Buy a dress online

Buying a wedding dress online?

PRONOVIAS

Here are some tips from MarkMonitor, a world leader in brand protection.

There are many risks involved in buying your wedding dress online. As well as not being able to try the dress on beforehand, it can also be a hassle to return the item if you’re not satisfied. Another problem is, of course, that you can’t benefit from the expertise available in high-street shops. But perhaps you’re actually most worried about being scammed? What if the designer dress you’ve ordered turns out to be a fake? Buying a wedding dress online might seem like a good way to save money on one of the biggest clothing investments you’re likely to make in your life. Unfortunately, however, there’s no guarantee that the dress you order is genuine. In the past, well-known luxury brands such as Pronovias have fallen victim to online fraudsters. Fortunately, the company took immediate preventative measures at the time to tackle both product counterfeiters and illegitimate search engine advertisers. As the availability of counterfeit goods on the internet increases, it is important for consumers and brides-to-be to be extra vigilant when buying their wedding dresses online. MarkMonitor, a world-leading company in online brand protection, has compiled some tips on what to bear in mind when buying a wedding dress online:

Price

Counterfeiters are clever when it comes to pricing. Sometimes they choose to set high prices for the dresses, simply to make them seem more convincing. Feel free to do your own Google search for recommended prices for the dress you’ve set your sights on, to see how prices and discounts differ.

Website

Although some websites look professional at first glance, counterfeiters rarely include ‘About Us’ or ‘FAQ’ sections on their sites. Be sure to check this, and take a closer look at the delivery details and where the company is based. Compare and see if the design details match the brand on other sites. You should also check the various delivery options, as less reputable companies rarely bother to fine-tune these.

Returns

These should be crystal clear if it is a reputable website. If the dress doesn’t fit or is damaged, you must be able to send it back. Reputable sellers will inform you about how to cancel your purchase, as well as how and to which address you can return the item. Counterfeiters usually do not take the time to clearly inform buyers about their privacy policies. Treat the absence of this information as a warning sign.

Check the web address

The impersonation of a brand’s website and so-called ‘cybersquatting’ are on the rise. Look closely at the link and keep an eye out for spelling mistakes on both the homepage and the URL, especially when you’re searching for the brand for the first time. If the address begins with https://, the letter ‘s’ indicates that the website is secure. Some of the major brands also have dedicated sections on their websites where consumers can easily check whether the seller is authorised.

Marketplaces

Even if the online marketplace itself is a brand you’re familiar with, it’s important to take a closer look at reviews of the seller before you decide to go ahead and buy your dream dress.