Do you order dancewear and shoes from overseas?

[DanceMentor]

More than a decade ago I worked for Showtime Dance Shoes. They were are at one time (if not now also) the largest distributor of ballroom dance shoes in the US. I helped with the wholesale part of their business, and created accounts with shops that wanted to stock shoes. Of course, when there are stores that stock shoes, it makes it easier for people to try them on as well as view many different styles. And these same stores would also bring inventory to local competitions (often "mom and pop" type operations).

So as people order from overseas more, I guess one drawback is there will be less stores here in the US to try on the shoes, and see the different styles. I would venture to guess that less than 1% of shoes are made in the US. It is an interesting dilemma, but I don't have a solution to offer. I do hope Showtime does well, but I also understand why people would be inclined to order directly from overseas.

 

[raindance]

One thing I try to do as a customer is support the vendors such as Showtime that give me the opportunity to try shoes on in person at competitions. (I'd say the same about a brick and mortar store, but I don't have one within reach of my area, so vendor booths are what's available.)

If I find a shoe that fits and that I want to buy at a vendor booth, I'll buy it there rather than just note the styles and size and order it from far away. (When I later go to buy another pair of the same style that I already know works, I may go back to the original vendor or look for other options.) I also happily buy heel covers, shoe brushes, and whatnot in person when I need them, which also helps support the booth.

But I try not to use the in person vendor exclusively as a try on station just so I can go purchase the shoes elsewhere. After all, I want them to be in business the next time I want to try on shoes in person! Mail order is great when you know what style and size you want. But it is very valuable to have the chance to try on a variety of shoes in person to get to compare the sizing, styles, and companies and see what works on your feet.

 

[DanceMentor]

One thing I try to do as a customer is support the vendors such as Showtime that give me the opportunity to try shoes on in person at competitions. (I'd say the same about a brick and mortar store, but I don't have one within reach of my area, so vendor booths are what's available.)

If I find a shoe that fits and that I want to buy at a vendor booth, I'll buy it there rather than just note the styles and size and order it from far away. (When I later go to buy another pair of the same style that I already know works, I may go back to the original vendor or look for other options.) I also happily buy heel covers, shoe brushes, and whatnot in person when I need them, which also helps support the booth.

But I try not to use the in person vendor exclusively as a try on station just so I can go purchase the shoes elsewhere. After all, I want them to be in business the next time I want to try on shoes in person! Mail order is great when you know what style and size you want. But it is very valuable to have the chance to try on a variety of shoes in person to get to compare the sizing, styles, and companies and see what works on your feet.

I understand and it makes sense. For me personally, I have developed some good relationships with various vendors over the years such that I can a very good price without needing to order from overseas.

I would assume it "should" be mathematically feasible for a US business to match or beat the overseas seller because they should be able to arrange a volume discount, as well as have a lower per unit shipping cost.

If that could not be arranged, I would create my own brand and manufacturing infrastructure, and then start to apply pressure my suppliers to give a low enough wholesale price, such that I remained competitive with direct shipment from overseas.I would do this while keeping it a secret where I was getting my in-house manufacturing done.

 

[W1ndstorm]

My wife ordered her current standard dress from latinodancewears .com and loves it. She had them make a few changes and fabric substitutions that were reasonably priced. We did some additional stoning and fitting once she got it, but it's a great dress for what she paid.

 

[flying_backwards]

I now get my shoes from a factory here in the US. The owner, the sales lady, and even the production manager have all personally helped me get back onto the floor after an injury. They spent more of their time, many times over, than the difference between the custom shoe price and ready-made models. The shoes fit perfectly, literally like a glove, soft and snug but not tight, with no rubbing, no break-in needed, right out of the box. They were open to my suggestion of combining a heel and last that had not been combined before. And it worked! If any other ladies face not being able to wear full-height heels anymore but want a real-looking court shoe, pm me and I'll share contact info for the factory. (Don't want to be tagged as an advertisement.)

Before that, I used to get my shoes from a tiny shop about 2-hours drive from home, because the owner's expertise and shoe quality was worth the higher price. And no, I do not have money to burn! But the online cheap shoe-shaped-objects were not working for me and so a waste of money.

 

[DanceMentor]

I now get my shoes from a factory here in the US. The owner, the sales lady, and even the production manager have all personally helped me get back onto the floor after an injury. They spent more of their time, many times over, than the difference between the custom shoe price and ready-made models. The shoes fit perfectly, literally like a glove, soft and snug but not tight, with no rubbing, no break-in needed, right out of the box. They were open to my suggestion of combining a heel and last that had not been combined before. And it worked! If any other ladies face not being able to wear full-height heels anymore but want a real-looking court shoe, pm me and I'll share contact info for the factory. (Don't want to be tagged as an advertisement.)

Before that, I used to get my shoes from a tiny shop about 2-hours drive from home, because the owner's expertise and shoe quality was worth the higher price. And no, I do not have money to burn! But the online cheap shoe-shaped-objects were not working for me and so a waste of money.

You don't appear to be someone here posting for the purpose of advertising. You are welcome to give the name of the company if you like.

 

[flying_backwards]

American Classic Ballroom

 

[j_alexandra]

American Classic Ballroom

wow. took a look at their website. thanks!

 

[NURDRMS]

I order my shoes directly from the Ray Rose website and have them shipped direct to me.

 

[Dancing Irishman]

I order my shoes directly from the Ray Rose website and have them shipped direct to me.

Samesies - they're so pleasant to work with, too - unfortunately I'm familiar because I never remember to tell my CC company "hey I'm about to buy stuff from England now" and RR always ends up letting me know the transaction was declined.

 

[j_alexandra]

oh sure! I used latinodances dot com for custom dresses. I've had...5 dresses made by him, and I love them all. I had a white feather dress for smooth (based on a dress on SYTYCD) that had swaorvski and ostrich feathers, and it was only $500. the others were smooth and rhythm dresses. However! because they are made in Vietnam, i have had to spend another $100-150 here stateside to do some small alterations for fit. I love his work though, and he has great customer service. But it is not Chrisanne fabrics, so if you want that, then it's not for you. But they've held up beautifully.

Thanks for the heads-up about latinodances.com.

HOLY COW

I ordered a gown from them, based on your recommendation. Came in record time, quality far above what I expected, and great customer service, as you note. Also, yes, not Chrisanne fabrics. Not an issue for me. I'm ridiculously thrilled with this gown. Would never have tried latinodances without your recommendation. Thank you!

 

[scullystwin42]

I'm so happy! I need a new rhythm dress, and there is a Randall I have my eye on, but i highly doubt i'll be able to offload the dresses i have (SEE MY AD IN THE ADS, lol), so i think i'll go back to latinodances.

 

[azntwice]

for everyone who has bought things from overseas, why is it that sometimes you get charged a customs tariff and sometimes you don't? i bought a costume from a woman in london and got hit with a huge customs bill, but i've bought other costumes/shoes from england with no customs bill. do some vendors pre-pay the tariff for you?

 

[ChaCha1]

They can prepay the tariffs or you can ask them to send them as gifts. If you buy from a private person request that it is shipped as a gift to get around those fees.

 

[j_alexandra]

I don't know how it works. I know that when I ship overseas, I mark items "gift" and that keeps them from getting smacked with duty.