I've heard this twice this week- both in relation to bridesmaids dress orders...so I've decided to write a quick little blog explaining the how's and why's of rush fees.
The most common reason for a rush is that the wear date is too close to the ship date. Sometimes this is unforseeable- as in the case of a quickly planned wedding. If you are more than 6 months out from your wear date, you can save your bridesmaids some money by placing and paying for your order a minimum of 16 weeks before the wedding.
The second most common need for a rush is the addition of a bridesmaid after the order has been placed. Let me caution you, though, dye lots on "added" gowns may not match. We place our orders as a group for each bride, to ensure that the fabric for the gowns are cut from the same bolt of fabric.
Thirdly, we have botched internet orders. If you're thinking of trying on dresses in boutiques, then ordering them online, do yourself and your friends a favor and DON'T. 9 out of 10 "internet" bridesmaids orders I've seen have come in either WAY too small (and unalterable), or heaven forbid the absolute wrong color. Save yourself the headache, and leave your order to the professionals, not some website that promises rock bottom prices.
Last but not least, the fourth main cause of rush charges: Bridesmaids who wait too long to get measured and/or to pay for their gowns. We've had bridesmaids in the past that have held up an entire order because they didn't do their part on time. Our computer software is set to issue the order to the designer once the order is "complete". If you have a straggler, the entire order can be held up. Your other bridesmaids (the ones who paid on time), will each get a rush fee (anywhere from $25-$55 EACH!). These fees are not negotiable with the designer, thus they cannot be waived by any store.
Another note about a "rush"- let's say you place your bridesmaids order on a "2 week rush". You won't get the gowns in two weeks....that is the production time. Add in anywhere from 2-10 days for delivery to the store once the designer has completed production of your order. If you want the gowns overnighted after they are finished, ask your bridal shop what their overnight delivery fee is, and be prepared to pay it :)
A recap:
1. If you want your gowns on time, plan ahead as much as possible.
2. If you have any changes to your attendant list, let the store know ASAP.
3. Stay off the internet.
4. Make sure your maids follow your schedule.
Happy Shopping!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Hidden dangers that can ruin your wedding- A must read!
If you're an avid reader of our blog, you know that we strongly dissuad our brides from ordering *anything* wedding related online. We've heard the horror stories first hand, from customers who come to us to re-purchase gowns due to a messed up online order.
Common blunders include wrong styles, wrong sizes, wrong colors, knockoffs sold as originals, poorly made "replica" gowns, the list goes on and on.
But what about the sites (and stores for that matter) that offer the Authentic gown at a rock-bottom price? Well, it's not as good a deal as it sounds, and here is why:
The truth: Designers set a minimum price for their gowns. If stores are caught violating it, their account is closed. No more orders, and the gowns already on order are cancelled.
Internet sites (and real stores) that claim they can get any designers gown at a discount are called "trans shippers". It goes something like this. Internet site/ Slimy store doesn't carry designer "A", but they have a friend in the business that does. They take your money and have their friend order it. What's the problem with that, you might ask?
#1- You have no idea who your dress is coming from....and you have to trust that they pay their bills on time AND don't get caught trans shipping.
#2- If there is a problem with your dress, the place you ordered it from has absolutely no recourse. They don't have an account with the designer.
#3- Designers are cracking down on trans-shippers. They are being sued for tens of millions of dollars- and the dresses they've ordered? Consider them cancelled.
The bottom line is that you should only order from a store who can "show you the gown", or a significant number of current season gowns by your designer. Don't be afraid to call the designer to verify the store's authorization to sell your gown.
The stores involved in trans-shipping are scraping the bottom of the barrel, and working on very tight margins. Under most circumstances, stores in these kinds of "relationships" are in severe financial distress. Do your research, and don't be a victim.
I decided to post this blog today because just this weekend, we had two brides replacing dresses that they bought at another store here in Oregon- and that store did not and has never carried the designer that they sold to these brides. They got caught trans-shipping from another store, now the brides are not getting their gowns. Some with only weeks before their weddings. This is a sad situation, but totally avoidable if you buy your dress from an authorized retailer.
Happy shopping, ladies!
Common blunders include wrong styles, wrong sizes, wrong colors, knockoffs sold as originals, poorly made "replica" gowns, the list goes on and on.
But what about the sites (and stores for that matter) that offer the Authentic gown at a rock-bottom price? Well, it's not as good a deal as it sounds, and here is why:
The truth: Designers set a minimum price for their gowns. If stores are caught violating it, their account is closed. No more orders, and the gowns already on order are cancelled.
Internet sites (and real stores) that claim they can get any designers gown at a discount are called "trans shippers". It goes something like this. Internet site/ Slimy store doesn't carry designer "A", but they have a friend in the business that does. They take your money and have their friend order it. What's the problem with that, you might ask?
#1- You have no idea who your dress is coming from....and you have to trust that they pay their bills on time AND don't get caught trans shipping.
#2- If there is a problem with your dress, the place you ordered it from has absolutely no recourse. They don't have an account with the designer.
#3- Designers are cracking down on trans-shippers. They are being sued for tens of millions of dollars- and the dresses they've ordered? Consider them cancelled.
The bottom line is that you should only order from a store who can "show you the gown", or a significant number of current season gowns by your designer. Don't be afraid to call the designer to verify the store's authorization to sell your gown.
The stores involved in trans-shipping are scraping the bottom of the barrel, and working on very tight margins. Under most circumstances, stores in these kinds of "relationships" are in severe financial distress. Do your research, and don't be a victim.
I decided to post this blog today because just this weekend, we had two brides replacing dresses that they bought at another store here in Oregon- and that store did not and has never carried the designer that they sold to these brides. They got caught trans-shipping from another store, now the brides are not getting their gowns. Some with only weeks before their weddings. This is a sad situation, but totally avoidable if you buy your dress from an authorized retailer.
Happy shopping, ladies!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Sale Weekend!
Congratulations to our many lovely brides who found their dream dresses at our sample sale today!
Remember, the sale goes through 4pm Sunday! If you haven't found your gown yet, be sure to visit us tomorrow between 9am-4pm!
Remember, the sale goes through 4pm Sunday! If you haven't found your gown yet, be sure to visit us tomorrow between 9am-4pm!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
HUGE SAMPLE SALE! SAVE UP TO 75%
Just a quick reminder.....this weekend, April 10-11, we are having our once a year blowout sample sale.
What is a sample sale, you might ask? A sample sale is when a store puts their inventory on clearance for a day or two, to make room for the new stuff coming in. You get a great deal on a gorgeous dress, and the store gets the room they need. Good times.
Here are some things to remember:
* It's called a "Sample Sale" for a reason. What you're buying is the floor model- but no worries. Our inventory is in pristine condition. Our "samples" aren't like the samples you see at other stores. They haven't been hanging here for eons being tried on hundreds of brides. Our gowns are all 2009/2010 styles, not something that's been around awhile.
* Sample sales are CASH AND CARRY. This means no lay-aways and no "holds". If you love the dress, buy the dress. If you love it and leave without it, chances are someone else will come along and snap up your dress.
* There may be a wait for a fitting room, so arrive early. The doors open at 9am. We've had brides arrive as early as 6am to get a good place in line.
* Come prepared! Bring your mom, best friend.....whoever you need to help make the decision. And don't forget that wallet. (See above, no "holds").
* The prices go back up on Monday. This sale is only for two days.
That's it! See you there!
What is a sample sale, you might ask? A sample sale is when a store puts their inventory on clearance for a day or two, to make room for the new stuff coming in. You get a great deal on a gorgeous dress, and the store gets the room they need. Good times.
Here are some things to remember:
* It's called a "Sample Sale" for a reason. What you're buying is the floor model- but no worries. Our inventory is in pristine condition. Our "samples" aren't like the samples you see at other stores. They haven't been hanging here for eons being tried on hundreds of brides. Our gowns are all 2009/2010 styles, not something that's been around awhile.
* Sample sales are CASH AND CARRY. This means no lay-aways and no "holds". If you love the dress, buy the dress. If you love it and leave without it, chances are someone else will come along and snap up your dress.
* There may be a wait for a fitting room, so arrive early. The doors open at 9am. We've had brides arrive as early as 6am to get a good place in line.
* Come prepared! Bring your mom, best friend.....whoever you need to help make the decision. And don't forget that wallet. (See above, no "holds").
* The prices go back up on Monday. This sale is only for two days.
That's it! See you there!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Know before you go!
If there is one thing that sticks out in my mind as the one thing brides can be easily disappointed by, it's falling in love with gowns that are outside their price range.
How do you avoid this?
First- when you're calling to make your appointments, ask the stores what their price range is. Don't worry, we're all happy to tell you. :)
Second- if you're looking for a specific designer...like Pnina Tornai, for example, it doesn't make much sense to make an appointment at D*vid's Bridal. Likewise, if you're looking for something in a budget price range, it doesn't make much sense to waste your time shopping at the most expensive boutiques.
Our gowns run on average between $1100-$5500. That's not to say that there aren't selections under $1000, and some over $5500. We have a little bit of everything! If you have any questions, you're always welcome to call us :) 503-241-7470
How do you avoid this?
First- when you're calling to make your appointments, ask the stores what their price range is. Don't worry, we're all happy to tell you. :)
Second- if you're looking for a specific designer...like Pnina Tornai, for example, it doesn't make much sense to make an appointment at D*vid's Bridal. Likewise, if you're looking for something in a budget price range, it doesn't make much sense to waste your time shopping at the most expensive boutiques.
Our gowns run on average between $1100-$5500. That's not to say that there aren't selections under $1000, and some over $5500. We have a little bit of everything! If you have any questions, you're always welcome to call us :) 503-241-7470
Friday, March 26, 2010
Inventory Reduction Sale!
April 10-11th- Doors open at 9am
What exactly is an "inventory reduction sale", you ask? Easy. I bought too many gowns! Instead of moving to a bigger building (which we did in 08!), we're reducing our inventory by putting everything on sale for one weekend only.
It's easy- we mark them down, brides line up outside.....they rush in....and the frenzy begins! Think of it like a "Running of the Brides" sale, like the ones they do at the Filene's stores. All of our gowns are new and undamaged, so you are going to get some excellent deals :)
Remember- the samples are what's on clearance. Of course, you can order your size/color at regular price though.
Since dressing room space may be at a premium, I would suggest wearing a ballet leotard or something similar, so you can just throw the dresses right over them without undressing. (Sounds extreme, yeah....but for up to 75% off, it's worth it).
Remember to bring whoever you trust to help you decide if you find "the one", because our clearance sales are "Cash and Carry"- meaning that there are no "holds" or "layaways". That means if you find "the one", you'll get to take it home with you right then and there!
See you there!
What exactly is an "inventory reduction sale", you ask? Easy. I bought too many gowns! Instead of moving to a bigger building (which we did in 08!), we're reducing our inventory by putting everything on sale for one weekend only.
It's easy- we mark them down, brides line up outside.....they rush in....and the frenzy begins! Think of it like a "Running of the Brides" sale, like the ones they do at the Filene's stores. All of our gowns are new and undamaged, so you are going to get some excellent deals :)
Remember- the samples are what's on clearance. Of course, you can order your size/color at regular price though.
Since dressing room space may be at a premium, I would suggest wearing a ballet leotard or something similar, so you can just throw the dresses right over them without undressing. (Sounds extreme, yeah....but for up to 75% off, it's worth it).
Remember to bring whoever you trust to help you decide if you find "the one", because our clearance sales are "Cash and Carry"- meaning that there are no "holds" or "layaways". That means if you find "the one", you'll get to take it home with you right then and there!
See you there!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dress Shopping Tips
Tis the season for wedding dress shopping! Here are just a few things to remember to make the process easier for everyone:
1. Start Early! Bridal gowns can take up to 6 months to order, so plan accordingly.
2. Don't rule anything out-I have to say that at least 70% of brides end up buying a style they never thought they'd love. Be open, and try on everything!
3. Wear nice undies- Most stores will team you up with a dressing room attendant, and/or a style consultant. They will see you in your undies.....fully coverage panties (ie girl-shorts) are preferred :)
4. Know the rules, and respect them-- Most stores do not allow food or drinks, if in doubt ask. And this is a biggie....Cameras are not allowed at many fine bridal stores. Resist the temptation to sneak photos in the fitting rooms, or while "pretending" to text. It's rude, and at many stores, it may end in you being asked to leave.
5. Remember the Golden Rule- (Quoted from an article by Elisabeth A)-If you're thinking of buying your dress from some discount service, (online, a local discounter...), be sure you understand the risks, and don't waste the time of the real bridal stores in your shopping process. If you or your bridesmaids use a real bridal store to try on dresses, then leave and order the same dress from someone else whose no-service price is cheaper, you are not being a clever shopper, you are being a parasite. Your wedding dress is the last place you want bad karma from abusing someone's services.
1. Start Early! Bridal gowns can take up to 6 months to order, so plan accordingly.
2. Don't rule anything out-I have to say that at least 70% of brides end up buying a style they never thought they'd love. Be open, and try on everything!
3. Wear nice undies- Most stores will team you up with a dressing room attendant, and/or a style consultant. They will see you in your undies.....fully coverage panties (ie girl-shorts) are preferred :)
4. Know the rules, and respect them-- Most stores do not allow food or drinks, if in doubt ask. And this is a biggie....Cameras are not allowed at many fine bridal stores. Resist the temptation to sneak photos in the fitting rooms, or while "pretending" to text. It's rude, and at many stores, it may end in you being asked to leave.
5. Remember the Golden Rule- (Quoted from an article by Elisabeth A)-If you're thinking of buying your dress from some discount service, (online, a local discounter...), be sure you understand the risks, and don't waste the time of the real bridal stores in your shopping process. If you or your bridesmaids use a real bridal store to try on dresses, then leave and order the same dress from someone else whose no-service price is cheaper, you are not being a clever shopper, you are being a parasite. Your wedding dress is the last place you want bad karma from abusing someone's services.
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