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Attire & Accessories Forum
leacolnlc
member
Would I be "cheating" bridal salon?
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?
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?
Future Mrs. Bale
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Would I be "cheating" bridal salon?
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.
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...
[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.
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.
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.
Miss Mrs.
I would definitely order it online
[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.
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t+sBio
[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.
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.
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.
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!!