I reported the bridal shop to the BBB!

[shawnsgirl]

Most of you know what I had gone thru with the bridal shop I dealt with. I ended up reporting her to the BBB. She must have received a letter and left a nasty message on my answering machine.

" I received information that you contacted the better business burea about the situation with your bridesmaid dresses. However, I gave you a refund and your dress to you so therefore the situation is considered resolved. How dare you in turn contact the "BBB" on me. You have no class whatsoever and you have no clue what connections I have"

I didn't return the phone call, however I ended up calling the "BBB" this morning and advised of the nasty message. I may have grounds for an harrassment suit if she continues to contact me. I advised my contact at the "BBB" that it's not just the bridesmaid dresses that was in issue. I obviously couldn't allow her to do the alterations on my gown. She stated she was going to order me a petite sized gown but in turn I got a regular which resulted in me having more alterations to my gown. I also had difficulty finding someone to alter my gown as most bridal shops will not do alterations unless the gown is purchased by me. I also advised that at the time I picked out the bridesmaid dresses she stated the would be 116 plus tax. The girls and I were surprised when we were advised they had to pay 131. I said it's just that she makes promises before the sale and when it's time to order she claims she never said that and it's more expensive than what you originally thought. I said she is practicing unfair business practices. The "BBB" agreed and are doing a further investigation on past customers as well!

Anyhow, I was advised not to return her phone call and if any of my vendors are contact by her I am to notify them as soon as possible. I am a little worred though....

I found my photographer thru a business card in her shop. I don't know what kind of relationship they have but I emailed her on Thursday and I still haven't heard back from her. She may be busy and I'm hoping that is the case, however, she's never taken this long to get back to me...I'm going to call today and leave a message on my photographers answering machine cause I know she is at work...Anyhow, if I find the dress shop owner contacted her all you know what is breaking loose!!!

[miranda]

So sorry you have to deal with all this! Good for you for contacting BBB though! Most people just say forget it, and that's why businesses like these are still in business!

I'm sure your photographer is just busy. Besides, if the owner did contact your photographer, that just gives you more ammo!!!

[Goin2thechapel]

Good for you standing up for yourself! You shouldn't have to deal with her nastyness! It's un called for and it's not like you are being malicious. She never followed through on her promises. It's not your fault :)

[shawnsgirl]

Thanks ladies for the encouragement. This bridal shop caused me a lot of time, stress, and anxiety. Luckily, evrything worked out ok, but it is not right of her to call and leave a message on machine at home threatening me either. I have also heard of at least three other people that had problems with her promises. One bride she promised free alterations to. She came in to get her alterations and was charged. She said, you told me if I bought my bridal gown and BM dresses here you would give me free alterations..Terri (the dress shop owner) denied ever saying that. The bride didn't fight it wither her. She was also promised free preservation after the wedding, when this same bride called she was told they usually don't do preservations but when the do it's $250...The bride said I was advised you do this service for free. She did state her piece to the dress shop at that point but there was really nothing she could do...

Another bride went in there. She was a plus sized bride and was completely ignored. She went up to the desk and said my name is ____ I have an appointment. The owner said hmmm...let me see. She said oh whoever you spoke to didn't mark you down, and well I don't have time right now. (there was only one other girl trying on prom dresses and someone else was helping her) Plus, I don't think I have anything here that would work for you. Ofcourse the bride stormed out. Sorry, but most Maggie Sottero dresses do come in larger sizes, so it was more she didn't WANT to help this bride.

The other bride, ordered a maggie dress in size 8, well her dress came in an 18 instead. The order slip stated size 8 yet the dress shop owner was convinced she got an 18 instead. The bride said to her look at me you honestly think I fit in a size 18?? The dress shop owner didn't say anything. The dress shop owner tried blaming it on Maggie Sottero but the bride contacted them and was advised the size was ordered as a size 18 and sent her proof of it. Unfortunately, the dress shop finally sent the dress back and she received her dress two weeks before her wedding. Needless to say because of the dress shops mistakes it caused her more anxiety than anything. She was also promised free alterations and preservation due to the mistake. When the time came she was charged. She even had it in writing from the owner and the owner would not honor it. Therefore, she has also reported her to the "BBB" after hearing of my situation.

Needless to say, I didn't know any of this until after the fact. I wished I would have checked into references or something but it's kind of hard. In the meantime I'm spreading the word so no one else has to deal with this issue!!!

[WebLady]

OMG; I can't believe the woman would call you like that! You have a right to complain and let others know your experience, but I would let others know in your complaint that you did get a refund. But still that doesn't excuse the issue to begin with or the complete rudeness of the woman that left that message!

I went to the BBB about a company once and I got a letter (via email) from the owner asking what the problem was and what I wanted and all. But I can't believe the nerve of this woman for leaving such a message!

I would keep that message and inform the BBB about it too. I hope you don't have any other issues.

[shawnsgirl]

When I filed a complaint I made the BBB aware that she did issue me a refund for the bridesmaid dresses in full but I felt that because of the amount of times she mislead me to make a sale that it should be reported since it is unfair business practices. I was told at the time that the only thing that may happen is for them to have the complaint on file and a letter sent to the business, that there won't be much action taken since it was resolved and that was all I wanted. All I want is for the word to get out so anyone who does business with her can be aware and so it doesn't happen to anyone else. I don't want to see her shut down but to run a decent business. At least an honest one. It's not right to say whatever you think the person wants to hear just to make a sale and most of the time that is what she did!

I called the BBB this morning to let them know of the message I received and I was advised to save it for now. Since she somewhat threatened me as her "having connections" which was non specific they are adding it to the complaint and if I have ANY further messages of sorts that specifically threatened or harrassed me I was advised to call my local authorities!! Which, if she does call me again I will file a harassment suit, but after the wedding!!

[WebLady]

Craziness *shakes head* I hope you have no more trouble come from this. Good luck!

[Danielle9608]

She sounds like a crazy person!! I hope your photographer calls you back real soon. I would expect that you photographer is not going to ditch your wedding because of this lady. If I was your photographer I would not want to be associated with such a lunatic.

[shawnsgirl]

LOL! She is a nut case...At first I just thought she was doing this because she had way too much to handle and just answered questions hap hazzardly. I guess I kind of gave her the benefit of a doubt but after what she has done to other people I think more so she is just out to make a sale. I was naive because I thought she actually cared because it was a wedding and she works in the wedding business!! However, I truely believe she is just out to make the almighty dollar and that is the only reason she is in business.

Personally, in the near future my cousin and I decide to get into the wedding industry. We enjoyed so much planning our own weddings that we wish to help others. However, we will do this on the side...Not just for the money but to be of service in the wedding industry and to do it because we want to, not just for the paycheck!!

[sjk1431]

I think it's a good thing you went to the BBB others should know how she is. I hope that she doesn't mess anything up for you. I can't believe she called and left you a message :irked: