Alterations cost issue - cross-post

Hello. I would like to get the opinions fo others on this topic. I am in a bridal party next month and ordered my dress from a local shop. The bride's cousin works there and gave us a decent deal.

Anyway, today I went for my fitting. All was going well; they told me the alterations capped at 65 for us. With this they told me that my top (it's a two-piece outfit) needed gussets on the sides to better fit my hips. They took my top in the back, ripped the seams open and added some fabric to fit it.

They fit me and everything looked OK and I went to pay the balance of my dress. They added an additional 80 dollars for the gussets. Now, they said it's usually 125 but this is a "deal" since the bride's cousin works there. I was so angry that this dress (alterations supposedly capped at 65) is now costing me 325. They did not understand why I was angry - they never once mentioned that there was an additional charge for the gussets.

Am I wrong to be so angry? What should I do at this point? I can't have it altered elsewhere now. I only paid for the actual dress, I still owe for the alterations.

Has anyone heard of gussets not being part of alterations? I'm really lost as to what to do. I had to leave the shop because I was so angry that I had the wool pulled over my eyes.

Thanks for reading; I know it's long.

Message edited 10/9/2008 4:19:38 PM.

Re: Alterations cost issue - cross-post

Wow I am so sorry. I am not sure about alterations but I know that in some places that really is how they make their money with overcharging. Have you tried calling other places and asking what they would charge to do the same thing? Maybe that can give you a better idea.