From bubblegum to sports cars, virtually everything can be bought online. We can even apply for home loans and go house hunting without getting off the couch! But while the convenience of shopping online is astounding, there’s no denying the downsides of buying things before getting the chance to hold, wear, or test. At no point is this more apparent than when shopping for clothes and footwear online. We’ve all been there. Unable to find the perfect top or pair of shoes at the local mall or department store, we find what we’re looking for online. But will it fit? Will it be legit? Will we end up with something that doesn’t look anything like what we saw in the pictures? While we can’t eliminate the risk of getting catfished while buying groceries and clothes online, we can help readers reduce the chances of it happening. Furthermore, the following advice will help readers save time and money going forward.
Know your size
A person’s size goes beyond S, M, L, XL, etc. For instance, a “large” shirt from Company A fits perfectly, while a “large” shirt from Company B is too baggy. One’s size comes down to specific measurements. With this in mind, take the time to measure yourself and compare that to the sizing charts provided by different clothing companies. Doing so means you’re more likely to get clothes that fit, regardless of which “size” they are. This cuts down on the number of returns while also making online clothes shopping more appealing going forward.
Cut out the middleman
Shopping for clothes online often means not going through a third-party retailer. With this in mind, consider going straight to the source before anything else. For instance, Spanx sells swimwear and activewear direct to the consumer. So why would you go to Target’s website? Always check to see if you can buy directly. Doing so saves time, money, and hassle in the event of a return.
Abandon your shopping cart
While this trick doesn’t always work, toying with online shopping carts can potentially lead to lower prices. Generally speaking, it works like this; an online shopper adds items to their shopping cart and creates an account for the purchase. But then they don’t follow through. Many retailers will reach out within a day or two to encourage the shopper to come back and make the purchase. In doing so, they may offer to drop the price. Again, it’s not 100% effective, but worth a try.
Use Google before buying
Online shopping always runs the risk of getting duped by a fly-by-night company more interested in getting money than providing products. With this in mind, always do research before deciding to buy clothing or shoes from a company you don’t recognize. Furthermore, use Google to see if another retailer offers the same item for less money.
Have a gameplan for returns
What happens if the article of clothing arrives and doesn’t fit or simply doesn’t look good? You return it – but how? Mailing it back to the seller needs to happen, but some make it easier than others. Make a point to learn the return policy before buying clothing online. Doing so makes it easier to return an item rather than talk yourself into eating the cost and donating it to Goodwill. Sure, a five-dollar find on eBay that doesn’t pan out might not be worth the hassle to return, but it’s best to have the option available, whether you use it or not.
Know the limitations
There’s a reason clothing stores have dressing rooms. It’s the same reason auto dealerships offer test drives. But trying on clothes and shoes is impossible when buying them online. Rather than let this discourage you from purchasing apparel over the internet, embrace it, accept it, and use the previous tips to make it easier to buy and return.
Take advantage of originality
Today, many people prefer to rock an original, authentic style rather than join in on existing fashion trends. With this in mind, why would you want to buy a graphic tee from Wal-Mart when you can have an Etsy artisan make a custom design just for you? That way, you end up with the shirt you always wanted, rather than settling for whatever was available in your size, which may or may not be a pattern or image you like. Doing so creates so many more possibilities.
Contribute to ratings and reviews
Online shopping relies a lot on the ratings and reviews of others. With this in mind, participate in online ratings and reviews whenever possible. However, keep in mind that putting a company on blast for lousy service is easier than taking time to praise a company for excellent service. In other words, avoid the habit of only voicing your opinion when you are dissatisfied. Take the time to commend a clothing company when the praise is justified. It helps other online shoppers make more informed spending decisions.
If it exists, chances are you can buy it online. When it comes to shopping for clothes and shoes over the internet, consumers ought to consider the benefits and risks. Doing so helps make the most of buying apparel online while simultaneously mitigating the risks.
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