I am a business owner and hope to have product offerings very soon. I understand the business of mark-ups; I mean you have to make your profit somewhere. There is a difference between profit margin1 and an overcharge. Bridal shops mark up the costs of the gowns they sell to make a profit. We all know this. However, the costs of add-on products and services can be marked up considerably if you don’t pay attention. Here are a few of those items:
- Alterations: ($50.00 – $500.00) per gown. Find a local seamstress, tailor or alterations business and compare the pricing before committing to this additional cost.
- Veils: (prices can get up to the $300 range) Find vendors that specialize in veils also, you veil is a good item to try and locate online.
- Shoes: This accessory can suffer a tremendous mark-up. You might be better off buying your shoes from a retailer for a smaller mark-up.
- Bras, Stockings, Garters, ring pillows etc.: Good note to self, shop around. A bridal gown retailer is just that, a bridal GOWN retailer. It is very easy to get swept away in the shopping bliss of it all, and buy everything that is offered to you. This is ok. In the interest of getting the best deals shop around for better pricing in your local mall, discount outlets and even flea markets. You can always return to your bridal shop if they have the most competitive product on the market.
1The difference in price between what the manufacturers of the product charges the retailer that sells it to you. This amount is the profit margin.)
