Budget Wedding Planning - 8 Tips For Avoiding Tricky Sales Tactics
When you begin your search for the perfect wedding gown
, you'll likely be struck with how different the process is from any other clothes shopping you've ever done. Not only will you have to make an appointment - although some shops do accept walk ins - you may end up having to wait for someone to wait on you anyway. Much like a doctors office, appointments may run long, pushing other appointments back throughout the day. When it's go time and your sales associate is ready to meet with you, you've got to be aware of a number of tricky sale tactics that you may be subjected to.
Here are some of the most common trickery that is in play at bridal shops:
1. Charging Try On Fees
Yep - some shops will really try to get away with this. This is the only type of clothier that could ever attempt to get away with such a practice.
Solution
Call ahead to see if the shop you are planning on visiting charges this fee. If they do, cancel your appointment and go to the next shop on your list.
2. Bait And Switch Advertising
Much like car dealers used to do, bridal shops have been known to advertise a $99 dress, or run a "sample" sale. But guess what? Once you get to the shop, the $99 dresses are mysteriously missing, or they are dresses that are stained, torn or dirty from others trying them on. Of course, the salesperson will steer you in the direction of the more expensive dresses.
Another dishonest variation of this practice is to use inflated retail prices before applying a discount. For example, they may have a dress on hand that retails for $1200, but they have it tagged at $1300. They then offer the dress at a 10% discount, taking the price down to $1170. Wow! You just saved $30 on a $1200 dress! Big deal.
Solution
Don't go to a shop just because they are having a sale. Go when it's most convenient for you and anyone you are taking with you. And by all means, do your research before going shopping so that you'll know ahead of time what normal prices are.
3. Starting With Higher Priced Gowns
Any salesman worth their salt isn't going to show you the most inexpensive dress first. They bring out the most expensive dress first, knowing that many brides end up buying the first dress they try on. And because most bridal gown sales people work on commissions, they have a huge incentive to ensure you buy the most expensive dress they can talk you into.
Solution
Give the salesperson a figure that's 25% less than your actual dress budget. The salesperson will likely bring you dresses that are just out of reach of your stated budget. Refuse to try on anything over your actual budget and you'll beat them at their own game.
4. High Pressure Sales Tactics
If you've ever bought a car, you know about this tactic. It can be very unpleasant to say the least. Salespeople are trained to get you to sign on the dotted line. Failure in not an option for either the shop or the salesperson. They will tell you that there are 3 others interested in the dress you are leaning towards in order to get you to sign on the dotted line that same day. Or, they'll tell you the dress is being discontinued or that it will likely be gone the next come you come in. If they give you the discontinued line, don't fret - you'll likely be able to find it elsewhere or even online somewhere, and probably at a much lower price.
Solution
Leave your checkbook and credit cards at home so that you won't be able to give in to the pressure.
5. Non Refundable Deposits
Most shops require a 50% non refundable deposit on any order. If you change your mind, or your wedding is cancelled, tough luck for you.
Solution
Make your deposit with a credit card in case the shop won't refund your money. If you dispute the charges within 60 days of making the deposit, you'll likely get your money back. This is especially important if the shop goes out of business.
6. Dress Substitutions
This one is really dishonest. Some bridal shops have been known to charge a bride to be full price for a dress and then substitute a cheaper dress when you go to pick it up. Some find it easy to get away with this practice because of the long gap in between ordering the dress and picking it up - often 6 months or more. Many brides end up forgetting the specific details of the dress and don't even realize that the dress is different than the one they ordered.
Solution
Be sure to take plenty of photos and bring them with you when you return to pick up the dress. This way, you'll be sure to get what you've paid for. Many shops won't let you take photos unless you've placed an order to ensure you aren't simply comparison shopping. But after you've ordered and placed a deposit on it, you shouldn't have any trouble taking pictures.
7. Hidden Fees
Don't be fooled into thinking the price on the dress is the actual final price. Many shops will add in extra fees - a rush fee, for example, if your wedding is less than 6 months away. And many will try to charge extra for plus sizes. Charges for alterations and pressing your gown are also extra. And many clerks would be absolutely thrilled to deliver your dress to the wedding venue or complete your wedding outfit with everything from crinoline to jewelry - all at an additional cost, of course.
Solution
Before you place an order, ask for an itemized list of any additional charges they may have. Let the clerk know that you won't order the dress unless you get this information in writing.
8. Unauthorized Add Ons
Dishonest bridal shops have been known to automatically add on a headpiece, a veil, shoes and even slips to pad the bill! This can happen even when you specifically tell them all you want is the dress.
Solution
Be sure to get a receipt for your deposit that clearly spells out what you've ordered, including the dress style number, size, fabric, and delivery or pick up date. When you return to pick up your plus size wedding dresses, refuse to sign anything until you see an itemized list of your charges. If you sign before you see the list, you may have trouble disputing any unauthorized charges with your credit card company.
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by: thefashion
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