the the truth and make the sales.
And as far as my grammer goes, it is fine thank you its my typing skills that needs work.
Again, all you shops that use the sales tatics I have said here, you keep on doing it . It will be only a matter of time when you will be spending more time here and not making sales!!
Speaking of sales, I have to help a bride right now who is looking for some honest help for her wedding
Posted by honest vender; updated 09/29/04
Reply
Dear Honest Vendor,
Since you are so "honest" why don`t you explain overhead to the brides so that they understand what bills are? Maybe you could shed some light as to why bridal shops do not sell gowns to customers for what they cost the shop and why they don`t just add a few dollars to that cost. And I just have to know, is anyone out there retiring from any of these sales? I`m working my #$$ off to get my bills paid.
Since you are so "honest" why don`t you explain overhead to the brides so that they understand what bills are? Maybe you could shed some light as to why bridal shops do not sell gowns to customers for what they cost the shop and why they don`t just add a few dollars to that cost. And I just have to know, is anyone out there retiring from any of these sales? I`m working my #$$ off to get my bills paid.
Posted by Kris; updated 09/30/04
