Wedding is a major event in a person's life. With the numerous expenses for this single occasion, many couples opt to rent the wedding outfit to save money. But a big day can be spoiled if problems occur with the rental service. Even worst when dispute arises, the couple may suffer not only frustration but also monetary loss.
The Consumer Council recorded twice as many complaints about wedding outfit rental service in 2015 (38 cases) as in 2014 (19 cases). More than half of the complaints were disputes about prices or charges and on sales practices.
It is easy to lose sight of restrictions in promotion offers when making hasty decisions
Every year various large-scale wedding expos are held in Hong Kong, at which the exhibitors usually offer special promotional rates marketed as "on-site limited offer". The prospective couples should find out details of packages thoroughly and resist the temptation of "time-limited" or "quota-limited" offers to avoid making hasty decisions. Otherwise, it may result in missing the hidden conditions attached. For instance, the trendier designs or the most beautiful styles may not be available to patrons of the promotion offer. Some bridal salons even rank the outfit according to their various styles and fabric textures to price them accordingly. If consumers subsequently opt for an outfit out of the range, an upgrade fee is required.
Ask for details of packages including accessories
Consumers have to beware that the rental price for wedding outfits vary considerably in the market, depending upon brands, fabric textures and design styles. Many bridal salons offer rental packages at apparently cheap prices, but there may be specific limitations on the combinations and choices of wedding outfits. Consumers should also confirm with the salons whether wedding accessories such as veils, gloves and ornaments will be offered to plan ahead for time to source the suitable accessories if required.
Check cost for size alteration and changes in styles
Consumers have to check if the salons would provide free fittings and alterations, and whether change in styles is allowed, as well as the time-limit, number of fitting and/or alterations, and under what circumstances additional charges are payable. Consumers also need to get specific details on the deposit amount, its validity and payment method. There was an occasion that a prospective couple was charged a $50,000 deposit and was required to pay in cash within a specific period of time, otherwise would face cancellation of their order. Having to raise such a large deposit in a short time put a great deal of stress on this couple.
Examine the outfits carefully to avoid future disputes
Check the outfits and accessories carefully for any stains or damages upon collection. If any defects were detected, inform the salon immediately and demand the conditions to be recorded on the service contract or receipts. Cases received by the Council revealed that couples who collected outfit from salons in a haste without through checking ended up being charged a compensation fee for damage as the main reason when they returned the outfit.
Plan for wedding contingencies
Wedding preparations can last from a few months to more than a year. Consumers should consider if there will be any contingencies and ask about the feasibility of extending or changing the rental period. The Council has received complaint cases relating to the expiry of the rental service following a change in the wedding date.
Ensure verbal promises are recorded and keep the receipts
To protect consumers' rights, the Council suggests consumers require the sales staff to record all verbal promises in the contract or receipts, including the prices, model numbers of the wedding attire, deposit amount, rental period, compensation fees and all other details. Keep all receipts as proof of purchase.
The Council advises couples who are planning to rent wedding outfit to seek advice from friends and relatives or read online reviews, in addition to visiting wedding expos. Personally inspect the bridal salons and compare the products and services of different salons to avoid future problems. Salons should provide a full list of their products and service details with clearly marked prices to enhance their reputation and goodwill, and avoid possible disputes with their customers.
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