Pearl's Place in Louisiana

[onalee]

Based on the positive things I've read on these message boards I decided to order a gown from Pearl's. I got quotes from all the internet sites in the Bridal Bargains book, Pearl's was the second cheapest by about $15.00. However, when I called to place the order, I was told that the size 18 I need is considered an extra price size, and that I would therefore incur a $170 surcharge. When I expressed some shock at that, Elaine immediately offered to reduce that to $125. Not only do I think that figure is an absurd amount to charge for the extra size, the quick offer to negotiate the figure made me think they were being very sleazy about it. Price gouging is the the phrase that comes to mind. I checked back to all the other sites for plus size charges and none came close to what Pearl's was going to charge me. I am now planning to place my order with Wedding Expressions, who is charging $30 for the extra size. I also must place some blame on the designer for this oversize scheme. In normal clothes I would wear a 12 or 14, but the Maggie Sottero chart puts me in an 18, which is the size at which the extra size fees kick in.

[NewOrleansBride]

I've found the following information about Pearl's Place by disgruntled brides:

From NewOrleansBride:
"I have never been treated as poorly in my life at ANY place of business as I was at Pearl's Place, Metairie, LA.
1. There is never anyone in the store available to help you. It is too rushed an atmosphere for any bride to feel confident that her needs will be met. Mine certainly weren't.

2. The salespeople and owners are rude. I was called "vicious" by the owner of the store. What kind of monster calls a BRIDE vicious at the store she already plunked down money for a dress at?

3. They do not do alterations. I know they claim to do alterations free with dress purchase, but my dress did not change one iota in the month that it took to "alter" it. The only thing that needed letting out was the shoulders, and I have not grown there so there is no excuse for pretending to alter my dress.

4. They do not exchange ill-fitting items for ones of the correct size. I would never have bought anything there if I had known that they wouldn't exchange it for the right size. I bought shoes from them. When they came in, they were boats on my feet. I am aware that they have a "no-returns" policy, but I just wanted to exchange sizes! They told me that I could buy another pair. It wasn't until I had complained to the Better Business Bureau that they exchanged the shoes.

5. When I came back to the store to try on my "altered" dress, nobody helped me. Once they have your money, you are no longer important. I actually left the store with my wedding gown and nobody noticed.

Please do not go through what I've been through. I've never been through such a terrible experience with a business in my life. I spoke to two other recent brides in my office and they had similar experiences. (One didn't even get her dress until one week prior to her wedding, even though she ordered it a YEAR in advance!)

I will not take my dress back in for steaming. I'd rather pay more than have to be that stressed over something so important.

That's my advice to brides. I was bargain hunting just like everyone else, but I shouldn't have done it for a dress. The service GOOD bridal salons provide is worth the few extra bucks."


From Nikki921:
"They were very disorganized and not very nice when I tried on dresses there. I called the day before I went and they said "no you don't need an appointment" but told me when I got there I should have had one. Also, I called the day before to see if they had a specific dress in stock and they said yes we do and I told them I would be by to try it on the next day. And low and behold the dress was nowhere to be found when I got there. Terrible service"

From CaliBride:
"I agree that Pearl's Place doesn't give a *hit about anything but your $$. I called to get a price quote because they emailed me saying they could not provide one unless I called. So I called...long distance. I was first placed on hold formore then 5 minutes before anyone even asked what I needed. I told them I was calling for a price quote and they said Oh, you aren't calling to make a purchase?. When I said no I needed a quote first, I was place on hold for another 10 minutes (keep in mind I am calling long distance from CA which I told them as soon as they answered the phone)and then when the lady came back to me she says Oh, your still holding, let me see of someone has time for you.After another minutes I hung up and emailed the owner. I asked that they please give me an email quote because I was calling long distance and kept getting put on hold. They didn't even bother to read my email and I just sent me back a form letter email. I suggest anyone with gripes re:Pearl's Place post them on the BridalGown.com message boards as this seems to be the only place that will have any affect on them."

[NewOrleansBride]

Hi everyone, I got this reply to a posting on another board...
You received the following message from : MargoWoods ([email protected])

At: http://www.blissweddings.com/forums/

I totally agree with your statement regarding Pearl's Place in Metairie. My
daughter recently stood in one of her girlfriends weddings. The bridesmaid's
dress was from Pearl's Place so naturally my daughter who attends ULL in
Lafayette had to rush in to do anything regarding her dress. They were not the
least bit accomodating. Her dress needed alterations and since it was chiffon we
decided it was best to let the store handle the alterations. BIG mistake, the
hem was horrid ! Shortened , yes, but the hem was twisted and frayed
unbelievebly. Since that wedding my daughter has recently announced her
engagement. We will never step foot in their place of business again. Buyers
BEWARE!