Post # 17
Member
899 posts
Busy bee
no, they definitely meant for me to pay to try on dresses, not a cancellation penalty. this is the only VW store in hong kong, so it would be their “flagship” store here. and $250 (USD) is quite a lot just to TRY some dresses on, definitely not going there. she did ask me when I was getting married, and I said 2014, so she may have thought I wasn’t serious/desperate enough (although I left out that I’m eloping next month, so it would be NICE to have the dress by then). either way I now have a very bad taste for VW’s brand, and am going to a different store.
the other store was a polar opposite, the lady at the end of the line was so much nicer and patient and there were no hidden fees! I’d really thought I’d get a VW before, but now, I don’t think the brand’s worth it.
Post # 18
Member
1915 posts
Buzzing bee
It’s not surprising to me given that you live in Hong Kong. I know that many brides in Hong Kong rent dresses instead of buying them. If you’re getting married next month, it’s unlikely that they would be able to get the dress to you by then. I hope that you find another dress that you like.
Post # 19
Member
610 posts
Busy bee
Here in the states I was charged $25 dollars to try on dresses and was NOT told upfront. I was with my mom and didn’t want to cause a scene so I didn’t say anything. i did leave a slightly negative review on Yelp and was not only chastisized by the owner, but sent harassing e-mails from a fake profile. All over one review. I hope they go out of business.
Post # 20
Member
733 posts
Busy bee
Whoa,
Canada here – never heard of ANY charges before. Yikes!
Post # 21
Member
737 posts
Busy bee
@patchy: There is a store here in Canberra (Australia) that asked me to pay $50 to have a particular dress sent to their store as they didn’t have it in stock. They carry Maggie dresses and I presumed that they would have a full range.
I didn’t go through with the appointment as I thought it was a ‘big ask’. It was for my daughter. Ended up buying a terrific dress on line from Jasmines Bridal Shop – and, no it wasn’t a replica of the dress I asked about.
Post # 22
Member
899 posts
Busy bee
asking for stocking money makes sense. and $50 is a decent price. but $250 is highway robbery! and it’s not even about the money, it’s about the principle. what are they doing for me that would cost $250, if I don’t end up liking any of those dresses? sigh.
well I just came back from the other boutique, and while the selection was decent and the lady was VERY nice, I didn’t find anything that I really liked. I don’t want to buck down and crawl back to VW but my choices are quite limited… will keep shopping about.
but boy! wedding dresses sure are HUGE!! I was swimming around in all that fabric hahaha. now I see why brides need people to help them put that stuff on!
Post # 23
Member
119 posts
Blushing bee
Generally, Vera Wang dresses take 6 months or more to order. You can rush them, but it’s never less than 4 months and they will charge you for the rush. Definitely don’t waste your money trying on dresses that wont be here in time for your elopement next month!
Another thing about Vera is that she is always worried and very protective about people stealing her designs or creating replicas. Most stores that carry Vera have a “no picture policy.”
Post # 24
Member
9228 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@patchy: There are two boutiques here where I live (Melbourne Australia) that ask about $250 to secure an appointment to try on dresses. Needless to say I didn’t go through with appointments with them but they are popular stores because of their exclusivity.
It is also common for the $50 deposit to secure your appointment (especially on a weekend) here. I think it is more to make sure you actually show up tot he appointment.
Post # 25
Member
1975 posts
Buzzing bee
@Aussiemum: same (but in QLD) I was told by every store I rang to find one maggie dress that only one say dress alandra gets sent to qld. so only one store in the state has that style dress. GAH.
It would cost $50 for that store to send the store near me that dress to try on
Post # 26
Member
4654 posts
Honey bee
@CourtneyB: This makes me want a vera wang REPLICA dress just to be like NYEAH. 😛
Post # 27
Member
70 posts
Worker bee
@Wellington Bride: Yup as WellingtonBride has pointed out, this is standard in certain countries like NZ 🙁 Takes some of the fun out of trying on dresses! Normally about NZD40-50 per session.
Post # 28
Member
620 posts
Busy bee
Yes, this is common practice in high end, designer specific stores in Sydney. It sucks- but it’s becoming more common.
Post # 29
Member
327 posts
Helper bee
are you serious? paid to try on dresses. it is just so ridiculous. it just makes me does not want to buy from them even though they have the dress that i want. it is just like bank in australia charging monthly fees, although you deposit money in there and didn’t use their other service. it’s like you are paid to keep money in the bank that the bank used to make money and didn’t give a penny back to you for using the money.
Post # 31
Member
13973 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Wow, that’s nuts. Definitely smart to cancel that appointment and go elsewhere!
Member