Complaint Review: House Of Brides

To All ex-employees of HOB:

I wrote my report because I wanted anyone and everyone to know what kind of business HOB was and to be aware of the bad business practices that they were conducting on the unwitting public.  This was not even a matter of a mistake; they did not want to make good on problem I was reporting and if I had not pursued the matter as aggressively (and perhaps not called them out on this site), I would probably still be waiting on my refund. After numerous emails, phone calls and a report to the Better Business Bureau, I got my refund. No one, and I mean no one, should have to go through that to get a refund on a dress that was misrepresented on a website as being available and a second refund on a double charge. This is a company that preys on people's excitement for their big event and the fact they have found "that dress". To all the ex-employees, I am sorry you had to work there and I am sorry for not even thinking that the person on the other end of the phone might be trying to do their job under duress. Shame on the owners for not being honest and buyer beware!!  There are plenty of other places to find that perfect dress, this business is not worth the risk. 

Katrun

I received confirmation that shipping manager Jason Buziecki is no longer working at the House of Brides website department.

Besides the multiple alcohol related convictions and resisting arrest convictions, Mr Jason Buziecki is now facing 2 Domestic Violence charges. The second charge includes his attempt to restrict the victim from filing the charge.

Jeez, when I worked there Prince Jason could do no wrong. 

I don't know if he was fired by his daddy and mommy or if he quit.  I don't know if he is collecting unemployment.  Jason needs his unemployment benefits to pay his child support payments  (yes, these hypocrites believe in sex before marriage).

Good luck Prince Jason, I hope you have learned that just because mommy and daddy say you're above the law, you have now learned that you are not.  And be glad that you got out of there.  The risks you took for the company were far worse than the charges you face in your personal life.

I expect a threat from the House of Brides shortly..  Sue me for stating the truth.. I'd love to have a day in court with the Buziecki family.

HOB ALWAYS say that they are going to go after the ex-emloyees who truthfully discuss their highly illegal and highly unprofessional business practices.

We are disgruntled, because your company SUCKS. Working at HOB was the worst experience of my life. Everything I've read (from ex workers) ARE 100% true. I SERIOUSLY SERIOUSLY still have nightmares.

I felt vulnerable everyday, because everyday I knew someone would come in screaming at me, and that they would be justified. The owners rely on the employees to take the brunt of the customer "beatings." We weren't even allowed to give the name of the owners or even tell customers where corporate headquarters was...(Glen Ellyn) :-) In fact, at the time, WE didn't even get the privelage of their last names!!! We just knew them as Mr. and Mrs. "B."

I could go on and ON about all of the illegal and horrible practices this company performs - but what's the point?

...also, this site is anonymous. HOB has been open since 1929 with 6 stores - how many ex-employees do they have? (the turnover rate is ridiculous - with many employees getting paid cash) They wouldn't even have official records of all of their ex-employees. How in the h*ll would they know who's posting? Come on..."HOB never goes away..." Get over yourselves. I honestly am shocked that you have never gone down in flames. You are the definition of a horrible company. I'm not saying this because I'm disgruntled, (lol - because obviously non employees agree with me) I'm saying this because it is undeniably true.

I WISH WISH WISH the owners had to deal with all of their angry customers. Funny, we rarely ever saw them!!!!!! As long as their pockets are getting bigger, they're happy.

I don't give in to threats that hold no merit. If Dale and Eva Buziecki would like to sue me that is there perogative however I have no idea what they could gain by doing so. I was a $9 an hour employee there. Can't say that I have accumulated much from working there. They cannot even confirm they have threatened the right person.

If you read other reports here you will see that I am not the only former employee that the Buziecki's have threatened to sue.

Additionally, every statement I made about my employment there is 100% true. What I stated in my rebutal to Katrun was only a fraction of what I could have stated as there is much more information available regarding the Buziecki family. Who by the way has not owned the House of Brides since 1929. I believe they bought it in the 80's.

The information that has not been stated here has been recorded with The Department of Labor and The Federal Trade Commission. I along with other former House of Brides employees are relying on the said agencies to complete their investigations and act accordingly. I've been told these investigations could take up to 18 months.

One former employee has indicated to me that the IRS has an ongoing investigation however I cannot confirm this. I can confirm that in June 06 IRS agents entered the headquarters and detained me for about 2 hours. The Daily Herald wrote an article in which the Buziecki's lawyer did respond confirming the 2006 investigation.

One former employee has indicated to me recently that the Buziecki family failed to carry Unemployment Insurance for House of Brides employees. I cannot confirm this to be true or false. I did not attempt to collect unemployment benefits from House of Brides as Alisa Goss nee Buziecki often bragged how every former employee had been denied benefits. Besides, I resigned.

The main reason I made a rebutal to Katrun was because she was upset about getting a credit to her charge card and was having difficulty getting satisfaction.

The majority of calls and correspondence from customers regarded refunds. This delay of refunds began in March of 2008. Prior to then refunds were always processed in a timely manner. Dale Buziecki bellowed to staff that he was going to see how long he could get away with delaying refunds and that is when everything changed there.

It was in May 08 that I decided to contact an attorney and other agencies to find out what was considered legal and illegal. I inquired about my rights as an employee complying with company proceedures if in fact it was determined that the Buziecki's were breaking any laws. I was told that everybody who worked there would be considered a suspect.

A law if proven to be violated, mail fraud, is the most serious which demands jail time if convicted. The possible mail fraud charges could be filed regarding the delay without notification of their Immediate Delivery Dresses. Jason Buziecki handles these orders. After learning about mail fraud laws I wanted no part of these particular orders. I put my concerns on the record for my protection.

I am in contact with many former employees who will and have cooperated in any and all investigations regarding the House of Brides.

I won't provide all of my insider secrets here as I do believe that in due time the people who are trusted to handle these matters will do so.

Thank you for your concern and your support.

I don't give in to threats that hold no merit. If Dale and Eva Buziecki would like to sue me that is there perogative however I have no idea what they could gain by doing so. I was a $9 an hour employee there. Can't say that I have accumulated much from working there. They cannot even confirm they have threatened the right person.

If you read other reports here you will see that I am not the only former employee that the Buziecki's have threatened to sue.

Additionally, every statement I made about my employment there is 100% true. What I stated in my rebutal to Katrun was only a fraction of what I could have stated as there is much more information available regarding the Buziecki family. Who by the way has not owned the House of Brides since 1929. I believe they bought it in the 80's.

The information that has not been stated here has been recorded with The Department of Labor and The Federal Trade Commission. I along with other former House of Brides employees are relying on the said agencies to complete their investigations and act accordingly. I've been told these investigations could take up to 18 months.

One former employee has indicated to me that the IRS has an ongoing investigation however I cannot confirm this. I can confirm that in June 06 IRS agents entered the headquarters and detained me for about 2 hours. The Daily Herald wrote an article in which the Buziecki's lawyer did respond confirming the 2006 investigation.

One former employee has indicated to me recently that the Buziecki family failed to carry Unemployment Insurance for House of Brides employees. I cannot confirm this to be true or false. I did not attempt to collect unemployment benefits from House of Brides as Alisa Goss nee Buziecki often bragged how every former employee had been denied benefits. Besides, I resigned.

The main reason I made a rebutal to Katrun was because she was upset about getting a credit to her charge card and was having difficulty getting satisfaction.

The majority of calls and correspondence from customers regarded refunds. This delay of refunds began in March of 2008. Prior to then refunds were always processed in a timely manner. Dale Buziecki bellowed to staff that he was going to see how long he could get away with delaying refunds and that is when everything changed there.

It was in May 08 that I decided to contact an attorney and other agencies to find out what was considered legal and illegal. I inquired about my rights as an employee complying with company proceedures if in fact it was determined that the Buziecki's were breaking any laws. I was told that everybody who worked there would be considered a suspect.

A law if proven to be violated, mail fraud, is the most serious which demands jail time if convicted. The possible mail fraud charges could be filed regarding the delay without notification of their Immediate Delivery Dresses. Jason Buziecki handles these orders. After learning about mail fraud laws I wanted no part of these particular orders. I put my concerns on the record for my protection.

I am in contact with many former employees who will and have cooperated in any and all investigations regarding the House of Brides.

I won't provide all of my insider secrets here as I do believe that in due time the people who are trusted to handle these matters will do so.

Thank you for your concern and your support.

Did House of Brides sue anyone? Has the attorney that advised you taking your case? I looked for any cases with House of Brides and I haven't found any. I'm sure they would lose anyway because there are so many x employees that would come forward if needed. Customers too. If a case is submitted let me know. I can offer info.

Dear Susan,

It has come to House of Brides' attention that you have posted libelous statements within this string. Your statements are false and are nothing more than exaggerations of a disgruntled ex-employee whose employment was terminated.

Contrary to your statements, House of Brides makes every effort to process refunds in approximately 30-days. Exceptions to this time frame do occur in certain cases including refunds in which the credit card companies request additional information for processing and with international refunds. House of Brides follows the procedures set forth by the credit card companies to process all refunds, thus, delays can happen. While House of Brides strives for 100% customer satisfaction, unfortunately, it cannot always be obtained. However, customers come to House of Brides because of our proven record of outstanding service, selection, and prices. House of Brides enjoys an approval rating of over 99.99% among our customers with less than .001% of House of Brides' customers reporting dissatisfaction with their experience.

In view of the forgoing, House of Brides demands you and all entities associated or affiliated with the publication of the libelous statements immediately cease and desist from any further untruths. House of Brides demands a full and immediate retraction of statements made on the string. Your libelous statements published within the string has caused and will continue to cause damage and irreparable injury to House of Brides. House of Brides has spent considerable time and money in establishing its reputation in the bridal industry since 1929, and House of Brides will continue to protect its reputation aggressively. Absent a satisfactory retraction posted to this string no later than December 8, 2008, House of Brides will seek every available legal and equitable remedy to protect House of Brides' valuable reputation and will seek damages, reasonable attorneys fees and costs. House of Brides will not just go away so please consider your options carefully.

Thank you,
House of Brides

Dear Susan,

It has come to House of Brides' attention that you have posted libelous statements within this string. Your statements are false and are nothing more than exaggerations of a disgruntled ex-employee whose employment was terminated.

Contrary to your statements, House of Brides makes every effort to process refunds in approximately 30-days. Exceptions to this time frame do occur in certain cases including refunds in which the credit card companies request additional information for processing and with international refunds. House of Brides follows the procedures set forth by the credit card companies to process all refunds, thus, delays can happen. While House of Brides strives for 100% customer satisfaction, unfortunately, it cannot always be obtained. However, customers come to House of Brides because of our proven record of outstanding service, selection, and prices. House of Brides enjoys an approval rating of over 99.99% among our customers with less than .001% of House of Brides' customers reporting dissatisfaction with their experience.

In view of the forgoing, House of Brides demands you and all entities associated or affiliated with the publication of the libelous statements immediately cease and desist from any further untruths. House of Brides demands a full and immediate retraction of statements made on the string. Your libelous statements published within the string has caused and will continue to cause damage and irreparable injury to House of Brides. House of Brides has spent considerable time and money in establishing its reputation in the bridal industry since 1929, and House of Brides will continue to protect its reputation aggressively. Absent a satisfactory retraction posted to this string no later than December 8, 2008, House of Brides will seek every available legal and equitable remedy to protect House of Brides' valuable reputation and will seek damages, reasonable attorneys fees and costs. House of Brides will not just go away so please consider your options carefully.

Thank you,
House of Brides

Dear Susan,

It has come to House of Brides' attention that you have posted libelous statements within this string. Your statements are false and are nothing more than exaggerations of a disgruntled ex-employee whose employment was terminated.

Contrary to your statements, House of Brides makes every effort to process refunds in approximately 30-days. Exceptions to this time frame do occur in certain cases including refunds in which the credit card companies request additional information for processing and with international refunds. House of Brides follows the procedures set forth by the credit card companies to process all refunds, thus, delays can happen. While House of Brides strives for 100% customer satisfaction, unfortunately, it cannot always be obtained. However, customers come to House of Brides because of our proven record of outstanding service, selection, and prices. House of Brides enjoys an approval rating of over 99.99% among our customers with less than .001% of House of Brides' customers reporting dissatisfaction with their experience.

In view of the forgoing, House of Brides demands you and all entities associated or affiliated with the publication of the libelous statements immediately cease and desist from any further untruths. House of Brides demands a full and immediate retraction of statements made on the string. Your libelous statements published within the string has caused and will continue to cause damage and irreparable injury to House of Brides. House of Brides has spent considerable time and money in establishing its reputation in the bridal industry since 1929, and House of Brides will continue to protect its reputation aggressively. Absent a satisfactory retraction posted to this string no later than December 8, 2008, House of Brides will seek every available legal and equitable remedy to protect House of Brides' valuable reputation and will seek damages, reasonable attorneys fees and costs. House of Brides will not just go away so please consider your options carefully.

Thank you,
House of Brides

In response to Katrun and House of Brides:

I worked in the website department for over 2 years. I resigned at an Attorney's advise.

The fact that customers have to "harrass, threaten and complain" repeatedly to get a refund that is due made working conditions intolerable and also bordered in violation of Labor Laws.

Consumer Fraud Lead Worker from the Illinois Attorney Generals Office also advised me that refunds should be processed within 30 days. This is considered reasonable. When I resigned, many customers had been waiting over 5 months to recieve a refund when an order could not be filled in time for the wedding date.

Dale Buziecki (owner of House of Brides) stated that he would not process refunds as long as he could "get away with it".

The attorney I consulted with informed me that Dale Buziecki (owner of House of Brides) was very good at "walking a fine line" when it comes to labor laws and mail fraud laws.

I was also advised that everybody who works at House of Brides website department would be considered a suspect as a participant in possible fraud charges and would have to prove themselves innocent.

The above person that replied to Katrun's posting is most likely involved with any wrong doing and is most likely getting very nervous about possible Federal charges. Historically House of Brides does not respond to a complaint posted on Ripoff Report.

Business had declined dramatically at the website department while I was employed there as the word is out that the complaints posted here and on other sites are ligitimate and true.

The bridal season is now over and will not pick up again until January. You may receive decent service at this time however you should not expect it next year when call volumes and emails rise. House of Brides is notorious for hiring whoever will work there when business picks up. They offer very little training and offer zero incentives to perform in a professional manner.

The latest unprofessional acts from owner Dale Buziecki is to harrass employees for their political affiliation. If you are not voting for his candidate he will post obscene emails about your party and taunt you to say something about it. Knowing that jobs are hard to find these days he gets very much pleasure harrassing employees.

I was advised by an Attorney that an employer can harrass employees regarding their political affiliation. Political affiliation is not protected under the Harrassment in the Workplace statutes. Dale Buziecki is very aware of this and uses this type of harrassment to intimidate and demean employees.

Is it any wonder why the customer service at this company is as deplorable as it is?

If you do have contact with a customer service rep at House of Brides please show a little bit of compassion as they are underpaid, bullied and degraded by the Buziecki family on a daily basis. If you can, offer them an opportunity at your company and allow them to be a professional and be proud of what they can do for customers.

Dear Customer,

We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. House of Brides strives for excellence in customer service to ensure our customers' satisfaction.

House of Brides was established in 1929 and has since grown to 6 full-service bridal stores assisting over 30,000 customers annually. We also have our international website, www.houseofbrides.com, which receives 10 million unique yearly visitors. Customers come to House of Brides because of our proven record of outstanding service, selection, and prices. We enjoy an approval rating of over 99.99% among our customers. We, however, understand from time to time we may not have met a customer's needs to their full satisfaction. Every customer is important to us and therefore, we'd like to extend an invitation to contact House of Brides for further discussion of your issue. Please contact service@houseofbrides.com. A representative will contact you within 48 business hours.

House of Brides understands the importance of this experience and wishes you the very best.

Thank you,
House of Brides