How much negotiation room with Bridal shop?

Carographer

Hi everyone! This is my first post on The Knot-so nice to "meet" you all

I had my first trying on dresses experience yesterday at a small bridal shop in my city. I tried on one that was PERFECT...it is really beautiful and I look great in it! Not to mention it is perfect in size-the only alteration I will need is to put molded cups in the bust and a bustle. 

The only problem is that it is more than I want to spend. I am on a VERY VERY tight budget and I really wanted to try and find a dress for under $250. (I have found plenty online but I'm a little nervous about doing that because I won't be able to see how it lies on my body). So this dress is $500-which is a very good deal for this dress in the first place, she has discontinued it at her shop. I'm wondering how much room is there to negotiate at a small, independent bridal shop? Would it be a total insult if I offered her $400? What if I said "If I make an appointment to have the alterations done here will you take $400 for the dress?"

Sorry this turned out to be kind of long-any help will be much appreciated!! 

[Deleted User]

You ladies already said everything I was going to say.

meganb1977

Sometimes shops will put together a "package" for you with your shoes, veil, etc. if you are going to buy your accessories from them as well.  So that may also give you room to negotiate.  Good luck!

MMRoberts11

Try negotiating, the worst that could happen is you get the dress info and order it from somewhere else or need to find a new dress.  If they really are discontinuing it I would think they are more likely to be willing to bring the price down some.

connelly2be

Some merchants will offer you a discount if you pay in cash instead of using a credit card.  They have to pay a fee equal to a percentage of the sale for each transaction.  Granted, that would not be a huge discount, but every little bit helps.  And it doesn't hurt to ask if they are willing to "work with you" on the price.  If you're considering buying the sample, there is a cost to maintaining inventory in the shop, and if the dress is discontinued they would probably like to move it out of there.  I wouldn't bother trying to negotiate at a chain like David's Bridal, but you might be successful with an independent bridal shop.

brianabrad

All the PP's have offered some great advice. I did some dealing on my dress and got $150 off the cost of the dress and about $60 off the veil that I wanted. I should note that this was for a new dress and veil as well not off the rack. I felt like it was a pretty good deal and it was right in my budget. I offered to pay in full which I think helped.

One thing to keep in mind is that small private stores will have more room and be more willing to work than chain stores like Davids. From what I know the price on the tag is pretty much what you will pay at Davids.