Attention Online Shoppers: Customer Reviews

Heather

If you shop online, do you read the customer reviews for items under consideration? Do you find them helpful when deciding whether to purchase an item or to determine fit, quality, etc?

I always read them (almost a guilty pleasure). Sometimes they are quite helpful and other times I find them hilarious.

I just read a recent review at GAP.com and the reviewer questioned whether the fit model was a pillow. *chuckle*

Bonus: Do you ever leave feedback after purchasing an item?

14 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Debbie

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I do read the online reviews and usually find them helpful. I don't often write a review myself, though.

14 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I do, especially for shoes. I read them for clothing but do not take them as seriously because I think clothing fit is a lot more subjective (someone might want a top to fit really tight whereas someone else might want it be loose and flowy, for example). With shoes, if people say it is uncomfortable, it probably is!

I don't usually leave reviews unless it's something I feel strongly about (love or hate) or it's something that only has very few reviews.

14 years ago

mgshakes

Active Member

Absolutely...when the reviews are bad! Not of the "worst purchase ever" variety but more constructive criticism: the color was more mustard than citron, the buttons came loose on the second wearing, etc. And again I don't give too much weight to just one such criticism, but if there are a couple of people saying the same thing, I do pay attention.

I also find it helpful when the reviewers have a little profile of their age, fashion personality, body type or some other thing...that way I can get a better feel for whether they might be on the same page as me or not. Like Diana, I find them most helpful for shoes and have been saved a lot of bad purchases by reading reviews (of boots that many customers said were too wide and I have narrow feet, etc.)

I actually feel pretty guilty that I never leave reviews either for clothes or, say, restaurants on yelp because I really depend on them and feel I should give back...but I don't!

14 years ago

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I certainly read reviews!
I also leave them. I love Nordstrom reviews because I can even post photos, which as a shopper I'd find helpful if others did as well.

14 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I do read them. They can be very helpful, especially when it comes to sizing information. I have occasionally left reviews myself, but only when I truly love something.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I do read them, too. I have left them when the company emails asking me to do so. Mostly Amazon and Zappos. Also, I especially pay attention to specific measurements and fit issues and leave reviews to that effect. IE: boots are loose on my 12 1/2 inch calves, etc.

14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I always read the reviews. I always look for things like, shoes running too wide, or too short for clothes :). I esp like it when the reviewer gives their measurements or body type so I can get an idea of whether it will fit me. Sometimes if I am not sure about something it's good to know whether it is a misses or juniors cut. I don't read the size charts, they never seem to be correct. If I try to adjust my size based on the charts, I always get it wrong. The reviews are more accurate. If I am really questioning an item, I might even search for blog reviews of it. When I saw a plus size blogger gushing over her new jcrew boots, I knew they would fit my large calves. I find these to be extremely valuable.

Although I love reading others' excruciatingly detailed reviews, if I leave a review, I usually only give the basics on fit and quality.

14 years ago

sarah

Veteran

I do read them, particularly regarding sizing issues. But I confess that I'm not as good about leaving feedback and reviews myself.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have very mixed feelings about clothing reviews. Time and time again, I read a badly reviewed garment only to find that it suits me perfectly. If I love an item and it gets bad reviews, it will not stop me from trying it.

I tend to take footwear reviews more to heart.

14 years ago

Cilleena

Veteran

Definitely read online reviews. Sometimes it's difficult to decipher if they are relevant to my personal fit. I agree that it's almost a guilty pleasure reading them. I can burn loads of time just reading reviews. It's come to the point that I rarely buy an item that isn't reviewed.

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I read them on Nordstrom and Anthro, not so much at Gap where they are overwhelming to me. I write one if I feel strongly about an item either way.

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Yep, I read them. Sometimes I disregard them (e.g., a comment about a blouse being "so oversized and boxy!" when it's obvious that the shirt is cut *precisely that way*) but I always take a look. They are especially helpful when ordering kid clothes and shoes. I rarely post my own comments, however.

14 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

I don't pay that much attention to them. I haven't found them to e helpful.

14 years ago

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