It has just been announced that Vera Wang has stopped appointment fees at all of the label’s international bridal stores after the charges prompted widespread criticism in China. Now this definitely shows the power of social media. The try-on fees (read my previous post) sparked a lot of controversy everywhere and it was not looking good for Vera Wang.

Picture Source: WWD/Conde Nast

“Upon careful investigation and review of the policies of our international operators, we will be abolishing appointment fees in all of our stores,” Vera Wang told WWD. “We wish for all Vera Wang customers to enjoy the same standard of excellence worldwide. Treating our customers in a fair and equitable way remains a priority.

Before the charges were abolished, a staff member at the Shanghai Vera Wang store argued that the fee was to deter “a lot of high school and college students” who weren’t “serious about buying a wedding dress”.

“We just wanted to make sure we were serving the right customers, and the [fee] is then redeemable off the purchase price of any gown,” said the shop worker.

I am happy to see the fees have been abolished. I personally will not pay a try-on or appointment fee to check out a wedding dress or any dress for that matter.