STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Elle · Hermes

Your online ordering strategy

Alegria · Kate Spade

I order, sometimes more than one size, usually from a place where I can do in-store returns, and I always look for coupon codes on-line so that I feel like I'm not really paying for shipping and handling if I can get some sort of discount. Also, if I can return at a BM store and there is a code for a discount if you spend a certain amount, I will make sure to spend that amount even if I don't plan on keeping all of it.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I use any and all services, resources, and opportunities I can get. I really like the return-at-store option. Of course, look for free shipping and returns if you can get it.

I use discount-granting/cashback sites when I can. If, for example, you go through one of the advertisements on the forum, here, and you get 10% off your purchase- -even if you have to pay for return shipping, you're kinda breaking even (or close to it). It depends on how much you spend, of course.

There are a few things that I will not order online unless I am very sure about their sizing or the particular item. Pants are my main thing. I go in-store for them.

Elle · Hermes

pollyjean23 wrote:

There are a few things that I will not order online unless I am very sure about their sizing or the particular item. Pants are my main thing. I go in-store for them.

But what about if there is no B&M store (Bluefly, VS, etc) either around you or at all? Or if there is a store but they don't stock the item/size you need (like my BR doesn't carry petite lengths in pants)?

I recently discovered that BR pants/jeans work pretty well for me (by fluke -I tried on a couple pairs of petite pants someone else had returned to the store!) so I ordered a couple pairs of cords online, in the sizes I normally take in their jeans. Both pair ended up being much too large

. At least I can return them to the store and I got free shipping on them, but I'd rather they fit!

Maybe I'm just getting too excited about my purchases? I guess I just need to reserve all judgement/excitement and expect that nothing I order is going to fit, and then if it actually does it will be a pleasant suprise?

jj · Kate Spade

I hate paying for shipping, so I usually hunt around for a code or wait for a free shipping email notice. I love places that charge a flat rate (like BR, Nordstrom) and HATE places that charge by price - why does it cost more to ship the same size blouse that is just more expensive??? J Crew, I am talking to you!!!

Overall, I never buy pants online unless it is to replace the exact same pair that I already own. I have just been disappointed too many times. For tops, I may buy multiple sizes then return the ones that don't work by the cheapest means possible.

I mostly order from places where I can make an in-store return. I can see why it is super-frustrating for you if you don't live close to many stores.

littlebean · Kate Spade

Except for pants, I buy almost all of my stuff online. I've had really good luck with sizing with almost everything except shoes -- perhaps this is because I try to buy from brands that I've already had some experience with. One thing that can help in terms of color, what something really looks like, etc. is that I usually buy from online-only stores (or places like shopbop), and their things usually are sold somewhere else on the internet so I can scour various websites to find alternative pictures. The downside is that there is rarely in-store returns, which is annoying. But (and this might be a problem with me) I have to really hate something once I've bought it to return it.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Elle wrote:

pollyjean23 wrote:

There are a few things that I will not order online unless I am very sure about their sizing or the particular item. Pants are my main thing. I go in-store for them.

But what about if there is no B&M store (Bluefly, VS, etc) either around you or at all? Or if there is a store but they don't stock the item/size you need (like my BR doesn't carry petite lengths in pants)?

I recently discovered that BR pants/jeans work pretty well for me (by fluke -I tried on a couple pairs of petite pants someone else had returned to the store!) so I ordered a couple pairs of cords online, in the sizes I normally take in their jeans. Both pair ended up being much too large . At least I can return them to the store and I got free shipping on them, but I'd rather they fit!

Maybe I'm just getting too excited about my purchases? I guess I just need to reserve all judgement/excitement and expect that nothing I order is going to fit, and then if it actually does it will be a pleasant suprise?

Usually, once you find a store, a fit, or a label that works for you, you should be better off. It def sounds like you've experienced some bad luck on top of it all.

Well, my pants wardrobe bites, so if that makes you feel any better!

I like your idea about clearing your expectations. I guess we just have to bite the proverbial bullet sometimes, eh?

BargainQueen · Marc Jacobs

Hey Elle, VS specifically usually has codes floating around for free shipping & returns regardless of what type of clothing it is. Everytime I have ordered I have used a free shipping & returns code. Other online places I stick to stores that I can return at a B&M or that also offer free returns. Very rarely have I had to pay to ship back, in that case I send it through my employer who get dirt cheap rates with UPS (like $2 per box) and most of the time my employer never bills me!

Suasoria · Chanel

I rarely buy anything without a code. At minimum I want free shipping or 10% off.

I never ever use the return labels that come with packages; I only return via regular mail. (My office admin mails everything for me on the company's postage meter. Shh.)

If you haven't already, sign up for email lists from the places you like to shop. Sometimes you'll get a sale code just for signing up.

I like to buy from places where I can return in-store, but the tradeoff is usually better prices at sites that don't have B&M locations. When you do get to a B&M store, try on a bunch of stuff you aren't buying just to figure out the fit.

Checking size charts is good (and know your own measurements), but also, you can measure things you already own that fit well and go by that. Or call/email customer service number and ask them to check. Sometimes it's better to know the actual dimensions of the item, not just "it should fit someone with 38 inch hips."

If you feel the size charts were really misleading, I would call and complain about it. See if they'll give you free shipping for an exchange/return. Most places exchange for free one-way anyway.

I really like sites like Amazon and Macy's where customers can post ratings/comments about fit, quality, etc. It's worth it to research feedback on something even if you aren't buying it from that site. Of course some people are idiots and some are shills for the company, so it's like the Olympics - you ignore the top and the bottom score.

I order pants online, just not dress/work pants, but those I tend to want to pay real money for because I'll wear them for years and years. I'm a lot less critical about the fit of casual pants. Shoes, though, are the worst. I hardly ever get lucky buying real shoes online, but sandals or other simple shoes are OK.

About adjusting your expectations, shopping online isn't so much a necessary evil for me but more of a bargain/treasure hunt. So it's like "ooh, look what I found, and so cheap."

Kitty · Hermes

I've been shopping almost exclusively online recently. Mostly because I'm super busy career-wise (I've been working 7 days a week) and I just don't have the time and energy to go to the stores.

Even though the cost of shipping can be a pain, the convenience is so worth it to me and I like being able to just browse online at home or at work.

I subscribe to the email lists of almost every online store I'd ever want to shop at, so I usually see when the codes are coming in. I also have credit cards/accounts with the places I frequently order from and a lot of the time I get free shipping that way. For example, I'm a Luxe member at BR and so I get free shipping on anything I order from BR, GAP, and Old Navy.

I also try to find reviews of things before I order so I know how things will fit or what the quality is like.