8.06.2012

StW GUIDE TO ONLINE SHOPPING

Here are some of my personal tips for improving your odds of being happy and or satisfied with your next online purchase. And if you haven't heard, Barneys' world renown Warehouse Sale is being held online this year for the first time ever. I shared that HERE with a link on Friday. I'll share a few of my picks from the sale tomorrow on the StW facebook page.

photo courtesy of: cartoonstock.com

  • ALWAYS search for the product on other sites. Some sites do a great job of creating smoke and mirrors. Ever purchase something to find that the color looks nothing like they say it does? When you enlist the help of multiple sites you can usually tell whether the color presented is true or not. PLUS you may find the item cheaper elsewhere.
  • KNOW your measurements. Use size charts to your advantage. Sizes vary by designer and retailer because of vanity sizing and different international standards. It would behoove you to use the size chart as a guide because the better your clothes fit, the more polished you look.
  • LEARN which silhouettes and colors best flatter you. This comes with trying clothing on ad nauseum and or seeking advice, but the practice is worth it.
  • TAKE STOCK of the fabrics in your closet and those you've come across while shopping at a physical location. Make a mental note of their texture, weight, movement, and most importantly quality, and wear (its resilience after a reasonable amount of wears and cleans). This and using the site's ZOOM feature will help you determine whether the fabric is worth your money. Natural fabrics like silk are the most luxurious.
  • READ customer reviews. They truly are your friend. Often times, I walk away from a product if there are no reviews and I'm not totally confident that it's going to be just right.
  • CHECK return policies. Non-refundable and non-returnable items can pack a punch to one's ego and maybe wallet if they aren't what you wanted, but then again that's why you're reading these tips. Yes, I would say this is ego bruising. Don't judge.
  • Search for COUPONS before you check out either on the company's site, a third party site like Retail Me Not, your e-mail if you are registered with the retailer, or through your bank. If I enter a retailer's site through my bank's portal, my (large, international) bank offers me great discounts and or a three to five times the rewards points I would earn for the same purchase made directly through the retailer. And it doesn't matter if I'm at checkout already, so long as I haven't confirmed my order. So, shop and be rewarded several times over!
  • GET HELP! If you need a professional, contact me.

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