Tips for dress shopping at competitions?

[ChaChaMama]

I have never bought a brand-new latin costume. I danced am-am (costume not required), rented, and have owned two previously owned (a.k.a. "used") costumes.

If I were to decide to shop for a costume at OSB, for example...what should I know? What are the norms?

I feel like I know nothing.

Is one supposed to negotiate on price?
If alterations are needed (e.g., it doesn't fit quite right), do I pay for those alterations or is that included in the price?
Do most people buy something off the rack or custom order? Is there a price advantage to one or the other? (Obviously there would be a time advantage to getting something off the rack.)

 

[stash]

I have never bought a brand-new latin costume. I danced am-am (costume not required), rented, and have owned two previously owned (a.k.a. "used") costumes.

If I were to decide to shop for a costume at OSB, for example...what should I know? What are the norms?

I feel like I know nothing.

Is one supposed to negotiate on price?
If alterations are needed (e.g., it doesn't fit quite right), do I pay for those alterations or is that included in the price?
Do most people buy something off the rack or custom order? Is there a price advantage to one or the other? (Obviously there would be a time advantage to getting something off the rack.)

I bought (well grandma gifted) a new dress last year at Ohio, though it was used, from one of the vendors there. But here are my experiences of what happened.

1) Some no-name designers will try and keep you there until you buy something... I was trapped for a good 30 minutes trying on dresses until my friend came to my rescue.

2) Alterations are not included. I think it added an extra 200-300 to have the hem line taken up. It was a standard dress, so different alterations might be cheaper. However, shipping back to me was included in this price as well. They also gifted a garment bag and I assume cleaned the dress as it smelled wonderful when I received it in the mail.

Also be aware that a few dress vendors share one or two changing stalls, so be prepared to wait to try things on if you are planning to buy of the rack. I hope this helps a bit

 

[debmc]

I have never bought a brand-new latin costume. I danced am-am (costume not required), rented, and have owned two previously owned (a.k.a. "used") costumes.

Is one supposed to negotiate on price?
If alterations are needed (e.g., it doesn't fit quite right), do I pay for those alterations or is that included in the price?
Do most people buy something off the rack or custom order? Is there a price advantage to one or the other? (Obviously there would be a time advantage to getting something off the rack.)

I have not felt comfortable negotiating the price, except to say upfront what my price range is. I have negotiated for alterations to be included in the price. Buying off the rack is less expensive than custom, but remember off the rack dresses have been tried on by multiple people and may have even been danced in by the designer's sponsored pros, so inspect carefully for loose and missing stones, etc, etc.

 

[canismajor41]

I've purchases a dress from a vendor at a competition and have had a dress custom-made by two different vendors. Both experiences of having a custom-made dress did not work out for me. There is much less stress involved in buying a new dress off the rack than having one made. In my experience, it is less costly to buy something already made. In addition to saving time and money, you can be more sure that you will like the fit and style. Just because something looks fantastic in a sketch, doesn't mean you will like it on you. One cost-savings people may not think about is shipping. If you are having a dress custom-made and the vendor does not live near you, you can end up paying $300 in shipping fees to send the dress back and forth for alterations. Even though they take your measurements, that doesn't gaurantee the dress will fit. And in my case, it didn't and both times I needed multiple alterations.

As far as tips for buying a dress off the rack, I would definately try to negotiate. Some will come down in price and some won't budge but it doesn't hurt to ask. In addition, I would take a friend with you. I've seen ladies try on a dress that wasn't flattering to their body type and the sales people will flock around them and tell them how fantastic it looks when clearly, a different color, style, fit would be better. Knowing what looks good on your body type and having a friend there for support, and an honest assessment is helpful. It is also helpful to bring your dance shoes (and fishnets if you wear them) with you when you try the dresses on.) And finally, if you like a dress, move around in it, try some dance move out. Make sure you like how it moves

If you decide to purchase a dress, the vendor should be willing to make any necessary alterations at no additional cost. This has been my experience. However, keep in mind, that they might charge you shipping to send the dress to you once the alterations have been made.

And finally, if you buy a dress or have one custom-made, some vendors offer a re-sale option. In other words, after you've worn the dress for a while, you can trade it in for another dress. The vendor will buy back their dress at a reduced price and then you can use that towards the purchase or another dress.

I hope this helps. Good luck finding a dress!

 

[singndance]

I think it would be good to bring someone you trust when trying on the dresses, because in my experience the salespeople will tell you everything looks good on you. Some of the dresses on the racks have been made for tiny pros, and yes, they do stretch, but really, you have to be careful.

I've been told that good deals are to be had at Ohio if you wait until the very end of the competition to make your purchase, and that it can't hurt to make an offer. Never did this myself, but hey, it's worth a try. Good luck!

 

[fascination]

my experience is that most dress vendors will push what they want to sell on you regardless of whether or not it is what you are looking for...you will be in better shape than I in terms of finding things off the rack as you are thinner...I wouldn't buy anything off that rackthat they were not willing to make repairs and alteration for free on....unless we are talking extensive alterations...and I would what the shhipping would then subsequently be...as to custom; I prefer that...some designers will send you the dress roughed out to try on before they finish it....I would try on the ready made version for any disigner I was going to do custom from and find on that fits so that thhey can cunstruct mine similarly becauseI have had a designer measure me, decide those measure ments did make sense, and make me two costumes that we very poorly cut for me...I would be sure I helped to design based on what I have learned about what does and doesn't work for me and I would bristle at a designer who thought she n=knew more about my body than I...she may know more about design and construction but I know what works on my body and where a certain line needs to go....I have used five different designers...there were pros and cons to each of them...I am happy to share my views in private on the ones I have used

 

[fascination]

back to your original question....if it is on the rack and not new, I would definitely negotiate...but, I have never done so for a new gown...in general, check out the quality of the gown...don't be influenced by the name

 

[tanya_the_dancer]

Last year at OSB several vendors had sales racks with heavily discounted dresses. Keep an eye out for those, some of them had really awesome bargains (under $1000).

 

[danceronice]

Alterations costs sometimes depend on which vendor, and what's to be done--Dress4Dance changed the fringe skirt on the (new on the rack) dress I bought from them for no charge as it didn't involve any major structural changes or adding material. They also have the most flexible payment plan I've ever encountered. And another reason that I ended up buying with them when it was more a browsing trip to start--unlike the other designers at the comp I was at, when it was clear I wasn't really loving the first dress they tried on me, Alex said "All right, tell me what you like and what you don't like about it" and used that to pull a different dress that I ended up buying.

I also like to get other input. If at all possible, I ask my pro. I have asked Tibor and Chris (mods: they don't care if I use their names) even on dresses I'm not wearing with them because I both trust their judgement and trust they'll be honest. If just the sales reps like it and everyone else is lukewarm, pass. If even random people I don't know/barely know pass by the booth and are giving me two thumbs up, it helps me decide in favor. With my new Standard gown (from Elle) not only did I like it and the reps like it, random people walking by loved it.

 

[Debra]

I have had good luck with having cash available and the vendor not charging sales tax or reducing the price a bit. I also agree that having someone with you to give you an honest opinion on fit and color is very helpful.

 

[mindputtee]

If you need a shopping buddy at OSB to give you feedback, I'll be there and am willing to offer my services.

 

[3wishes]

I have never bought a brand-new latin costume. I danced am-am (costume not required), rented, and have owned two previously owned (a.k.a. "used") costumes.

If I were to decide to shop for a costume at OSB, for example...what should I know? What are the norms?

I feel like I know nothing.

Is one supposed to negotiate on price?
If alterations are needed (e.g., it doesn't fit quite right), do I pay for those alterations or is that included in the price?
Do most people buy something off the rack or custom order? Is there a price advantage to one or the other? (Obviously there would be a time advantage to getting something off the rack.)

I have purchased "new" at OSB my red latin. That said, I've also done your style "renting", buying previously worn, also "on consignment. I found at OSB, drastic reduction prices on dresses they just couldn't move or are on consignment. I've also asked, since numerous dresses were arriving by FEDEX on a daily, seemingly almost hourly basis to the various vendors...if they had any that were not already hanging on the racks. Fascination has excellent suggestions. You should have an idea as to what "cut" of dress design you tend to gravitate to...e.g., dropped waist, ruffles on the bottom, asymetical hemline, etc...and what colors or combination of colors your hoping to find. This helps the salesperson to understand your goal. I tried on, lots, at various vendors, yes, they will tell you everything looks positively GREAT and AWESOME and Beautiful,,,but they are there to sell, sell, sell. My alterations were thrown in Free and shipping was free as well. Although I got the dress after the alterations and was not satisfied, the vendor paid for shipping again, corrected the dress for free in a second round of alterations. Don't be afraid to negotiate. And check back with vendors each evening/afternoon. Believe me, there will be more and more deliveries as each day goes on.

 

[tanya_the_dancer]

I've come to a realization that if I have to think whether I like a dress or not for too long, or ask for outside input, it usually means I won't be 100% happy with it in a long run. That applies to everyday clothing, too.

 

[DanceMentor]

Keep in mind there are some great values to be had outside of the competition too such as vendors in other countries or hooking up with a pro that regularly resells their dresses after only a small amount of use. We have some advertisers here on DF that sell direct to customers in addition to selling at competitions.

The cost of running a booth at a competition naturally adds a lot of overhead, but working with them directly outside the comp can be worthwhile. And if you become a regular customer, they may offer you better deals knowing you'll keep buying from them.

 

[latingal]

Is one supposed to negotiate on price?

You might be able to get them to come down in price a bit; and if you buy or order more than one dress I would expect a price break.

If alterations are needed (e.g., it doesn't fit quite right), do I pay for those alterations or is that included in the price?

My vendor will usually do alterations, as long as they are not major, as part of the price. If it requires a major change, they may offer to make up a new version of the dress.

Do most people buy something off the rack or custom order?

Both.

Contrary to many, I actually prefer to buy something off the rack. You never know how a custom order is going to turn out. I have very poor visualization skills when it comes to translating a fashion drawing of a dress, to what it's actually going to look like (and look like on me) when made up. If I go the custom route, my vendor sometimes will send the unstoned dress to me to fit and if necessary modify. However, that adds time and if you end up not liking the design at all, you may be charged for the material and labor for the unstoned dress.

I have had some dresses I loved that were designed custom for me, and some that really were not great on me.

I actually prefer to buy off the rack. I normally look at the sponsored dresses. They may be a tad cheaper, because they're used, then a custom designed one. But usually they are very nice dresses since they represent the vendor when they're worn on the floor by the sponsored girls.