Follow Your Conscience Or Save Two Hundred Bucks? When In Doubt, Poll The Internet
Alright, here's the big news: I think I've found my wedding dress. Actually, I don't think I've found it, I pretty much know I've found it, and the funny thing is that it's one I tried on a few weeks ago with my mum. You know, that time when I was all "I really, really like it, but how do I know if it's The One?"
Well, guess what, here's how you know if it's The One: you make your friends go and see it two weeks later, and then right after that you drag them around a couple of other bridal stores to try on approximately six thousand more dresses, and when it becomes apparent that all four of these friends are just as hung up on the first dress as you are---"nah, none of these six thousand others compare, I mean, they're okay, but I just can't get that first dress out of my head"---then hey, guess what, I think you've found Your One.
(You might have to try on a few humdingers in the process---you know the sort: poofy meringues, clingy mermaid-influenced numbers, weird princessy things that make you look like you're either going to prom or starring in an episode of MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen---but apparently that's just the price you've got to pay to narrow it down to the gown of your dreams. Also, bear in mind that your friends are going to see you in all of these terrible, unflattering, Not-The-One dresses, so you might want to make sure you have some good blackmail material on them for later. Especially if any of them bring cameras, and trust me, one of them will.)
So that's it, the dress is pretty much chosen---it's beautiful, it's flattering, it's "me," it's a good price, whenever I think about it I get shivers down my spine---and now I've just got to order it. And this is where I'm stalling. And here's why.
I've found the dress online for approximately $200 cheaper than they're selling it in the boutique where I tried it on. There's no shipping and no tax for this online dress, and I've been extremely pleased with the customer service I've received so far when I called with a couple of questions. This online shop gets good reviews---it's actually a bricks-and-mortar shop too, operating from somewhere in the Midwest----and the dress would take the same amount of time to ship (in fact, it might actually come quicker if ordered via the online store.)
But here's the thing: I like supporting local businesses. I liked the shop where I tried the dress on and I liked the woman who helped me and---in this economy, especially---I'd like to help line the pockets of someone who runs a good business and is passionate about what she does.
That's all well and good, of course. But I'd also like to save two hundred bucks.
The boutique doesn't offer alterations---I'd have to take the dress elsewhere for that, whichever route I chose---and so the only advantages I can see to ordering the dress from there are that a) I'd have a Real Live Person to complain to if things went wrong, and b) I'd basically just feel really, really lousy about trying the dress on at the boutique and then ordering it online.
My parents presented a pretty good solution: call the woman at the boutique, tell her about the price I've found online, and see if she'd be willing to match it. And in theory this sounds great! If she agrees, then I've got the best of both worlds! I mean, man, I can hold my own in the markets of Bangkok, bargaining with the best of them! Can't I ask for a deal on a wedding dress?
The thing is, I'm finding that I'm a little too chicken. What would I say? How would I not sound tacky? What EXACT WORDS would I use, and hey, can you write me a script?
And so I turn to you, Internet, my moral and ethical compass, my very own Magic 8 Ball, my personal Dr. Phil, who---when it comes to making decisions---has never failed me yet. What would you do?
Okay, update, update: I did call the bridal boutique and very politely and enthusiastically impressed upon them that I would love to buy the dress from them if at all possible and was there any way they would consider matching the Internet price. And it......well, it did not go well. It was actually one of the most horrible, awkward conversations I've ever had in my life. As in, the lady was so rude and combative that she almost made me cry. And said things like "well, fine, if you feel good about buying it online..." to which I responded "no, actually, that's just it, I don't feel good about buying it online, I'd rather buy it from a local shop, which is why I called you first." Anyway, the upshot is that she won't consider matching the price, she could really take or leave my business, and I'm an awful, tacky, terrible person for even asking. So wow, I guess that settles that then! So much for trying to do the right thing.
Feb 12, 2009
Wish I had some sort of a definitive answer for you. Can your mom call and ask the boutique? That's what I'd ask mine to do...hahahaha. Um, good luck!
Feb 12, 2009
My little sister had a similar dilemma as you, and found her dress online at the same website. And then lo and behold, the online retailer's brick-and-mortar store ends up being in the area where she lives. So I have been to the actual place in beautiful Godfrey, Illinois. She was really happy with their service, although I'm not sure you could take advantage of their free pressing from San Francisco. If I was you I would ask your local boutique to match the price, but if they won't, you can be assured that you are supporting a brick-and-mortar store, just one that's far away from where you live.
Feb 12, 2009
if you can spare $200, buy it at the local boutique at full price. but i would definitely call them and ask if they would knock off $200. i think they will do it, the economy being what it is. and they will understand that you cannot pay $200 extra, the economy being what it is.
Feb 12, 2009
Full Disclosure: when I was in your exact situation, I chose A, but the shop wasn't exactly local (50 miles away) so I just didn't feel THAT loyal. However, I want to vote for C because trust me, you aren't the first person to ask this. Maybe they would at least knock off $100?
Feb 12, 2009
I couldn't get the poll to work, but I vote tell the local boutique you'd like to give them your business, but you found the same dress for X amount less, would they be willing to work with you on the price? The worst they can do is say no, and then you order the dress online with no qualms. If you have to go elsewhere for alterations regardless, I see no real reason to go with the local place other than to give them your business (and since you live locally, you can store the dress yourself; one of the reasons I bought my dress at the store in CA even though I live in Denver is because the wedding was in CA and I needed a safe place for the the dress to live between when it came in and the wedding). You can get the dress pressed by whomever does the alterations for you, so no need to worry about that either.
Feb 12, 2009
OK, I did this and there's a way to spin it that works very well. I found the dress I liked and I wasn't sure if the price was reasonable or not, so I called around the area and found it for $200 cheaper somewhere else. So I called the first place back and said I love the dress, I love your service, I want to support your business, but I found the dress cheaper somewhere else, so instead of just buying it from them I thought I'd talk to you to see if you'd be able to match the price. They did, and they actually thanked me for asking and giving them a chance. This happens a lot in bridal boutiques and there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing it. You ask the question and then it's up to them whether they want to make some money or no money from you.
Feb 12, 2009
The poll doesn't work for me, either, but if it did, I would choose C.
Feb 12, 2009
I vote C (although the poll thing wouldn't work for me) with the further advice of Emily in #5. It really never hurts to ask and as others have said, this economy makes $200 a big deal to everyone and chances are the boutique will be willing to bargain. And if they aren't . . . order online.
Feb 12, 2009
I would pay the $200 more from the salon I tried the dress on at. Because I'm a chicken and can't barter worth crap. If you feel brave enough to call them up, I'd say you found the dress for another price and can they help you reconcile the price difference? Maybe they'll come down 75 or 100 bucks, and at that point, I'd rather that money go to the place that helped me find it, not someplace online. I'm normally all for online shopping (shopping Amazon.com is local for me since their headquarters are in Seattle!) but with something as important as a wedding dress, I want a store I can physically step into if there (hopefully won't be!) was a problem. I found my dress at a boutique and didn't even bother looking online - I knew I could probably get it cheaper elsewhere, but I just didn't let that be an option.
Feb 12, 2009
I'm with Amy; have your mom call...that's what mother's live for!!! I can't imagine that the local store would risk losing out on a sale by not lowering the price, even by $100. I've worked in retail before and this is just how it works sometimes. But I feel you on not wanting to ask...I HATE doing that. Even at swap meets, I never try to bargin. To be honest, I would personally go with the online purchase.
Feb 12, 2009
definitely C. totally legitimate to do. more honorable than A, smarter than B. be brave!
Feb 12, 2009
Agree that you should try C. That said, if they don't knock off the price at least somewhat, then order it online. 200 bucks is a significant chunk of money!
Feb 12, 2009
Oh gosh, Holly do not feel guilty -- $200 is a lot of money!!! Plus, we are all human and can relate to your dilemma so I say just be honest with your sales girl. Here's my script...haha -- I would call up and ask to speak specifically to the person who helped you and say "Hey (insert name and introductory identifying small talk here). I'm calling because I have had nothing but a great experience with your company/boutique/store while shopping for my wedding dress, and I've decided on one of the dresses you helped me with. I'm in kind of a pickle though. I did some research and found the dress online for (insert price here) so I wanted to make sure I checked with you first to see if maybe your store offers any kind of price matching. I really want to support your business but $200 is a significant percentage of my overall wedding budget -- I just thought I would see if there was anything you guys could do?"
That way you are giving them an option, but putting the ball in their court. If they can't accommodate, at least you tried to make the effort.
Holy moses, that was long! Sorry...Brevity, not my strong suit!
Feb 12, 2009
The poll is working now!
Feb 12, 2009
Jess (comment #6) hit it on the nose.
First, the boutique will be impressed that you consider them important enough to consider the value of giving them your business. One happy bride tells all her unmarried friends = mucho business for the boutique in future!
Second, if they say they can't match the price, your conscience is completely free and clear to buy it online, since you gave them a chance.
Third, $200 may or may not sound like a lot now, but trust me - after planning a wedding there will be a whole lot of those price differences adding up and it will mean a huge difference in your outlay. If the boutique won't drop their price, go with the online dress and save the bucks - especially since the boutique does not offer alterations.
- M
Feb 12, 2009
One more vote for C. And Jess (answer 6) gave you the script to do it. If you're not comfortable flat out saying "you weren't sure if the price is reasonable or not", you can substitute "I'm on a budget and shopped around for my options when I found this online". Then follow up with the bit about loving the service and wanting to ask if they would price match. I'm sure your talking is just as charming as your blogging so you can definitely do it! Good luck!
Feb 12, 2009
Go for C and if the price can't be matched, buy it online. You'd still be supporting local business. Just local to someone else. $200 will get you a few centrepieces, so it's a worthwhile saving, I'd say.
Feb 12, 2009
I would say exactly what you just said in this post. Tell the boutique that you want to support the local economy, but that you have found a better price elsewhere. Ask if they will match the price, and see what they say. In this economy, people will bend over backwards to have your business. They will absolutely appreciate your honesty, and you're right: one of the best solutions to this economic situation is to spend our dollars close to home. Keep us posted!
Feb 12, 2009
I used to manage a small bridal boutique and we had brides come in all the time and ask if we could match prices. We usually couldn't all the time because A) a lot of times internet retailers have little to no overhead so they can afford to drastically cut prices and B) there are some designers that restrict what you can mark down their gowns to, and internet retailers are often rule breakers in this area. Our deal was that if you purchased a dress from us, you got $150 towards a veil, head piece, and shoes... which usually was what kept people coming to us instead of going to an online retailer. Plus, like you said, you will actually get a person to talk to rather than a voice over the phone.
It never hurts to ask, but don't be hurt if they say no. They are trying to stay in business and make a profit too! :) But usually there will be some sort of deal they can work out with you (i.e. if you pay your dress in full with cash, they can throw in a pair of shoes too... etc.).
Good luck, and keep everyone posted!
Feb 12, 2009
$200 is a lot of money for people who aren't rolling around in it, and it is worth asking the woman at your local boutique to price match. You have taken her time in her shop, so it would be best to buy from her, in my opinion, but if she won't price-match then she's throwing away business, and I wouldn't feel badly about buying elsewhere.
Also, SHOW US THE DRESS!!!!!!!!!
Feb 12, 2009
Okay, I used to work in a bridal shop, so I feel like I'm pretty knowledgeable here, and you should listen to me. I would feel the same way you do, and definitely the best solution is to call and ask for the discount. And here's what you say:
Hi, I've found the dress of my dreams at your boutique, and I'm ready to order. However, the same dress is available online for $X, which is a difference of $200. I'd really like to support your business rather than order it online, but that's a lot of money to me. If you can offer me the same price, you've got my business -- I'm sure you understand."
Because she WILL. If she were in your shoes, even though she works there, she would feel the same way. I swear.
Feb 12, 2009
You guys, this is helping more than you know. Thank you for all of the scripts! It always sounds so much easier when someone else tells you what to say.
Feb 12, 2009
Don't be silly. Call and ask for a discount. If they don't give it to you, maybe they'll do something else wonderful for you, like refer you to Secret Amazingly Cheap Alteration Lady or give you a free veil.
Feb 12, 2009
I was really hoping that your link to the online site for buying the dress would actually show the your dress. But, I know we don't want Sean seeing it or anything. Well, I for one can't wait to see pictures of the dress, you, your wedding, etc. When is it again? August? August is my TEN year anniversary, can you believe it? Sheesh, time flies.
Feb 12, 2009
C! Everyone has said it so much more eloquently than I could have, and I agree with all of their scripts. It never hurts to ask, and you never know what good could come of it. Good luck! Sending you loads of phone courage down the internet lines - I know how intimidating it can be to ask for a discount! You can do it!
Feb 12, 2009
My parents each own a small business, and it's really tough for them to waste their time helping customers who turn around and buy from a Web site ... when the reason the product is more expensive in the store is that my parents offered customer service along with it--sometimes several hours' worth!
I really, really try to remember that if small businesses didn't exist, I wouldn't be able to try things on/out in the first place. As tempting as it ALWAYS is to try on a pair of shoes at the mall and then turn around and buy them online cheaper, I don't do that, because if we all did that, there wouldn't be anywhere to try on shoes, now would there? Plus, my parents would kill me.
Buying local is more expensive, just like buying organic etc., but I don't want a scenario where everything goes to the lowest bidder. Because I like trying on my damn shoes!
Feb 12, 2009
I hear you, JG, that's exactly my issue. Although, to be fair, the online store has also offered some really great customer service from their real bricks-and-mortar store in Illinois too (though only over the phone, not in the form of me trying on the dress, of course. Although they did call the manufacturer TWICE to answer a question I had, which was pretty great.)
Feb 12, 2009
I love Kristen in #21's script - I would say the same thing, but use a TON more words, hers is perfect.
good luck!!
jB!
p.s. and I know from working in fashion in the past, that the margin of profit on anything you tag "Wedding" or "Bridal" on is HUGE... you could also ask them to throw in something like the veil or shoes or something else in their shop, if they're not willing to bargain.
Feb 12, 2009
Holly - I would feel exactly the same tension, you know, if I were at ALL close to getting married, which, let's be honest, I am not. But I still get get the whole cheaper online vs. shop local conundrum. Don't feel bad about calling the shop to present your dilemma. What's the worst that can happen, they act all huffy and say no? Well, then you won't feel quite so guilty about getting it online. If I were the owner of a small local shop I would appreciate my customer's giving me the opportunity to compete with online businesses. So I say, go for it! Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
Feb 12, 2009
I vote for B or C because I think that if, God forbid, anything were to go awry, that wonderful customer service you've come to know would be there to help you again. You'll want someone competent and local to help you even if the online store has good customer service.
Feb 12, 2009
I voted C, and I also second what JG said. Part of what you're paying for in this case is that you got to go into the store and try the dress on -- you probably wouldn't buy a wedding dress from the online place, no matter how much you loved it, if you couldn't try it on first. And I'm guessing that part of the reason the Midwest dress shop can offer the dress for $200 less is because, being in the Midwest, they probably have a lot less overhead than the shop in SF.
I totally think you should ask the local place to work with you on the price. But I would say that even if they can't knock the full $200 off, but they are willing to give you something, like take off $100, or, like some other people said, give you a really good deal on your veil or your shoes or something, it's worth shopping local.
Feb 12, 2009
I bought my wedding dress for $35 at the Jessica McClintock outlet in Huntington Beach in 1999. Ben and I consider the dress isn't important. Spend the money on your honeymoon trip or on your marital home, to our lights. FWIW.
Feb 12, 2009
Oh, geez, I was just about to vote for #3 when I read your update. I'm so sorry that it turned sour, but, hey -- NO GUILT NOW. I've worked a lot of retail in my life, and if someone politely asked for a price match, I would have responded equally as politely even if I couldn't do the match. I think what you did was very reasonable, and however it managed to go badly was really the other person's fault. It's called BUSINESS for a reason.
Feb 12, 2009
Wow - I can't believe she didn't give you any price break. I mean, even $100 off would have been SOMETHING. I'd wash my hands of it, and just order it from the store in the Midwest. I mean, you'd still be supporting a local shop. It just wouldn't be local to YOU.
Feb 12, 2009
Just so you know, it totally wasn't impolite or out of the question to ask if they would lower the price. You had their best interests in mind and they were completely out of line by being rude to you. Clearly they do not value their (potential) customers and are not good business people. In the wedding business, they should know how competitive it is, and should be flattered you thought of them.
Order online and send the local store a big F U in a box.
Can't wait to see the dress!
Feb 12, 2009
I haven't read the other comments, but I voted to call the shop, then I read the update so...I say....screw the shop, find another. You do not want to give your business to anyone who is rude rude rude.
Feb 12, 2009
Oh Holly! I'm so sorry it went so badly... Please don't let it taint your idea of your perfect dress! Snooty retail workers in this economy do not deserve loyal local customers. I found the PERFECT dress when I got married, tried it on and the sample fit perfectly, ordered it and promptly got a new job which had me sitting on my butt all day and going out to eat all of the time. When I went to my first fitting, it wouldn't zip up. The "nice" alteration lady told me to come back in two weeks after repeating her "sage" advice over and over "NO more cheeseburgers! NO more ice cream! Don't cry! Come back in two weeks! No more Cheeseburgers!"(english was not her first language, btw!) I was so humiliated, but damn it, I ate cereal for 2 weeks straight, went back and it was perfect. And on the big day, when I looked at myself in the perfect dress, I never once thought of that awful exchange. Order the dress from the wonderful shop in the midwest! Were so nice here and we deserve your business too! ;)
Feb 12, 2009
I can't really comment on the best way to go with the dress. My wife took a picture from a magazine to a local seamstress and asked her if she could make it. We spent $50 on fabric and paid $200 to the dressmaker, and my wife looked more beautiful than any bride I have ever seen.
What I can comment on is your search for the right dress. Funny how that almost perfectly describes every person's journey to find the One - not the One Dress, but the One Person that they want to spend their lives with.
Congrats. Whatever the details of the dress and whatever the specifics of the church, you've already won.
Feb 12, 2009
I'm taken aback by this shopkeeper's attitude. in these tough times it's understandable that everyone is looking to cut corners. you're better off anyways, buying your dress online. there will be pressure from pushy salespeople, you can try it on in the comfort of your own home, and you will save $200! good luck w/ everything.
Feb 13, 2009
I think after that woman's attitude in the shop then you are justified in buying it online. I was going to vote C, but I am surprised that she treated you so rudely. You were trying to do the right thing in giving her the option to work out a deal - even if she had only knocked $50 off or something, that would have been good. Her appalling customer service has now cost her a dress and any trade you might have given her by recommending the shop to friends.
Feb 13, 2009
WOW, sorry I voted prior to reading the update...
I'm actually quite shocked that she wouldn't knock off even a BIT off the dress, just to save the sale...or to show you some kind of professional courtesy.
really...shocked...that is less than professional behavior as far as I'm concerned...all you did was ASK!
For what it's worth I bought my dress online (similar situation, found a dress that was ever so slightly different, online, than the one in the store...for 500$ LESS...yes, 500$...)...and it all worked out awesome. I had to have some slight alterations made and the seamstress did a beautiful job.
Best of luck!
Feb 13, 2009
Wow, Holly that is HORRIBLE! I can't believe she behaved like that. It's really totally common to ask for price matching and shouldn't have been any big deal at all. Even if she couldn't have knocked the whole amount off she should have been willing to give you half.
You'd get your pressing by whomever is going to be doing your alterations anyway so their involvement is really too limited to be acting that way.
I'm sorry.
Feb 13, 2009
um, ew. Clearly if she doesn't need your business (and is just snooty and tacky enough TO TELL YOU THAT) than you don't need her dress!!
Get that thing online girl!
And remember, A LOT of bridal boutiques make their bread and butter from word of mouth advertising....i guess she just doesn't like butter.....or something
Feb 13, 2009
Holly, that's crazy that the saleswoman was so rude. Especially since that's standard practice with mom-and-pop shops (in my experience, anyway). Take that $200 savings and treat yourself to a massage and a nice dinner out. :)
Feb 13, 2009
Sounds to me (with your update) that all signs point to ordering online! She apparently has so much business that you buying the dress won't make or break her (which means the $200 shouldn't have mattered). She is the prime example of why people choose online...they (onliners) want your business.
Feb 13, 2009
Oh my goodness. How terribly tacky of the local boutique to make you feel like such a bad person for trying to find a good deal! I voted for them before reading your update, and now I have some justification for ordering the cheaper version: many areas in the midwest are hit harder by the recession because their local economies are dependent on manufacturing. Now you can support the midwestern economy with a clear conscience!
Feb 13, 2009
I would not worry yourself one bit about what that crazy woman said. "Bless her heart" she must have some issues she is dealing with in the wrong way. Let her words just roll off your back, and move on to the next thing you need to check off your wedding list. Don't let the crazy haters bring you down. This is just going to be a tiny part of the story of your wedding to tell later when it's not so fresh and stinky.
Feb 13, 2009
I'm a little late to this party, but I for wedding dresses, I really like the idea of buying it from a brick and mortar store. It's just too big of a purchase in my mind. So obviously, I wouldn't buy it at this store because of what happened. Maybe try and find another brick and mortar that sells the dress and do a little price wagering with them? That being said, I did buy my bridesmaid dresses online and got good service.
Feb 13, 2009
Try not to let one bad experience sour you on the idea of negotiating with wedding-related vendors - as one going through it now myself, I find that polite negotiation is a skill that can save you a lot of money (or at the very least, make you feel better for having asked). She probably heard the hesitation in your voice and used it to try and manipulate you into closing the sale - what a jerk. It was absolutely not wrong of you to ask (FWIW, I loved a $2600 dress but had told the shop that my absolute upper limit was $2000 - and they knocked $700 off the price for me, no problem. There is a *ton* of markup on these dresses.)
Feb 13, 2009
Oh, and when you need to send measurements to the store in IL, figure out who's going to do your alterations and let them earn their money by helping you get your measurements to send to the bridal store. She (or he) can help your bridesmaids in that way too. So you'll still be helping the local economy.
Feb 13, 2009
Holy cow. That shop owner is a fool!
I would have had a hard time making that call, too. I'm glad you did -- you gave her the chance to make a case for using her business, and she blew it! Big time!
Is it wrong that I want to know what boutique it was so that I won't ever go there?
Feb 13, 2009
I voted A because personally, that's what I would have done. I suck at bartering and I would have felt guilty for about 30 seconds before ordering it online and saving $200 bucks. Now that you tried C and got such a rude response you can buy online guilt-free! Seriously, you were not out of line in asking for them to match the price. She could have said no for all the reasons the bridal boutique experts in your comments listed, but she could have done it NICELY.
Will we get to see pictures of the dress? Pretty please?
PS - Jesus, I just had to enter the word verification SIX TIMES. I think that means I should go home from work sick immediately.
PPS - Make that seven times. Is there something wrong with me?
PPPS - Eight times. I think I might be illiterate.
PPPPS - Oops. I forgot to put in my email address, that was the problem. Ninth time's the charm! I hope.
Feb 13, 2009
I would have voted C. And now that you did call and she was a bit of a jerk about it, you shouldn't feel guilty at all for ordering it online. You gave her a chance to keep your business and there's nothing wrong with trying to negotiate a better deal. Her loss.
Feb 13, 2009
What a witch. Well at least now you won't have to feel bad about buying it online. It's one thing if she feels badly but just can't match the price but its a whole 'nother thing to make you feel like a jerk for asking. It does make you wonder how nice she would have been if there was a problem with the dress or something.
Feb 13, 2009
I picked option #3 in the poll, then read your update. If the local salelady's idea of customer service is to be combative and rude, then I would not feel ONE SHRED of guilt over ordering your dress online. It's supporting someone else's "locally owned" business, anyway. If local saleslady doesn't improve her customer service skillz, she may not be open for much longer anyway. She may not have wanted to match the lower price, but there is no call to be ugly to a customer. Word-of-mouth can make or break a business, especially in today's economy.
So glad you found the Dress!! What a wonderful moment :).
Feb 13, 2009
Oh, Sweet!! She just made it easy for you to save $200. Her reaction to your question was completely unprofessional.
Feb 13, 2009
My thoughts exactly. It's one thing to pay more because you're getting great customer service, but when the great customer service is lacking.....well, then you're just paying more.
Feb 13, 2009
Wow...what a bad business woman. I understand that maybe she couldn`t knock the whole $200 off the dress (although I`m sure the mark up is considerably more) but she should definitely have offered a deal. If she had taken a hundred dollars off you might have been willing to support her and pay just a wee bit more. In a sense this is the best thing that could have happened - now you know you tried, that she didn`t deserve your consideration and now you can buy online without any remorse! Yay for your dress!
Feb 13, 2009
She could have made a deal, but she thinks she has some high moral ground in being a pissant? Only in San Francisco, I guess. Fuck 'em. It's a free-market economy. Those that can't do good business will soon be out-of-business.
Feb 13, 2009
You are most certainly NOT an awful, tacky, terrible person. I think she was ticked that you managed to uncover her (surely, astronomical) mark-up. Yes, I realize, brick and mortar stores have lots of overhead expenses to pay (esp. in SF) and so their mark-ups need to be higher than those of online stores, but its not like that's some big SECRET. You were trying to work with her . . . most buyers would've just taken the lower price without a second thought. I can't believe she treated you that way . . . not cool.
Feb 13, 2009
Wow, what is wrong with that owner?!? Well, you certainly gave her a shot and now you don't have to feel at all guilty about ordering The One online. If you hadn't already called, I would have told you to definitely do it. We've been renovating our house and I've ended up price shopping and then going to my favorite place to see if they can beat the lowest price on almost everything. It can't hurt to ask.
Feb 13, 2009
Well, if it makes you feel any better, there are a lot of small internet businesses out there (I actually work for one) and either way you will be helping out "the little guy" by making a purchase anywhere with this economy. Congrats on being brave!
Feb 13, 2009
Given that response from the owner, I'd just order online. I have so many friends who had terrible bridal boutique experiences and I don't know WHAT it is about bridal places that think they can bully people because it's their wedding day, but man, GRR.
I think that you gave that lady the chance to win a very satisfied customer who would give referrals and she blew it - so order online. You know now that if you bought from the boutique and had problems you would receive no help or sympathy (the very issue my friends dealt with).
Feb 13, 2009
Holy silk and tulle, that was like How Not To Treat a Customer 101.
I voted #3 before I noticed the update (not sure why, exactly, as the update was only a line break away and bolded for good measure. I guess I just really, really wanted you to know what I thought), because it seemed like the easy and rightful thing to do. Boy, was I wrong. At least you'll have no guilt ordering online, and the extra $200 will buy more cake (you know, for all of us who might feel tempted to crash the nuptials)!
(Kidding. TOTALLY kidding. Please don't block me.)
Feb 14, 2009
I didn't get to read this post earlier--for some reason I was getting an error. Anyhoo...
I own a small business and I know how hard it is to compete with online sellers (If you ever need custom picture framing for your wedding pictures, I'm here and semi-local. But that's another conversation for another day).
In this current economy, I can't understand why she chose to take the bitch route. I can understand if she can't negotiate on the price, but she obviously doesn't get that being rude about it does not help her business, especially if you choose to disclose the name of the shop online. Shop owners (and I assume she was the owner) have to tread lightly--you never know who you're snubbing and what kind of damage they could do.
Feb 16, 2009
Oops... voted without noticing the update. Crap.
What a bum deal, I can't believe the shop owner gave you such a hard time! Like you said, that right there should settle it. There's no longer an advantage to buying from her, the whole "nice, local, good customer service" thing just went out the window. She should know better than to react that way whether we're in a struggling economy or not.
I hope all of your guilt is gone now!
Feb 17, 2009
Look Holly--vindication!
http://jeffreyseglin.blogspot.com/2009/02/right-thing-ethics-of-shopping...
Feb 17, 2009
I came over to vote and it looks like you've already got your answer! Wow, in this economy you'd think that woman would be gracious ... heck, meet you halfway? Hell, regardless of the economy, local businesses should be thrilled when people even THINK to shop local.
What a BITCH!
Feb 18, 2009
Blimey. How to lose yourself a (presumably still profitable) sale in one easy phone call AND ensure that your reputation amongst the local 20-and-30-something ladies takes a tumble into the dirt. Local businesses are admittedly often small, customer-focused, and deserving of much support... but sometimes they are a bankruptcy waiting to happen. Don't feel guilty when you see the closing down signs!
Feb 18, 2009
One of my absolute worst consumer-oriented encounters was with a bridal shop owner/manager. To this day, I can't drive past the location of that shop without remembering how horrible she was.
Feb 19, 2009
So I am a little slow on the commenting thing but sometimes I cant read your blog at work (it aborts for some reason), nevermind that I should be working, not reading your blog. :) But I think you did the right thing. Buying locally is wonderful, but on the otherhand, you need a product and if they can't work with you, then you deserve the right to go somewhere else. I can't believe she was so offended! I mean, in this economy, any sale should have been appreciated. You definitely did the right thing. Good luck!