Beware of Counterfeiters!

Don't Let This Happen To You!!

 

Online fraud is a huge problem in the formal dress industry.  Here are some things you need to know.

What you see isn’t always what you get.

Online scam operators are rampant, often pirating catalogue photos from brand name designers, only to deliver a cheap knock-off - a fake - or perhaps nothing at all. Beware! Every season we hear horror stories about fraudulent, web-based scammers taking advantage of prom dress shoppers who failed to make sure they were dealing with an authorized retailer for the dress they wanted.

If it sounds too good to be true….

Except for promotional sale or clearance items, if the seller is undercutting the regular retail price they’re probably not legitimate, authorized dealers.  Beware! That dress is likely a fake! Legitimate, ethical retailers follow the rules set by the industry. 

Read the fine print on so-called “return policies.”

A return for a time-limited store credit with a large restocking fee is hardly a "return." It's often just a way online sellers entice shoppers into a hasty decision.  You need to be sure of what you're buying before you buy.  If you don't feel comfortable, then simply walk away - don't rely on a return policy for after-sale satisfaction. Also, if the dress is being shipped from the U.S. or another country, any duties, fees and taxes paid on imported dresses are non-refundable.

Dazed and confused?

Product information and pricing should be straightforward - if it's confusing it's probably meant to confuse. Never provide your credit card information unless you are certain that the seller is an authorised dealer and is using a secure transaction processor such as Authorize.net. Most designers list their authorized dealers on their websites.

Canadians buying from Grad Central never have to worry about import costs.

If you’re considering an online seller based outside of Canada, import costs can really add up. That dress offered online for $300 may end up costing you closer to $500 when it hits your door. Duties, brokerage fees, currency exchange, sales taxes and other costs apply and are added to the price when the dress is imported.  These costs are the legal responsibility of the individual importer, not the exporter.  If in doubt, check with Canada Border Services.  And remember, if you have a problem with the dress, the seller will not refund import costs. 

Grad Central is your 100% Canadian retailer – no knock-offs, honest pricing, no import costs - the perfect choice for Canadian online dress shoppers!

 

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1:1 DRESS POLICY

We won’t sell the same style twice to your school – not even in another colour. That’s our promise.

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