Unrealistic expectations

[FenigDurak]

I met with one of my brides today for fitting number 6. Six fittings when I usually only need 3. But, the end is in sight. Today the only things they could nit pick on were a strip of rigilene (plastic boning) that was poking the bride, a look inside the gown was showing a little and the trim on the veil needed pressing. All perfectly valid concerns and all very easily fixable.

The trim on the veil isn't "waterfalling" how they wanted (waving back and forth). I warned them that it would be better to use ribbon rather than the stiffer bias tape, but that's what they wanted. I also advised them the veil wasn't full enough to really achieve that look. But its a hand-me-down veil and its what they're using.

Then as I'm marking a hem on the Mother's dress, the bride is walking around the studio in her gown, with the bustle drawn (the train pinned up in back) and is complaining that the satin layer under the lace layer sometimes pokes out. It's fabric, honey. It moves with you. It shifts as you walk. If you wanted a dress that never shifted around you should have picked a plastic dome.

All of this didn't phase me until the bride asked to try on my shoes. My lace Tom's. Uh..... gross. I tried to play off the excuse that my feet were probably sweaty. When that didn't work I tried the "they're not your size" excuse (I knew her shoe size as many of her fittings involved trying on different pairs of shoes ad nauseum). Nope, she still wanted to try on my shoes. Blech.

[MoonCat]

Nope. Nope. Just NO. I won't try on other people's shoes and I won't let them try on mine. Ick.

[minkysmom]

That's nasty. Ive had customers want to try on my clothes before. I dont have siblings and girlfriends I share with, I'm not with a customer.

[GOInsanity]

As I learned from a different site, don't give excuses, just say no, that's not possible. There is no reason for her to put on your shoes. Ick!

[WishfulSpirit]

Exactly. "No" is a complete sentence. You don't need excuses. In a customer service scenario, a simple "I'm sorry, that's not possible" or "that isn't something I'm willing to do" is enough. If asked why, say "that's not something I will discuss."

[raudf]

"I'm sorry, but I'd rather focus on getting your dress to your satisfaction. Besides, my Toms would not go with your gown at all!"

Seriously, who would want to try on a complete stranger's shoes?! (A business deal does not mean we're BFFs, folks!)

[Sheldonrs]

"My shoes won't fit your feet but I know where they WILL fit!"

[Buzzard]

My uncle has foot-fungal issues. He will NOT wear shoes/socks ever worn by another person. Period. He'll happily GIVE socks away, but with the condition that they never come back. (He even maintains a small stockpile of a different brand/color to give out)
Sorry, but your feet won't take it.

[RealUnimportant]

"You've only bought my time & skill, not my property."

[Aragarthiel]

I once went to our local Tractor Supply with Hubs and his mom, and in the section with the work boots there was a rack with about half a dozen socks draped over it and a sign that said something along the lines of, "PLEASE do not open packages of socks to try shoes on! Use these instead!"

We were all incredibly grossed out by that. I mean, I understand not wanting customers to open packages of socks, but really. There are better options.

[Web_Pict]

"You've only bought my time & skill, not my property."

Perfect. I would love to have this as my sig.

[rapana1]

"Oh, haha, I wouldn't want to pass my terrible fungal nail infection on to you, sweetie! Wanna see?" (waggle foot and grin creepily)
That oughta do it. XD

[EricKei]

Ara - They do that with underwear, too. They generally don't TELL anybody, either.