Frequently Asked Questions

If I purchase a gown, may I return it?
There are several reasons why you cannot return or exchange your gown:  

1.  We are a store, not a manufacturer with a warehouse to store gowns in.  We buy stock for our store depending on how many gowns we think we can sell during prom season.  Any returned gowns would have to be added to our stock in our store.  This would cause our store to be overstocked after prom season is over.

2.  WE cannot return any gowns to the manufacturers UNLESS there is a manufacturers defect.  The manufacturers do stand behind their gowns if the garments are defective.  They cannot honor requests to return "defective" gowns AFTER the gown is worn. 

3.  Some customers would want to return their gown AFTER  wearing it.  No one would want to buy a gown that someone has already worn.

4.  Many gowns sell out quickly and there may not be another gown available for exchange.

Can you send me a Catalog?
We do not have catalogs to mail out.  We created our online catalog because many manufacturers and designers no longer have consumer catalogs or brochures.  When catalogs are available--they don't have size, colors, prices, etc.  For gowns, you should purchase Your Prom, Teen Prom, Seventeen, Bride's, Modern Bride, Elegant Bridal, Bridal Guide, etc.  Then you can look on our site or call us for prices, sizes, colors at 1-877-769-1336.

Do you have a store in my area?
We only have one store location in Joplin, MO. The manufacturers we carry may have stores in your area, however, we are not affiliated with any of those stores and would be unable to provide you with those locations.

Do you charge customs on International packages?
We do not charge any customs when sending our packages. Any customs fees that may be incurred at the time of delivery would be at the discretion of your countries tax regulations. We have no way of calculating how much or if you will be charged customs fees upon delivery. For any additional information refer to your local customs agency. Returns will not be accept due to customs fees. All packages will be insured.

How do the gowns fit?
Most of the gowns we carry fit smaller than regular clothes.  At least one size smaller.  To get the best fit--MEASURE CAREFULLY and USE THE SIZE CHARTS.  The gowns are long enough to fit girls 5'8". 

What if the gown I order doesn't fit me?
First of all--MEASURE CAREFULLY and USE THE SIZE CHARTS!  About 95% of our customers need alterations.  Gowns can be taken it at the sides, back and front seams.  Straps can be shortened.  Many gowns do not fit in the bust and seem too large until the straps are taken up.  This moves the gown up to the point where it's supposed to fit the body.  As for the length, every gown we sell can be shortened somehow.   Beaded gowns can be shortened also.  Many girls avoid hemming their gowns by buying shoes with higher heels.  Or for the tall girls, the flat ballet slippers or very low heels so the gown won't be too short.

If you need suggestions on how to make the dress fit--CALL US at 1-877-769-1336 or email us at dresses@tjformal.com.  We'll do everything we can to help you.  You can also have your seamstress call us if she is in doubt about how to alter something.

TIP:  Use bra cups (or remove them) to avoid alterations to the dress bodice.

How can I order a gown?
You may order from our web site shopping cart . We will not charge your card unless the dress is availability for your wear date,  OR find the gown or gowns you would like to inquire about.  Email us at dresses@tjformal.com or call us at 1-877-469-1336 with your style numbers, size, colors and wear date.   We'll check the availability and let you know as soon as possible.  Especially during prom season, the hot dress styles will go fast so be ready to make your decision if you find a dress you like and it's available.

What are the methods of payment?
TJ Formal accepts all major credit cards--Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.  Also, debit cards, money orders and personal checks (allowing time for checks to clear your account before dress is shipped out).

Dresses cannot be "held" during our peak prom season to wait for payment.   The dress you want may be gone if you wait to send a money order or check.  A credit card will assure you of getting the dress you want right away.

How are gowns shipped?
We ship gowns UPS Ground (free) for our U.S. customers (or you may upgrade to Air for an extra charge stated on the "Shipping" page. ); For orders outside the U.S., we generally ship U.S. Mail and the shipping time is usually 5-10 days.

How long will it take for my order to be delivered to me?
From the day it leaves our store, your package should take from 1-5 business days to reach you if you live in the U.S.  Outside the U.S., delivery time is 5-10 days.

If I special order a dress, how long will it take to get to me?
Bridal gowns take about 12-18 weeks, bridesmaids can take up to 14 weeks.  Prom gowns vary from a few days up to  8 weeks.  If we have the gown in stock, we can usually ship the same day or the next day. 

If we have to order the dress from the manufacturer and they have it in their stock, we usually have it at our store within a few days to 1 1/2 weeks then it will take 1-5 days for delivery to you. 

If the manufacturer is out of stock, they will give us a "ship date".  This is the approximate date the gown(s) will ship to us.  We will get the dress to you by your "wear date" or we will not take your order.  You may need to pay extra for overnight shipping to get the dress to you in time.  Our manufacturers will not drop ship directly to you since you are our customer.

Can swimwear be returned?
You may return defective merchandise to our store within 14 days for a refund or exchange. There is a 15% restocking fee for any merchandise that is not defective and not exchanged. Swimwear must be clean and in perfect condition. Tags and protective strips on swimsuit bottoms must be intact. Sale items can not be exchanged or returned. Instructions for returning swimwear will be sent with your merchandise.