David Bridal Cap Sleeve Organza A-Line Gown

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 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 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

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 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 vera wang style 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

Flattering Wedding Dresses For The Bride To Be

It the worst nightmare for any bride-to-be: discovering that your wedding dress is unflattering.

Fortunately, it a fear that is never realized for several reasons. First, your seamstress or bridal shop is capable of working magic to make your dress fit you like a glove. Next, nothing is more flattering than your emotions of joy and happiness - which will be the focal point of all your guests as you walk down the aisle. Finally, there are so many different wedding dress options to choose from that you are bound to find one that will give you the precise look that you are searching for.

Here are several flattering dresses from Oleg Cassini, Galina, Galina Signature, and David Bridal:

Oleg Cassini Strapless Lace and Tulle Slim Gown

Consider this the perfect wedding gown if you want to hear the collective gasp of awe as you sashay down the aisle. The bodice features beaded lace and a slim silhouette and the tiers of tulle on the chapel length train give this gown a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Oleg Cassini Satin Ball Gown with Laser-Cut Floral Appliqu

This item is the dress for the stunning princess bride who wants the romantic wedding of her dreams. The strapless bodice showcases the intricate floral appliqu, which have been carefully laser-cut. The full skirt with a sweep train comes with eye-catching horizontal bands for a unique effect.

Oleg Cassini All Over Lace A-Line Gown with Obi Sash

This dress completely embodies the term tunning.?Its elegant all-over lace patterns provide a spectacular look to the entire dress and chapel train. The ruched waist, obi sash, and halter bodice add a dash of drama to the ensemble.

Galina Strapless Shantung Taffeta Sweetheart Ball Gown

Perfect for the bride who likes to be on the cutting edge of all fashion trends, this gown jaunty sweetheart bodice perfectly complements the flirty bow at the waist. The exquisite gown with sweep train is constructed of radiant shantung taffeta ?and it also comes with side pockets for convenience.

Galina Tea-Length Satin Gown with 3D Floral Detail

This dress is an ideal combination of retro and chic. Its three-dimensional floral beaded detail lines the strapless bodice, providing a timeless appearance. The empire waist and structured tea-length skirt give the entire gown a carefree and cheery look.

Galina Short Dress Featuring 3D Floral Appliqu

For the woman who has tons of sex appeal and isn afraid to flout it, this dress only drops to the knee and is decorated with horizontal satin bands. The strapless silhouette is accented with several 3D floral appliqu.

Galina Signature Organza A-Line Gown with Angled Draped Pick-Ups

For the glamorous bride who wants to be nothing less than divine on her special day, this strapless gown features a striking sweetheart neckline to show off the shoulders, while the waist is highlighted by three-dimensional floral embellishment. But the angled draped pickups are guaranteed to catch the eye of this A-line silhouette dress with a sweep train.

Galina Signature Satin Trumpet Gown with Cascading Ruffle Back

This dress screams sleek and ultra-chic. It all starts with the artfully-embroidered asymmetrical ruffles and the cascading ruffle back. This dramatic strapless silhouette dress with sweep train is beautifully accented at the neckline with modern beading detail.

Galina Signature Charmeuse V-neck Halter with Ruched Surplice Bodice

This visually astonishing dress has ornate detail wherever you look. It boasts plenty of unique features from the attractive V-neck halter to the dropped cheap jovani waist with beaded embroidery. There are even beaded embroidered appliqu on the godet chapel train.

David Bridal Soft A-Line Chiffon Gown with Side Drape

A timeless look with a healthy dose of dazzle, this gown side drape detail, lace-up back, and the sweetheart neckline will flatter any figure. The waist is nicely accented with fun 3D flowers.

David Bridal Cap second wedding dresses Sleeve Organza A-Line Gown

Enchanting and opulent, this dress is perfect for the lady who wants to feel like a queen on her wedding day. The gown has several intricate features like the illusion cap sleeves and beaded lace on the bodice and skirt hem. And the lavish organza fabric creates an attractive A-line gown with a chapel train.

David Bridal Modern One-Shoulder Pick-Up Gown

This gown is perfect for the woman who wants the ideal balance of modern and classic styles. The taffeta ball gown with chapel train is highlighted by pick-up detail on the skirt. The trendy one-shoulder design blends beautifully with the beaded embroidery on the side-drape and hip.

Of course, you can add little touches of your own to make your dress completely unique. You can select a stylish veil or a floral headpiece. You can opt for white gloves or a brightly colored sash. Or you can pick out the perfect accessory like a clutch or purse.

In the end, whichever choice you make will be created specifically for your figure and body style ?so youe guaranteed to look your absolute best. Then all you have to do is smile, glide down the aisle, and watch the faces of your guests light up as you pass by them on the way to your awaiting groom.