Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Shipping

Important Order & Shipping Information

- All orders require 24-48 hours for processing.  TJ Formal does not process orders during weekends or after normal business hours.  Therefore, TJ Formal does not guarantee same day shipping.

- Approximate shipping time via UPS (in stock items):
        Ground: 1-5 business days plus processing time,
        2nd day air: 2 business days plus processing time,
        Next Day Air: 1 business day plus processing time,
        International: 3 days-2 weeks.  
Special orders have additional delivery time.  Additional charges & shipping time apply to AK & HI & International packages.

- Approximate shipping time via USPS (in stock items):
        Priority Mail: 1-5 business days & 1-2 weeks for APO/FPO plus processing time,
        Express Mail: 1-2 business days plus processing time,
        Global Express Mail: 3 days-2 weeks plus processing time.
Special orders have additional delivery time.  Additional charges apply to AK, HI, & International packages.

    - All special orders may have additional production, delivery, or shipping time (from manufacturer).  You will be notified of this via email after your order is processed.

    - The items you order are subject to availability.  Most items are special order & you will be notified of your item's availability & delivery date, via email, when your order is processed.

    - As stated throughout TJ Formal.com, there are NO returns, exchanges, or cancellations on orders.

    - Please notify TJ Formal immediately of any problems with your order or change requests by calling 1-877-769-1336.
 
    - All sales are subject to TJ Formal's Terms and Conditions of Sale.  TJ Formal reserves the right to refuse any order.  
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How are orders shipped?

All orders within the continental U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses are shipped FREE via UPS or USPS! International shipping and priority upgrades are also available.
 
-FREE shipping via UPS Ground to street addresses within the continental U.S

-FREE shipping via USPS Priority Mail to PO Boxes & APO/FPO addresses

-Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada is $35.00 for the first item and $10.00 per additional item (conditional).

-Upgrade to UPS 2-day for an additional $35.00 charge for the first item and $10.00 per additional item (conditional).

-Upgrade to UPS Next Day Air for an additional $49.00 charge for the first item and $10.00 per additional item (conditional).

-International orders are shipped via USPS or UPS for a charge of $49.00, or $35 to Canada, for the first item and $10.00 per additional item (conditional).

 
See: How long does shipping take? [top]

How long does shipping take?

Shipping time simply means the time it will take a package to reach you after it leaves our store.  It does not mean the exact time it will take to get a dress. In stock orders are generally shipped in 24-48 hours, but special orders vary greatly due to availability. See: If I order a dress, how long will it take to get to me?

We are located in Joplin, Missouri.  All of our packages are shipped from our physical store at this location.

UPS GROUND:  1-5 business days depending on your location within the continental United States.

UPS 2-DAY BLUE LABEL: 2 business days within the continental United States.

UPS NEXT DAY AIR/ USPS EXPRESS MAIL: Next Business day within the continental United States.

USPS PRIORITY MAIL: 1-5 Business days within the U.S.  APO/FPO addresses are estimated at 1-4 weeks, but delivery time absolutely cannot be guaranteed because they become the responsibility of the military after they leave the U.S. and we are not quoted a specific delivery time to any location.

INTERNATIONAL UPS/ USPS: 3-10 business days to most international countries.

More shipping information & US shipping map.

See: If I order a dress, how long will it take to get to me? for important delivery information!

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How much does shipping cost?

United States
UPS
Ground (to continental US): FREE
Ground (to Alaska & Hawaii): $35*
2nd Day Air: $28*
Next Day Air: $49*

USPS
Priority Mail to PO Boxes: FREE
Priority Mail to APO/FPO (military): FREE
Express Mail (next day delivery): $49*

International
UPS
International Express Mail to Canada: $35*
International Express Mail to all other countries: $49*

USPS
Global Express Mail to Canada: $35*
Global Express Mail to all other countries: $49*

Be advised that customs fees/taxes are usually charged by your country. These fees are out of our control, so we recommend contacting local agencies to find out more. TJ Formal will determine the carrier based on destination.

*For first item, $10 for each additional item. [top]

Do you ship internationally?

YES, we are happy to ship worldwide! We ship via UPS or USPS to most countries (to be determined by TJ Formal).  

The cost for Canada is $35 and all other countries are $49. This fee covers the first item and each additional item is $10.

APO/FPO address are not considered international, so there is no charge for shipping. 

See: Shipping Details for more information.
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If I order a dress, how long will it take to get to me?

This can be a complicated question, so let’s break it down to the basics! How long a dress takes to get to you depends on several important factors: If the dress in-stock in our store, if it is in-stock with the manufacturer, or if it is available for order with the manufacturer.  Shipping is also a factor because it depends on the shipping time to you and, if applicable, from the manufacturer to our store (then on to you).

The quick answers are:
In-stock dresses take about 1-8 business days to get to you. Dresses that are not in-stock in our store, but are in-stock with the manufacturer can take anywhere from 3-12 business days to get to you.  Dresses that are not in-stock at our store OR at the manufacturer and are specially ordered can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the production time.

The detailed, specific answers are:

   1. If we have the dress in-stock in our store: This means we have the dress you want, in your size and color, hanging in our store!  We will ship it to you within 24-48 hours. See: How long does shipping take?

    2. If it is in-stock with the manufacturer (Special Order): If we don’t have the dress in-stock in our store we will immediately check with our manufacturer to see about special ordering the dress you want.  If they have the dress in your size and color hanging on their racks they will ship it out to us within 1-6 days (this depends on the season).  After we receive it in our store we ship it out to you the same day!  See: How long does shipping take?

    3. If it is NOT in-stock in our store OR with the manufacturer (Special order):  If the dress you want is sold out, both in our store and with the manufacturer, we will ask the manufacturer for the next available ship date for a special order.  They will give us a date (anywhere from a few days to several weeks) that the dress you want, in your size and color, will be available to ship, according to its production time.  As soon as they make/receive the dress, they will ship it to our store within the quoted time.  After we receive it in our store we ship it out to you the same day!  See: How long does shipping take?

The above answers are generally from prom dresses, but can also apply to other dresses, shoes and accessories.  Here are some more important guidelines for those items that are almost ALWAYS specially made-to-order for you:

    -Bridal gowns: Generally take 12-18 weeks for delivery.  Rush delivery/production (8-10 weeks) is often available for an additional charge. (Occasionally the style, size and color you need is in stock at our store or with the manufacturer and can reach you in as little as a week or two, but this is rare, so let us know if you have availability questions regarding specific items.)

    -Bridesmaid gowns: Generally take 10-14 weeks for delivery.  Rush delivery/production (3-8 weeks) is often available for an additional charge. (Occasionally the style, size and color you need is in stock at our store or with the manufacturer and can reach you in as little as a week or two, but this is rare, so let us know if you have availability questions regarding specific items.)

Additional notes:
We cannot drop ship items from the manufacturer to you!  This is a strict policy enforced by all of our suppliers to protect the integrity of their retail stores, so it’s important to plan ahead so that there is plenty of time for your dress to be delivered to you.

Upgrades in shipping are always available if you are on a tight schedule or if you just want your dress sooner!  Keep in mind that shipping upgrades only affect the actual shipping time from the manufacturer to our store, from our store to you, or both, but NOT the production time.

Every order, for every dress, for every event date is different!  These basic guidelines can change based on the situation, so please contact us for more information or if you’re working within short time frame.  We’re more than happy to work with you to find a solution that and ALWAYS want to help you find a dress!

More info.: How do I know if a dress is in stock? & How do I check availability and delivery time?
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Do you charge customs on International packages?

We do not charge customs when shipping our packages. Any customs fees, taxes, tariffs, duties, etc. 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 these fees would be, should they occur, and TJ Formal is not responsible for those charges. For any additional information refer to your local customs agency. Returns will not be accepted due to customs fees.
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How can I get a tracking number for my package?

A tracking number will automatically be emailed to you, at the address you provided on your order, at the time your package is shipped.  You can also check your order status online to find your ship date and tracking number (when available).
 
If your order was sent via USPS to an APO/FPO or internationally you may call us at 1-877-769-1336 for your tracking number or view it online by checking your order status.  Please have your order number ready when calling. [top]

How can I track my package?

You can track your packages by phone or online. You will be provided with a tracking number via email when your order is shipped.

UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and on the web: www.ups.com

USPS: 1-800-222-1811 and on the web: www.usps.com [top]

What should I do if my tracking number isn't working?

Tracking numbers are not valid until scanned/ received the evening they are shipped.  Please wait and try your tracking number again later.  If it still doesn't work, let us know and we'll double check the number you were given and help you track your package!

If your package is not delivered you can initate a lost package investigation through the carrier or call us and we'll help you through it.  Please be sure to allow the quoted approximate delivery time and check the status by tracking the package.

UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and on the web: www.ups.com
USPS: 1-800-222-1811 and on the web: www.usps.com [top]

How do I contact UPS/ USPS about my package?

UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and on the web: www.ups.com

USPS: 1-800-222-1811 and on the web: www.usps.com [top]

UPS has my package. Why haven't they delivered it?

Please contact UPS directly for all questions regarding your shipment status and delivery.  UPS delivers according to the method of shipment, but priority of delivery and delivery times are determined by your local hub.  We always do our part to get your items to you as quickly as possible and hope for a speedy delivery, but once the package is shipped through UPS they take control and responsibility for shipment and delivery.

UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and on the web: www.ups.com [top]

What should I do if my shipment was delivered damaged?

If an item in your shipment appears to have been damaged during shipment by the carrier, please tell the driver immediately and do not accept the package. If a package looks damaged, please be sure to check that everything is accounted for and in order. For UPS you may call 1-800-PICK-UPS to file a damage claim if you are unable to refuse the package at the time of delivery.
 
If your item appears to be damaged prior to shipment please see: I think my item is flawed or incorrect, what should I do? [top]

Can I have UPS hold my package or re-route it to a different address?

Due to fraud concerns, TJ Formal will not request that a package be held or re-routed to another address after it is in transit to the billing/shipping address specified on the order.

For local delivery issues please contact UPS.  UPS: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) and on the web: www.ups.com [top]

Prom Hair Styles

A great prom hair style is so important for your prom look! To make sure you look your absolute best on your big night be sure to plan ahead. It's a good idea to practice your prom hair updo several weeks before your prom to see how long it will take, what items you will need, and if it's really the style for you and your dress. If you're having your hair done at a salon, make an appointment well in advance and take along a picture to show your stylist exactly what you want. Your prom pics will be great and you'll have more fun as you dance the night away.

Dressing Your Maids

The first step to choosing a bridesmaid gown is to determine the formality, style and fabric of the wedding gown so that the maids gowns do not overpower the bride. Choose the color first to narrow choices. You might want to begin choosing a gown style with the larger maids in mind. In recent years, prices have declined making the average maid's dress only $140. With careful selection, your bridesmaids will be happy with the final results and spend the wedding day celebrating with the bride and her groom.

How to Shop for Your Dress

Start shopping early. Try on lots of different styles to narrow your choices. Formal dresses run about one size smaller than your regular clothes. Take the salesperson's suggestions about what styles and colors look good on you. Let them help you try on the dresses to save you time. Alterations are important for a perfect fit. Allow plenty of time for alterations and fittings. Bring the shoes you will be wearing to your appt. Buy your jewelry, shoes and other accessories at the time of the dress purchase. Have a great time at your formal event!