https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:38:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182679 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 22:12:01 +0000 rabbit 1182679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't want to derail, &nbsp;but JAileen, I very respectfully disagree that there is a direct&nbsp;cause and effect correlation there. &nbsp;I wish your friend's son a secure job, and a safe workplace. &nbsp;Cocolion, I wish this was&nbsp;a small business owner/one disgruntled employee situation. &nbsp;This probably isn't the place to get into detail, but the Salon article that came out last week was eye opening.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182316 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 14:35:05 +0000 JamC 1182316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer online shopping. &nbsp;I like to put things in my shopping basket and return a few days later to see if I am still interested. &nbsp;I also like to see all my color options in one place; in the store I feel like I wander from display to display and can't find the color I want. &nbsp;Usually there are more sizes available on line too. &nbsp;I also need to try things on a few times to decide if I will keep them. &nbsp;I like trying with my other clothes and shoes and looking a mirror where I can get different perspectives by moving closer and farther away which I can't do in a small fitting room. &nbsp;I only order from companies I know "get me" and where I know my size. &nbsp;And I realize I will be returning things but I do that often when I buy in stores too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182216 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 07:23:46 +0000 CocoLion 1182216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen I appreciate your comment about Amazon. &nbsp;I forgot to mention them in my list. &nbsp;Who doesn't order from them? &nbsp;I mean, they are my go-to place for everyday items and have great prices on lingerie too!</p> <p>I know there was a bad story going around about them. &nbsp;But as a small business employer, I so understand the power that one disgruntled employee can have. &nbsp;</p> <p>Sorry to hijack Shiny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182214 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 07:19:07 +0000 CocoLion 1182214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my shopping is on line due to where I live.</p> <p>I simplify by sticking to trusted sellers.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm pretty set on a few. &nbsp;Shopbop, first always. &nbsp;A trusted seller. &nbsp;You do pay more but I "like" items when I see them and they email me when it's both going out of stock and when it gets reduced. &nbsp;They fulfill/ship very fast too and returns are free. &nbsp;Second would be Nordstrom. &nbsp;I also think Zara does a good job, and have been pleased with UO as well. &nbsp;Zara and UO have a $50 minimum and if you don't return it right away you get a store credit, but I'm ok with that. &nbsp;I also just tried Forward by Elyse Walker (part of Revolve) and was very pleased.</p> <p>I also occasionally buy things from eBay (mostly because I sell my stuff there)&nbsp;and don't mind paying shipping. &nbsp;If I am unsure of a seller I will contact them with a question. &nbsp;You can tell A LOT about a seller from how they respond. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182161 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 04:56:48 +0000 JAileen 1182161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I seem to have missed this before, but I want to make a plug for Amazon. My best friend's son works in one of their warehouses. He has a college degree and was unable to find another job in the area (we still haven't recovered from the recession). So punishing Amazon also punishes him and his coworkers. And he really needs the job. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182158 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 04:48:37 +0000 rabbit 1182158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>shiny,</b> &nbsp;thanks for mentioning Amazon's workplace practices. &nbsp;I hadn't heard about that, and based on your comment, I did some googling and reading. &nbsp;Scary! I won't be renewing our prime membership, and will avoid them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1182079 Sun, 02 Mar 2014 02:37:53 +0000 Mia 1182079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I prefer online shopping. &nbsp;Something about how my brain works looking at images and knowing what looks good on my body in terms of colours and shapes. In stores with things folded and on hangers I struggle and I really am the type who shops with purpose so I get frustrated looking all over the place. &nbsp;I figure I spend less overall using online selectively.</p> <p>Checking garment measurements is key to reducing returns for me. &nbsp;You can phone J. Crew for example and a lot of sites include measurements now so you an compare to what you have.</p> <p>I actually don't worry too much about shipping as getting the item I want is paramount. &nbsp;Our downtown parking fees are so high that it's the same really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1181944 Sat, 01 Mar 2014 23:43:30 +0000 MRL 1181944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read all of the other responses.</p> <p>1.) I scout websites for items I like and then wait for the 30% or 40% off everything sales. As soon as that happens, I order. Of course this only works for stores like BR that regularly run those sales.<br />2). I have been known to order 2 or 3 of the identical item in different sizes. I keep the one that fits (if I like it of course!) and return the others. <br />3).. I have narrow feet, so if I find a pair of shoes that I like, is in budget and available in narrow, I order ASAP. If I wait until it goes on sale, i might miss out.</p> <p>I live near a mall, so I sometimes take things back to b &amp; m store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1181906 Sat, 01 Mar 2014 22:45:21 +0000 JAileen 1181906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Strategy? I guess my strategy is free shipping. I order from Nordstrom, Lands End, Zappos, Sierra Trading Post, and of course Amazon. Either they have free shipping, or I meet the minimum requirement. For a few of them I can return to B&amp;M stores which is pretty free. The other day I was at Orvis and because I placed the order at the store, shipping was free (something for my husband).</p> <p>I do fritter away a fair amount of time shopping on line, mostly in the evening when we're watching TV. For example, I was looking for a leather jacket, and I ordered from Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, and Zappos (not all at once!) before finally finding one I liked from Sierra Trading Post. I also bought short boots online from Zappos but returned them for a better fitting pair from Macys. Lands End stuff I can return to Sears. </p> <p>For some stores we have locally (I wish we had Nordstrom!) I'll shop online to see if they even offer what I'm looking for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1181798 Sat, 01 Mar 2014 19:49:37 +0000 Karie 1181798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I order on-line even when there is a B &amp; M store nearby, as on-line I can check the reviews. I also only order when&nbsp;shipping is free. If the store is near me I don't care about return shipping as I'll just take it back to the store.&nbsp;I usually order much the same way as I try on clothes in the stores - each item in two sizes.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also won't order from any old website - it has to be from a major retailer, like Nordstrom, Zara, Zappos, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1181713 Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:32:42 +0000 shiny 1181713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Angie. I rarely stress over free shipping -- when I consider everything that goes into shipping something to me, including environmental impact,&nbsp;I just don't expect it to be free. Honestly, I wish amazon would charge a fair price for shipping; then maybe they would pay their warehouse workers better. I always hesitate ordering from Amazon because of their deplorable practices and working conditions. I do not need the item fast, I'd rather receive it slower and know that the person packing it up for me was treated fairly. I think long and hard before I order anything from Amazon, but unfortunately, reality is these days if I want something that's the only place I can get it anymore.&nbsp;I mean, c'mon, Zappo's ships fast but workers get a competitive wage and are treated well. Why can't Amazon do the same?&nbsp;But I digress...&nbsp;</p> <p>I do however tend to pause over having to pay for returns. That makes me grumble, because returns are nearly inevitable. But&nbsp;I don't bat an eye&nbsp;if it's something I'm 98% sure is going to fit, like an item I'm duplicating.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I am happy to pay upfront for shipping but if you want me to try a new brand and order more &nbsp;(I'm looking at you, J Crew), please don't hit me with returns. That's akin to penalizing ME because you can't give me proper descriptions and measurements on your web site. Why should I pay for your fault at communicating exactly what &nbsp;the item for sale is????&nbsp;It's quite possible that I could have great luck with J Crew online-only petites, but we'll just never know. It's just not worth ordering and taking that risk.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1181636 Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:52:34 +0000 Angie 1181636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been fascinating to read.&nbsp;</p> <p>My only online shopping&nbsp;rule is to shop from <b>very</b> reputable sites. It doesn't matter what I find at what price elsewhere - I will not purchase from an unknown small site&nbsp;because it's not safe to do so.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also usually shop from places that offer&nbsp;free shipping - but don't have an apoplexy if I need pay for shipping occasionally - like the Karen Millen store.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1180590 Fri, 28 Feb 2014 07:05:44 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1180590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Twice has free shipping on orders over $50, and I usually don't have a hard time managing that even if I end up returning some of it it saves me $. It's the first place I've regularly bought from secondhand online - I've never been an ebayer, it's not usually worth the bother for me. I tend to go with trusted brands / companies online, because I know how they tend to fit me and what sizes I probably am, not to mention return policies etc. </p> <p>Shiny, it sounds like you need to shop, or rather, you need new clothes, but you just don't feel like shopping right now with everything else going on. Is there any way you could get someone else to do the shopping for you, or at least do a lot of the setup &amp; research? Maybe a personal shopper from a department store or someone who does it independently?</p> <p>On a more meta note, I find that this kind of thing can be optimized infinitely, but it's not always worth your time or energy - in other words, there's always more reviews to read, more money-saving strategies, etc. But it tends to follow the 80/20 principle - there are some quick fixes so you don't waste time and/or money, but pretty quickly your returns start diminishing while your time keeps getting used up. You mention redirecting anxiety and I do that myself - I'm stressed about something else that's not entirely under my control and so I fixate on something I feel like I can control, like shopping. It's a coping strategy but it doesn't mean there's actually anything horribly wrong with my (your?) shopping process either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1180060 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 20:40:25 +0000 Alassë 1180060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice upthread. One more - don't forget Twice Clothes (has been mentioned a couple times on other forum threads). Discount prices, petite &amp; small sizes offered, cheerfully offer free returns no-questions-asked returns with a&nbsp;pre-paid USPS label. They charge $5 shipping, but many items can be found in their EBay store of the same name with free shipping, same return policy. (Yes, the price may be higher because of free shipping, but not always - some of their&nbsp;items are cheaper via their EBay outlet.)&nbsp;Checking the new arrivals page every day is a quick process filtered by your sizes, items, and colors (or even unfiltered by color). It's 2-day shipping, so extremely quick, and their customer service is always excellent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1179949 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 18:56:01 +0000 shiny 1179949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, this is actually becoming therapy, LOL. </p> <p>Liz, I think you hit the nail on the head there.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fuzzy, that was my old strategy - mall trips were a chance to socialize, whether with a friend or not, a nice break from working remotely all day long. But now I am traveling a lot, and having lots of social contact, and to be honest, I need days of downtime -- away from people! --&nbsp;after each trip. </p> <p>I guess I will eventually find my pace again and something that works, it's just that I need so much right now. And you know what? I think this thread just made me realize I am channeling my work anxiety (being new to a role etc)&nbsp;into clothes shopping anxiety! Well, I guess that's not such a bad strategy.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1179739 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:37:38 +0000 Sarah A 1179739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really appreciate all the tips shared here. I dont have many local options (just TJMaxx really a few others but not reliably) so I do a lot of online shopping. I cant seem to learn free shipping &amp; returns no matter how hard I try. Gettng ti down to paying one way is acceptable to me. I will often order several sizes so I know ill be returning (paid or not) this removes the pressure to keep something not quite right versus to pay return shipping (since i know ill be paying it anyway up front).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1179709 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:10:35 +0000 fuzzylogic 1179709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sign up for store emails. They let me know about new arrivals, promotions and sales events.<br /> I rarely purchase anything immediately, I come back the next day to be sure I really want it.<br /> A glass of wine is very conducive to online shopping (See above).</p> <p>If you are really not enjoying it and you can't find a way to make it fun, stick to bricks and mortar but maybe you could change your approach so that it works for you eg combine a morning shopping with meeting a friend for coffee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy/page/2#post-1179689 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:34:14 +0000 Liz 1179689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I share your "sigh." I feel the same way about online shopping -- it's just so incredibly tedious compared to the ease of taking an armload of stuff to a dressing room. Reading between the lines, it sounds like being&nbsp;just plain tired is an undercurrent. Is there a way you could get yourself more rested in general, so that an hour at the mall on a Sunday afternoon sounded like fun again?</p> <p>Either way, I feel you; being tired from a day at work on the computer and then having to use the same computer skills and techniques to hunt for clothes in the evening ...well, for me, there's no fun in that at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179669 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:19:30 +0000 shiny 1179669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here was my mall shopping strategy: I'd pick ONE store to hit, and give myself an hour only, as a break from work and chance to get out of the house during the day (I work at home). So perhaps it is Ann Taylor, or BR, or National Jeans company, etc... and I'd rotate each week. During that hour I'd pretty much grab everything in my size and haul it into the dressing room to try on. Why not? I do know I tend to have best luck at&nbsp;AT &amp; BR but reality is 90% of what I would try on in the dressing room would go back on the rack. And that is about the same luck I've been having with online returns -- assuming I am not duplicating an item or have already tried it on in the store.&nbsp;</p> <p>Compare to online shopping strategy: in one hour I've barely gotten through reading all the reviews on a handful of items that I've narrowed it down to! And I haven't even rec'd the item, tried it on, had to pack it up for return... sigh.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179500 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 07:30:02 +0000 fashionfwd 1179500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>May not be as useful with so many helpful replies, but here it is anyway :)</p> <p>-choose online retailers with a good track record in online sales ie. free shipping/returns, 30 day exchange policy etc.&nbsp;<br />-always read the comments and review posts about a product/book/item before buying - it's a helpful way to decide if you really want it now...or prefer to wait<br />-check the sizing charts provided when buying clothes and shoes!! very important!! esp size conversions - EU to US or vice-versa.&nbsp;<br />-some online retailers have online chat features with customer reps. use them...they are very helpful.&nbsp;<br />-agree with the rest - don't shop online if you are tired, bored, hungry, or don't really have a plan in mind. Leads to a lot of useless purchases.&nbsp;<br />-on Amazon, I often search for a book or item and (with books esp), I choose the 'buy used' button - books are often like new and cheaper.&nbsp;<br />-i never buy electronics online - no matter how reliable the site or well informed or whatever! you need to go to a store, see the product and sure, if they offer a better price online - you can avail of the discount, but must see the product beforehand.&nbsp;<br />-having said that, some small appliances are ok to buy online<br />-i buy a lot of 'travel' online - so obviously tickets, but also great deals on airbnb.com, local sighseeing tours - I'm constantly trying to discover new and exciting travel options online.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hope all this helps :). I love online shopping, it's actually changed the way I see shopping and how I shop too. Enjoy!<br />Cheers.&nbsp;<br />Rajika </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179426 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 05:08:21 +0000 trix 1179426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span><i>&nbsp;I have to say that online shopping -- done right -- just seems like so much more WORK to me, than going to the mall. And shopping is my hobby. It's not supposed to feel like WORK.<br /></i><br />Interesting...this makes me wonder if the most useful tips for you might depend on how you're using online shopping. If part of the fun of shopping is looking and touching and trying on, or impulse-buying, then yes, I can see how online shopping would feel like a lot of work. But if, like me, you get tired pretty quickly of trying things on in stores, are looking for specific items,&nbsp;take a lot of time to decide, want to see how things look with the rest of your wardrobe, need special sizes,&nbsp;and/or don't have time to shop during daytime hours, online shopping can be&nbsp;a godsend.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think my tips would echo those above:</p> <p>1) Know your preferred size and your preferred retailers -- sometimes even as specific as, I fit coats made by so-and-so and pants from so-and-so.</p> <p>2) If necessary, try on items in store to learn your size, and then you can buy them online when the right promo or sale comes up. (Particularly applicable at places like Anthro, where sizes and fits vary a lot between lines, and the Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic/Loft, where I think they have a different promo every day, with the best ones in the middle of the week when you can't go to the store.&nbsp;</span>With enough stalking, you also start to learn their sale cycles and get a sense for what to buy when. Sometimes it means you actually get a better price&nbsp;by buying at the right moment at the beginning of the season.)<span></p> <p>3) Take advantage of cash-back sites like eBates, MrRebates, and ShopDiscover (for those with Discover cards).</p> <p>4) Do not buy final sale unless you've seen/tried on the item or have something else exactly like it. I can't tell you how many times I've disregarded this and regretted it.</p> <p>5) Know the return window -- it's been getting shorter and shorter overall. (By the same token, know which retailers will allow you only one free return per order, even if they shipped it in multiple boxes...Shoebuy, I'm looking at you.)</p> <p>6) Read reviews. Don't forget to check other retailers' reviews (for brands carried by several stores), and use Google to find bloggers' reviews. Know which retailers ask reviewers to provide information about their size, style, fit, age, etc. Know which other sites may provide additional views of the item you're considering.</p> <p>Retailers probably hate me and my returns though. For example, I've been shopping lately to fill several closet holes (wanted a certain style of&nbsp;jeans, gray pants for work, and work-casual blazers -- have thus far ordered 10 pairs of jeans, 7 pairs of gray pants, and 12 blazers, which may mean a return rate of something like 90%). When the guys at the post office or UPS store start to recognize me, it's usually a good external incentive&nbsp;to make me put the brakes on my shopping. &lt;:-)</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179425 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 05:06:00 +0000 rabbit 1179425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lot's of good advice. &nbsp; I'm very focused on frugality, so when I online shop it's usually for something necessary (usually gear), but that is over what I want to pay in B&amp;M stores. &nbsp;So I will try it on at a B&amp;M store, and then google all the online vendors&nbsp;and spend awhile&nbsp;trying to put together the best package to buy it.</p> <p>This always includes free shipping and returns (if returns are free, I can buy more items to hit the free shipping minimum&nbsp;threshhold if need be). &nbsp;I go through fat wallet or&nbsp;ebates buying the item to get a percent of the cost back. &nbsp;I check retailmenot for coupon codes and special sales. &nbsp; On a pricer item I'll also try to sometimes check back within the week after I bought it&nbsp;to see if it's on sale and ask for a price adjustment. &nbsp;If it's very pricey, and I have a few days to work on it, I might buy a discounted gift card for that store from giftcardgranny.</p> <p>Generally aside from gear and buying a replacement for something I already have (a shoe in another color or something), I haven't found a large time advantage for buying basics online versus in stores, since I usually only do a couple of larger store shops a year. &nbsp;Also fit issues and color issues online&nbsp;get frustrating for me.</p> <p>Zappos used to be&nbsp;more tempting a few years ago, but their prices are higher now, and 6pm's return shipping charges keep me away from browsing for finds. &nbsp;</p> <p>My personal online catnip right now is TJ Maxx online. &nbsp;It's got the mix of interesting items and&nbsp; very very deep discounts - especially on clearance,&nbsp;which bring some&nbsp;higher end clothes&nbsp;into my price range. &nbsp;There isn't&nbsp;too much to wade through, there is&nbsp;free shipping (over 50$)&nbsp;and free store returns that are convenient for me. &nbsp; So far I've restrained myself to things I actually need, but there is a lot of putting stuff in my cart and letting it marinate happening (if it then sells out, it wasn't meant to be). </p> <p>Oh, I also include ebay and sometimes tradesy in the research process when I'm looking for one particular item. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179386 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 04:32:10 +0000 Gigi 1179386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the other responses, but here's what I do:</p> <p>1. I generally put the stuff I *think* I want in the shopping cart, and then I look at it again with fresh eyes in a day or two to see if I still want the stuff. If I do, then I order. So in your case, you could shop when tired, but don't complete the order for a day or two.</p> <p>2. I give first preference to places that are in a local mall so that I can return in-store. Of course, I do check the return policies online first to make sure that in-store returns are possible.</p> <p>3. If I see something that I really like at a retailer that I know is in the local mall, I call the local store to see if they have it on hand and can hold it for me to try on. This has been very helpful as far as saving time--I don't have to dig through the store to find what I'm looking for but can just go right up to the sales counter.</p> <p>4. If I can't find what I'm looking for at a place that has free shipping both ways or at a place where I can easily return in-store, I e-mail the customer service people for more information on items I'm interested in, to see if they can give me garment measurements up front. This has saved me many a time from ordering stuff that doesn't fit.</p> <p>5. If I find something I really like at a retailer where I risk paying for shipping (both ways), I wait until there is a free shipping promo (either for free shipping to or from; it's usually not free both ways). Yes, I risk the item selling out before there is such a promo, but my experience is that I will probably have to return the item because I am hard to fit. So if I can't get the retailer to pony up for at least one round of shipping, I figure it's not worth it.</p> <p>6. If I find something that I like that is too expensive and I want to wait for it to go on sale before I buy, I bookmark the page and put it in a folder called "Stalking" and then check it every day or so. Of course, I do risk the item selling out, so I have to really decide up front if I am willing to have that happen.</p> <p>7. If I am ordering from a place that has flat-rate shipping and flat-rate returns, I go whole hog and order anything and everything that I might like, since the shipping is going to cost me the same anyway. I might as well have a selection of stuff to choose from, right?</p> <p>8. If I am not sure which size I need, I usually order the two sizes that I think are possibilities and then return one. If I'm just ordering the one item and will get stuck paying return shipping on the size that doesn't fit, I will contact the retailer to try to get more sizing info before ordering so that I can order the more likely size.</p> <p>9. I watch my credit card cycle and payment due date so that if I am placing a very large order (assuming that most of it will be going back), I can have the returns clear before my payment is due.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179358 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 04:08:31 +0000 Jaime 1179358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to say please appreciate the wonders of online shopping for those of you that have lots of free shipping/free return options! If I had that&nbsp;I am sure I would go crazy ordering things&nbsp;for a good long time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179326 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 03:47:52 +0000 Mo 1179326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for me, not having the liberty of a store nearby necessitates that I play the online game. &nbsp;It's not really a matter of choice of one over the other :(<br />I think I would in-store shop 75% of the time and online 25% if I could choose either equally. &nbsp;As it stands, my ratios are opposite, or even more online than that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179308 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 03:31:51 +0000 shiny 1179308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awesome advice everyone - keep it coming. I will reply in more depth later but for now I have to say that online shopping -- done right -- just seems like so much more WORK to me, than going to the mall.&nbsp;And shopping is my hobby. It's not supposed to feel like WORK. Can anyone relate here?</p> <p>I do read reviews -- and&nbsp;that takes a long time. Honestly I'd rather be reading YLF threads. Or the news headlines. (what IS happening in the world these days??)&nbsp;</p> <p>Reviews are great if the reviewer gives us a clue their body style/typical fit challenges, but so many don't. So the shoe was too tight for you, fine, I don't understand the context... is your foot average and most shoes fit just fine? Or is your foot closer to a wide width? Grr.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also really wish sites would list shoulder measurement along with chest, waist hips. If something fits in the shoulders, I can possibly get it altered to fit elsewhere. How hard is it to give us shoulder measurements??? Yes, if I email, I will get a response, but again it's WORK and I have to wait and then remember to check my spam email for the reply, etc, etc...&nbsp;</p> <p>I could write a rambling novel, and I usually do when I'm tired (!)... so I'll quit here. Been a long day.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179282 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 03:07:42 +0000 Suz 1179282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laughing out loud at April's image and Isabel's spring roll comment. Now I can't get the picture of a woman wearing nothing but a cute feather boa and a tiny hat sitting down in the food court with her spring rolls!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179220 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:32:48 +0000 April 1179220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another rule, in addition to the fantastic array presented above: Let serendipity reign in-store, but not on the internet. &nbsp;</p> <p>On the internet, there is so much available that&nbsp;you have to be stricter with yourself or you will end up with a cute feather boa, a tiny hat, and nothing to wear. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179142 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:29:46 +0000 Isabel 1179142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol @ Una. Additionally it took me 5 mins of deep concentration to figure out what b&amp;m meant !!!!!</p> <p>I rarely shop at stores anymore. I like to order if the shipping is free, i comparison shop online. And I like a good return policy, preferably at a store or little to no cost return shipping. I have three places I go to First. Nordstrom. They are a no risk buy for me. Amazon. And Backcountry. I like having the stuff at home because I feel more in my element to decide. </p> <p>With that said, whenever I crave spring roll, I head to the mall ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-online-shopping-strategy#post-1179132 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:20:07 +0000 Anonymous 1179132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Something that I have found helpful is keeping track of what types of items that I've ordered online are more likely to work. For me, it's sweaters, tee shirts,&nbsp;soft jackets, skirts and pants. I have found coats, dresses,&nbsp;shoes and boots &nbsp;only rarely fit when I order them online, so I try to do my shopping for those items in brick and mortar stores. </p>