In my last post I explained why I am making the shift to online shopping. In this post I am going to explain some of my favorite online shopping tips and hints to quicker and cheaper shopping with fewer returns. Also check out the bottom of this post with some links to my favorite sites.
1. Always read the reviews! This one is important for understanding the quality and size of a garment. Pictures usually tend to be more flattering of an items fiber content, and can even alter the true color or hue of the product you're interested in. Customer reviews can help determine whether the picture is true to the product or not. As for sizing, unless you are familiar with a brand first-hand, you can never be sure as to how something is going to fit, especially with pants or shoes. Reviewers will typically inform you whether or not the item runs big or small, slim or loose, short or long, etc.
2. Check the return policy. If you can't return it - don't buy it! If you can return it, make sure you are comfortable with the return conditions/policy. Some sites will offer free returns while others you may have to pay full shipping. If you are ordering from a site that has a storefront, sometimes it can be to your advantage to return it in-store rather than mailing it back. If you're purchasing clearance items be sure to see if returns are available on that item. There is nothing more frustrating that purchasing something on-line, it not fitting/being what you expected, and then not being able to return it.
3. Check the shipping rates. A lot of online sites will offer free shipping once you've reached a certain purchase amount. Others will have promo codes you can enter at the checkout that will provide free shipping - or even better, total purchase discounts. I love checking out Retail Me Not for promo codes, free shipping, and additional savings.
4. If you have any hesitations, don't buy it! If the item you're considering purchasing isn't something you're absolutely crazy about, don't buy it. If you're not 100% about a flawless picture of it, just remember that it will look even worse when you put it on (no offense, it's just the truth). Then, on top of that, you have to send it back and you will be kicking yourself to the post office for having not listened to your intuition. So save yourself the trouble and just take my advice, okay?
5. Don't let online shopping consume you. You wouldn't go to the mall everyday (or at least I would hope), so don't shop online everyday. Yes it's convenient and you don't even have to put clothes on to do it, but it's a waste of time. Before I go online there are a few things I like to figure out. First, what am I shopping for? If I don't have a specific item (or items) in mind, then I don't need it. Second, what sites will probably have what I'm looking for? If I'm shopping for running shoes then I may go to a different site than I would if I were shopping for a cocktail dress. Being organized and focused in your shopping ventures can save a lot of time. Third, use the search filters provided. A lot of sites will let you narrow your search by style, color, size, price, etc. These tools can really hone in your search to the closest match they have to what you had in mind.
Now that you know some of the fundamentals, try them out for yourself. Here are a few sites I enjoy:
6 pm - lots of different brands and styles for every occasion at low prices.
asos - similar to 6pm but prices are a little higher
gap - great selection of basics and essentials and check frequently for additional savings on already marked down items + free returns
ModCloth - best site for dresses and shoes with great clearance deals
Urban Outfitters - carries a lot of the tacky/glittery stuff, but has a great basics/essentials line + great summer sandals
Forever 21 - hate the store, love the site! Use the search filters to find what you want at close to in-store prices
and don't forget to check Retail Me Not before every purchase!
Share your own online shopping tips and site suggestions in the comments below!
xo.
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