I am currently working in a Bridal store and i purchased my dress through the company with staff discount on the 25th May 2011, i have seen then been offered another job outwith bridal may i add and i handed my notice in on the 29th june. My Head office has since came to me towards the end of last week and told me that i need to pay the remainder balance of my dress and they r gonna send me a dress in for when i leave the company!!
Ive searched over the staff handbook and my employee contract but it doesnt state that this is the procedure on leaving the company! My arguement to head office was im not getting married for another 2 years and i dont want the dress to get ruined by having to store it myself! Plus ive signed the contract which is the same contract as any bride which states the dress will be in 4 weeks before the wedding!
Im raging at the fact that they expect me to find over £600 in just under 3 weeks and store the dress!
if anyone has any advice they can give then id appreciate it
xxx
CommentAuthorLisa Ramos
I don't see how they can get away with this, especially as you have a written contract.
I love my lickle Ava
CommentAuthorClarabella
Hi just sent you a friend request and noticed your a fellow aberdeen ladie well anyway i dont think that they can do that not if you have signed the same written contract as any other bride? I would head down to the citazins advice and see what they say but as you have it on paper that that is your contract with them that they store it 4 weeks before the wedding then thats what they should adbide by
Started losing weight last year 22/1/11 - 13 Stone 12 pounds
Lost this week 2lbs ;0)
Weighs as of 29/9/12 10 stone 12 lbs
CommentAuthorKinkyemo
contact CAB and they should be able to help! but as the contract is the same as any other brides then id have thought they legally have to honour it! The discount doesn't make a difference! On your paper work if it states that you have the time to pay and they have to keep it till just before the wedding as the contract states!
CommentAuthorEnny
if the contract says your legal requirements when u have to pay and long they store it for they shouldnt be able to do it against the written thing... just because u have resigned doesnt make a difference I think... they are just p*** off i guess so there should be a way to sort it though...
Thanks guys! They keep on sayin to me that if I want to pay up the dress over the 2years then I need to pay full price for it as i'm no longer an employee! I told them that was rediculous as I bought the dress while I was an emplyee and I am still one till the end of the month! Plus it's the last thing I need to be stressin so early on in the planning!
Ive excepted ur friend request claire, where abouts in Aberdeen are you?
Xx
CommentAuthorIgnition
You signed a contract, saying the same as any other bride, so they are not legally allowed to treat you any different to what they would any other Bride. They are wrong in doing so. I hope you get it sorted okay. xxxx
Can't wait to be Mrs Mansfield
Having a Fun Fair Reception
It's going To Be Awesome
Roll On The 15th September 2012
CommentAuthorjo Santa
Legal or not, I would do my best to find the money and look after the dress myself, as if they've got the pig now, will they mess you about and not get the correct dress, or get it in on time?? I kept my dress from my first wedding for many years and it didn't get ruined until the children started to play dress up in it, so if you can make space it shouldn't be a problem as far as keeping it nice is concerned. On the other hand, as you've signed a contract, which should include the price, you are entitled to the rights you signed for!
Thanks again, I'm gonna be getting in touch with trading standards and citizens advice cos as far as I see it I've signed the contract which guarentees the price and the date of arrival.
With regards to the dress not arriving in on time we do have a system in place at my work where we make the wedding date about a month before the actual date just incase they do arrive in late it'll still be in with plenty of time for alterations etc so we have done this for my dress aswell. So I'm not that concerned about that. I am tho concerned that they r goin to make my last couple of weeks difficult for me which they shouldn't cos i wasn't leaving on bad terms everything was fine until the managing director told me this is what happens and it's company policy even tho I can't see it written anywhere!
I'm hoping to get it resovled soon but also hopin I don't have to take legal actions or anything, I've written them a letter which should be arriving today, so if and when I hear anything I'll let u guys know
Xxx
CommentAuthortwestwood
Just a quick update guys, Ive heard back from head office and they are still adament they have the procedures written in the handbook, they even quoted me the paragraph which is:- Any item purchased by a member of staff on their own behalf or that of a close family member is available at 50% discount on our full price gowns. please ask your manager for details. you must obtain authorisation in advance for such a purchase and the appropriate forms, which are availabe from the personnel department, will need to be completed by you and signed off by a director.
I did fill out all the forms which was signed and authorised and all it states on that is my name and wedding date. They are saying that the above is entitled to staff and im no longer staff so it doesnt apply. But they arent even listenin to me when i say it doesnt state the procedures on what happens when you leave and have an order placed.
I did call citizens advice and they told me to contact trading standards and acas, which i did and trading standards told me it was an employment issue so contact acas and acas say its a consumer issue and to contact trading standards!
Sorry just needed to vent a little anger as this is draining me!
CommentAuthorkimmy
Get hold of trading standards!!!!
CommentAuthortwestwood
Think im gonna try them again tomorrow but totally but my foot down and say i need help! i only have 9 more days till i leave so really need summit sorted by then
xx
CommentAuthorkimmy
Good luck!!
CommentAuthortimpson123
Let us know what happens hun x
CommentAuthortwestwood
No worries will do xx
CommentAuthorAnnette
I've had that run around, hate it when that happens. Call trading standards tomorrow and refuse to hang up until someone helps you!
Breathe in, breathe out...
CommentAuthorWeeMintyMonkie
If you bought the dress as a "bride" then you should be entitled to the same. The discount is a bonus as you were an employee. It shouldnt make any differece whether you leave or not as you bought it while employed!
xxx
CommentAuthortwestwood
Well I'm pleased to say I manage to speak to someone at consumer direct who said they can't do this as it's breeching the contract I signed as a customer, they also said summit about consumer credit act and under law contract but I think I need to look that stuff up cos I ain't a clue about them! So hopefully on my reply to head office they won't come back sayin no still.
I'll keep you posted tho guys on the progress and if I'm successfull
xxx
CommentAuthorClarabella
Thats great and good luck on the reading lol
Started losing weight last year 22/1/11 - 13 Stone 12 pounds
Lost this week 2lbs ;0)
Weighs as of 29/9/12 10 stone 12 lbs
CommentAuthortwestwood
Just got back from citizens advice and feel like I'm gettin somewhere, I'm hopin my reply to them is gonna make them take notice and treat me like a normal customer, if they don't then citizens advice is goin to take over from me and write to them on my behalf! Woo hoo
I'll keep ya updated
Xx
CommentAuthorMel D
Good luck hun, hope you get it all sorted out xx
Got married Sat 28/05/2011
Renewing vows Sat 29/05/2021
We're planning WELL in advance!!
CommentAuthorSammyJo
Good luck - have you entered a contract regarding pay? i.e. have you signed something that states the amount you're paying for the dress? If so they can't back out of that - or the one stating the dress will be ready for 4 weeks before...
Can't wait until the 14th July 2012!
CommentAuthortwestwood
Hi sammyjo, yeah I signed the contract which is what every other bride signs which states the price and on the back with the terms and conditions it says the dress will be in 4 weeks before the weddin! And it doesn't state anywhere in the staff handbook the procedures on when u leave if u have a dress on order but my head office keep adding things to that! Well I sent them my letter yesterday so they should get it today, I can't wait to leave now on Saturday! Will miss the lovely brides tho xx
CommentAuthorClarabella
Any up dates?
Started losing weight last year 22/1/11 - 13 Stone 12 pounds
Lost this week 2lbs ;0)
Weighs as of 29/9/12 10 stone 12 lbs
CommentAuthorRosie
Hi as far as i know if you have singed the normal contract with the agreed price on it then they cant go back on it however they might be able to make you pay the discount you got as you are no longer an emplyee hope this helps xx
CommentAuthorEnny
how is it going? any news??
CommentAuthortwestwood
Hey sorry guys, just got ur msgs. No update as yet! I've asked for a reply with 14 days tho so they should get back to me by then. As soon as I hear summit I'll let u know
xx
CommentAuthorMrsMcleish2B
Good luck hun I've been following your post - I really hope you get a favourable response! It sounds like sour grapes if you ask me, it's almost like 'how dare she leave' kind of attitude.
xxxxxxx
Wedding Day - 16th June 2012
CommentAuthorEnny
holding my fingers crossed for you :) good luck xx
CommentAuthorkimmy
Good luck and well done!!!
CommentAuthortwestwood
Well my manager asked me today if I really wanted to leave and could she do anythin to make me stay! Lol I don't have an issue with manager or my work colleagues just head office being awkward! They took a week to reply to my last letter so possibly get a reply next week.
Thanks for all the comments and support tho it's very touching
Xx
CommentAuthorEnny
so why are you leaving than if everyone is being nice but the headoffice isnt?????
CommentAuthortwestwood
The place I'm goin to has better job prospects and it's more of a career than a job plus I couldn't turn down the money that was being offered especially having the wedding and looking to start a family and move, I feel in the long run it'll be more beneficial xx
CommentAuthorEnny
ok i understand :)
CommentAuthortwestwood
Hey folks sorry not been on for a while with updates, But im still waiting on an update. They havent bothered to reply to me even though i asked for a reply within 14 days! its now almost been 4 weeks! x
CommentAuthorSoon2bMrsS
hey have you heard anything yet? x
CommentAuthorMandy
Good luck keep us informed x
I love my Ian cant wait to be his wife
CommentAuthorMorgsysGirl(kempy)
just read through this post. hope something has been resolved? xx
Married my soul mate 22-6-2012
Conceived baby 3 on our wedding day!
Due 15-3-2013 baby will join our two other beauties!
So glad I'm finally a Morgan!
CommentAuthorSsouter
I can't believe they are doing this to you! They will be taking so long to get back to you because they know that what they have done so far is wrong. You have a signed contract and they have to honour that. Hope it gets resolved soon hun! Xx
CommentAuthorAurora
nightmare!!
I hope it all gets sorted out!
excited alternative bride trying to do things our way!
CommentAuthorClairebear67
Just been reading through all the posts hun, hope you have had a reply back from them at least, but suggest going to Which they have their own legal department and are consumer specialists. H2b is a member will post their legal service number on your wall if you want. : ).
CommentAuthorkimmy
Really hope you get this sorted!!!!
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
ohhhhh hunni , i was hopeing to come on and find it had been sorted
Started losing weight last year 22/1/11 - 13 Stone 12 pounds
Lost this week 2lbs ;0)
Weighs as of 29/9/12 10 stone 12 lbs
CommentAuthortwestwood
Hey guys, really really sorry for just comin back on! my head has been so confused lately and new job is demandin so aint had a chance!
I'm also really sorry to say that i finally got a reply from them on friday even tho i had called them and sent them another letter they have came back to me saying as i havent done anything further with my order then i completely forfeit the discount that was offered and i now need to pay full full price for the dress and they have spoken to people and are confident that they are in the right. Which is completely shockin as its taken them nearly 4 months to reply to me!
I cried all day pretty much on saturday! I even went into the shop on saturday to sasy to the manager i feel like just payin the money and takin the dress away but she told me she cant let the dress leave the shop now as head office have advised them its in dispute and its to go nowhere!
Ive been back in touch with citizens advise and old them i wanna take it further ie to small claims court or emplyment tribuneral they have passed all the letters onto their in house lawer and are going to get back to me, i just wanna know if i have a strong enough case. I've also got proof that a part time member of staff bought her bridesmaids dresses with 75% discount and her dresses came in 4-6 weeks before her wedding she was only a member of staff for 10 months and a part tme member, I was a full time member of staff for nearly 2 years and got less discount than she did! I also helped out at the wedding fair just past in Oct so if they aint happy with me then y let me come back and help!
Oh man i am so confused! andf i promise i will keep in touch with everyone from now on, If anyone has anything to help me please let me know. Thank you to everyone for all the comments too, I also told the manager from the shop that they are not only ruining my experience of being their bride but they are also ruining my experience of working their!
Plus its frustrated me further as i now refuse to buy my bridesmaids dresses with them so i need to start from scratch with that which is so upsettin as i had my heart set on those dresses in that colour and i know ppl say jut go somewhere else but the designers of the dresses are only exclusive to said company!
Sorry for the long rant guys and thanks for being patient
xx
CommentAuthorbabybex
I'd of thought once u sign on the dotted line at x cost then thats the price you pay, I can't see your old company being able to amend things like that. What they are trying to say is because ur being organised and you worked there u were entitled to a cheaper dress but now u dont you are not entitled to it. What would happen say to Miss Smith who walks in today and puts a £500 deposit on a £2500 dress that she needs for 2015, chances are prices will have increased by then and the dress may cost £3000 but as she has signed the contract to say its hers for £2500 its hers for that cost. a contract is a contract and is legally binding even if there are changes in circumstances. It really p's me off when ppl try to diddle others, we all know our rights and would know where to ask to find out if we were unsure! cowboy companies!
CommentAuthortwestwood
Thats my point exactly babybex! I've signed the contract at that price and on the back it says in the terms and condition that the dress will arrive 4-6 weeks before the wedding! I wish i could let u guys see all of the letters that have went back and forth but would prob take me forever to write them but in one letter i even said that if staff members was to have a different contract to sign to state what they are asking then they need to change that but point is i am still entitled to my dress at the price i signed for and 4-6 weeks before my wedding! They are even makin me doubt my instincts as they say it says in the staff handbook but it doesnt say anything all it says is staff members are entitled to 50% discount and summit nees to be signed from the director which it was but they keep adding in a extra paragraph saying im no longer staff so im no longer entitled to the discount, They cant seem to understand i was staff when i put my deposit down and i wasnt even considerin leavin then!
Sorry i know i may be repeating myself now but im furious and just wanna scream!
xxx
CommentAuthorbabybex
have you got a copy of the staff handbook (the current one that was in use whilst u still worked there) to back up ur case JUST incase they amend it and backdate it, I know how underhand some companies can be!
CommentAuthortwestwood
Yeah ive got a copy but they canna change it as they have printed it in every letter they have sent to me then added in an paragraph underneath lol I scream at the letter every time i see it and say u stupid P**** it doesnt say that ur needing to add in that exptra paragraph to twist the words of what is written! lol
