Milly's Bridal Disappointment

Vicky496

I've been having rather bad luck with milly's, I don't know if I'm a minority or if they're just not as good as they used to be? There seem to be a lot of positive threads on here and the rest of the internet about them.

I ordered at the start of November and received the dress just under 3 weeks ago. They didn't warn me it would take longer than the 5-6 weeks they say on the website and when I emailed to try to find out what was happening I got no reply for weeks. It was only when I asked for a refund (I thought they'd taken my money and disappeared since it had been so long ignoring my messages) towards the end of Jan that they finally responded to say they would be shipping it.

However, it got worse...

I wouldn't have minded it being late as it's still in time for the wedding in August, but all the measurements were completely wrong by a lot more than the inch they say it might be out by and the skirt wasn't tulle as it was supposed to be! I try to be level headed because I know it was a risk going for the cheap option instead of going through a bridal shop, but it was still really upsetting.

The worst measurement was that it was about a foot too long - it was painfully obvious that they had muddled their measurements for head to floor with hollow to floor. It's impossible to correct as there's lace applied in a complicated way unfortunately. Plus it would need taking in by 2-3 inches at the waist and another inch at the bust - I might as well have the dress made again from scratch pretty much!

They asked me to email them pictures of me wearing the dress with the tape measure to show what the problem was - that was just over 2 weeks ago and I haven't had a reply since sending that to them

I've sent two simple reminder emails in that time just asking them to confirm they received the photos and what the next step is. (I know they're getting my emails really - they did the same thing to me when the delivery was delayed).

The delay in delivery and then the dress being wrong means that it'll be really tight for time to order another dress from somewhere else and I'm thinking I had better just buy another one and cross my fingers that they give me the refund

They say on their website you can't return the dress for a refund without approval for the return... I really don't know what to do now

I think I'm eventually going to have to accept I won't get my money back I paid by credit card so I'll call my card provider when their call centre is next open and see if they can help. But part of me thinks I deserve to lose my money - I feel like such a big mug

I'm considering getting a dress from Monsoon I think. Much less hassle.

kt_giraffe

What size are you? I currently have 2 brand new and 1 professionally cleaned dress for sale at £150 each- got pregnant so the first one had to go, then had limited funds and got one off eBay but it didn't fit, did the same again but didn't like it as much in person and then my mum bought me one from a shop! Lol x

Lilith1980

Apparently paying by credit card does protect you more than debit/cash/cheque so don't worry yet.

Can you not ring Milly's? Or are they abroad (I have not heard of them?).
At the end of the day you can't wear the dress as it hasn't been made to your requirements so they *should* either offer a refund or to remake the dress.

You don't deserve to lose the money at all, you have put your faith and invested your money in a company for your big day. You at least deserve to get the dress in the measurements you gave!

If you can get a refund i might be best to go elsewhere. To be honest I am thinking of buying my dress from Monsoon or another high-street store, just because it's cheaper and yo can go and try them on.

Good luck hun, keep on at them xx

nikki2804

Milly's Bridal is chinese isn't it? It was recently Chinese New Year so that might explain the delay in response however I would certainly contact your card provider and dispute the transaction.

Vicky496

Nikki & Lilith - I thought that too - but it's now been 20 days since I sent the photos! I also sent them reminders on the 9th and 15th Feb incase they missed my email for some reason.

I called my credit card company they say they will help with these sort of disputes only for a limited time - I have until 14th March (the order was placed on 4th November and payment went through on 16th November).

They are sending me some forms to fill in and they've asked me to give them the same photo evidence I gave Milly's. I'm so glad the time isn't up - this has been a massive pain.

Kt_giraffe - that's very kind, but I think I need the comfort of Monsoon after the Milly debacle. I hope someone else sees your comment though.

Thankyou for your support all!

rachie29

Vicky, i'm not sure where you are based but there is a bridal shop in Liverpool that I have been recommended. Its website is bridalbasement.co.uk and it sells dresses that are last years designs, over orders, cancelled orders etc. They are on facebook as Copplestones bridal. Might be worth a look depending on where you are. They advertise their dresses as all being below £399 with the majority at £299.

Good luck with your dress, I hope it all turns out well for you.

Vicky496

Well, I've filled in the forms for HSBC. They are sending me another form which I need to get someone to fill in. From what I understand from the woman on the phone this morning I need to get someone independent (eg from a shop) to verify my claim is accurate on this new form. It hasn't arrived yet though... hoping it comes soon so I don't miss the deadline!

Has anyone else claimed money back through a credit card company before?

Vicky496

I looked on the rest of the moneysavingexpert site - looks like it's called Chargeback or section 75 when you claim back through your credit card.

PS I bought a dress! It's a Romantica of Devon one (Please no one say bad things about them here, it's too late, it's ordered, I only want positive thoughts after all the negative ones :P )

wegle

My dress is Romantica. Can't fault it, bought it from a Bridal Shop rather than online though. Got it in a sample sale for £225. There's definitely bargains to be had in the bridal boutiques. Good luck with the chargeback.

Vicky496

Oh yeah, I got it in a bridal shop too. I couldn't bear the hassle of an internet order. At least if something goes wrong through a shop there's someone there to help fix it!

Haven't had the new form from HSBC yet. Going to call them again this morning.

Vicky496

Excellent news: my bank has reversed the charge through the chargeback scheme. (Though they say it is pending the full outcome of the investigation and they retain the right to reinstate the charge).

Really feel like the other wedding plans are coming together now
Things that are done:
Wedding dress
Car
Church
Insurance
Venue (package - includes a lot of stuff)
Save the dates printed
Other stationary designed
Bridesmaid dresses chosen (will order at the end of the month when they come down to get measured)
Flowers (also doing table centre pieces)
Photographer
Bridesmaid jewellery
Hair and Make up (a cousin is a make up artist and is doing it!)
Have decided on Honeymoon

Things still to do:
Wedding favours
Suits
Print address labels and send save the date cards
Meet venue organiser again to finalise some bits then send invites.
Cake (M&S!)
Bride shoes, & bridesmaids +shoes
Bride jewellery & sucky in undies
Flower girl dress (she's growing too quickly, will have to buy it late!)
Book honeymoon
Ask brother and another to usher

Have I missed anything?
:think: