Is it possible/ worth it to get a dress altered? How do I find out?

[OctonautsAgain]

I can't sew at all so feel like a complete imposter here! Some advice would be great though please.

I ordered a rather nice black dress (from Kaleidoscope of all places) for the princely sum of £14, but it's too big. It's the smallest size available so I cant exchange. If I scrunch the back in with my hand at waist level, it fits much better.

How would I find out if it's possible to take in? Would it cost more than the dress? If I find a local seamstress, do you try things on in front of them and they work out what to do?

Apologies if I sound useless. I am quite capable in (a few) other areas of life, promise

To take the dress in a good seamstress will pin it while you are wearing it. I cannot imagine it costing more than £10 but I am going off local prices.

Thanks regina, I'll have a look. (Love your name! Was it off Friends or am I making that up??)

Nope you are not making it up it is indeed from friends. it is the one when phoebe takes delivery of a sports car bed for Monica.