Global Wedding & Events Co. review: Beware, this company is a Brides nightmare! 128

Tried to charge my sister (the bride) $1500 for a dress they said was the new 2009 collection, I later found it online for $600 from the fall 2005 collection. This place is dishonest and should be avoided at all costs. You can also look at this article http://www.canada.com/globaltv/ontario/features/consumer_sos/story.html?id=72b0aa02-83f2-4638-b626-3b8792d5b2b8

I can't believe it! I'm not alone! I'm going through the same problem. We didn't get to see anything. The limo was old and had no A/C. Had I know this I would have cancelled everything. They cancelled on our appointents 4 times, with no sympathy. He actually sent us threatning letter stating he will sue us. Because of all the heartache we went through we held back some of the payment. I was actually trying to be smart. I hope he throws out the idea of suing us because he won't win. He made my wedding a nightmare!

I really have no idea why Brides still go with this company, the signs are all there, STAY AWAY. There used to be 25 complaints on here about them. They do rip you off and the word around Kitchener is the cops are after him. Why can't Brides STAY AWAY

I had a bad experience with this company in January '08 where we lost our $1, 000. They were pretty Incompetent. We chose to forgo the $1, 000 rather than take the chance of using these people as a supplier for the wedding. There were many complaints on this board about them (I guess they were erased?). Quite a few people were extremely upset and wanted to pursue legal action.

I went into this company awhile back and they were arguing with another bride, i got out of there pretty fast, then i was approached by one of the ladies who was complaining on Global and she told me to stay away from this company. Apparently there is a big write up now on WeddingBells about them. They actually were in Kitchener under Canadian Bridal and then went to Mississauga under National Bridal and now Global Weddings..how many more namesl do they have, when a company can't even stick with one name you know there is something totally wrong. I found out from another site that they live on 475 Activa Ave in Kitchener, maybe people should start sending their legal papers there.

I had the unfortunate incident of dealing with this company as well recently. They cancelled meetings with us so many times and have asked us to pay for the full amount of our wedding decorations a month before my actual wedding. I will call and even pass by the place to follow up and ensure that all the decor and items are ready. They decide to call me the day before to say they do not have my special embroidered table cloths. After arguing with them and wasting the whole day prior to my wedding day being stressed, they confirmed that they will have it after all. As to much surprise not only did they not have the table cloths, they also did not decorate my church, came in short with chair covers and did not have the large collanade bay we had paid for. This company is an absolute nightmare to deal with as the owner Karl & Filomena are blatant liars and respect nobody. We have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau where they are notorious to not resolve any complaints (See links below)

http://mwco.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=160&bbb=0107&firm=5614

http://mwco.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=160&bbb=0107&firm=5614

We have also started a file with the Consumer Protection Branch but they take longer to resolve. They apparently have been sued numerous times before but dont end up paying so taking them to court is pretty wasteful of your own money. There was over 30 other complaints about this company on this site before but it appears to have been removed. I have tried contacting Global Tv to do a follow up story in regards to this company but have not heard back. I think all of us that were victimized by Global Wedding, should file a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT as that is the only way we can make an impact and ensure that this business is completely out business and not out there to ruin people's wedding that they have planned for all their lives. It is nice to see that a lot more brides are speaking out but honestly but sad at to see the number of people this company have hurt. Unfortunately most brides get too caught up in the moment to be doing their research about the company and that is how they end up booking with Global Wedding aka Canadian Bridal .. I think its the last thing in your mind to actually doubt the vendor you are dealing with as you have so many other things you have to take care of. I really think that they should be reprimanded for all their issues.

Hey Bailey,

Its funny that you are the only one person that has ever had a good review about this company. I feel sorry for your friends to have a friend like you who would recommend them to these people. You might as well have told your friends to go to Hell! You are quite funny. On the grander scale of things your little positive comment scales to nothing compared to all the confirmed issues that a whole bunch of other brides/couples have experienced for their wedding day.

They have been nothing but a nightmare for us also! They gave us nothing that we actually ordered. They are way too over-priced. BRIDES BEWARE OF THIS HORRIBLE PLACE. They have ripped us off for EVERYTHING ... and worst of all ... when we took back the mirrors for our centrepieces because they were the complete wrong thing AND THEY GAVE US THE DISPLAY, they refused to refund us our money for the one mirror or exchange it for the correct one. We had ordered and paid for 25 mirrors, they gave us 24 correct ones and then wanted us to buy the box of 6, when we refused to buy all 6 and demanded we get just the one, they gave us the store sample, which was the wrong style of mirror anyway! It's been a nightmare ... As I was arguing with Carl (the owner) to exchange the mirror or give us our money back, he told me he didn't give a [censored] and that he was going to call the police to have my ### thrown out of his store. Those words exactly. His other employees also made my mom count out the crystals for the centrepieces. WHO DOES THAT! Then, they only gave us enough crystals to fill 6 centrepieces, we had paid for enough to fill 25 vases.

Brides and Grooms, if you want your day to be any bit lovely, DO NOT book and purchase ANYTHING. NOT ONE THING, from this hell hole! I was fortunate enough to only have purchased the beads, mirrors and lights for the centrepieces. But I have heard other stories that are much worse! This company needs to be shut down, and after the way Carl spoke to me, I will make it my mission to have the place closed down! The couples are under enough stress planning the wedding, they do not need this company to ruin they're special day!

There is a place around the corner, and it's their wholesaler that Global is purchasing their product from. They are marking everything up MORE THAN 100% ... It's one thing to make a profit, It's another thing to ROB and RIP people off.

All I can say is save yourselves the nightmare. Though it was just a few items, My family and I regret ever stepping foot into that store. I will be back there to get the correct mirror. But I have been doing a lot of research on the nightmares this company has caused, and plan on going to City TV regarding this company. Brides, this is your's and your groom's day, and these people DO NOT CARE ABOUT THAT, they care about your money. They do not care whether their customer service and the products are reliable.

I can't believe I'm reading this now. How I wish I had come across these posts two years ago when my fiance and I went there and left a $1000 deposit. Carl was in such a rush for me to sign a contract and once I did he couldn't have gotten me out of there any quicker. Within half an hour of leaving a deposit I returned to get my deposit back only to have him yell and swear at me. I can't believer how rude, disrespectful, dishonest and completely unprofessional these people are. Dealing with Carl and Filomena has been the most absolute nightmare. They ended up taking our $1000 deposit and doing absoulutely NOTHING for our wedding. How are these people still in business?! Something must be done. I want to sue them but after reading the above posts that they've been sued many times and have never paid up, what's the point?

I got three words.. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT! If there is any lawyers or know of good lawyers who can arrange this all us VICTIMS SHOULD STICK TOGETHER and get what we deserve as we can never get back what they stole from us on our special day which is PEACE OF MIND and NO STRESS!

Hey guys, WOW i cant believe they have sooo many BAD reviews. i WISh i seen this earlier. My wedding is next year and i'm already in $2500.00 what should i do? i dont wanna lose the money, but i dont want a NIGHTMARE wedding. does anyone have pictures of the decorations that could send to me? the only things i booked with him is decor, backdrop, cake table, sashes for chairs, tent, chairs, ceiling swags, mandap, bridal bouquet. thats about it. i am not booking photo/video/limo/center pieces/boutineres. but again if someone could send me some pics of there work would really be helpful. Thanks my email is fareezar@ateamtransport.com

If someone wants an extremely stressful wedding then they should consider Global Wedding. All they can do is not answer calls and leave you till the last minute for everything. The owner doesnt even remeber anything. I dont understand how they are still in business.. They keep adding costs without asking. Please dont ever think about going to them.

We used this company for our wedding to decorate the halls. they are very nice to you on your first visit, but after signing the contract and giving your first deposit, the service just deteriorates from there. Karl is unprofessional and have no manners, he plays dumb when you have an issue and is always about the $$$...They make it their mandate to ensure that you do not get what you pay for. We paid over $3500 for our hall decorations only to get a phone call the day before telling us that we are not getting the items which we had paid in full. We had a feeling that it would be a nightmare to deal with them when we had tried to arrange a meeting after paying our initial deposit only to have them cancel and rush us out each time. However we didn't want to lose our deposit so we risked goin with them anyways. This was the biggest mistake we have decided. I spent the day before my wedding crying and stressed out, meanwhile Karl had the audacity to laugh at me and say dont worry its not a big deal I will get you something else. They ended up decorating the hall with different colours than what we had asked for. They also did not decorate the backdrop which made our hall look really shi*ty. We felt so helpless and can do nothing but cry. My husband and I have worked so hard to have our beautiful wedding day only to have these lying criminals ruin it. We will never get this day back again. Suing them or arguing with them is just a waste of time. Karl Usmani is not a sensible man and he can careless about your actual wedding. He is only in it for the money. He is a straight up criminal and he is in the right industry because brides are the easiest to take advantage of because this is the most sensitive time of their lives.

The Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Protection Branch has several files open against them but they are still in business. It makes you wonder how great of a job our government is doing in protecting their consumers. I hope some day they will meet their match...

Its unfortunate that we've all experienced this as brides. Its stressful enough planning this huge event in our lives.

Please be advised that I am bringing a law suit against Carl.

His staff was very friendly. Had I dealt with him, I would have never thought twice about purchasing something through him. I made a down payment on my dress. the moment the dress came into his shop my mother in law received threatening phone calls advising we had x amount of days to pick the dress up and pay in full otherwise, he would not be responsible if the dress were misplaced or damaged !

PAYMENT PLANS ARE NOT AN OPTION. Its a false advertisement.

I took me 6-7 weeks to find time to get into his shop and pick up the dress. When i tried it on... the dress had loose beads (which he said was the style) it had loose thread all over ( which he said I should have known about before selecting that dress) and the lace was not cut properly around the beading (which he says thats the norm). I understand that this may have been a manufacturer's defect, and he told me to call the manufacturer if i had a problem- but that it was not his problem and he only cares about being paid.

You can see where the argument begins.

After trying to be civil with him (because he called me at my office) he started to call me names, put me down, and said if I thought I was going to get the dress Im kidding myself. Hed be returning it, with no requests, and would not return my deposit.

Im going there this morning to bark at him and try and get my deposit back. Not because of the dress defects, because I dont want his business anymore, and hes failed to provide his service as promised.

Please email me at anishnabe_ojicree@hotmail.com (SUBJECT LINE: Global Weddings) if you would like to make a "Global" claim against Carl .

I have contacted the BBB of Canada and US. I have logged a complaint with CITY TV and with the designer SOPHIA TOLLI.

Im suing for $5000 in personal damage. You should too. Dont let him get away with it.

Marie Cousins

p.s. Im a civil litigation law clerk - I deal directly wiht these kind of claims. The amount I lost ($300) is enough to have me bring him in front of a judge.

This company is a bunch of BS! I went there 2 weeks ago to see if I can get all my ceremony decoration and flower arrangements with them and the guy tried to RIP me off like crazy. He litterally tried to charge me $2 500 for nothing. I really got upset with him because a friend had refered me there and he charged her the same price when she got more things then me. He wwas very dishonest and tried to lie that my my friends bill was more then mines..brides please stay away from this store because it is a scam.
My friend is not trying to get her deposit back and the guy wont even talk to her. He pretends that he is someone else on the phone..VERYY BAD SERVICE AND A BUNCH OF NASTY SCAMS!1

Hello,

I see I am just another name in the the Global Wedding complaint line.

• Rosita Osmond’s comment (40 days ago) mentioned that the government workers for consumer protection do not seem to be doing their job. I will be filing a complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/, ” The Ombudsman investigates complaints about services provided by the government of Ontario and its organizations.” The more voices the better the impact.
• Legally, I am looking to see what the best venue is in regards to taking him to court and actually making it worth our time. He’s obviously escaped enough times; I want to ensure that our efforts are not futile any help is appreciated.
• I have contacted all the brides to date who have posted on this page, eventually I would like to represent the complaints to the courts, the media wedding websites/magazines/newspapers and the ombudsman on behalf of a group of people. Please respond to the emails and I will CC you in when contacting my targets.
• I have $1500 in Karl and Filamina’s hands and don’t plan on giving them a penny of my money without making them work for it.
• Please email me at Christy_Luu@hotmail.com to become part of my “Project” Subject Line: Global Wedding Nightmare
Regards,

Christy Luu
Christy_Luu@hotmail.com

Global Wedding Nightmare References:

Cancelling a Contract
http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_168951.html

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, you have the right to cancel an agreement and have your money returned to you if:
• The contract is subject to a cooling off period. You have the *****absolute***** right to cancel (for any reason) within 10 days of receiving a written copy of the agreement.
• The vendor has made a false, misleading or deceptive representation about the goods or services you agreed to buy or lease.
• The information about the goods or services, or your rights as a consumer required by the Consumer

Protection Act, 2002, are not provided to you in the agreement.
Send one of the following three cancellations, or rescission, letters to a business if you have changed your mind about a product or service you have purchased.

Sample of a Cancellation Letter To Be Used Within 10 Days of Entering an Agreement
Sample of a Cancellation Letter Resulting From Unfair Business Practice(s)
Sample of a Cancellation Letter Resulting From Non-Disclosure

BRIDES IF YOU HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD AND HAVE NOT GOT A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION CONTACT ONTARIO OMBUDSMAN THEY ARE THE REGULATORS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES WICH INCLUDE THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD. http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/make-a-complaint.aspx

Your Rights
http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_167849.html

Here is a list of your basic rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002. For more detailed and specific information on any one of them, visit the Information By Category section on the left side of this website.
You are entitled to a cooling off period.

Let’s say you make a purchase or sign a contract in your home and then change your mind. If the deal is worth more than $50, you have the right to cancel within 10 days. It’s best to cancel by registered mail or fax to get your money back.

Remedies must be timely.
When you take advantage of your 10-day cooling off period and notify the company (preferably in writing) that you have changed your mind, the company has 15 days to return your money. The business has the right to take back the goods provided under the agreement by either picking them up or paying for the cost of sending them back.
If you are sent goods you didn’t ask for, you don’t have to accept or pay for them.
In fact, you may use them or throw them out. You’re not responsible for an unsolicited credit card either – unless you buy something with it.

Pre-paid goods or services over $50 must have a written contract.
When some part of the contract occurs in the future (e.g. a gym membership), written contracts are required for goods or services worth more than $50. The contract must contain complete details of the transaction and full disclosure of any credit terms. :0)

Contracts must be clear and comprehensible.
Vague language is discouraged in contracts. All required information must be clear, prominent and easy to understand. If there is a dispute over unclear language, it must be interpreted in favour of the consumer by law. :0)

Credit terms must be fully disclosed.
Anyone providing goods or services on credit must give the consumer a written statement showing all financing charges and the annual percentage rate of the credit transaction. It must also explain how any extra charges would be calculated if you failed to make the payments.

Misrepresentation is illegal.
All charges in a contract must be what they say they are. For example, a business may not add a $20 surcharge for a “tax” that is not really for tax. Make sure you understand what each charge is for and that it’s valid. A VENDOR CANNOT CHARGE YOU GST WITHOUT LISTING THIER GST NUMBER ON THE INVOICE, BRIDES CHECK YOUR INVOICES! IT WAS MISSING ON MINE!

Sales incentives may not be false, misleading or deceptive.
A salesperson can offer you an incentive to help find other buyers, but the description of the incentive cannot be false, misleading or deceptive.

Consumer agreements must disclose all details.
If a company isn’t delivering on its contract with you, or if you encounter an aspect of the deal the company was required to disclose by law but didn’t, you have the right to cancel within one year. ******* :O)

Your goods cannot be repossessed if you have paid 2/3 or more.
A seller can’t take back goods you’ve bought but not paid for fully, as long as you have paid two-thirds or more of the cost, except by court order. But remember, if you miss a payment, the seller can take you to court to get full payment, which could hurt your credit rating.

Deliveries must be made on time.
If a delivery doesn’t arrive within 30 days of the promised date, you can cancel the contract by sending a cancellation letter. But you lose the right to cancel the agreement if you accept delivery after the 30 days.
Anyone who violates the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 will have to pay.
Individuals violating certain sections of the act are liable to a fine of up to $50, 000 or imprisonment of up to two years less one day. A corporation can be fined up to $250, 000.

BRIDES IF YOU HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD AND HAVE NOT GOT A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION CONTACT ONTARIO OMBUDSMAN THEY ARE THE REGULATORS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES WICH INCLUDE THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD. http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/make-a-complaint.aspx

PART IV
SPECIFIC CONSUMER AGREEMENTS — PART IV OF THE ACT
HTTP://WWW.E-LAWS.GOV.ON.CA/HTML/REGS/ENGLISH/ELAWS_REGS_050017_E.HTM#BK25

FUTURE PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS
Definitions
23. In the Act and this Part,
“gift card” means a voucher in any form, including an electronic credit or written certificate, that is issued by a supplier under a gift card agreement and that the holder is entitled to apply towards purchasing goods or services covered by the voucher; (“carte cadeau”)

“gift card agreement” means a future performance agreement under which the supplier issues a gift card to the consumer and in respect of which the consumer makes payment in full when entering into the agreement; (“convention de carte cadeau”)

“open loop gift card agreement” means a gift card agreement that entitles the holder of a gift card to apply it towards purchasing goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers. (“convention de carte-cadeau universelle”) O. Reg. 187/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 202/08, s. 1.

Prescribed amount

23.1 The prescribed amount for the purpose of subsection 21 (1) of the Act is $50 if the future performance agreement mentioned in that subsection is not a gift card agreement to which sections 25.2 to 25.5 apply. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 1.
Requirements for future performance agreements

24. For the purpose of section 22 of the Act, a future performance agreement that is not a gift card agreement to which sections 25.2 to 25.5 apply shall set out the following information:
1. The name of the consumer.
2. The name of the supplier and, if different, the name under which the supplier carries on business.
3. The telephone number of the supplier, the address of the premises from which the supplier conducts business, and information respecting other ways, if any, in which the supplier can be contacted by the consumer, such as the fax number and e-mail address of the supplier.
4. A fair and accurate description of the goods and services to be supplied to the consumer, including the technical requirements, if any, related to the use of the goods or services.
5. An itemized list of the prices at which the goods and services are to be supplied to the consumer, including taxes and shipping charges.
6. A description of each additional charge that applies or may apply, such as customs duties or brokerage fees, and the amount of the charge if the supplier can reasonably determine it.
7. The total amount that the supplier knows is payable by the consumer under the agreement, including amounts that are required to be disclosed under paragraph 6, or, if the goods and services are to be supplied during an indefinite period, the amount and frequency of periodic payments.
8. The terms and methods of payment.
9. As applicable, the date or dates on which delivery, commencement of performance, ongoing performance and completion of performance are to occur.
10. For goods and services that are to be delivered,
i. the place to which they are to be delivered, and
ii. if the supplier holds out a specific manner of delivery and will charge the consumer for delivery, the manner in which the goods and services are to be delivered, including the name of the carrier, if any, and including the method of transportation to be used.
11. For services that are to be performed, the place where they are to be performed, the person for whom they are to be performed, the supplier’s method of performing them and, if the supplier holds out that a specific person other than the supplier will perform any of the services on the supplier’s behalf, the name of that person.
12. The rights, if any, that the supplier agrees the consumer will have in addition to the rights under the Act and the obligations, if any, by which the supplier agrees to be bound in addition to the obligations under the Act, in relation to cancellations, returns, exchanges and refunds.
13. If the agreement includes a trade-in arrangement, a description of the trade-in arrangement and the amount of the trade-in allowance.
14. The currency in which amounts are expressed, if it is not Canadian currency.
15. Any other restrictions, limitations and conditions that are imposed by the supplier.
16. The date on which the agreement is entered into. O. Reg. 17/05, s. 24; O. Reg. 187/07, s. 2.
Express opportunity to accept or decline agreement
25. In the case of a future performance agreement to which sections 22 to 26 of the Act apply, the supplier shall provide the consumer with an express opportunity to accept or decline the agreement and to correct errors immediately before entering into it. O. Reg. 17/05, s. 25.

GIFT CARD AGREEMENTS
Application of sections

25.1 Sections 25.2 to 25.5 apply to every gift card agreement entered into on or after the day this section comes into force and to every gift card issued under that agreement, but do not apply to,
(a) a gift card that a supplier issues for a charitable purpose; or
(b) a gift card that covers only one specific good or service; or
(c) the gift card agreement under which a gift card described in clause (a) or (b) is issued. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.
Exemption
25.2 A gift card agreement is exempt from subsection 21 (1), section 26 and subsection 96 (2) of the Act. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.
No expiry dates
25.3 (1) No supplier shall enter into a gift card agreement that has an expiry date on the future performance of the agreement. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.
(2) A gift card agreement with an expiry date on its future performance shall be effective as if it had no expiry date if the agreement is otherwise valid. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.
Limit on fees
25.4 (1) No supplier under a gift card agreement that is not an open loop gift card agreement shall,
(a) issue a gift card for less than the value of the payment made by the consumer for entering into the agreement or hold out that the supplier can provide such a gift card; or
(b) charge a fee to the holder of a gift card for anything in relation to the card, other than a fee for replacing a lost or stolen gift card or a fee to customize a gift card. O. Reg. 202/08, s. 2 (2).
(2) No supplier under an open loop gift card agreement shall,
(a) issue a gift card for less than the value of the payment made by the consumer for entering into the agreement less $1.50 or hold out that the supplier can provide such a gift card; or
(b) charge a fee to the holder of a gift card for anything in relation to the card, other than a fee for replacing a lost or stolen gift card, a fee to customize a gift card or a dormancy fee in accordance with subsection (2.1). O. Reg. 202/08, s. 2 (2).
(2.1) The supplier under an open loop gift card agreement may charge a dormancy fee to the holder of the gift card if,
(a) the fee is charged no earlier than,
(i) 15 months after the end of the month that the consumer entered into the agreement, if the holder does not request the supplier for an extension in that 15th month, or
(ii) 18 months after the end of the month that the consumer entered into the agreement, if the holder requests the supplier for an extension in the 15th month after the end of the month that the consumer entered into the agreement;
(b) the fee does not exceed $2.50 per month;
(c) the card has a notice on the front of the card in 10 point font indicating that there is fee information on the back of the card;
(d) the card has a notice on the back of the card setting out, clearly and prominently, the information mentioned in clauses (a) and (b); and
(e) the supplier discloses the information mentioned in clauses (a) and (b) to the consumer at the time that the consumer enters into the agreement. O. Reg. 202/08, s. 2 (2).
(3) If a supplier or a seller has charged a fee or an amount in contravention of subsection (2), the consumer or the holder of a gift card who paid the fee or the amount may demand a refund by giving notice to the supplier in accordance with section 92 of the Act within one year after making the payment. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.
(4) A supplier who receives a notice demanding a refund under subsection (3) shall provide the refund within 15 days of receiving the notice. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.
Requirements for agreements
25.5 For the purpose of section 22 of the Act, a future performance agreement that is a gift card agreement shall set out the following information:
1. The fees that the supplier may charge under clause 25.4 (2) (b).
2. All restrictions, limitations and conditions that the supplier imposes on the use of the gift card. O. Reg. 187/07, s. 3.

Charges and Convictions
http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_175293.html

The Consumer Protection Branch investigates unfair business practices and often brings charges against suspect businesses throughout the province.

Click here for more information about the investigation process and unfair business practices prohibited in Ontario.
Here are some recent noteworthy charges and convictions:

Cambridge International College of Canada Charged
Cambridge International College of Canada and two directors are charged with allegedly engaging in an unfair practice regarding tuition refuns. More...

Brampton Builder Jailed for Unfair Business Practices
A Brampton builder will spend 20 days in jail for engaging in unfair business practices under Ontario’s consumer protection laws. More…

Home Renovator Targeting Seniors Charged Under the Consumer Protection Act
Following an investigation by the province’s Consumer Protection Branch and Ottawa Police, three related home renovation companies have been charged with contract violations and unfair business practices under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.
More...

Vacation Timeshare Operation Charged Under Consumer Protection Act
A vacation company based in Brampton has been charged with multiple violations of timeshare and unfair business practices agreements under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.
More…

Home Renovator Convicted Under Consumer Protection Act
A home renovator was sentenced recently to 35 days in jail after being convicted on three charges under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.
More…

Unfair Practices and Failure to Deliver in Landscaping Work and Pool Installations
The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services laid eight charges under the Consumer Protection Act against Domenic Cirillo and Awesome Bloom Landscaping (1614682 Ontario Inc.) as a result of complaints from two consumers in the Thornhill area.
More…

Home Renovator Convicted Under Consumer Protection Act
The Ministry of Government Services laid three charges under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, against Jason David Hicks carrying on business in Trenton as Sunrooms Plus.
More…

Note From Bridezilla***

Thats all for now. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help.

Christy_Luu@hotmail.com

I recently signed a contract with Global Wedding. I didn't put such a big deposit but i still would like to get it back. I dealt with Karl and Adrianna. Karl told me if i referred two of my girlfriends, he would give each of us $200 off our package - so i did. He also told us that we would get a free round trip to Mexio - and we will get it 2 weeks after booking (WHICH WE NEVER DID). Anyway, when it was time for my girlfriends to go, he tried to rip them off and he lied to them about everything - Karl also tried to force one of my girlfriends to put a deposit down - they locked the door and didn't let her out. He was really forcing her to put a deposit down.

I have tried calling him a few times and he has not returned my calls or when i called him he pretends that he's not there (when he is CLEARLY the one speaking on the phone - Karl has such a strong accent that everyone can recognize his voice). Karl is such a LIAR AND he is so FULL OF ###!

All brides - BEWARE OF GLOBAL WEDDING & EVENTS. They will take your deposit - you will never hear from them again and you never get the services you are looking for for your wedding!

I am with anyone who wants to bring this company down!

I just got back from global wedding yesterday with my family and since I am writing here it did not go well! When I got home my sister "googled" global Wedding and the responses I saw confirmed how I felt. I would like to thank all of you for posting you have helped me greatly I've already left a deposit but I am going to cancel before I lose anymore money. I was suckered in to sign the contract under the assumption that these were nice honest people. Last Night when I heard another couple arguing I decided to ask Karl to go over my contract, that's when all the lies came out when I asked about past promises he called me and my family leeches and said that we were just trying to suck everything out of hime (even though we were just asking about past promises). We were so hurt by the way he spoke to us. He then had the nerve to ask (vey nicely) for an additional deposit before we left! I do agree that something needs to be done so more people do not fall into this trap.

Wow. I was just at Global Weddings two days ago, looking for my bridal gown. This is the experience I had for something as simple as a bride looking for a nice dress...

I entered the store excited to see some interesting gowns (judging from the window display). No one approached me.
After a few minutes a lady approached and asked who the bride was (I was with my mom, sister and bridesmaid). I started explaining to her what I was looking for and asked for some help. Her reply was "Take a look around and tell me when you see something." Then she disappeared. The display was pretty confusing. Just a jumble of mixed up dresses on racks. Plus nothing was my size! (I'm a 6 and most dresses there were 10+). I wasn't liking what I saw or how I felt there and was about to leave when my mom insisted I try on a couple she had found.When we started to take down dresses, the lady reappeared and even took a dress off a mannequin because there was none of that style on the rack. Pretty nice of her.
She brought me into the dressing room, which was pretty comfortable. Even laid out the dresses so all I had to do was step into them. Service was improving now that I was an interested buyer.
We noticed a poster and really like the mermaid style dress on the model in the picture, but they had none in stock. So she brings me this tight, mermaid dress with a VERY fluffy crazy tulle bottom. I looked like a tube of toothpaste stuck in a cotton ball. I started to say that this wasn't working, but she insisted I "imagine" myself in the dress in the picture. That the fitting of the one I was wearing was similar (they looked NOTHING the same). She suggested that if I like it they can order it. As if I was going to do that by "imagining" myself while wearing a terrible dress. I just assumed she wasn't so good at this, so I let it pass and tried on the next gown my mom had picked.
This one was gorgeous! Even though it was a size 12 (!) she pinned the back and I still really liked it. It was a Demetrios gown (I'm just learning about designer's so I had no familiarity with names.. they just told me this was a very good dress). She even showed me a catalogue picture of the dress so I could see how it was supposed to fit. Everyone thought it looked great. The lady kept saying it looked "beautiful." (I heard her saying the same about every dress the lady in the room next to me was trying on).
Then we asked for the price (none was on the tag) and things got weird. We asked for the price at least 5 times. The lady kept disappearing, as well as the manager/owner (I guess it was this Karl guy). They offered me to walk in the dress and sit at one of their "decorated tables that I can rent from them", I think we waited like 20 minutes. My sister saw the man flipping through a big catalogue at his desk across the store. Waiting longer, still in the dress, we got very impatient. At this point my dad came into the store to take a look. He is not a man you can mess with. He wanted to know the price.
FINALLY the lady came back informing us that this dress was $1450 but today ONLY they would sell it for $1099. This turned into a confrontation from my father. He's not stupid and could very plainly see there was no "sale" sign in the store or on the dress. There wasn't even a price tag on the dress so they could have been making it all up for all we knew! Obviously they just wanted to make a quick sale. I couldn't even get an estimated alterations cost out of them!
End result, we left the store with a promise that if we came back, the "sale" price would be the same. I felt so uncomfortable, there was no way I'd go back!

After going home, I looked up Demetrios web site. I found the dress, but not the store in their list of retailers in Canada. I'm waiting to hear back from Demetrios regarding if this is a "real" dress from them directly or a knock-off. If it is a knock-off I will reply to this post with that information. Regardless, I wouldn't go back here. There is NO WAY I could trust them to order and alter correctly. Especially after reading so many comments and bad experiences on this post, all I can say is THANK YOU for confirming my feelings toward this place. I just knew there was something not right about their service. Although I have to admit, had it not been for my parents (especially my firm father!) I may have ignored the warning signs I felt.

If you are a nonchalant bride who just wants everything done with and doesn't care too much about specifics of details, then this place can take care of you. However, read the posts by other brides and let that warn you of the risk you may be taking.

So it turns out that Global Weddings is selling a legitimate dress from Demetrios. The price they told me was just slightly above the average price the distributor informed me the dress should go for (between $1300 and $1400)and I guess the "sale" price they offered me was a decent deal. Nonetheless, I would not purchase a dress through Global no matter how "good" the price. If I could walk out with the dress, I would probably have taken it and not have to worry about seeing them again. Since that was not the case, I just can't trust them to order correctly and handle business professionally and effectively. My reasons being the following:

- They took 20 minutes to find and inform me of the price. Prices should ALWAYS be listed on the tag. Finding out pricing should not take so long.
- They could not share any alteration costs. They answered all questions with "Don't worry. We can do it. It will be OK" or "It will cost MAYBE $__"
- When returning with the price, the information came with a pen and an order form. They wanted an order on the spot and pushed persistently
- They avoided questions about "details" and "specifics." Just said they "can do it"
- Even my parents could tell they were not being professional. All they wanted was the money down.

Seriously, to a lot of the brides who have posted on this complaint blog and those reading it, spending the extra time searching for exactly who you want and like for each thing is totally worth it. The right photographer, florist, decorator, etc is out there. Go by word of mouth and not these "one-stop-shop" places. If anything, spend the time hiring one good wedding planner and pay them to do everything for you. At least they will run things by you and show you details etc before booking things. In the meantime, you have done a great job so far taking action and warning new brides. Too bad not every one listens.

All the best in taking this business down!

POSTS PAST DEC 31ST 2008

Hello,

I am noticing my complaints from the ComplaintsBoard.com being posted on other sites that I did not post on.
http://www.merareview.com/allcomplaints/1962

Whoever this poster is and for whatever reasons this person has posted my information with my name I am not aware.

What I believe this person’s intention is (whoever they are)trying to incriminate me for conflict of interest. They are trying to make it “look like” I am continuing to post complaints while having a business relationship with the establishment.

I have decided unwillingly to continue to do business with Global Wedding & Events Co. As of Dec 31st and have not posted anything since. Any posts after this date are not mine.

The only reason I have chosen to continue doing business with this company is because they refuse to give me back my $1500.00 deposit without going to court. I am also unwilling to give my money away by force. I have spoken to the Ministry of Consumer Protection and they have pointed out that I am able to cancel my contract based on the Consumer Laws of future performance, please see below.

I Christy Luu do not authorize any post past December 31st 2008. I request to have any of my posts after this date removed. Whoever this person is, they has stooped far below ethical standards.

Thank-you,

Christy Luu

Note that Ministry of Consumer Protection’s First step is mediation. With enough complaints businesses can be investigated as well as have their business license pulled.

> Subject: Global Weddings & Events Co Inc. - File No. 373365
> Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:26:18 -0500
> From: Jacqueline.Meyer@ontario.ca
> To: christy_luu@hotmail.com
>
> Dear Ms. Luu,
>
> Further to our telephone conversation yesterday, I would suggest that
> you send a letter to the company, via registered mail, explaining your
> concerns, the resolution you are seeking and a request for a response
> with in 5 to 10 business days. For your convenience, I am hereby
> sending you a link to two sample letters of cancellation from our
> website:
>
> http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/graphics/stel02_185403.doc
>
> http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/graphics/stel02_185401.doc
>
> Also, the sections of the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, that I was
> mentioning during our conversation yesterday could be found at the
> following internet links:
>
> http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_02c30_e
> .htm
>
> http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_02c30_e
> .htm#BK26
>
> http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_050017_e.htm#BK
> 29
>
> Should the company fail to reply to your letter, you have the right to
> file a complaint with our offices, the Consumer Services Bureau. Our
> bureau attempts to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses by
> way of mediation. These mediation services exist primarily to provide
> consumers an opportunity to try to resolve their disputes with a
> business before either party decides to initiate legal action.
>
> Accordingly and in order to properly deal with your concerns, I would
> suggest that you complete and submit to our offices the complaint form
> from our website at www.gov.on.ca/MGS/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045922.html
> Also, mail to us copies of any of the following documents that you may
> have:
>
> 1. Your purchase/contract agreement.
> 2. Any correspondence between the company and you.
> 3. Any receipts or financial transaction records.
> 4. A contract disclaimer provided by the company.
> 5. Copy of the mentioned letter sent to the company.
> 6. Copy of the registered mail receipt for the letter you sent to the
> company.
> 7. Etc.
>
> Once your file is assign to an officer, we would forward your complaint
> and its supporting documentation to the company, along with a letter
> from our offices, requesting a response. Upon receipt of a response, we
> will notify you in writing.
>
> Please note the Consumer Services Bureau cannot force a company to
> resolve your complaint or give you compensation. Therefore, if a
> settlement cannot be reached, you may consider discussing the issues
> with legal counsel or your local Small Claims Court office.
>
> If the company does not reply or resolves your complaint and you wish
> that our bureau provides you with mediation services, please send the
> above-mentioned documents by e-mail at consumer@ontario.ca
> , by facsimile at [protected] or by
> regular mail to Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services,
> Consumer Protection Branch, 5775 Yonge Street, Suite 1500, Toronto,
> Ontario M7A 2E5.
>
> Please note that if we do not receive the above-requested documentation,
> we would assume this matter has been resolved.
>
> For information about our ministry's legislation, which includes your
> rights and responsibilities as a consumer in the marketplace, please
> visit our website at
> http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045905.html
>
> We hope that you find the above information useful and thank you for
> bringing your concerns to our attention. Should you have any questions
> or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our offices directly at
> [protected] or [protected].
>
> Yours truly,
>
>
>
> Jacqueline Meyer
> Consumer Services Officer and
> Acting Coordinator Inquiry and Information Services
> Consumer Services Bureau
> Consumer Protection Branch
> Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services
> 5775 Yonge Street, 15th Floor
> Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E5
> Tel: [protected]
> Toll Free:[protected]
> www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection

________________________________________
Subject: RE: Global Weddings & Events Co Inc. - File No. 373365
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:18:37 -0500
From: Jacqueline.Meyer@ontario.ca
To: christy_luu@hotmail.com
Dear Ms. Luu,

Companies and Personal Properties Security Branch at the Ministry of Government Services is the branch of the Government of Ontario that registers and licenses businesses in Ontario. They could be reached at [protected] or at [protected].

Regarding your question about obtaining information about our records as permitted under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1999; I would suggest that you contact the Freedom of Information and Privacy office for our Ministry at [protected]. Staff at that office will advise you of the process and how to put your request forward.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.

Yours truly,

Jacqueline Meyer

Hello,

Sorry, the legal links provided above to the Ministry of Consumer Service web pages did not work properly, as per requests the following information will be more useful.

THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER PROTECTION CAN MAKE IT COST TO DO BAD BUSINESS!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: RE: Global Weddings & Events Co Inc. - File No. 373365
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:07:42 -0500
From: Jacqueline.Meyer@ontario.ca
To: christy_luu@hotmail.com

As per your request, please refer as follows:

Part III – Unfair practices sections 14 to 18

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_02c30_e.htm#BK6

Part IV – Future Performance Agreement Sections 21 to 26

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_02c30_e.htm#BK26

Regulations for prescribed requirements for Future Performance Agreements are under Part IV, Section 24 of the Regulation 17/05

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_050017_e.htm#BK29

Yours truly,

Jacqueline Meyer

Consumer Services Officer and

Acting Coordinator Inquiry and Information Services

Consumer Services Bureau

Consumer Protection Branch

Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services

5775 Yonge Street, 15th Floor

Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E5

Tel: [protected]

Toll Free:[protected]

www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection

THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER PROTECTION CAN MAKE IT COSTS TO DO BAD BUSINESS!

National Bridal And Events Corporation is an authorized dealer of Demetrios dresses
As you can see in the link below that National Bridal and Events Corporation is located at the same address as Global Wedding. This is reported on the better Business Beaureau as well.

Canadian Bridal & Events Corporation does business as (DBA) National Bridal & Special Events & Global Weddings & Events Co Inc
http://mwco.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=160&bbb=0107&firm=5614#complaint

All lawsuites should be served to: Khalid Usmani owner and all three corporations. If you do not have the correct name of the person you are filing a law suite against, the legal documents are just useless pieces of paper and he doesn't even have to show up in court.

I believe that they split the business into different segments, wholesale/retail, services. National Bridal And Events Corporation is the wholesale arm purchasing dresses, flowers, linens, supplies. Global Wedding & Events Co. is probably the service portion both operating in Mississuaga. Canadian Bridal & Events probably owns all the assets of both companies so if you were to sue the other two it would limit losses due to lawsuites. Canadian Bridal & Events is registerd to 475 Activa Ave, Kitchener, ON N2E 4C1
Canada hence where you have to serve the legal documents for that corporation or find Khalid Usmani.

Pay a third party server in the city you are to serve it to, it costs about $60

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&resnum=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=national+bridal+mississauga&fb=1&split=1&view=text&latlng=7003979918325237709

http://www.weddingsoflove.com/Links.html

Jess

No you are wrong, Canadian Bridal closed down within a day because they were running from something or someone, i am assuming the government. I am one of the many brides they left standing there with cardboard stuck to their windows with no explanation.
I lost out my whole wedding day, just to find out they started a new business under a different name in Mississauga. These people are scam artists. One company is not really linked to the other they are just starting over new as they get in trouble.

I just tried to pull a report but the site provided by Ministry of Consumer Services is for small businesses not corps. I am pretty sure he's a corp all around.

You can either request the Corporation Profile Report online $? (Instantly)
http://www.oncorp.com/home/services_business_name.asp
http://www.cyberbahngroup.com/CyberbahnCMS/

or do it via mail $12 (4-6 Weeks)
Just write a letter requesting that you would like a corporation Profile Report for XXXXXXXX
Mail it with a $12 check and make the check address to Minister Of Finance.

Government Services,
Attention: Company Branch,
393 University Ave Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario
M56 2M2

Or go to the above address and ask for the Corporation Profile Report $12 instantly

I plan on mailing a request for Global Wedding. If anyone else looks up the other two let me know.

Christy L.

First I want to say I am truly sorry to hear that so many people have had to go through such a hard time at such and important and exciting time in life. However, I have recently gone to Global for my wedding dress. My time there is very different from what you are explaining.

I got there and right away a very nice woman came and offered me help. I told her what I was looking for and right away she pulled out every dress that was even close to what I wanted. I went into the fitting room where this polite woman had layed a dress out and open so it was easy to get into. Before even trying it on I knew it was my "dream dress". After I had it on I asked how much. She told me right away that it was $1299. I simply COULD NOT afford this. She went and spoke with Carl who said he could drop it by $100. Still this was above my price range. I took off the dress and tried to be possitive. Carl then asked me what I could afford. I told him that it was no where near the price of the dress. So I got daring and asked what his bottom line was. At this point I was almost in tears, I love the dress so much but knew I would never be able to afford it. Long and the short of it is, he told me as long as he didn't lose money on it he would sell it to me. He took a quick look in a book and then told me he could let me have it for $800. The only stipulation on this was that I was to send him a nice picture of me in it because he said it looked so nice one me. I then asked if I had to pay it all then or would he let me pay a little at a time. He said I could put a little down then and then pay off as I could.

To make it even better, before leaving the store he came to me with a heavy but small box. He said "A gift for you". I got into my car and opened it. Inside was a cherry wood wine box with all the attachments.

After reading all these comments I am concerned but you have to think. They serve hundreds and hundreds of people, why are there only a dozen or so complaints? How do they continue to stay in business? If they were ripping off everyone who walks in there as you people suggest, they would no longer be in business.

Regardless, I will let you all know how things go for me on my next visit and how my dress turns out. For my sake I hope you are all wrong, and if you are I will make sure that it is loud and clear that your comments are simply that...your opinion. However, if you are right, add me to the list for a law suit, I will fight right next to you.

Good luck to everyone. And to all the newly engaged people on here, keep in mind these people who have posted probably make up about 0.00001 % of Globals business. The rest must be satisfied.

Kathleen T

Hello Katheleen,
A study has been done at Cambridge University, if a person likes to change his identity, his first preferred name has to start with same alphabet letter, like Khalid Usamni to Karl and Usmani and oddly enough you did the same thing here again Karl, from Karl /Khalid to Kathleen?

I am glad to hear some positive review about Mr. Carl Usmani and his Business the Global Wedding. It’s always great to find someone talking positive about their own business or unless hired to write something positive. I understand few brides here including me got ripped off big time by this scam artist. Here is a good question for you, if your real name is Khalid Usmani, you should not write Carl Usmani or Karl Usmani or Karl Maning now Kathleleen and the list will continue. The business has changed it name 3 times National bridal and special events and Canadian bridal and now the global wedding. What will be next the Universal Bride and ripping off aliens? You said they serve 100s and 100’s of brides and only few dozen have something negative to say... How many businesses actually change their name and start over again unless they have law suits against them or they have something to hide or they are nothing but scums who just like to rip young brides off on the most important day of their lives.

Do you really think all these brides here have nothing else to do but write stuff about global wedding and Karl Usamni and filomina Usmani for no reason?

Seems like Kathleen / Karl / Khlid Usmani, you have lots of free time to write this great article about your own business because no one would have this free time.

I wish you best of luck with your business even after you stole my 800 dollars and nothing but tears. Change your attitude and stop playing head games with brides, may be in future you will not have to open universal bride and so on...

Regards

Lisa

PS Katheleen / Karl / Khalid Usmani,
I am a computer software engineer. We have a problem here. The originating IP address from your computer which is provided to you is from Bell Canada is "69.159.255.255".
Do you see the problem? The IP Connected to Katheleen is the "69.159.255.255" ? what a coincidence?

Every 1 can check this here on checkdomain.com
here is the difference between Karl/ Khalid and Katheleens computer from checkdomain.com and any of karls sent emails in your inbox.
Bell Canada BELLNEXXIA-11 (NET-[protected])
69.159.255.255
Sympatico HSE SYMA032905-CA (NET-[protected])
69.159.255.255
That is very funny... Good job Karl you did a good job trying to come out clean but didnt realized there are some brides who know how to use computer and can track a person down via IP address.

Christy Luu you have mentioned in your message that some one has tried to use your message and coppied and pasted somewhere... It is very easy to track ... Get back to me and i will teach you how find out which DNS server it is coming out from, and see if that Originating IP matches to someone you think might have tried to use it against you. Getting the information from the complaints page is a bit different but contact me and I will walk you through it.

I will be more than happy to help you...

Lisa

OMG Lisa you are absolutely INSANE. You really need to seek help. I think that you have allowed whatever happened to you with Global to consume your life far too much. For you to actually think and truly believe that just because someone writes a possitive review it must be the owner of the company, shows you are pretty messed up.

At no point in time did I say everyone on here is lying, I simply said that these stories are only a few of thousands, but of course the good is not reported only the bad. I understand that they have changed their company name, and you may be right, it may be because of lawsuits, I don't know. What I do know is I went in there and had a very different experience with them. I was very pleased with their services and with how wonderfully they treated. But of course you are too jaded to realize that maybe someone who has had a good meeting with them would post on here, instead you assume that I am them. When in fact I am a 27 year old female getting married July 18th in Cape Breton N.S. I found my dream dress at that store. Its a really nicce Teffetta pick up dress, I fell in love with it but knew I couldn't afford it. They made it possible for me to have it.

As for this IP crap, I have no clue what you are talking about or what any of that means, but if you are actually able to find out where a person is by their IP address, you would clearly see that I am in Hamilton Ontario and actually posting from my work, it is a business. I work night shifts from 19:00-7:00, I am a dispatcher, it's very slow so I have a lot of down time, allowing me to look into things for my wedding. I stumbled on this site while looking for Globals phone number and decided to post on it.

Seriously, you need to seek help. You are truly messed up. But let me guess, now you will say that I am Carl and I am making up all thoughs details right? NUT BAR! It's really funny because I am pretty sure one other person posted something possitive about Global on here and they recieved a very similar response. You people need to get over yourselves.

Christy Luu, I would think twice about asking Lisa for any kind of help as she clearly is clueless.

To all the other brides who have dealt with Global with bad luck, I am sorry you had to go through that, but that is NOT everyones experience.

Kathleen,
Thank-you for the posting and I do appreciate your views. I will consider your advice.
I am so glad that you did had a positive experience as I would not wish anyone a bad experience especially relating to their wedding day.
I am currently working very hard from all angles to rectify what has happened to me. I am hoping as a result of my work and the negative publicity from many unhappy brides that Global Wedding does change how they have conducted business in the past. I believe that everyone has a right to make a living and to do business. I understand that customer satisfaction cannot be 100% all the time and there is always room for human error. I however, do not understand and will not tolerate intentional deception.
If Global Wedding & Events Co. Ltd. did a good job they definitely deserve the praise, I am glad to hear that you got the dress that you wanted and I am sure you look amazing in it.
In regards to them staying in business; they had been operating in Kitchener as Canadian Bridal but closed down and apparently disappeared in a day (REF: Sarah). They also operated as National Bridal & Events. I have spoken to the editor of a local wedding magazine who ran numerous brides’ complaints in the magazine. Karl tried to sue both the editor and the magazine. The case never went to court. I also spoke to Robert Zensner from Waterloo Regional Police‘s fraud department regarding his file. I have emails from employees of the company that detail very negative information about the company, some information I did not mention because I was not sure if it was true. As well, I have been forwarded copies of posts from brides whose posts were deleted from the complaintsboard. I have my own email correspondence, voicemail, voice recordings documenting contradictions to promises that are not currently fulfilled.
In addition to all this, his companies are rated F at the Better Business Bureau:
http://mwco.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=160&bbb=0107&firm=5614#ratingdetails
http://www.bbb.org/business-reviews/ratings/index.html (Rating is explained half way down the page)
“BBB assigns grades from A to F with pluses and minuses. A+ is the highest grade and F is the lowest. The grade represents BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns.”
Needless to say Karl’s companies were assigned an F rating from BBB.
Even if our complaints only compute to .00001% of his clients, how many weddings does he do per weekend? He told me he does about 8-10 weddings per weekend which results in 10x52x.00001/100=.000052 brides per year which is not true. Take a look at the frequency of the postings (not including mine) As I‘ve mentioned before, there have been pages of complaints that have been deleted. I guess the real question is how sure you want to be about the details of your wedding day? The answer to this is different with every bride.
You are right. These posts are just our opinion. We have come to this board because we have all had negative experiences with the business. We are here as a group, gathered for a common purpose. It is kind of you to stick up for the company like that. I am aware they cannot completely mess up on all weddings they have upset enough brides to cause a commotion with all the parties mentioned above. I fully agree with the posts on these pages as I’ve had the same’ experience with the dress, contracts, promises ect.. ..I couldn’t have described the experiences better myself.
Perhaps Kathleen thought that your claim that we only consist of 0.00001% of the brides was a bit unrealistic, unfair and unsupported. As well there was one thing that I did notice that was a bit strange, You said,
“They serve hundreds and hundreds of people, why are there only a dozen or so complaints? How do they continue to stay in business? If they were ripping off everyone who walks in there as you people suggest, they would no longer be in business. “
I am not accusing you of anything but I did find it peculiar that what your posted was almost word for word what Karl said when he tried to convince me that I didn’t have anything to worry about when I asked him to write down what he was verbally promising me.
Regardless of this entire BS you should not let you positive experience be ruined. Take the luck you’ve got and run with it. I am glad that you got your dress and don’t let anyone’s comments ruin it for you.

Congratulations on your engagement,

Christy Luu

Well thank you very much Christy. And again, I am so sorry you had to deal with the bad luck in regards to your wedding. No on should have to go through that. And then people wonder why we become "Bridezilla's" I don't doubt anyone on here that they had a bad experience and that sucks.

I am sorry if some of what I wrote is similar to what you were told by Carl, I assure you it is just coincidence. I really am just one more bride looking for the perfect wedding. I have decided after reading these complaints that I am going to limit my business with them as I had planned on having them do almost everything for my wedding. If my dress gets messed up I will have to find another but I can't handle the stress of having EVERYTHING get screwed up.

As I said, if my dress comes in and I don't have any problems I will be letting everyone know that, however if there are problems, I will be fighting my ### off to rectify it all.

Thank you for responding with respect rather than ranting off the way that Lisa chick did, that was totally uncalled for and she really made herself look like an ###. It really amuses me that IP address stuff because as I said, I am a night dispatcher, when I wrote that first post I was sitting at work bored out of my mind. Until I came on here I didn't even remember the names of the people at Global.

Anyway, I wish you all the best of luck, despite what has happened to you I hope you have the beautiful and fun wedding that every bride deserves.

Hi Kathleen,

If he is nice to you it either means he is hitting on you, he is known to do that, because he said the "dress looks beautiful on you" or what not, just i hope you get the dress of your dreams like he promised. Funny he didn't ask you to go to work for him that is what he does with most of the brides he is nice too. Just beware of his niceness..there is always a catch.

Well Michelle I certainly comsidered that. He had actually asked me to send him a picture of me from my wedding in my dress so he could put it up on his wall. I don't think he was hitting on me though, it certainly didn't seem as though he was. I really felt as though he was just being very nice and wanting to make a young brides day perfect.

After reading everything on here I do have some fear that I will end up not getting my dress or something will go wrong with it, which is why as I said I have decided not to have them do anything else for me.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and really hope you are all wrong.

Hi guys, I know you all want to take Karl down. I was also a victim by this company and he's arrogant enough to scream and threaten you with their pretend lawyers. I have heard from other victims before that he has been brought to court but he didnt even bother showing up. As much as I would like to get my financial losses back I feel like I would be wasting more of my time and money just to take him to court.

He was already featured on CONSUMER SOS on GLOBAL TV in 2007. I think we should all write to Sean to do a follow up to expose this man further. He really should be shut down.

http://www2.canada.com/globaltv/ontario/features/consumer_sos/story.html?id=72b0aa02-83f2-4638-b626-3b8792d5b2b8

That is the link for the story he was featured in. I wish everyone luck with their battles. One day I hope this company can be shut down for good.

Corporation Profile Report As of January 27th 2009

Canadian Bridal & Events Corporation
Ontario Corp Number:1427645
Business number: Same as the GST # that should be on your receipt, he would not provide me with it.
Incorporation Date 2007/07/13
Corporation Status: Active
Registered Address Khalid Usmani: 20 Rothsay Avenue
Vice-President: Filomena Angeles 75 Bond Street, Kitchener, Ontario Canada N2H 4S4
Secretary /Director/Treasurer: Khalid Usmani 75 Bond Street, Kitchener, Ontario Canada N2H 4S4
Last Document Recorded: Initial Return 2000/09/15

National Bridal & Special Events Corp.
Ontario Corp Number:2046829
Business number: Same as the GST # that should be on your receipt, he would not provide me with it.
Incorporation Date 2004/05/14
Corporation Status:Active
Registered Address: 475 Activa Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, N2E 4C1
President: Rosy Usmani (Daughter Resident of the US)
Director/Secretary/Treasurer: Fred Usmani, 525 Highland Road West, Kitchener
Last Document Recorded: Initial Return 2004/06/17

Global Wedding & Events Co. Ltd.
Ontario Corp Number:2046829
Business number: Same as the GST # that should be on your receipt, he would not provide me with it.
Incorporation Date 2006/10/23
Corporation Status:Active
Registered Address: 475 Activa Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, N2E 4C1
Director/Secretary/Treasurer: Khalid Usmani
Last Document Recorded: Articles of Incorporation 2006/10/23

All businesses are active. The money is in National Bridal & Special Events Corp. Controlled by the daughter and son.

Khalid & Filomena most likely report minimal income to limit loss of assets from lawsuits.
Class action lawsuits will not work if you are targeting the shell companies. We can’t target National Bridal because although they purchase the dresses they are the suppliers and not retailers of the product and not whom we deal with.

STATUS REPORT
So far, Khalid Usmani has threatened me saying, " I know where you are, I know where you live, I already have people comming after you", The rediculous thing is it is recorded with his consent and was provided to the police officer. Since Khalid didn't actually say he was going to KILL me the officer did not arrest him but did call to warn him and filed an occurance report. He also provided American Express with an altered contract when asked to send them our original contract yet American Express will not charge back the amount until after he does not provide me service on the wedding date. I suggest everyone use VISA. I heard from the victims in the GlobalTV article that VISA charged the amount back right away.

The police occurrence report # is 15180 just in case anyone runs into the same problems, which I heard some of you have.
Small Claims Legal Documents Served February 9th 2009
The Small Claims File# SC09852-00
Ministry of Consumer Protection: Still on 6 month waiting list/awaiting to be assigned an officer

Small claims court allows for the plaintiff to garnish the defendant’s pay check. I am not sure what is going to happen or how difficult this will be to garnish his checks if he is paying himself the bare minimum and stuffing anything in excess into National Bridal.

I am curious to follow this through to the end to see how our Canadian justice system handles merchants like Khalid. I will keep you guys posted.

Christy

P.S I am aware that Khalid likes to threaten to sue people, including myself (he’s really pissed off at me for my comments online)...anyways, my lawyers say that he can't do anything to you in regards to libel as long as you are just expressing your opinion. As well, I spoke to an officer about the matter of online libel. He said that they would have to prove that you were the person that actually posted the comment and it was not someone else that had gotten your password. He confirmed conviction was highly unlikely.

****sorry correction

Global Wedding & Events Co. Ltd.
Ontario Corp Number:2116847

You know what I find to be funny in (a non-laughing way)? The first day that I tried on a dress that I liked at this store and experienced their pushy persuasiveness on a limited sale that didn't exist as far as could be seen, on a dress that had no tagged price, etc etc., I knew they just wanted the sale. Since then (January) I have received a call at least once a month, offering me a "great deal" that I could still have from the first day I met with them. I have finally called (I was never home to receive the call and my family was getting annoyed) to ask them to stop since I already have a dress. They are definitely a persuasive business, and not in the good, encouraging kind of way. The problem with them, is they are one of those companies that are honest to what they are selling but not in how they do so. The bridal business is tough. Brides are very particular and can be hard to please. Businesses need to make money and especially with all the knock-offs and wholesale products available online, a lot of businesses are suffering and need to know that you will pay them for their business up front.

I'm not justifying their business or their means. With the economy now, these guys may just fade out if they don't bring in enough profit to stay in business. Who knows? Nonetheless, I've been to a few shops that many have praised and yet, there are always things you can find wrong.

I've learned to not be a sucker and use my head, not my emotions. I almost got suckered in to one of those stupid cruise line trip scams that snuck into a bridal show I went to! My friend was a victim and gave out her credit number. Serious, I think these businesses have found a new target group second to our innocent grandparents (always finding ways to take the money of the elders!). Brides are high on emotions and will gladly receive any " lucky break" that comes our way. We want to believe the good words from business like Global, but in the end it pays to know the business' history. Global has definitely made a history for themselves. Unfortunately for unsuspecting brides, it's a bad streak.

(Don't really know why I keep checking back on this board. I guess I'm just curious to see who else has had a bad enough experience to make the effort to voice it)

Hey Christy Luu, did you end up getting your money back? It appears you have gone through a lot to bring hell to Global Wedding, can you update us as to how it turned out for you? I was also victimized by them but I decided to not bother with these thieves as they are a complete waste of time and being stressed out about them was not very good for my health...Keep us posted...