How is this legal?

I went bridal gown shopping this weekend (I will not mention the name of the store because I am sure that this happens all over and I am not interested in singling out one merchant)

I tried on several dresses but did not not see any that I loved. The last dress the saleswoman brought out was a lovely (supposedly) couture dress that they had “just happened to have downstairs” and was “on sale”. She told me that this was ordinarily a $2400 dress, but that it would be considerably discounted b/c they were selling that particular dress itself. I asked her how much it would cost. She told me she would have to check. When asking again 15 minutes later how much the dress would cost, she told me that they could not tell me how much the dress costs until I had committed to buying it.

***?!

In what other industry could you get away with this?! Can you imagine buying a car or house or even a coffee-maker without first knowing the price? It frustrates me to no end that the bridal industry tries to (and often gets away with) these types of SHADY and, in some instances, ILLEGAL practices.

When my friend and I raised our eyebrows at the saleswoman, she responded “Oh, it’s not my idea, it’s store policy, I am just the manager here.” AH-HAH! So, obviously, she must have known that this policy was shifty, otherwise why would she then try to absolve herself from guilt and beat a hasty retreat from the dressing room?

Somehow, I cannot imagine stores doing this if men were the ones buying the wedding gowns. It aggravates me that stores think women are so consumed with finding the perfect gown that they would be willing to buy one without knowing the price!! That is insane!

~end rant~

That never happened to me and I tried on dresses at no less than 7 places.

Maybe a call to the Better Business Bureau is in order to protect other brides.

That's beyond shady -- it's absurd!! At least be glad they told you it was the sample they were selling. I went to one shop where they tried to sell me the sample without telling me that it was going to be the sample. They made like they were going to order it, but when I did some research, I found out that the gown had long since been discontinued and there was no way they could order it!

Shame on them!

The wedding industry has definitely a lot of scams and people that have shady business practices.
Did you tell this person this? How can you commit to buy something without knowing the price? Just the fact that the business did that, I'd definitely would not want to start any business with them. That would be RED Flags for me. It is unfortunate that things like this happen.

That didn't happen to me either and I've been to about 7 stores...

Actually - if you like the dress, just call her on it - and make her give you a price. If they are going to put you on the spot turn the table. And - since they are being all spy tech on you... if you don't like price - low ball her and see if she bites - If she doesn't like it, be prepared to leave the dress - but if she wants to sell it she will meet you somewhere. Sounds like buying a house or car... wouldn't consider it illegal though. Buyer beware - thats it. When you look at it from their point of view, they are just trying to make a buck.


ETA : I did have one merchant let me know they could work with me on the price - but they did give me the flat price of the gown. And I think they said they could work with me because she started bringing out dresses way out of my price range - that was nice of them right... So you see - the prices are flexible - like with cars

What the He11 is going on there. IM sorry but from my experiences I have never ever heard of this I would of told them if you want my business you will tell me! Then I would say then I cannot buy my dress here if you can make up rules however you want. OMG I am applaud at this.
Really I would like to know the place so I don't have to go through this if you don't mind can you FM me this info thanks

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Posted by Ronkonkomonga



Actually - if you like the dress, just call her on it - and make her give you a price. If they are going to put you on the spot turn the table. And - since they are being all spy tech on you... if you don't like price - low ball her and see if she bites - If she doesn't like it, be prepared to leave the dress - but if she wants to sell it she will meet you somewhere. Sounds like buying a house or car... wouldn't consider it illegal though. Buyer beware - thats it. When you look at it from their point of view, they are just trying to make a buck.


ETA : I did have one merchant let me know they could work with me on the price - but they did give me the flat price of the gown. And I think they said they could work with me because she started bringing out dresses way out of my price range - that was nice of them right... So you see - the prices are flexible - like with cars

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If I had fallen absolutely in love with the dress I probably would have done a little fast talking and bargaining, but I was more just surprised that she wouldn't give me the price. ah well...live and learn...

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Posted by hbradio

I wouldnt give them one penny of mine. I am sure you can find a beautiful dress at another salon.

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eta: I have an idea....take your dad or a MALE cousin or something and see if they pull the same story!

That's insane! I've never heard of s/t like that! I would run far away from them and maybe you should contact the BBB about their sales practice!

Would you be comfortable letting us know who it is so we don't go there? FM if you want. I haven't gotten my dress yet and just started looking. I'm trying to weed out the bad places!