Bridal Shop inquiries to Better Business Bureau up 12% as Summer Wedding Season begins

 

(From the Better Business Bureau)                                                                                                                                                          

 

CHICAGO, IL – Wedding season is just around the corner. When planning a wedding, couples often miss important details that may increase their expenses or result in a loss of money. As with any major expenditure, the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois always advises checking out a business’ reputation first, rather than filing a complaint later.

 

Bridal shop inquiries are up and complaints are down in northern Illinois. The BBB received 8,466 inquiries compared to 7,524 in the previous 12-month period for an increase of 12 percent. In contrast, for the same periods, we received 147 complaints compared to 202 for a decrease of 27 percent.

 

“It appears more and more couples are using the BBB as a referral resource and following our advice to check out a business before using it,” said Steve Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

 

He noted that other wedding services receiving significant numbers of complaints include wedding planners, car or limousine rentals, DJs, wedding photographers, florists, and jewelers.

 

“Many complaints center on the unwillingness of a business to honor cancellation and refund policies after a deposit has been paid,” the BBB president noted. “Doing research and asking for referrals can make all the difference in helping the special day go as smoothly as possible.”

 

The BBB recommends that couples consider the following when planning their wedding:

• Research all vendors. When choosing a wedding service vendor, whether it is done face-to-face or online, research the company. If you decide to shop online, start with a trusted site rather than just using a search engine. Also, look for the BBB seal on retail websites. Click on the seal to confirm that it is valid. Confirm that your online purchase is secure; look for the “s” after “http” in the URL or the lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.  

• Review all terms and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a company online or in-person, review all terms and conditions carefully.  What is the company’s refund and exchange policy? What is their cancellation policy?  What happens if the company can’t hold up their end of the bargain?  Who will perform the service on your special day? Be sure you understand your rights as a consumer before doing business with any company.

• Keep documentation of your order. For online orders, save a copy of the confirmation page or e-mails confirming the order until you receive the item or service and are satisfied. If you’re dealing with a company face-to-face, be sure to get all details in writing, including specific dates, products, prices, cancellation and deposit policies and signatures from both parties.

• Pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer consumers the added protection of disputing any charge over $50 within 60 days of the purchase. Most established businesses accept major credit cards, so use them whenever possible, including payment for deposits.

• Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance may cover a range of prospective problems including vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more. Many policies start at $200 and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

 

For more information on finding businesses and consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org