If you're ever considering hiring a fancy Dress outfit in the south of England/M3 area, theres one fancy dress shop in Fleet high street, Hampshire to avoid at all costs. I dont know of any other fancy dress hire stores in the area, but I can advise of one which I certainly wont be recommending to anyone, ever.

Customer service is a huge part of any business. They say that a happy customer tells 5 or 6 people of when they've been well treated, and 12~15 people when they've been served badly. I'm telling almost 850 (members) today, and of course, the whole of the world (via search engines) once the information propagates around the web. The shop of little laughs has displayed very poor customer service to me.

Several weeks ago, my wife and I visited the cramped outlet, a trip of some 45 minutes each way, once parking and finding the premises are included. Several dresses were tried on by my wife (the shop operates a mix'n'match method of "putting together" outfits), and a red dress with a deep V neckline was choosen and agreed upon. £50 security deposit handed over - all booked....or so we thought.

In the meantime, my wife had bought (out-right) from other shops, some red stockings (steady Mikeeee) and some large red/silver costume jewelry (A V shaped necklace to fit into the V neck of the red dress - sort of a flat lighting candleabra thing). All in all, about £22 worth of co-ordinating accessories.

The day of the party came, (2 days ago/Saturday). Midday, the phone rings, its the fancy dress shop, the dress had been double booked as part of another outfit. 4 hours to go before my wife has to start getting ready. Because of the distance, my wifes friend offered to collect both my wifes outfit, and her own. The shop recommends what they think is a suitable alternative, and offer £10 off the hire of the original agreed dress.

The "suitable alternative" turned out to be a black'n'white zebra patterned dress, with a neckline virtually up to the ears. None of the assescories which we bought outright were suitable.

I returned both my wifes custume, and that of her friends to the shops this morning, and asked to discuss the remaining balance due to the unsuitability of the "suitable alternative". The lady (cough) in the shop refused point blank to even discuss it and tried serving other customers around me, some of whom had also had "issues" with their supplied outfits. The lady tried all sorts of obviously well-used excuses..."You're not the hirer, your wife was" .... "I was the hirer, its my name on the cheque". "Ah yes, but YOU, could be anyone, I dont know you", "Heres my driving licence"..."um..I'll only discuss it with your wife", "I can gve you her telephone number", "no, if she comes here we'll discuss it"..."are you using the 90 minute round-trip as an obstacle?"...

Best of all was one customer, who enquired how the shop avoid double bookings, and left the shop, choosing to go elsewhere, upon finding out that double bookings are only discovered on the afternoon of the hire-day, when garments are moved to a "collection rail".

The shop then stated that they would call the Police unless I left straight away, and did so, when I advised that I didn't feel the matter was resolved. The Constable appeared and simply advised that the matter was Civil, rather than a Police matter, and witnessed the shop keeper hand my £50 cheque back. His alternative suggestion to me was "Why dont you just stop the cheque?"

So, in the interests of helping the current membership base of over 800 people who are regularly in a position to advise thousands of party-goers about fancy dress shops, I'd be keen on finding out a few names/numbers of other fancy dress stores in the south, that I could use in the future, for my future fancy dress needs.

The pen (well, keyboard) is mightier than the (plastic theatrical) sword.

There isn't much excuse at all for this sort of problem, although sometimes problems do occur that can affect the reputation of any business and sometimes it may not be the direct fault of business that you are dealing with.

Problems can and do occur from time to time in any business, although it all comes down to how you resolve them. I speak from experience, having had problems with delivery through a carrier on one occasion, where an urgent before 12 delivery was stated, yet the goods still hadn't turned up 4 working days later . Of course, not directly my fault since most businesses at some time, have to rely on a 3rd party carrier, but the customer still has every right to "sound off" about it.

On this occasion, Securicor were the carrier, and needless to say, I don't use them anymore, since their delivery was little more than a fiasco. Luckily, the customer (A forum member) has been very understanding even though the matter is still in the process of being resolved. This is just an example of the fact that things can and do go wrong, but in the case of Gary's post, there was no logical excuse for that attitude.

Sorry to read about your treatment Gary.

Imagine if we only dealt with double bookings on the day of a function!

You probably already know your consumer rights and the trade description acts - are you going to report them to the trading standards???

Methinks you will....or have!

And in fact, for any of you looking for a fancy dress shop that will treat you better than the awful one in Fleet High Street, heres some local (to the Fleet one) alternatives...

Carnival Stores Ltd 155-161 Caversham Road, Reading
RG1 8BB0118-958 6727

Fun 'n' Frolic Ho,6-8 Crown St, Reading
Berkshire, RG1 2SE0118 939 3907

Legends Farm,New Mill Rd, Finchampstead, Wokingham
Berkshire, RG40 4QT0118 973 4968

Bewitched Dukes Ride, Crowthorne
Berkshire, RG45 6DS01344 778677

Dame Hildas Fancy Dress Hire Ltd Market St, Bracknell
Berkshire, RG12 1JG01344 483222

Best Events St. Marks Crescent, Maidenhead
Berkshire, SL6 5DA01628 631199

Fannys Park Villas,Hawley Rd, Blackwater, Camberley
Surrey, GU17 9EE01276 33509

As If By Magic, Winkfield Rd, Ascot
Berkshire, SL5 7LX01344 885585

All Dressed Up, The Ridings, Frimley, Camberley
Surrey, GU16 9QZ01276 62598


The more I think about how the Fleet shop, take your deposit cheque on the day you choose your outfit, without checking any diary, year planner, or computer database, the more I wonder how many other people have been let down, only to be told of a double booking when they go in to collect the garment. Some shops dont deserve customers.

Problems will always arise - but its how they are dealt with that is important.... with the attitude of the "shop girl" I think she has just lost the shop quite a few would be customers... is there anyway we could let the management of the shop know how many of us lot think that their service is rank!

Although the "new girl" was blamed for the error - it was the woman owner/manager of the shop who exhibited, by far, the worse customer service. It was the woman owner/manager who refused to discuss the matter any further.

She struck me as one of those people who flounder when a customer says anything which isnt "in the script".

If the customer replies "YES" when asked "Did you enjoy the party that you went to?" and "Was the outfit ok?" then its all smiles and nods and pleasantries...

Answer "No, I'd like to discuss it while Im here" and you're treated unkindly, and unfairly.

I watched a docu on UK horizons about 'complainers' - professional complainers who moan about everything, life, the universe and shops.

It was pointed out about that the customer is always right, even when wrong!!!!
Anyway, the camera's were rolling, and you can guess, the customer service was virtually spot-on and helpful to these 'complainers'.

But we all know that doesn't happen in real life!!!!

I wonder - does the DJU membership have any rights as a membership???
Would the DJU membership have any 'power' or 'sway' as an embodyment far greater than the sum of One person?
If we do have any rights - what are they, and do they hold any legal point of conjecture in consumer rights?

If anyone can point out what rights the DJU has - is it time to take the next step towards a code of principles, or would we have to adopt a recognised code of ethics to be taken seriously in legal arguments - such as support to a fellow members bad treatment and service?

dan - we would be going down the union route with getting "rights" - but the forum can become a powerful ally - ie., if we get a venue who gives bad treatment/doesnt pay - etc etc etc we can use the forum to let each other know.... and possibly tell any obnoxious manager that the treatment that they have displayed will be recorded on the DJU forum so they could find it difficult in recruiting new djs etc etc etc.
Gazza...... its obvious that this owner/manager wont have a very successful business if she carried on this way - or perhaps that is why so had the bad attitude... nobody goes back twice to her shop! (or she was just sufferring from menopausal symptoms)!!

Discodirect, I really honestly think that you are dreaming when you expect the forum to become some sort of unofficial Watchdog for disgruntled disc jockeys, there just simply isn't the support here or the interest in forming any sort of union or even making DJU an official guild or similar. Kazzachi is correct in that the forum is a good medium to bring publicity to any situation, whether its good or bad and it certainly serves its purpose as a sort of self help group. For this reason, Gary why don't you send them an email with the link to this thread?.

I had a similar situation a few years back with a local jewellers, who had taken a watch of mine in for repair, after 8 weeks it still hadn't been returned. After I had heard every excuse he could come up with, I told him that unless it was resolved to my satisfaction, I would spend every Saturday Afternoon sat on a deck chair outside the enterance to his shop and warn every single customer approaching about his shoddy service!. Further More, I said to him, I would write into the readers page of the local paper and share my negative experience with his business. The guy virtually had a heart attack, and almost fell over in the rush to find me a suitable replacement of around the same value as the Watch he had lost

On another point, how about an area of the forum listing difficult venues, for instance those with winding staircases, troublesome clientele', Abusive Landlords etc? since it seems many of us are in the same area and a little shared advice may prevent our colleagues from being caught out, or taking on a troublesome venue?.

Mr Admin Sire??????

Yeah, the above idea is a good one, worth a think about!

Well, as a starter then.....

If you're looking at hiring fancy dress, dont hire it from any shops on Fleet High Street, Hampshire (Hants)...

This wouldn't be that place that all of the D.J's avoid which is called Giggles would it??

Well I certainly wasnt giggling, nor was the other 'alf, having been given 4 hours notice of an entirely unsuitable outfit being provided.

I didn't mention the shop name...but if the cap fits...(still dont hire it from a Fleet high street fancy dress store)...

There you go! Another one of my bright ideas! Now we all know where not to shop! Dont forget though, lets use the forum to alert one another about potential awkward customers etc - more power to our elbows!

Go dj power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi McCardle, yes, I am the biggest dreamer and hoper and wisher and bullitloader and so on and so on...............
....... but I'm also for 'DJ power' too.

I finished my post with:

If anyone can point out what rights the DJU has - is it time to take the next step towards a code of principles, or would we have to adopt a recognised code of ethics to be taken seriously in legal arguments - such as support to a fellow members bad treatment and service?

In a way - we are supporting each other, by replying to one anothers comments and shared experiences.
We all agree on some things and disagree on others.
But what about those agreed or disagreed 'things'??? 'Things' on a screen to be lost in the 'bits and bytes' of electronic reality, or 'principles' adopted, shared, practiced and believed in by the many.
How many times have you read a comment that has been agreed with?
How many times a particular practice or 'from experience' point has been shared and agreed with?
Why not go further, and everyone agree that there is at least 1 particular 'point', practice and example, DJ entertainers and members of this forum abide by?

Example
1. No member shall perform or entertain 'professionally' whilst under the influence of a banned and illegal substance.


Anything that will help improve the public perception of DJing and it's standards are extremely close to my heart.
Anything that will help, assist or advise a fellow DJ or beginner - I'm up for it like many others.

I really just wanted to know the legal standing, really, of the forum, and if it had any sway as an 'organisation' of members - protecting our own, so to say?

The subject of 'Unions' is topical yes - and being realistic, I somewhat agree that the DJU forum would have to go a hell-of-a-way towards becoming a union.
But not an 'Association'.

The forum, to quote someone else, has every opportunity to grow and develop in it's own way - thru input, creativity and interest of it's members.
It's now up to the general membership to continue with its success.

I would now like to know the legal implications to the forum, if 'we' decided to black-ball, black-mark, create a list of 'no-go' area's of business, venue, shop, etc, etc, etc publicly printed and listed on the forum?

Who would take the 'rap' if the listed, mentioned or 'named' business or venue intended to take actions for said comments and remarks?? The 'DJ' who made the 'remarks' / 'list', or the 'forum' as a whole?
How would that 'named' business react to such a 'listing'? Could they have any form of legal retort???

I think that if a "Dont shop at..." or "Dont DJ for..." sectino was to be added to the forum, it would be great, however, I suspect that it would also have to be invisible to non-members. (A fairly easy "Group" thing to do for most forums - Sorry Chris, more work for you...)

PUBLIC (rather than private) creation of such "No go" lists could be classed as "Liable" (or is it "Slander" - ones written, ones spoken), although I don't know if the Internet classes as a legally recognised medium for either.

A recent example of a similar (ish) "campaign" was that a local newspaper was asked to publish a list of car make/models and number plates of cars "caught" in a resident speed-trap (cars were video'd passing two white lines which were a certain "police-verified" distance apart...any car taking less than X seconds to pass over both lines was speeding...). The video footage also identified several mobile phone muppets, talking away while (Almost) controlling their vehicle.

The Newspaper declined due to potential liable/slander prosecutions.

But, I would suspect that a "members only" section on the forum, might be enough to cover all eventualities.

Brill Idea..... I bet not many people who we decide to "have a go at" would be reading the forum anyway... so if anybody does come across a situation that could affect us... just post it! Same goes for any awkward/non paying customers... post it..... at least no other DJU member would go and work for them... and then perhaps by the fact that they couldnt get a dj they may even rethink their way!
If it is TRUE what we write then it cant be libel..... but it shouldnt be a forum for just saying... I dont like that person with no valid reason.

Excellent stuff!!!!

Simply excellent.

Didn't one of our members post about a Youth Club which was "one to avoid" due to the littl' darlin's creative use of a stanley knife down the side of their vehicle?

Thats gotta be one of the first.

Here's a venue in London that can be a slight 'pain'.

Cicada
132 - 136 St John St, Farringdon, London, EC1V 4JT
Telephone: 020 7608 1550
Guests: 80
Parking: Meters are near the venue - not outside.
There is a residents parking bay close-by, so you could either be quick to unload and then try and get a space after.
Also, the downstairs 'basement area' is the function room.
It has a sound system installed (Kam) which is volume controlled behind the bar.
You can 'plug' into their mixer or use their XLR (cannon) connection to their amp via your mixer's output - but you will need to confirm the finer details with the venue management before you arrive!
You will not be allowed to set up your own mobile sound system - due to noise complaints from the surrounding residents.
Actually - you'll probably only need a few fx lights, music and decks (if you prefer your own).
Overall:
Not a bad venue to work but the parking is a pain.
They serve Asiatic meals (Japanese and Thai), cocktails, beers, etc.
This venue is available for hire - and may be ideal to stage your own 'event' if your looking for your own promotion. Needs to be viewed.
The staff were young and friendly.

Direct Map: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?pc=...4JT&scale=10000

After reading Eskies comments, i thought that maybe a Mod could start a new thread - and copy this venue's details to it!!!! Cheers!

Dan,
This is just the type of info that is needed, however, I don't think it's a good idea to be tucked away inside another thread, because should someone be searching for this venue in the future it makes it much harder to find.
Maybe we should start a new sub-section, within that sub sections have further sub-sections devoted to different area's, i.e. London, South-East, South-west, Wales, Scotland, North-west, etc so the above report would be included in the London sub-section.
To make it even easier to find when people are looking in future weeks/months, how about the subject title starts with the postcode of the venue. So for the above the subject would read:

EC1V 4JT Cicada 132 - 136 St John St, Farringdon, London

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

?! so not one person on here has ANY thoughts on this?! i.e. crap idea, fantastic idea, workable but how about instead of.... blah blah

Yes ,good idea esk but i think you are going to need to start it and its most useful to you guys who are close to each other.

On the subject of the original issue of this topic, EG: Why I wouldn't recommend anyone use fancy dress shops on Fleet High Street, in Hampshire... I received the following prompt reply from my local Trading Standards/Consumer complaints division:


"Dear Mr......

We are in receipt of your email received via the consumercomplaints.org website. My apologies for the delay in responding to you.

When you entered into the contract you were entitled to expect the shop to carry out their service with reasonable care and skill so your wife ended up with the correct dress for hire at the time that had been agreed.

Unfortunately, as you graphically iluustrated in your email, this was not the case and your wife ended up with no choice about taking the alternative dress that was offered.

Under the circumstances it would be reasonable to expect / compensation for this mix up caused by the shop. Having read to the end of your email it appears they have returned a damage deposit cheque for £50 /

I assume you paid for the dress hire in full at the start. If that is the case it is reasonable to seek compensation from Giggles for their mixup. If they are unwilling to pay, you will need to consider suing them using the small claims procedure in the County Court. You could try writing to the shop with your compliant to see if the matter can be resolved in this way but ultimately, if Giggles refuse to have anything more to do with you you will need to decide whether to leave the matter or sue. Unfortunately there is no inbetween in this situation.

I trust this is helpful but do not hesitate to contact me if I can help or advise any further.

Yours sincerely"




And yes, I've taken up the offer to contact them (Trading standards) again, for further information. I'll keep you posted...

I wouldn't hold your breath Gary, where the Trading Standards are concerned!. Some years ago, I once bought a Van from a well respected (I thought) Nationwide Company. The garage put me 12 months MOT on it themselves, but on the way home it broke down. Now smelling a rat (or was it Exhaust fumes!) I paid the RAC to inspect it for me. What they found was shocking - the Van had no less than 7 MOT Failure points together with the potentially lethal problem of Exhaust Gas leaking into the cab. They also estimated that I should add about 80,000 miles to the "Low Milage" it was displaying.

Okay, so I can't prove anything regarding the milage, although if the RAC could pick up on the problem then why couldn't they?. But to put a full 12 month MOT the day before on a potential deathtrap is another matter.

I got my money back (After a showdown at the garage!), and sent a report to the T.S. I got the standard reply...then a 6 month wait, then a letter saying that they were happy with the Garage's explanation that it was a one off error and that they believed that it had been resolved by the return of my money. No reimbursement for the entire day I spent faffing around at the garage, the RAC inspection fee, or the full tank of diesel that I had just put in the vehicle. Not to mentione the 2 days hire fee that I spent whilst the garage tried to retrieve my part exchange vehicle back from its new owner!.

In other words, unless T.S are investigating counterfeit jeans, Pirated DVD's, or unsafe toys then they don't give a damn. Good luck to you, but I really think you are fighting a losing battle with this one!.