What to do: Many people focus on the bargain purchase

Prom Dresses From Overseas Auction Sellers Five Things You Need To Know

Browse online auction sites and you're sure to be amazed by the number of bargain prom dresses being advertised. However many people fail to factor in shipping charges, customs duty and VAT before purchasing a gown and end up with a prom dress which costs more than they expected. In addition to this, buying overseas may make it harder to get a refund if you receive a gown that does not match the description.

The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the things to bear in mind when buying prom dresses from overseas auction site sellers.

1. They may be making money on the shipping charge, not the purchase price

Does the price of the gown seem too good to be true? Many sellers offer a very low price on prom dresses and make their money from charging very high shipping charges. They do this because they know that many consumers will focus on the purchase price, treating the shipping price as an incidental cost. In some cases, by the time you've added on shipping costs, you can end up paying more than three times as much as you expected.

What to do: Many people focus on the bargain purchase price and try to put the postage price out of their mind. When ordering a prom dress from overseas the cost of shipping becomes part of your cost of purchasing the item. Always check the postage price and calculate the total amount that ordering this dress will cost you before making the decision to buy.

2. Overseas Prom Dresses will cost you 30% more than you think

If you're importing a prom dress into the UK from a county outside of Europe you will be charged VAT and Customs Duty by HMRC if the amount you pay (for the item, shipping included) is over ?0. VAT and Customs Duty are calculated based on the shipping and purchase cost. Once added on these taxes will normally increase the price of prom dresses by around 30%. This means if you pay ?0 for the dress and ?0 for delivery the total you will end up paying will not just be ?20, it will be close to ?60.

What to do: Contact HMRC for advice on how to work out the VAT and customs prom homecoming styles 2013 dresses attract.

So let's say you receive a gown and wish to return it. What are your options with regards to prom dresses which don't fit or dosn't meet their descriptions?

3. It will aria homecoming dress cost you money to return the Dress

If the seller agrees to let you return your prom gown then don't forget that you'll be the one who has to pay out for international postage to send it back to them.

What to do: Ensure that you bear this risk in mind when purchasing your gown.

4. You may find UK law unenforceable bridal gowns destination weddings

What happens if the factory refuses to allow you to return an item? If you were buying from a UK seller you have the options of contacting Trading Standards or taking the seller to small claims court. However, while UK law is enforceable in the UK, you may find it very difficult to enforce if you've bought prom dresses overseas.

What to do: Be aware of the risks involved; the greatest protection you have are therefore the threat of negative feedback or using a protected payment method.

5. Raising a dispute may not be successful.

If worse comes to worst and the seller won't refund your money for a dress which doesn't match the description then you have two options. You can either threaten the seller with negative feedback or (if you've used a secure payment method) you can raise a dispute. However do bear in mind that such disputes are often difficult to settle and it is by no means a guarantee that you will definitely get your money back.

Buying prom dresses overseas from online auction sellers not only has hidden top wedding dresses customs and VAT costs, it also has inherent risks. Be aware that buying abroad often means paying high shipping costs, customs duty, VAT and can affect your ability to return an item with which you are not satisfied. With this in mind you will be in a position to make an informed decision about whether the costs and risks involved in buying from an overseas seller make it a good option for you

Vintage Style Of Prom Dress Stands The Test Of Time

Vintage prom dresses are those styles of dresses from decades before. The latest couture always in high prices, if your budget is tight and also wants to create a unique look in your prom night, vintage dresses are really great selection.

If you are looking for vintage dress pattern to wear for your prom, then you cannot go wrong with a 50s vintage dress. A 50s prom dress pattern is characterized by the use of fabrics like duchesse satin, raw silk, bold prints and bright colors. A 50s vintage dress pattern has a fitted bodice with emphasis on the waist and with a full skirt. Hemlines hit just below the knees and these types of dresses were usually worn with a narrow belt to emphasize the waist.

Today's dresses are all about selling sex appeal. It is very difficult for a 17 or 18 year old girl to find a dress that is appropriate, a dress that isn't too sexy on one hand, and isn't little girly on the other. The optimal dress is a happy medium of sophisticated, and classy, not trashy, and that is surprisingly hard to find, in retail stores at least.

That's where vintage comes in. Second hand and vintage stores have a great selection of dresses that are perfect for prom. While vintage dresses are more conservative, with modest necklines, and longer hems, they are far from matronly or frumpy. Many vintage dresses rely on high quality fabrics, and good construction to create a flattering and figure enhancing shape, instead of exposing skin to be sexy. It's all about the suggestion of what is underneath, the intrigue and allure that makes them appealing. You don't have to be half naked to be sexy.

And there are still more benefits to wearing a vintage or second hand prom dress. Not only will you look amazing, and comply with the dress code, you'll also save a bundle of money. Vintage dresses and second hand designer dresses tend to be much more affordable than what you'll find in retail stores, usually around one third of the price.

There are many different types of designer evening dresses and dress patterns to choose from. Just make sure that the pattern you choose is not very dated and looks elegant and glamorous in modern settings. Above all the dress made out of the vintage dress pattern should fit you well. If you are not too good at sewing, then it is best to take help from a professional seamstress. Vintage dress patterns will help you to inject that bit of drama and elegance to your wardrobe.

Finding the right vintage prom dress takes a little preparation and a lot of determination. Before you set out on your search, plan for these three factors: Style, Price and Size. Finding a rare gem from the past requires a lot of work and patience. But when you glide into the ballroom with confidence that your vintage prom gown is as beautifully unique as you, it's all worth it.