The cost of international shopping - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

The cost of international shopping

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'd thought I'd share with you the cost of my navy suit error. I bought this Anne Klein petite navy herringbone suit but alas, the fit is too small (here's my thread on that http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ed-and-its).

Cost of the suit = $128.91
Duty = $35.93
Shipping = 20.57
Total paid = $185.41

And what will I be getting back after paying return shipping, etc?
$131.14, a loss of $54.27

When I order from Nordstrom it is an expensive risk to take. So I'm going to stick with brands that I know for sure fit or will shop locally. I can't afford that type of mistake.

I sooooooo wish we had a Nordstrom here...

Shopping

43 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

Anonymous

That really stinks.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

That is a tough hit to take!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Really bad. Thank you for posting this, it sheds light on it. We are restricted that way in Canada, because of our small population.

Mochi

Veteran

I can see maybe not having multiple Nordstroms, but why not in chic fashion hubs like Montreal or Toronto? I could see it working! Anyway, too bad, Shannon. I take it for granted that I can take a lot of risks which in the end aren't really risks, apart from the time I'd be taking to ship back what I don't want.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Monopoly, Mochi.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Mochi - I understand there are a couple of Nordstrom's coming to larger cities like Vancouver and Toronto but it is still questionable as to whether online ordering will come through a Canadian distribution hub or continue via the U.S.

For example we have Jones New York stores here (even one in my city) but online ordering is still only available via the U.S.

Krista

Veteran

Shannon, I'm sorry to hear this! That is quite a cost.

On another note, to add to Mochi's point about Nordstrom accessibility, Ottawa (of all places, it's not exactly fashion central) is slated to have a Nordstrom open later this year or early next year. I wonder if that will change the online options for Canadians at that time?

Here's hoping!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Ditto, Shannon - Zara still doesn't have Canadian shipping also, Anthro is through the US as well.

My recent losses/stresses have come up to:
Aldo - $250 (they signed for the returns 8 weeks ago; no cash)
House of Fraser - $350 (DHL 'lost' my package; still working this out)
ModCloth - $250 (UPS 'lost' my package; this will be worked out)

It really is super annoying. I think part of the problem is the large geography of Canada too. Just because they're opening a Nordies in Calgary, means a 2.5 hr drive for me to get there if I want anything - and even farther for you, dear Shannon. I guess returns in the future might be cheaper, but duties will still get you.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ouch lyn! That's some significant losses there for you.

We are able to find a few things that Nordstrom carries in our local Winner's now but there's only a few of each item and finding your size is hit and miss. And The Bay is getting better at carrying some of those items as well but their service stinks.

I think what I'm going to start doing when I'm back to shopping after my SYC, is taking Angie's recommended items and attempting to find a local interpretation of the same thing.

At least we have Banana Republic now so that's something.

Glory

Veteran

So sorry to read this Shannon.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

That's really too bad. Free shipping is one thing I really appreciate, especially since I had packages coming from zappos practically every day last week. I certainly didn't keep all of those shoes, but it's nice to be able to try on things I can't find locally and return them without worrying about shipping costs. I feel spoiled now.

Mochi

Veteran

Ouch. I do realize you don't reside near any of those cities, Shannon. I had sort of assumed that if the stores got there, then the shipping would somehow be facilitated as well...and if it's STILL going through the US, then your problems are not solved. Gah.

Gaylene

Veteran

Right now our Canadian dollar is at par, or above, the US dollar. Shannon's example gets even worse when the dollar conversion meant that we paid $1.20 for every $1US. Her $125 suit would have cost her almost $100 more by the time it arrived!

The easy returns, free online shipping, huge variety, and lower costs that characterize the American retail experience just don't resemble the retail practices in most other countries, including Canada. While we can access many US online shopping sites, the reality of buying from them is a totally different experience. The Canadian, and international, markets just aren't a big enough part of their business for them to go to the effort of making it as easy as they do for their US consumers. Because we have so much access to US media and websites, it's easy to forget that we are two quite different countries.

Even if Nordstroms opens a few stores in Canada, the actual selection, services, and policies are not likely to be the same as in the US.

Anonymous

Wow, seeing the shipping cost and possible currency exchange costs, I wonder if you are just better off crossing the border to a big city like Seattle or NYC and just shop till you drop...
Too annoying, let alone EXPENSIVE... I'm really sorry.

Raisin

Veteran

Ughhhhh.....that's why I'm always super paranoid about ordering from the US too. I'll order my kids clothes, since I'm usually ordering a size up anyway, but for me, it's too much of a risk, especially if I've never tried the brand on at all. Sorry it didn't work out.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Shannon, I KNOW!!! And it sucks, big time.

The only way it makes sense I think is for us to shop the NAS and GO there. That is my plan this year...to go with Sveta to Chicago or the nearest store.

I'm about to lose shipping costs on the Born boots I ordered. It will cost a lot to ship those back to Fifty-One. I will get the price of the boots and the duties back, eventually....but I expect at least a $25 shipping bill.

Meanwhile, Fifty-One STILL has my $100 jeans and my $220 dress -- no sign of those. I know eventually we will resolve it and I will get my money back - but where the heck are the clothes????

And if I have to pay return shipping after this incredible wait I will SCREAM.

The truth is, it has taken so long for the things to get here I don't even want them any more. I had planned the jeans for the holidays. Huh.

Mochi

Veteran

Seriously, zap. Schedule your next vacay around some good shopping here in the U.S. Not a full solution, but a start.

crazyone

Veteran

sorry, Shannon Life in the US really does have its advantages.

Heck, you can even FLY from Toronto to Boston for cheaper than some of these shipping/return/customs charges. One of my friends recently moved back to Canada from Boston, and it was cheaper for her to fly back another time and take more stuff back than it was for her to pay the luggage fees and transport it all on one flight.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Gaylene - excellent explanataion! And I seriously don't see it getting any more affordable in the near future.

Suz - I think that's a great idea for you and Sveta to cross the border. Chicago isn't that far from you is it? I can't believe you still haven't gotten your jeans and dress!!! What the heck is that all about? I'd be spitting mad and definitely not paying any return fees.

I already gave hubby a heads up that I'd like to go to Minneapolis for some vacay time and maybe coincide it to NAS. There's a Nordstrom there and Minneapolis is only about an 8 hour drive from Winnipeg - that would be my closest Nordie's.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Chicago is really far from me, actually. I am not sure where the closest Nordstrom's would be...but the one near Chicago is relatively near Sveta. At least I THINK that's the one she goes to. I could be wrong! In any case, the idea is to go together.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Poor Suz - I've only had one experience with Fifty-One and it involved me ripping out my hair and screaming into the phone and ... needing Ativan.

I shouldn't complain; I have H&M 5 min away, and Zara about 30 min away from me. Everything is super picked through though; especially at Anthro and J. Crew. There are never smaller sizes even if I pony up the money for full price. Annoying.

Tina.b

Veteran

Ugh, I hate it when this happens! So sorry that the suit did not work out for you Shannon. Ordering from the US can be so tricky sometimes.

I've been ordering from Canadian e-tailers when I can, fortunately there are more options nowadays. But I will probably always rely on my fav US sites as I am addicted to the great selection. I really try to research a product before buying, reading any reviews I can find. I'm lucky that most clothes fit me fairly well right off the rack, so this takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation assuming I manage to peg the right size. Pants are generally the worst and I try to buy those in person, or stick with brands I know that fit.

I always try to fit in a bit of shopping when we vacation, though if it is a trip with our kids in tow that becomes a bit of a disaster.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Sorry to hear about this Shannon! I tried to warn my Mom about ordering through any company that uses FiftyOne, but I think she forgot and went ahead and ordered some stuff online from Macy's (previously they wouldn't ship to Canada at all). Ack...two of the tops she ordered were too small and by the time she went through all the hoops/hassles to try and return, plus the fact that she'd be losing money - it just wasn't worth it to her.

Meanwhile, if the company isn't using FiftyOne, then she's been just fine - ie. Lands End charges duty right at the time of her order, and she's not paying "brokerage" fees or what have you, and when they offer up a free shipping promotion, it applies to Canadian orders too. Thing is - for her, Lands End is just for basics, and she would love to order more things from places like Nordstrom etc. I keep telling her there'll be a Nordies at Pacific Ctr. (Vancouver) eventually (not until 2015...).

Just as an aside, at first - she was annoyed with Macy's - but then realized it was FiftyOne that was "the problem."

She's been able to order from Talbots in the past (they weren't using FiftyOne), as well as Lands End. Even JC Penney once, though I think JCP is now using FiftyOne as well.

Anyway...in the end, I think I've got Mom convinced that she's better off shopping in person (ie. when she visits the US) with any retailer that's using FiftyOne. The bad thing about this is that she *likes* shopping online and would order a lot more if it wasn't so difficult.

I wish Nordstrom was opening up next week instead of 2015. She doesn't shop at the BR/GAP companies because she wears plus, and they don't really have plus size offerings.

....

In the meantime, once again - sorry to hear of the excessive cost in terms of int'l shipping/returns ...aggh...not fun, is it? Any chance you might join fellow Canadian YLF'ers for NAS next summer?

krishnidoux

Veteran

There was a news story before Christmas about how flocks of Canadian shoppers would line up at border postal stations to collect what they had ordered online, then cross the border back to Canada with their items. It might be quicker than actually having to go all the way to a big city.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/.....-shop.html

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Dianthus does this, Krish, and I plan to, as well. It's only 1.5 hours to the border for me from here, and I got a "my US address." So I CAN do it this way. It's just that it does take a full day, and in winter weather I don't like to hazard it.

I think my closest Nordies are actually New Jersey and CT. Sveta's are probably PA. So maybe we'll be going to PA. I will combine it with a visit to my mother in southern Ontario and then meet Sveta at some point...it will be a long journey but worth it to have a savvy shopping mate. And we will order our pickings in advance and simply return what does not work.

jenanded

Veteran

Shannon, its crazy, and from the other side of the world one wonders why Canada would be any further to ship than Florida but then... There are a few things I really like from the US and have to buy it from Nordies or Eileen Fisher via Fifty One. Now our dollar is better than the US but we pay MORE for the item plus around $55 for example to mail a pair of shoes and socks that I ordered last night? go figure. It is still less than the cost of buying it in Australia or when we don't have the item. But I buy all our undies, socks etc from the UK - not only are the items cheaper but the postage from UK to Australia, get this, is less than $10 in AUD.... I thought I read the US firms were starting to realise people were getting annoyed with this daylight robbery....

jenanded

Veteran

Oh I forgot to say, to compare it takes 23hours to fly to London, 15 to the USA! so...

Sara L.

Veteran

Interesting! I didn't realize the duties and shipping were so high from the US to Canada. I hope you have better luck in the future.

12