Out Of Business, but no product!!

[thelizzy]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania.

My fiance called me at 6:30 this morning to tell me that the news just said that the place I have ordered my wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses, and my mother's dress from is going out of business. I'm guessing that the reason is because of a recent local news expose on their business and a lot of unhappy customers. I didn't hear about this until after I had ordered my dress in July. The dress was put on my mother's credit card. I was told I would receive it in late October for my November 13th wedding.

Should I march in there and demand my dress? Should I demand all my money back? I don't think I want to trust them if they say "You will get your dress, we promise." That is shady and could result in disaster for my wedding.

What should I do? March in there, go Bridezilla on their a$$es and demand my money back?

 

[carofl93]

I wouldn't necessarily go Bridezilla yet. Go to the shop and inquire about your order. Was it paid in full or simply a deposit made. If the shop really wants to get itself out of the trouble, they will make good on what has been paid. Ask if you can see the original order form as it should state whether the order was really made. Not to put any doubt on your already troubled mind, but if your wedding is on the 13th of November, they should recieve your dress no later than the middle of October to allow for alterations. I worked for a formalwear store and when it came to wedding attire, we never, ever cut the alteration time that short. I hope that they do "make good" on your order so that your wedding will be the happiest day of your life

 

[thelizzy]

The dress was paid for in full by credit card.
I tried calling the company's Customer Service line, and it is out of service. Yikes. So I contacted the manufacturer, and they are checking on the shipment. Here's hoping.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Unless you don't mind getting married while wearing a potato sack, I'd be much more proactive on this one. (Of course, if the sack idea appeals to you, feel free to take the wait-and-see approach).

At a minimum, I'd call the credit card company and see if they'll issue a chargeback even if the 90 days to do so have expired (explain the circumstances, and try to get a female rep on the phone - no guy is going to care).

 

[thelizzy]

Well, here's the update:

The company (Kaufman's Wedding World) will be declaring bankruptcy.
Yesterday was a fiasco at the 4 local stores, one in York PA, one in Harrisburg PA, one in Camp Hill, and one in Lancaster PA. Brides showed up and were told "we have no money to give you a refund... and unless your dress is already here, we can't do anything." That's what happened to me.

The PA Attorney General has filed a civil suit against the company, trying to gain an injunction to force them to reopen the doors and to give people who have paid what they are owed.

My questions: what are my chances of getting my money back from them, especially if they file for bankruptcy?

You can read more about the civil suit here .

My mother is doing calling her credit card company this morning, hoping that the SOL is 90 days for a chargeback, instead of 60 days (it's been 64 days or so). Then she is calling the manufacturer, who put a phone number on their website concerning this situation.

This is a DISASTER. I suppose with every wedding, something goes wrong, I guess this is my thing.

 

[carofl93]

That is just horrible! Maybe another local shop will offer up some sort of deal for you and the other brides who are now in dress limbo. I can't imagine the strain you must be under now . I wish I had some sort of advice to offer.

 

[klhofbauer]

Sorry to say this but...

Go to: ripoffreport.com and you will see post after post after post about this Bridal gown store.

Apparently there are hundreds of women in the same ship as you - and none of it is good.

*I stumbled there accidently*

Good luck, I wish you well trying to get everything together for your wedding.. they are stressful enough without having to go through this!