Seven Tips for shopping for online fashions
Here some quick tips for purchasing online for the first time:
1 - Know your size!
Most sites have size charts which have measurements for their sizes. You can grab a tape measure and easily work out your size.
2 - Designer clothes aren't that cheap!
If you find designer fashions really cheap than they probably aren't real. A seller's profile on eBay and other common online bargain sites are not 100 per cent trustworthy. If you want to buy a fake item you know can always just go to the markets and grab a quick deal. Most of the time when you are shopping online for a bargain you are looking for a real genuine bargain and not a fake so it is quite a shock to receive a fake even if it is a good one. So the rule here is that is it is too cheap to believe than it probably is a fake and you are best to keep on searching for a more reputable site. eBay is a hit and miss site so if you have had a bad experience do not dwell on it because there are loads of great online fashion stores with reputable brands and great prices. You just have to browse carefully and you won't get done. If you are looking at a picture of a garment on a model on the runway than the chances of it being a fake are higher because you aren't actually seeing a picture of the product in-stock. Unless you know the site is reputable (like you have read about it in an article, made previous purchases from the site or have friends tell you about it) don't ever buy from looking at a catwalk shot
3 - Use common sense!
Basically the number one rule is to use common sense. If you get an usual feeling and suspect fraud leave and search for stuff on one that makes you feel more secure. If you think the products are fake or look poor quality than again they probably are!
4 - Share the shipping cost!
Make sure you check out the merchant's shipping costs and add them on to your purchase so you know in advance if you can afford to make the purchase. To save on shipping cost you could get a couple of mates or your sister or mum to make a purchase at the same time and have them delivered to the one address and then you can spilt the bill. Or grab a group at work and make your purchases at lunch and split the shipping costs which will depend on the distance the goods must travel.
5 - Keep tab of your monthly spending!
Shopping for online fashions can become addictive and it is very easy to forget how much you have spent. So much sure you record what you have spent and keep a monthly tally so you don't go over your budget. Make sure you add the shipping and tax cost. It is your responsibility to find out how much tax you will need to pay. Shipping costs depend on how far the goods need to travel. Don't forget to do the conversations for currencies like converting US dollars and pounds to Australian dollars.
6 - Don't cut the tags off!
It is best to leave the tags on your garment until you are entirely sure you like them and they fit.
7 - Print off receipts!
Make sure you print out and keep your receipt with your order number until your goods arrive. It is unlikely but just in case your goods go missing you can more easily track your order if you can quote you order number.