Added costs to wedding dress order

saver_1_2

At the end of November my Fiancee ordered her wedding dress shoes and handbags and st owl from a bridal shop. The shoes and handbag were to be dyed to match the dress. At the time of placing the order my Fiancee paid 50% deposit for everything ordered the balance to be paid within 14 days of the items arriving in the bridal shop. At time of order the dyeing of the shoes and handbag was free of charge. Two weeks ago she had a phone call informing her that there is now an added charge for the shoes and handbag which is £26.

At the time of ordering my Fiancee signed an agreement which stated the balance would be paid promptly and the only extra charge would be to the alterations to the dress.

The shop told her they had since had a call from the firm who dye the items and said they now charge for dying items so the bridal shop has said they have to pass on this cost to it's customers. As my Fiancee felt she had to agree as she needed the shoes and bag to match her dress.

How does she stand with the shop adding these costs has she got the right to refuse this extra pyment.

tandraig

difficult one this - depends on whether the contract she signed took into account that costs may change. if the agreement plainly stated the only extra charge would be to alterations - then my take on this is that this stands. look at the small print, if it doesnt mention other costs then your fiances agreement with the shop is for the purchase of items, plus alteration costs. then that is what she should pay.
If the shop had an agreement with the company which has since ceased, then unless the agreement your fiance signed took this into account, your fiance should only pay the amount agreed between her and the shop. if you are still unclear - ring trading standards.
my sis runs a bridal shop, as far as she is concerned the bride selects the dress etc and the deal is done. my sis has had this happen but havent charged the bride, cos as far as she is concerned- cost was agreed at the time of sale. Point of contract in legal terms.

saver_1_2

Thank you for your reply tandrig.

My Fiancee got a recipt with everything cos ted with 50% of what she paid in November and 50% within 14 days of arrival in the shop.
The shop informed her in December that it is the company which dyes the shoes had brought in this new cost on 1st January so they have to pass this extra cost on.

The cost's were wrote on the recipt and it does not say anywhere that costs may change. It just has the 50% deposit and the final cost.

tandraig

my take on this is that your fiance is not liable for extra costs, but i would ring trading standards. my sis wouldnt pass the cost on but i cant vouch for other companies.

Toothfairy4

You would think as a goodwill gesture as they had already told ur fiancee it wouldnt cost any extra they would waive the cost!

MrsTinks

It's £26... it's not worth the stress if she wants the bag and shoes to match to be honest... £26 is nothing major but you do NOT want to fall out with the dress shop who haven't yet delivered or altered your wedding dress...

never_enough

I'm really surprised that the shop would think it worth the bad press (as your fiancee will undoubtedly mention this to friends/family) for such a small amount. It seems very odd. I would take it up with the shop in a polite but firm manner. If they don't budge on it totally, maybe you could split it 50/50?
Just realised that you're saying this is because of a new cost from 1st January. I really would be unimpressed with that as you ordered it in November. Costs should be as at the date of order, when you entered into a contract with them.