I'm getting married in April 2011 and happened to be in Shippensburg for an extended period of time and thought to shop for dresses. The Bridal Gallery was the closest bridal location and I had passed by the outside of the shop, a few times on the way through town. I called and 'tried' to make an appointment.
** Over the phone, any other bridal gallery should at least ask you for your name, number, appointment date and time (usually a one hour time slot)... if not any more detail. **
The lady neither asked me for my name or my phone number, let alone anything else. I found this strange but proceeded to set in stone 'my own appointment' with her over the phone.
The day of the 'appointment' I showed up right at 12 noon (when I told her I would like to come in and when they opened) and proceeded to wait 5 minutes while the lady gabbed on the phone.
Once the phone conversation was over, she greeted herself and asked what I had in mind. I showed her a picture and she immediately exclaimed, "we don't have anything like that in this store!" I then proceeded by stating, "I'm open to anything" (as I had not tried on any dresses prior) and would like to have the bridal experience and I had no clue what shape/dress would look good on me.
My hopes were drained when she pointed to their selection and stated, "look through here - if you find anything you like - I'll be up at the counter". As she walked away, the phone rang...
I left.
**
I have enough knowledge of the bridal business that this is not the way you are to be treated. She never asked me my budget... who knows(?) I could have been anybody with any type of budge... but it doesn't matter - she lost a sale.
I took my business to J&B Bridal in Chambersburg, PA (20-25 min away and totally worth it). Friendly helpful folks who are truly interested in you and your day! read more