What's your online shopping strategy? - YouLookFab Forum

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What's your online shopping strategy?

shiny

Veteran

I'm just curious how everyone else approaches online shopping. I am thinking I need a strategy to approach it smarter and more efficiently.

I actually don't like online shopping all that much, and would vastly prefer to shop at B&M. But, with the new job, I just don't have the time for that during the workweek -- no more slipping out for an hour to the mall. Then when the weekend rolls around, I'm too tired and the thought of hitting the mall is just not appealing at all. I'd actually prefer the weekend to do laundry, pay bills, and just relax and daydream! Plus, it's getting more and more difficult because many of my favorite vendors are shifting a lot of their petite stock "online only" - so even if I do hit the mall, I can come home disappointed.

So I'm resigned to more online shopping, but I need a better strategy. For example in the last few days I ordered a whole bunch of stuff, but I realized that I am online shopping late in the day when I'm most tired, and my decisions may not be the greatest. Or I will sit forever on a decision, then it sells out.

Also, I think I need to start considering only shopping at places that I can return in person too -- if I have to find time to get out during working hours for returns, I'd rather it be to the MALL rather than to the post office! It seems silly to order online from a store that's minutes from my house, but reality is, the item is just not in stock there *anyway.* Or maybe engage with SA's and ask them to order items in several sizes, then schedule an appointment for me to come try everything on? I dunno.

I do have a pretty good system of tracking what I ordered, and staying on top of return policies and all that (I use evernote), and tracking the financial side of things. So I think I'm set there but would love to hear what everyone else does.

Post your tips please - and the more detailed the better.

Shopping

47 replies

Latest reply was from rabbit

catgirl

Veteran

Er, strategy?

AviaMariah

Veteran

I've started to on line shop a lot since having DD. B&M stores are all 60 miles from where I live to start with, and shopping with a one year old....need I say more? These are my tips:
1.) Be careful about shopping when you are bored or tired (like you said). I tend to have down time at work from time to time and this where I get into trouble. One way I combat this is that I don't hit the buy button right away. Many times I put things in my cart that I HAVE to have, then an hour later I've forgotten all about it.
2.) Have a list of what you're looking for. The selection is endless online and most everything looks good on the models so it's easy to get sucked in.
3.) Don't be afraid to return. Sometimes I get tired of boxing up and returning items and I'm tempted to keep them just to avoid the trouble. One way I try to combat this is by buying multiple sizes. That way I know I'm going to be sending a return box no matter what and I'm more picky with all my items. Plus I tend to get a better fit since I have two sizes to pick from.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'll be following this to see what others think. I get so tired of on line shopping sometimes but it has spoiled me as far as selection goes. I've found more and more that when I do go to a B&M store, I'm underwhelmed.

Makrame

Veteran

I like returns via USPS - I order package pickup online and leave the boxes in the garage where they get picked up for free during regular delivery. For this reason I prefer ordering from Nordstrom or BR/Gap since both have free shipping and free returns via USPS.

My strategy is to identify the items I am interested in and place them in the shopping cart or on the wishlist. I usually do not order them until they have spent at least a week on two in the cart.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm getting increasingly tired of the returns process. With both no printer and no car, you can imagine how long it sometimes takes me to get the BF to print labels for me, remember to bring them home after his hectic 10+ hour days, and then get the boxes out to USPS or UPS on foot or bike I still have all booties from last week here waiting to get mailed back. I thought I was being smart ordering all 3 pair at once, instead of 1 at a time, but it's just as aggravating really.
Increasingly I want returns that are free, and have labels included in the box, and are USPS, where the mailman can pick them up for me.
My best advice it to really only order things you're sure you want. Not just passing fancies.

carter

Veteran

1. Do not online shop late at night when the rest of the family has gone to bed. I'm going to have to tattoo this one on my forehead.

2. Don't just randomly cruise the sites. Be as specific as you can in your search...type of item, size, color, price, etc. Narrowing it down to just a few items that meet your needs helps with spur of the moment purchases.

3. Ignore the "you might like this" or "suggested for you" side bar if you want to stick to something specific.

4. Free shipping and returns (or in-store returns) as much as humanly possible. It annoys me to no end to pay for shipping, so I do my best to stay away from sites that charge shipping.

5. Measure, measure, measure for sizing. Also check reviews thoroughly for comments on sizing. Someone may have given the item only 1 star because the shoes ran a bit large...that may be good news for me.

6. Pay attention to fabric content and care instructions if this matters to you.

7. Set up another email address so you can get the discounts, "super secret" sales, etc but they're not cluttering your main email.

8. When you get the "your item has shipped" email, flag it as important so you can refer back for tracking delivery.

That's all I have for now. Happy shopping!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I look for item measurements and then compare with items i already own. If the measurements are not listed, I open a chat window and ask. I did this the other day at Nordstrom.com and the SA could not find the measurements herself but promised to get back to me within 72 hours (and she did).

I also carefully read the reviews, especially the ones where the reviewers list their own height, weight, etc. If only a few are listed, I'll Google the item and sometimes find a review on another site. I can never have too much information!

I try really, really hard to never pay S & H since it irks me (I know, I know, it's already built into the price, but still...). Unlike you, I'd much rather drop a box off at the post office than schlep to a mall, find parking, and then locate the store in the mall. If I am too busy to shop in person, I am too busy to return in
person.

Thistle

Veteran

My $0.02;

1. I only choose stores with free shipping and free returns - either by mail or that I can deliver to the store. I don't care that they don't stock my size in their store. Their online policy is they will take returns. I especially like places like Nordies, GAP etc. where you can just have the postman pick it up.

2. Learn your brand preferences. What works for you. I love Angie's philosophy of leave no retail stone unturned, but there a lot of online stones out there. I have found a handful of brands that really work for me which helps reduce returns.

3. Measurements on line are rarely accurate. See #1 above.

4. I try to shop with a list in mind. I am still not great at this. But I am learning.

5. Always look at care instructions. For me, I am not willing to dry clean. My skin hates the chemicals. And it is a huge pain to deal with the drop off and pick up, not to mention the expense.

Thistle

Veteran

Oh, that's a good one, too. Reviews, I always read the reviews if they are there. They may not always be accurate, but they do tend to reflect genuine experiences.

Glory

Veteran

I also only order from stores that I can return to which can sometimes be a challenge in Canada. I made this a rule for myself and I have been tempted many a time.
Also, I try to order from places I can return to the actual store. If I cannot do that I want a painfree return, and free if possible.
As for shopping and selection - that is trickier. I tend to order in 2 sizes which means I always end up with a return. Like Mo, I am pretty tired of returns.

kerry

Veteran

1. Like others, I try only to shop online with free shipping and returns.
2. I've also spent some time trying on items in common bricks and mortar stores so I can generally know what sizes work.
3. When ordering from an unknown retailer, I don't actually measure myself, instead I compare their size charts to the size charts of a retailer I've had success with.
4. When in doubt, I email the retailer for more specific information.
5. For quantity, if I'm sure of an item, I'll only order what I need to avoid returns, but I often, too, order everything and anything (sizes, colours, new territory) knowing that I'll be sending stuff back anyway.
6. I prefer ordering from online retailers that have reviews and I read a lot of them before deciding.
7. I usually shop in waves so I can take the shipping boxes to the post office all at the same time.
8. I shop petites sometimes too and find there is much more selection online.
9. I tend to stick with favourite online retailers (BR, Gap, ON, Nordstrom, J Crew, Anthropologie, the Bay and Lands End).
10. I do way more online shopping now that I have a young daughter. I like it. I find it less exhausting then shopping bricks and mortar but like to
do that sometimes too. I find I'm much more purposeful and analytical when I shop online.

Woohoo - made it to 10

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

As a canuck, free shipping w/ free returns without being gauged at the border is almost non-existent.

I will compromise on the lack of returns if I know pretty sure something is going to fit me - I only shop for certain brands and know my sizes in those brands (i.e.: Kate Spade). I also try to shop for things that I cannot otherwise find on my side of the border (or at a higher markup).

I have a buddy who is my size so if I buy things that aren't quite right for me, we often swap. She does the same things with her purchases.

I avoid DHL like the plague.

Deborah

Veteran

Shiny I am not a big online shopper but I do expect that I my online shopping may 'develop' I am growingly disappointed with what is available to me in my local B & M stores.

For online shopping to work for me, I do the following:

1. Only order from companies that provide free or cost effective and
simple returns.
2. Order from reputable sites.
3. Bug fellow YLF'ers for sizing advice
4. Don't order on impulse. I can spend weeks 'considering' an item.
5. Alcohol and online shopping don't mix well. Half a glass of wine and I might
just decide those Kylie-esque hotpants are just what I need!!

xxx

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, these are all great tips....I am learning.

My main strategy is to see how an item looks and fits on a Fabber and then see if I can get it!

No, seriously -- half my online purchases are probably modelled here first; serious lemming. But it works, especially if you can find someone with a similar body type (even if a different height or size). I know, for instance, that many things that look good on Ceit could also look good on me. She's much taller than I am and we don't have the same style. But our preferences have a fair degree of overlap. I do have a very similar style and quite similar body type to Angie -- so when she gets something, I can guess how it will work on me to some degree.

But even when a person's body type is a bit different, this can work -- for instance, I picked my first leather jacket by copying Shannon. I didn't actually buy that online, but now that I know my size in the maker, I could do so.

That's my main other tip -- go to bricks and mortar, try on (even if they don't have your size) so you can guestimate your size, and then go back and do your ordering later. Use in-store shopping as a research mission.

K. Period.

Veteran

Shiny, is your new workplace in an office building? Mine is in an office tower and there are drop boxes for UPS ground and Fed Ex in the building mail room. I used to take my boxes to the post office or a UPS store, but then I discovered that I could just drop them in the mail room and they would go out, no fuss no muss. Just an idea to explore along with the idea of package pickup by USPS and UPS at your home (which most of the online stores that I order from provide).

gryffin

Veteran

Shiny - I would be buck naked as would my son and husband without online shopping. I have no time to shop. So here's my take for what it's worth
1. alway shop with a plan
2. only buy from reputable merchants (never again piperlime!!)
3. free shipping and returns a plus but I will buy from other reputable sites
4. alway go to ebates before buying
5. start with Nordstrom's they have the best reviews. Zappos, Amazon, Bloomingdales, Saks are good too. Never buy anything that got panned.
6. Try it on immediately. Unless it's a keeper box it up immediately it must go back the next day. Period. No exceptions, unless you are taking a day or two to consider or to compare.
7. try shopstyle and google if you can't find what you want but only buy from reputable sites
8. never buy final sale unless you own it and are duplicating or you've tried it on and know it fits and have been stalking it
9. Lemming Angie and all fabulous fabbers when appropriate!!
10. alway ask ylfers if you are unsure of a brand, sizing, fit. Saves tons of mistakes
11. Be nice, leave a review if appropriate so you can help others!!
Those are my rules!! Hope they help Shiny!!

DonnaF

Veteran

Hi, Shiny;

Glad to see you around more! I do most of my shopping online but most of my returns to bricks'n'mortar. Like you, I'm a Petite, so more stuff is available to me online. I am mostly a Nordstom person due to their generous return policy. IIRC, you are a Macys person, but because they are sometimes cheaper in the stores I rarely shop Macys online.

1. I always use my Nordstrom Wish List to store items I'm interested in, and I rarely order the item the same day I identify it unless it is on sale.

2. I check my Wish List daily to see if any of those items have been discounted or returned to stock.

3. I keep stuff in my Wish List after I've ordered it to watch for discounts, then I call the toll free number to request an adjustment if the item has gone down in price.

4. I sign up on the Waitlist if my size goes out of stock. And if it comes back, I order -- or not.

5. I know that certain brands and therefore certain items I want will almost invariably go on sale, like Nordstrom in-house brands and a few other brands. The big question is whether to play chicken on my size or to buy and hope I can get an adjustment later.

6. I often order in two sizes or sometimes three. I am a P2-4, so in jackets I may order a PXS, PS, and a regular XS if it has 3/4 sleeves and is a cropped length.

7. I make printout of pages of items that interest me if the web site says it is in the store even if it is available only in regular sizes or not in my size. When I am making my returns (per #6 above), I check out the fabric and color of these items -- and sometimes eliminate them.

8. If something sells out online, I make a printout and have the SA make a search of the system and have her order it for me. I don't know if places other than Nordstrom do this.

9. I have no hesitation AT ALL to return items that I don't feel are 10s. However, I love that Nordstrom gives me forever to ruminate!

My guess is that Nordstrom gets about 75% of my online orders; Zappos about 10%; Amazon about 10%; and everything else about 10%. My UPS guy is Rand, and he's the sweetest ever!

Classically Casual

Veteran

I agree with all the preceding good advice. I would add that returning in person to a B&M store results in an immediate credit to my account, rather than the long wait if it's shipped back. I try to take the time to price compare once I'm serious about an item. My newest self imposed strategy seems to be working: 5 items per season. (Not including basics, gear). Yesterday, the loafer orders would have been piling up. Instead, I'm still researching, hoping to eventually find a worthy pair. The hunt is the most enjoyable part anyway.

Anonymous

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, soft jackets, skirts and pants. I have found coats, dresses, shoes and boots only rarely fit when I order them online, so I try to do my shopping for those items in brick and mortar stores.

Isabel

Veteran

Lol @ Una. Additionally it took me 5 mins of deep concentration to figure out what b&m meant !!!!!

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.

With that said, whenever I crave spring roll, I head to the mall !

April

Veteran

Another rule, in addition to the fantastic array presented above: Let serendipity reign in-store, but not on the internet.

On the internet, there is so much available that you have to be stricter with yourself or you will end up with a cute feather boa, a tiny hat, and nothing to wear.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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!!

shiny

Veteran

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. And shopping is my hobby. It's not supposed to feel like WORK. Can anyone relate here?

I do read reviews -- and 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??)

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.

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...

I could write a rambling novel, and I usually do when I'm tired (!)... so I'll quit here. Been a long day.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think for me, not having the liberty of a store nearby necessitates that I play the online game. It's not really a matter of choice of one over the other
I think I would in-store shop 75% of the time and online 25% if I could choose either equally. As it stands, my ratios are opposite, or even more online than that.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

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 I am sure I would go crazy ordering things for a good long time!

Gigi

Veteran

I haven't read the other responses, but here's what I do:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Good luck!

rabbit

Veteran

Lot's of good advice. 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&M stores. So I will try it on at a B&M store, and then google all the online vendors and spend awhile trying to put together the best package to buy it.

This always includes free shipping and returns (if returns are free, I can buy more items to hit the free shipping minimum threshhold if need be). I go through fat wallet or ebates buying the item to get a percent of the cost back. I check retailmenot for coupon codes and special sales. On a pricer item I'll also try to sometimes check back within the week after I bought it to see if it's on sale and ask for a price adjustment. 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.

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. Also fit issues and color issues online get frustrating for me.

Zappos used to be 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.

My personal online catnip right now is TJ Maxx online. It's got the mix of interesting items and very very deep discounts - especially on clearance, which bring some higher end clothes into my price range. There isn't too much to wade through, there is free shipping (over 50$) and free store returns that are convenient for me. 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).

Oh, I also include ebay and sometimes tradesy in the research process when I'm looking for one particular item.

trix

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.

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, take a lot of time to decide, want to see how things look with the rest of your wardrobe, need special sizes, and/or don't have time to shop during daytime hours, online shopping can be a godsend.

I think my tips would echo those above:

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.

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. 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 by buying at the right moment at the beginning of the season.)

3) Take advantage of cash-back sites like eBates, MrRebates, and ShopDiscover (for those with Discover cards).

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.

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.)

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.

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 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 to make me put the brakes on my shopping. <:-)

fashionfwd

May not be as useful with so many helpful replies, but here it is anyway

-choose online retailers with a good track record in online sales ie. free shipping/returns, 30 day exchange policy etc.
-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
-check the sizing charts provided when buying clothes and shoes!! very important!! esp size conversions - EU to US or vice-versa.
-some online retailers have online chat features with customer reps. use them...they are very helpful.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-having said that, some small appliances are ok to buy online
-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.

Hope all this helps :). I love online shopping, it's actually changed the way I see shopping and how I shop too. Enjoy!
Cheers.
Rajika

shiny

Veteran

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 AT & 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.

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....

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