Would I be "cheating" bridal salon?

leacolnlc

Today, I was visting a bridal salon and I found THE dress. It's by Mori Lee and I absolutely fell in love when I put it on. My attendant was extremley nice. She catered all my needs and was so helpful. She wasn't pushy and was just all around a sweet lady. After I had decided on my dress, she took all my information for the next time that I would come in because I did not put a deposit down today. Beforing leaving, she just took a pair of earring rings out of the jewelry case and just gave them to me, a little teary eyed and said she really enjoyed my visit. (I'm not sure if they do that with everyone? but it was sweet.)

Upon arriving home, I found the dress online for almost $200.00 cheaper.The site includes a free veil with the purchase of the dress. I could get the dress, veil, AND alterations done for the price I was going to pay for just the dress at the bridal salon. The $200.00 off makes the dress much more affordable for me, but as silly as it seems, I just feel guilty!

Would it be wrong for me to order the dress offline?

ros3392

This is tough.. that was actually really sweet of her. That is not very common to just give you jewelry, especially before buying the dress from her store. I guess I would want to know where the dress online is coming from.. Is it a knock-off? If alterations are free, who does them if you are ordering online?

I think I would get the cheaper dress if it is not a knock-off and you can get the alterations done locally. If you still feel guilty, go back to the dress store and return the jewelry and explain that you are purchasing your dress somewhere else and do not feel comfortable keeping the jewelry. She may still want you to keep the pieces, but she might appreciate them back if you are not buying a dress from her.

TxMensan

Honestly, many bridal shops have moved away from carrying recognizable labels because so many of them are getting put out of business by the online sellers.  The online retailers rely on bridal shops - brides find what they want, try on the samples, find their size, and then after taking advantage of all the stores resources, they buy online at a price the store can't match.

It's a shame... and it's killing the mom and pop stores.  The big box stores, like David's, Alfred Angelo, and Demetrious put pressure on them from one side.  And then the websites pressure them from the other side.

If it was me, I'd go back to the store.  They earned the extra $200 by spending their time with you.  They helped you choose a dress that you wouldn't have otherwise if you just sat at home and shopped the websites.  And they provided the samples and the "so helpful" attendant. 

$200 is a drop in the bucket out of a wedding budget.  Do the honorable thing...

nikiandchris

I agree with PP, go back to the store. $200 isn't that much in the scheme things, and you won't feel guilty every time you look at the dress.

kristinanddan

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_would-cheating-bridal-salon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:5d11bf04-89d8-4a91-b28d-0016dd5765c5Post:6fddbea7-e586-4998-95ce-64515454c27e">Re: Would I be "cheating" bridal salon?</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PP, go back to the store. $200 isn't that much in the scheme things, and you won't feel guilty every time you look at the dress.
Posted by nikiandchris[/QUOTE]

I also agree. Sure, I could have found my dress online, but I used the bridal consultant's time, and she is the one who found my dress. I felt it was really important to support a local business, so we did.

leacolnlc

I really appreciate the lady's time and effort, but with the online store I'm getting the brand name gown for less, a free veil, and free shoes. I can get the whole ensemble for less than I can buy the dress at the salon.

I don't think it would be as much of an issue, but FH and I work part-time (only 18 hrs a week!) and go to school full time. We're getting a little help from his parents, but most of the financial burden is on us. I guess that's why the online deal appeals to me.

leacolnlc

I appreciate EVERYONE'S opinion though! Thank you so much for your thoughts

opalsky007

I agree with the other ladies. To me, the $200 is well worth the service you get with working with a salon, and I hate that the discounts offered by online shops are ruining the chances a well-run bridal shop has for making a sale.

Also, consider what it is that you'd be getting through the online retailer. Which one is it? Are you sure they're selling authentic dresses? If not, you could be surprised at what arrives. Is the freebie veil what you want, or are you just taking it because it's free? You can find great veils for cheap (I made my own out of $2 of tulle), so don't let the fact that it's free sway you. Consider all of these things before making a purchase, or that $200 discount may not be a good deal at all.

loop0406

$200.00 cheaper ?

I would definitely order it online

nannabug42

She works on commission, she was really sweet, and she spent lots of time helping you in and out of dresses. I would go back to the store and order.

Amivy06

<div align="left">In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_would-cheating-bridal-salon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:5d11bf04-89d8-4a91-b28d-0016dd5765c5Post:75690bd3-e040-4c82-829c-28ca0c79c4b5">Re: Would I be "cheating" bridal salon?</a>:
[QUOTE] If it was me, I'd go back to the store.  They earned the extra $200 by spending their time with you.  They helped you choose a dress that you wouldn't have otherwise if you just sat at home and shopped the websites.  And they provided the samples and the "so helpful" attendant.  $200 is a drop in the bucket out of a wedding budget.  Do the honorable thing...
Posted by TxMensan[/QUOTE]

This exactly. The store deserves your business, the online retailer does not.
</div>

jnc1113

FWIW, $200 can mean a lot to your budget if you're struggling to pay for everything.  Could you go back to the salon to purchase your bridesmaids' dresses?  The MOB/G dresses?  If there is a way to repay the attention you received at the salon with other purchases, I would say go for the online dress. 

aog800

You could try a direct approach. Go back to the salon and bargain with them. Tell them what you found online and have them make a counter-offer. Maybe they will throw in a free veil or free alterations even if they can't come down $200 on their price.

dizzinea

unless the dress online is from a very reputable dealer I would buy from the bridal shop. is it pearls place or net bride? have you checked them with the better bussiness bureau? i would really research this decision

reese511

ditto aog800. tell them you'd rather work with them, but you can get a way better deal online. everything is negotiable when it comes to weddings.

TxMensan

Seriously, the store earned the higher price that they are charging.  If you can't afford to pay for service, or don't value service, then you shouldn't be stepping foot into a store. 

alyssalowe

I agree with what most of the pp's say. Just remember you would probably not found out what size you need or what dress you like best without her help. She deserves that credit, if you choose the cheaper dress online you better take the ear rings back, she probably was hopeful she would make a sale and earn a commission and was trying to seal the deal with a freebee just like the online does Oh and shoes from Payless (they have a bridal line) are around $20 and a veil can be made for under ten bucks so those shouldnt be huge swayers of your vote. Go talk to her and see if there is anything she can do for you because of the large difference and GIVE BACK the ear rings if she cant. Dont forget to add in shipping and insurance on having your dress shipped. Onlne retailers do make mistakes, make sure they have an easy return policy as well as a great bbb record.

cvl105

Tell the store that you found it cheaper online. I bet they will work with you! 

TxMensan

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_would-cheating-bridal-salon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:5d11bf04-89d8-4a91-b28d-0016dd5765c5Post:6a3b0b4b-1e30-44f6-be07-32270df0416b">Re: Would I be "cheating" bridal salon?</a>:
[QUOTE]Tell the store that you found it cheaper online. I bet they will work with you! 
Posted by cvl105[/QUOTE]

You realize that stores getting nickel and dimed like this is the reason that so many won't allow pictures to be taken anymore?  It's also why a lot of them are changing the sizes on the samples, to botch online ordering.  It's also why a lot won't do alterations for gowns bought elsewhere.  I'm sure there are other repurcussions too that also make it harder to shop.

There are hardly any mom and pop shops left anymore...  The book stores have all gone under, camera shops have disappeared, the corner stores are gone, etc.  The chains and the websites crushed them all...  If you like the service of a local store, then shop there and support it.  But, don't take advantage of them and then send your money somewhere else.

TheCranberry

I understand the desire that people have for supporting local stores and smaller businesses, but that doesn't mean you have to give them your money if you find the goods or services they offer at a lower price.  It's business; if the OP wants to save the $200 she shouldn't feel bad about it.  If she wants to spend the extra $200 then that's her choice too.

I do agree that you should investigate the online seller thoroughly.  Are you sure it's the brand that you're buying and that it's a new dress?  Someone brought up the point that if it's an online retailer, how will you get the alterations done?  Were you planning on storing the dress at home until the wedding day?  Some boutiques offer free storage.

I think it's a good idea for you to ask the store to match the price or perhaps they can give you free alterations or something to match the online retailer.  If the store offers services or something extra that you don't mind paying for (eg, guarantee that it's the brand you want or a new dress), then buy it from there.  I don't think you need to buy it from the store out of a sense of obligation or sentimental feelings for local businesses.

cqbride

   It's aggravating that people complain about the state of the economy but won't support local retailers- this is money that will be poured back into your local economy rather than going who-knows-where. It's shooting yourself in the foot and then complaining that your foot hurts.
  I know what it's like to live on a shoestring budget, but I would never order from the online retailer after that type of treatment in the store. Besides which, what are you going to do about alterations and pressing/steaming when the dress arrives? How much will shipping cost? It very well could even out in the end- I can't imagine why this is even an issue for you.

CA2MT4EveR

I am a bit leery of online dress retailers.  I have heard way too many horror stories of brides who thought they were getting an "authentic" name brand gown for hundreds less, only to find they are completely different.

TxMensan

Also, bear in mind that many manufacturers are running into major delays this year due to production problems in China.  Your local store is more likely to bend over backwards and make sure that you're taken care of... a website, not so much.  The OP already experienced part of the service that she's paying for with that extra $200 on the price of the gown.  There's a lot more service on the backend that she won't even be aware of, in making sure her gown is perfect and that the experience is great.

Lisa50

First, congratulations on finding THE dress.  Good for you!!

You wouldn't be "cheating" the bridal salon.  If the difference is only $200 though, I bet the shop would match the online price ... if not with an outright price reduction, perhaps with inclusion of alteration charges (or a pair of earrings!).  I would suggest going back (or calling) to the salesperson and ask if the salon is willing to match the price you found online.

Good luck!!