I saw good reviews for live oak and decided to take a bridesmaids dress there. It needed to be hemmed, taken in, and straps taken back. I recognize this is not a small amount of work, but was pretty shocked that the price was going to be $150. (The dress itself is $275 so it was over half the cost of the dress itself). Regardless, little you can do at that point once they've pinned you and you're checking out, so I left feeling uncomfortable about the price but hoping for great service in exchange.
When making plans for pickup, I was told it would be ready by 7/27. I was under the impression that that meant I could pick up any time from 7/27 onward. I depart for the out of town wedding on 8/3, so I went in on 8/1 to pick up. I called repeatedly that day and the phone rang and rang with no ability to leave a voicemail, which thought was weird, but went to go pick up during their posted business hours anyway. I drive up and find the shop to be locked and dark inside. There was no note on the door explaining where they were or why the shop was closed.
I panicked, as I thought it was possible she may have left town. I only had one more day to pick up my dress before leaving for the wedding. I left a note on the door, messaged on Facebook and continued to call. I finally got someone this morning and explained my concern and she apologized and said she would be there tonight when I was to come back. She explained she was sick and that was why she was not there yesterday.
At this point, I had lost sleep, looked for alternate dresses online, and thought about breaking the news to the bride. Luckily, when I went back today, they were there and my dress was finished. When I went to pay, after I had expressed my dissatisfaction with my experience and the extreme stress it had caused me, she still proceeded to charge me $150. I was very unhappy and made it known. What made it completely ridiculous is she told me it was my fault for not picking up on the 7/27 date! I tried to explain that it was not clearly communicated that I was to pick up on that date, and when I was trying to explain I kept getting interrupted and told I was wrong. I stopped the conversation and walked out, promising to never return. She said "I can't believe you would act this way."
I do not wish this stress or poor communication/poor business practice on anyone, and I highly recommend you steer clear! If you are going to close your shop during your normal business hours, the least you can do is call your customers with outstanding pickups and let them know. Or, leave it on an automated voice message. Or, post it on facebook/your website. Leave a note on the door! Something! And never, ever tell a customer they are wrong. I understand people get sick, but business owners need a backup plan in those instances. read more