Better Business Bureau Warns of Shopping Scams, Offers Tips Ahead of Prom Season

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

High School prom season is just about here and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning parents of prom goers of shopping scams.

According to the BBB Scam Tracker, there have been hundreds of online shopping scams in the last few months.

"Teenagers and their families can drop hundreds of dollars during prom season. BBB advises shopping with accredited businesses to avoid scams and hidden fees,” said Paula Fleming, spokesperson for the local BBB.

BBB is offering the following prom tips for parents and students:

Prom Attire. The average price for a prom dress or a tuxedo can range from $100 to $400, but designer dresses can easily cost up to $1000. If your daughter wants to wear a designer gown, buy it from a reputable retailer. What seems like a great deal may be a knock-off dress.

Beauty Services. The prom is a time to look glamorous, but beauty is expensive. The cost for tanning, nail salons, professional hair and makeup could range from $175 to $500. When scheduling appointments on prom day, be sure to leave extra time in case the hairdresser or nail salon is overbooked.

Transportation. The average cost of a limousine on prom night can range from $200 to $500, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of hours needed. Parents should make sure that they have a written contract that includes the hours of service, required fees including gratuities and maximum capacity allowed.

Flowers. Flowers for the prom can range from $20 for a simple corsage or boutonniere to $75 for a bouquet of roses. If you are ordering flowers, make sure you use a reliable local florist and have a written order that details delivery times and specific types of flowers.

Photography. You have to have special photos of such a special night. Depending on whether you use the official prom photographer or hire a professional photographer, the cost can range from $30 to $250. If you’re hiring a professional photographer, make sure you have a written contract so that you understand what is included.

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Ntrigue Salon

277 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA

Ntrigue specializes in curly hair cuts and uses Ouidad products to keep your locks tame when you head out for the night.

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Orange Salon

70 Worcester-Providence Tpke., Millbury, MA

A trip to Orange Salon in Millbury means you will receive a complimentary signature scalp massage, specific hair and scalp treatment, hand and arm massage, and makeup touch up with every beauty service.

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126 Post Salon Spa

126 June St., Worcester, MA

126 Post Salon Spa offers services unique to a salon including: spray tanning and Zoom 2 teeth whitening to get you weekend ready.

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Shi-Shi's Lounge

Shi - Shi's Lounge

376 Chandler St., Worcester, MA

Shi-Shi's is Worcester's "first multi-textural salon" specializing in a "Make Me Over" chemical texturizing service. They also offer an acai deep conditioning masque and a Brazillian blowout smoothing treatment to tame any type of hair.

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Salon Exquisite

395 Chandler St Worcester, MA

Salon Exquisite provides an hour-long "Exquisitely Educated Make-up" lesson that comes with a professional application for you to wear out to dinner or dancing.

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Tu Moda

574 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA

Don't have enough time to be pampered all afternoon? Tu Moda's express spa facials only take about 20 minutes! Choose from Dermalogica's "Eye Rescue" treatment or "Flash Exfoliation" for a quick, effective way to revitalize your skin.

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Capelli Avanti Salon

104 Grove Street, Worcester, MA

Capelli Avanti Salon has Goldwell certified colorists and hot oil manicures that will allows you to add some color to your hair and digits before you head out this weekend.

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Bellissimo European Day Spa

372 Chandler St., Worcester, MA

Get ready for a night on the town with a friend...or two with Belissimo's "Girls Night Out" group service which offers a signature manicure and pedicure for each member of your party.