PET PEEVES ABOUT BRIDAL REGISTRIES FROM NEWLYWED COUPLES

"It took forever to get the attention of the bridal registry clerk."
Solution: Indeed, when there are other customer in the store it becomes a nuisance to get service. But courteous service is important so you can look up items, be aware of the price and plan your gift list. A rushed gift list is bound to disappoint everybody involved. When you use online bridal registries, however, there is no one to flag down. Service is waiting in front of your screen and as fast as a click on the mouse.

"There's nothing in writing. We're told one price and then guests complain they had to pay the full retail price and there was nothing we could do."
Solution: There does seem to be little you can do when you're at the mercy of the department store. However, online purchasing puts everything in writing and eliminates the possibility of miscommunication between managers, clerks and customers. The prices are clearly labeled on the online gift list so that there are no surprises.





"I didn't get what I wanted or I didn't get enough of what I asked for."
Solution: This can be the result of a paperwork error. Perhaps a worker documented the quantity incorrectly. With online shopping, computers do the accounting and financing and are practically as accurate as a calculator. In the unlikely event of an error (or even the result of a shopper's mistyping) customer service is available for help through e-mail or phone contact.

"A lot of items were not in stock at the store and so the guests just bought whatever they could find, which was not what we needed."
This is a very tricky situation and can lead to a lot of hurt feelings or at the very least, just an unhappy couple. However, online bridal registries clear up this problem. Guests can order any item on the gift list and if it is out of stock, a new order can be requested. Online shopping allows wedding gifts to be shipped directly to the bride and groom's residence. Therefore, this saves the guest as well as the bride and groom all those transportation concerns. You don't have to buy both a male and female gift if your budget can't allow it. If you can only buy one gift for the happy couple, buy something practical and entertaining that both man and wife will appreciate.

"Guests are shopping at different stores than the one location we signed up at. But not all the stores have the same products. We missed out on a lot of gifts we really wanted that way." With online bridal registries you get exactly what you see on the web page, with no additional problems coming from location or personnel. Shopping online has always been convenient for the buyer. Now, it's also convenient for extra parties receiving the merchandise.