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RK Bridal vs Netbride

posted 3 years ago in Beehive

Member

567 posts

Busy bee

Habibi

Hi Bees

I'm helping a friend research the best price for bridesmaid dresses.

RK bridal offers a discounted price through their no-frills program. However, the ladies at Netbride explained to me that the manufacturer of our dresses does not allow stores and websites to discount upfront, but that Netbride is allowed to meet competitors prices should someone else discount the dress.

Apparently, RK shouldn't be discounting the dress upfront and if they are caught can lose the line. However, I have no idea if RK has their own deal with the manufacturer.

So thoughts? Is Netbride safer? The dress is now the same price at both stores and we'll essentially save money on shipping only (about $30 so really not a huge difference) if we use Netbride.

Thanks for your help!

3 years ago

Hostess

2,252 posts

Buzzing bee

chelseamorning November 1, 2008 Washington, DC/Atlanta

I don't know about one being safer than the other, but if NetBride seems safer to you and you would save money on shipping, then why not use NetBride?

3 years ago

Member

11 posts

Newbee

voszko

Are you near NYC? RK Bridal is a brick and mortar store. Make an appointment and look at the dresses in person. A friend of mine bought her wedding dress there and did alterations through the shop. She had a good experience. I do not know anyone that purchased bridesmaids dresses from them.

Many many dress shops offer discounts of bridesmaids dresses. A manufacturer does not have much influence over a large shop with a store wide policy like RK's no frills program. I would be very wary about Net Bride making a comment on another stores policies.

I'd also check the BBB before making a decision.

3 years ago

Member

567 posts

Busy bee

Habibi

I actually work near RK so I could always go there if there was a problem.

Chelseamorning, you're right b/c saving any amount of money is a good thing.

Vosko, thanks for the BBB suggestion. I'm going to check it out now.

I'm just so wary of bridal stores and their inflated prices (the original bridal store we went to quoted $189 and wouldn't discount even though we need over 5 dresses! RK quoted $131). I work in manufacturing so I'm going to be generious and say the dress probably costs $30 to make.

Anyway, I posted to find out if anyone had any insight regarding how the industry works and if anyone had a better experience with one over the other. If anyone has anything else to add, please do! Thanks!

3 years ago

Member

8 posts

Newbee

Claudia 10/22/08 Westbury, NY

After searching high and low for bridesmaids dresses, we ended up at RK Bridal because they had a great selection and the prices were definitely much more agreeable to my girls' budget.

Like voszko mentioned, the store offers alterations, at a flat fee, or you can do them on your own. If you choose the in-store alteration option, I believe the price of the dress is lower than if you decide to buy it and do your own alterations.

Overall my bridesmaids are happy with their choice of dress and their wallets are thankful as well!

If you do go to RK Bridal, my recommendation is to go early (on a weekend specially); we arrived before the store opened. And bring shoes to help you give an idea of what the dress will look like with heels on. Also cameras are not allowed, buy my sister managed to get a few photos while she was changing outfits.

Good luck!

3 years ago

Member

99 posts

Worker bee

MissyJenn Bay Area, CA

Hi there...i got my bridesmaid dress off Netbride.com and I was very happy with their service. The reps on the phone were very helpful, patient,and answered all my questions. The price of the dress was probably a third of what it would have cost in the store, who would also charge for trying it on as well as alterations, etc. Even with the alterations, it was worth it with Netbride. Still came out to less than ordering it at the store. I even ordered it rush but it turned out I didn't need to b/c it came earlier than they predicted. If I ever am a bridesmaid of Maid of Honor or finally the bride, I would defnitely recommend Netbride.com

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3 years ago

Member

320 posts

Helper bee

mtyf Chicago

I bought my wedding gown from RKBridal's no frills program (you just fax in your order). I was a very low-maintenance customer, as I had done all my research and asked all my questions at other bridal salons in person before settling on a dress (I even found my alterations person before i ordered it, so I could get professionally measured).

Having said that, RK Bridal was easy, and cheap. I didn't need to price match because they had the lowest price that I found anywhere, and they have free shipping. My dress came almost 2 months ahead of when they said it would in perfect condition. Definitely recommended, although of course your experience could differ with bridesmaid dresses.

3 years ago

Member

567 posts

Busy bee

Habibi

Thanks for your comments!

RK doesn't offer free shipping on bridesmaids dresses...so right now I think Netbride is turning out to be cheaper.

We went to RK last night and they just seem...well, not that knowledgeable. Netbride is much better at communicating.

I think after our experience last night, we'll probably end up ordering from Netbride.

Thanks again for all your thoughts...it really helps to hear other experiences!