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 4:18:06 PM.

Re: Alterations cost issue - cross-post

OMG.......no way. I would go pick up the dress & have it done at the cleaners or somewhere else that is crazzzzzzzzzzzy. There is no way I would pay that.

Re: Alterations cost issue - cross-post

Sorry to hear that. I know alterations run up to $75 for BM's but I had my girls do it with the MOH sister-in-law and it only cost $25. She cut the length and brought some one the dress down a couple of sizes (not sure how many sizes down). You should explain to them that you were never informed and that they cannot charge you for something you didn't agree to. You should only pay for the regular alterations. Did you sign a contract? Make sure you read it through.

Re: Alterations cost issue - cross-post

check your receipt. they should have the alteration cap on there, and there may also be sign posted in the store. if so when u go to pick up the dress pay the $65 and if they give u a problem show them the receipt & let them know if they give u a problem you will call the police to leave with your dress.

if the alteration cap isnt written or posted anywhere then u are stuck with the price they are charging, but they really should have told u the price b4 they started the work.

Re: Alterations cost issue - cross-post

I would be upset as well! Call and see if you can stop the alterations and go somewhere else!

Re: Alterations cost issue - cross-post

that's Bullsh#t!
i would only pay up to the $65 cap for alterations, it doesn't matter what kind of deal they gave you on the dress...they can't just go changing their mind about the alterations cost!