Whether you're a prodigy or a newbie to online shopping, there's always a mistake purchase we've all regretted. Time for a fool-proof strategy for mistake-free shopping.
View photo gallery
When making an online purchase, there is bound to be pictures of the item. Be sure to check all of the pictures and pay particular attention to the hemming, the sleeves and the neckline. You should zoom in and try to look at these in as much detail as possible. You'll be able to get a feel for the quality of the garment and craftsmanship that went behind it.
Check in different colours
Sometimes it may be difficult to really understand a piece of clothing through the online pictures. Black and white are too dark and too light respectively for all the details to be picked up on. So, in that case, have a look at the dress in the different colour options if possible. A dress in blue, red, green, pink etc. will show so much more detail than black and white.
Check Social Media
Everyone and their mother uses social media these days. If there is an item you have seen but not sure if it will suit you, you can search for the store on Instagram and see if there are any images of people wearing the garment. You can also use some specific hashtag searches to see how the item will look on your body type; 'plus size', 'body positivity', 'midsize queens' and 'petite fashionista' are all good search terms when trying to find someone who has a similar body type to yourself.
Check product description
Read the product description for a full breakdown of the item. You will find what material the garment is made of and what the different sizes measure up to. On some websites, you may even find some of the model's measurements (height, weight, waist and hip size). These will give you a good indication of the fit of the garment.
Sizing up or down?
Are you between different dress sizes or do you find that you are a size 8 in some stores and a size 12 in other stores? Where there is some doubt on sizing, just buy the garment in a few different sizes and try them all out.
Customer reviews
If it is your first time shopping from a particular brand/ company, check online for customer reviews. You can also look on Facebook and Twitter to see if there is any useful blurbs on the company and the items they stock.
Returns and refund policy
In the UK, it is illegal for stores to decline a refund. This is a law that a lot of customers are not aware of and some businesses do take advantage of. However, you should still see the refund policy before buying any item you have some doubts about. Are they making the returns and refund policy sound complicated, do they have a strict window time to return any goods? Some people find the process of repackaging and returning items so stressful that they do not bother with this. So, be honest with yourself and if you think you are unlikely to refund an item you are not happy with, reconsider buying the item.
Trialling outfit
When you receive anything online, try it out, wear it in front of the mirror. Look at yourself from the front, the side and the back. Sit down, stand up, bend down, sit on the floor. Do you find the different positions in the outfit comfortable or is there something you're not happy about? Anything that's uncomfortable to wear and anything that you're not fully happy with should be returned. Everything else can be hung up and take pride of place in your wardrobe.
Do the returns ASAP
When you know which items you don't want to keep, return it as soon as possible. Make it a priority so it's not a lingering task. You can do this at the store so it's done straight away or you can go to the post office and send the item back. You would have to wait a few days for the item to be received by the company before the refund is issued. Also a refund can take approximately a week for the money to come back to your account so keep stock of this and be sure to follow up if there is a delay.
Feedback
Online shopping is quite a standard, uneventful practice these days. But there may be something that stands out to you. You can share your opinions and experience online- ah the joys of social media and online reviews.
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