Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Return Policies: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
When you buy something, either consciously or subconsciously you are weighing the risks vs. the rewards. Shopaholics rationalize all the time about purchases. ALL the time! This is why it's super important to pay attention to store return policies - because you are not always in your rational state of mind, and not every company has one as uber-liberal as Nordstrom (you know, the one legends were born from?) Did we not learn anything from Greg Brady's mistake when he bought his first car, a total lemon, and was warned, "caveat emptor" - let the buyer beware?! Back in the day, there were actually life lessons to be learned from TV shows, and if you are old enough to have learned them good for you! But I digress...
I have learned to always ask the question "so what's your return policy on this?" They are not offering up any free advice in this area, because they don't want you to return the darned thing at all, and they will give you a hard time if you are outside the "window of opportunity".
Here's my tip list on returns:
1) ALWAYS ask what the policy is (yes, I said this before, I know, but it's like SO important)
2) ALWAYS keep all your receipts - ALL of them - in a file somewhere until you are sure you never, ever, ever need it again (you wore the shirt to shreds and it's going in the garbage - you can deposit the receipt right along with it!) This is very important tip, I swear.
3) Frequent the same stores and make friends with a cool sales person. MAKE FRIENDS! Like, tell them about yourself, ask them how their dog is, look at pics from their last vacation - whatever. If you find someone cool who "gets" you, they will make your shopping trips so much more enjoyable and will pull strings for you when you really need it. Like when the $1,000 pair of Chloe boots you bought are tearing your feet apart after one day and you have decided that walking for the rest of your life is more important than the cuteness factor of the boots. You are going to need your sales person to "handle" it just like Winston Wolf in Pulp Fiction.
4) If you need to exchange, call as soon as possible to make sure they have the size you need. Nordstrom will search the ends of the earth to find something for you and ship it FREE.
5) Try not to buy things you are going to return.
A store I just hate shopping at because of their ridiculous return policy is BCBG Max Azria. You cannot get your money back (unless it's defective which has definitely happened to me with their clothes on a number of occasions). You can only get store credit. I have been carrying around a $150 BCBG credit for nearly 2 years because I am so over their stuff. I am hoping that one day they will wake up, realize what is going on in the market, and make their return policy competitive with (mostly) every other retailer. That's both BAD and UGLY.
HAPPY SHOPPING TRIPPING!
I have learned to always ask the question "so what's your return policy on this?" They are not offering up any free advice in this area, because they don't want you to return the darned thing at all, and they will give you a hard time if you are outside the "window of opportunity".
Here's my tip list on returns:
1) ALWAYS ask what the policy is (yes, I said this before, I know, but it's like SO important)
2) ALWAYS keep all your receipts - ALL of them - in a file somewhere until you are sure you never, ever, ever need it again (you wore the shirt to shreds and it's going in the garbage - you can deposit the receipt right along with it!) This is very important tip, I swear.
3) Frequent the same stores and make friends with a cool sales person. MAKE FRIENDS! Like, tell them about yourself, ask them how their dog is, look at pics from their last vacation - whatever. If you find someone cool who "gets" you, they will make your shopping trips so much more enjoyable and will pull strings for you when you really need it. Like when the $1,000 pair of Chloe boots you bought are tearing your feet apart after one day and you have decided that walking for the rest of your life is more important than the cuteness factor of the boots. You are going to need your sales person to "handle" it just like Winston Wolf in Pulp Fiction.
4) If you need to exchange, call as soon as possible to make sure they have the size you need. Nordstrom will search the ends of the earth to find something for you and ship it FREE.
5) Try not to buy things you are going to return.
A store I just hate shopping at because of their ridiculous return policy is BCBG Max Azria. You cannot get your money back (unless it's defective which has definitely happened to me with their clothes on a number of occasions). You can only get store credit. I have been carrying around a $150 BCBG credit for nearly 2 years because I am so over their stuff. I am hoping that one day they will wake up, realize what is going on in the market, and make their return policy competitive with (mostly) every other retailer. That's both BAD and UGLY.
HAPPY SHOPPING TRIPPING!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Oh How Nordstrom Taunts Me!
A few weeks ago, I opened a beautifully designed and produced November Nordstrom catalog entitled "captivating luxuries". I should have stopped right there, however the book was so compelling that I did not. I had to see...
On the very first page was a ring, this ring. Its description: one-of-a-kind ring with oval natural fancy pink (yes, PINK!!) diamond (3.25 ct. t.w.), round brilliant diamonds (.89 ct. t.w.) and two half-moon diamonds (.87 ct. t.w.) with rose-gold accents. Exclusively ours. $195,000.What was the first thing that jumped into my mind? "Where the hell can I get $195K to buy this ring!"
Oh, yes it did.
Needless to say, there was no answer short of selling my apartment and living on the street (because my parents abandoned my brother and me for south Jersey - but that's a story for another day - and no, I cannot live with my brother), which anyone with any sense at all knows is not a brilliant idea. Neither was moving to south Jersey, but again, a story for another day.
ANYHOO, I just wanted to let the world know that although I am COMPLETELY obsessed with this ring, and it has my name written all over it (not Shoppergirl, but my real name), I will not be able to purchase it due to extenuating circumstances.
BTW, Nordstrom did not post this ring on their site, nor the rest of the Jack Kelege collection in the book, which I think is a huge mistake. How do they know that someone with an Amex Black card isn't searching around online looking for something just like this to buy for Christmas or Hannukah? Hell, maybe they want to buy it for me!
To dream the impossible dream...
BLOOMINGDALES.com ON SALE - up to 25% OFF (almost) ANYTHING! Ends Dec. 2nd
Spend up to $299 and you'll get 20% off. Spend $300 or more and get 25% off! Use code PS1129. Includes sale merchandise, but exclusions do apply so read the fine print before filling up your shopping bag.
Friday, November 30, 2007
NIKE & COLE HAAN - What a Great Couple! Plus 20% Off!
I sometimes think that shoe designers have contests to see how insanely painful they can make women's shoes. Either that, or they design them as what I like to call "limo shoes" - put shoes on, get in the limo, get out of the limo, get back in the limo, go home, take shoes off. Yeah, uh huh...
Whoever at Cole Haan or Nike thought of combining Nike Air technology with Cole Haan's gorgeous and classic shoes should be granted a Nobel Prize for Foot Comfort, seriously. They are simply a genius. It's a simple concept, and those are usually the most successful ones (K.I.S.S. I love to say!) Perhaps it was inevitable considering Cole Haan is owned by Nike - or not considering how rampant corporate turf wars can be. Who cares - all that matters is they exist! I am thrilled to say I now own these little beauties and I cannot wait to wear them! (Or RUN in them if I so desire :))
ColeHaan.com is having a 20% off EVERYTHING promotion through Sunday the 2nd with code HOLIDAY. It seems they are kind of hiding this promotion on the product pages for whatever reason, but it's there and it's a great time to stock up!
RUN, DON'T WALK!
Whoever at Cole Haan or Nike thought of combining Nike Air technology with Cole Haan's gorgeous and classic shoes should be granted a Nobel Prize for Foot Comfort, seriously. They are simply a genius. It's a simple concept, and those are usually the most successful ones (K.I.S.S. I love to say!) Perhaps it was inevitable considering Cole Haan is owned by Nike - or not considering how rampant corporate turf wars can be. Who cares - all that matters is they exist! I am thrilled to say I now own these little beauties and I cannot wait to wear them! (Or RUN in them if I so desire :))
ColeHaan.com is having a 20% off EVERYTHING promotion through Sunday the 2nd with code HOLIDAY. It seems they are kind of hiding this promotion on the product pages for whatever reason, but it's there and it's a great time to stock up!
RUN, DON'T WALK!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
CALLING ALL RALPH FANS! 30% OFF!
A wonderful friend of mine just shared this Friends and Family event for Ralph Lauren! Get 30% off full-price Ralph Lauren and RUGBY stores and RalphLauren.com through December 10th. There's a lot of fine print so read carefully. GO NUTS!!
Friends & Family Holiday Shopping Event
Full-price Ralph Lauren and RUGBY stores and RalphLauren.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 – MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
ENJOY 30% OFF
Event Guidelines:
• Friends & Family will receive a 30% discount at domestic
Ralph Lauren, RRL and Rugby Stores and RalphLauren.com
only. This discount is not valid at Polo Ralph Lauren Factory
Stores, department or specialty stores or the privately owned
Ralph Lauren store in Sacramento.
• Friends & Family downloads will be available through
PoloExpress. Coupons can be printed or emailed with
information about receiving the discount at stores or
RalphLauren.com
• Previous purchases are not eligible for adjustments. Discount
does not apply to previously purchased merchandise and may
not be combined with any other offers.
• Alterations and shipping are subject to an additional charge.
• Telephone orders will not be accepted.
• Items that are out of stock during the event cannot be purchased
with this discount.
• Each Ralph Lauren store has the right, in its sole discretion, to
limit or restrict the quantity of items purchased with a coupon.
• Gift packaging available at store discretion during select times.
• Products not included in this offer:
Ralph Lauren Stores & Ralph Lauren.com
- Sale-Price Items (in-stores only)
- Gift Certificates & Gift Cards
- Fragrance
- Antiques / Vintage Product
- Pink Pony or any philanthropic product
Rugby Stores
- Gift Cards
- Patches
- Women’s Jewelry
- Vintage
- Coffee Table Books
When Using Friends & Family Coupons in Ralph Lauren and
RUGBY Stores:
• Employees must print their names and employee numbers on the
coupons before mailing to their guests. Coupons are not valid
without employee names and numbers. It is not necessary for an
employee to accompany guests to receive the discount.
• Original coupon must be forfeited at time of purchase.
Reproductions will not be accepted.
• Discount is good for bearer’s use only.
When Using Friends & Family PoloExpress Downloads in Ralph
Lauren and RUGBY Stores:
• Valid friends & family coupons downloaded or emailed from
PoloExpress will be accepted. Coupons must have the complete
barcode included in order to receive the discount.
• The coupon must be forfeited at time of purchase.
• Discount is good for bearer’s use only.
When shopping at RalphLauren.com:
• Simply enter promotional code HOL2007 at checkout at to
receive the discount at RalphLauren.com
• Order must be confirmed by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on
Monday, December 10, 2007.
• Applicable state sales tax and shipping charges will be added to
each order.
• Because of the exclusive nature of this event, we ask that you
return purchases from RalphLauren.com by mail using the
postage-paid return label provided with your order rather than at
Ralph Lauren stores.
• If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at
888-475-7674.
Friends & Family Holiday Shopping Event
Full-price Ralph Lauren and RUGBY stores and RalphLauren.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 – MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
ENJOY 30% OFF
Event Guidelines:
• Friends & Family will receive a 30% discount at domestic
Ralph Lauren, RRL and Rugby Stores and RalphLauren.com
only. This discount is not valid at Polo Ralph Lauren Factory
Stores, department or specialty stores or the privately owned
Ralph Lauren store in Sacramento.
• Friends & Family downloads will be available through
PoloExpress. Coupons can be printed or emailed with
information about receiving the discount at stores or
RalphLauren.com
• Previous purchases are not eligible for adjustments. Discount
does not apply to previously purchased merchandise and may
not be combined with any other offers.
• Alterations and shipping are subject to an additional charge.
• Telephone orders will not be accepted.
• Items that are out of stock during the event cannot be purchased
with this discount.
• Each Ralph Lauren store has the right, in its sole discretion, to
limit or restrict the quantity of items purchased with a coupon.
• Gift packaging available at store discretion during select times.
• Products not included in this offer:
Ralph Lauren Stores & Ralph Lauren.com
- Sale-Price Items (in-stores only)
- Gift Certificates & Gift Cards
- Fragrance
- Antiques / Vintage Product
- Pink Pony or any philanthropic product
Rugby Stores
- Gift Cards
- Patches
- Women’s Jewelry
- Vintage
- Coffee Table Books
When Using Friends & Family Coupons in Ralph Lauren and
RUGBY Stores:
• Employees must print their names and employee numbers on the
coupons before mailing to their guests. Coupons are not valid
without employee names and numbers. It is not necessary for an
employee to accompany guests to receive the discount.
• Original coupon must be forfeited at time of purchase.
Reproductions will not be accepted.
• Discount is good for bearer’s use only.
When Using Friends & Family PoloExpress Downloads in Ralph
Lauren and RUGBY Stores:
• Valid friends & family coupons downloaded or emailed from
PoloExpress will be accepted. Coupons must have the complete
barcode included in order to receive the discount.
• The coupon must be forfeited at time of purchase.
• Discount is good for bearer’s use only.
When shopping at RalphLauren.com:
• Simply enter promotional code HOL2007 at checkout at to
receive the discount at RalphLauren.com
• Order must be confirmed by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on
Monday, December 10, 2007.
• Applicable state sales tax and shipping charges will be added to
each order.
• Because of the exclusive nature of this event, we ask that you
return purchases from RalphLauren.com by mail using the
postage-paid return label provided with your order rather than at
Ralph Lauren stores.
• If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at
888-475-7674.
SHOES WONDERFUL SHOES
I spoke briefly about my addictions earlier (refresher: food and shopping, not necessarily in that order), and I feel I need to add one (note: it won't be the last). This is one you've heard before from many women so it's not new as far as life in general goes, however it is new for me. It's not something I asked for or was aware was happening - it sort of just snuck up on me one day and BAM!
I have become addicted to shoes. Shoe-aholism.
Now I am not Imelda Marcos addicted, I only wish I had her budget and storage space, but just normal every-day person addicted. (OK, maybe not so normal.) I don't know when it started; like I eluded to earlier one day you're this normal, shoe-indifferent person, and the next day you are spending 2 hours on Nordstrom.com looking at EVERY SINGLE PAIR OF SHOES. Oh yeah, I am very picky about my shoes. I once spent two weeks hunting down these perfect little Marc Jacobs black crinkle patent wedge-heel peep-toe flats in my size. They are absolutely precious. I drove every Barneys and Barneys.com employee nuts. But I did not care - that is their job and I wanted those shoes.
I used to not care about shoes - I hated shoes. Hated shopping for them, hated wearing them, I had ugly shoes (I didn't know that then, but I surely know that now. Ignorance was bliss!).
So that brings me to today's shopping lesson - there are SO MANY shoe sites and pretty much all of them offer either free shipping or free shipping both ways! YAY! Because there are so many of them, it means price and service competition wars.
I personally am not a fan of Zappos - I find it a totally confusing mess. They must be giving stuff away because I just can't figure out how anyone finds anything on there. My favorites are Nordstrom of course, PiperLime.com, ColeHaan.com, FootCandyShoes, and now a new site I just found OnlineShoes.com. I'll be ordering these little pretties (and they are on SALE! SCORE!):
HAPPY SHOE SHOPPING!
I have become addicted to shoes. Shoe-aholism.
Now I am not Imelda Marcos addicted, I only wish I had her budget and storage space, but just normal every-day person addicted. (OK, maybe not so normal.) I don't know when it started; like I eluded to earlier one day you're this normal, shoe-indifferent person, and the next day you are spending 2 hours on Nordstrom.com looking at EVERY SINGLE PAIR OF SHOES. Oh yeah, I am very picky about my shoes. I once spent two weeks hunting down these perfect little Marc Jacobs black crinkle patent wedge-heel peep-toe flats in my size. They are absolutely precious. I drove every Barneys and Barneys.com employee nuts. But I did not care - that is their job and I wanted those shoes.
I used to not care about shoes - I hated shoes. Hated shopping for them, hated wearing them, I had ugly shoes (I didn't know that then, but I surely know that now. Ignorance was bliss!).
So that brings me to today's shopping lesson - there are SO MANY shoe sites and pretty much all of them offer either free shipping or free shipping both ways! YAY! Because there are so many of them, it means price and service competition wars.
I personally am not a fan of Zappos - I find it a totally confusing mess. They must be giving stuff away because I just can't figure out how anyone finds anything on there. My favorites are Nordstrom of course, PiperLime.com, ColeHaan.com, FootCandyShoes, and now a new site I just found OnlineShoes.com. I'll be ordering these little pretties (and they are on SALE! SCORE!):
HAPPY SHOE SHOPPING!
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