Online shopping can save you time, money and a trip to malls, but if done rashly it can actually end up causing you problems. When shopping for clothing online make sure you buy what you need in the right size. Shop around for the best prices and be on the lookout to avoid scams and dubious sellers.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Buy the Right Clothes
Step 1. Take your measurements
Each manufacturer may classify clothing sizes differently, so you can't rely on standard small / medium / large measurements or a numerical measurement scale. Because when you shop online you can't try on clothes before you buy them, it is vital that you measure accurately.
- Women should at least know the circumference of the chest, the measurement of the waist and hips. Other measures such as height, the measurement from the crotch to the ankle and the length of the arm may also be necessary depending on the garment to be purchased.
- Men should know the chest circumference, neck, waist and crotch to ankle size. Other measurements may also be necessary, such as arm length, shoulder width and height.
- As for children's clothing, parents should know the height, the measurement of the waist and hips. For girls it is also necessary to measure the chest and for boys to measure the chest.
- For infants and young children, parents should know their child's height and weight.
- Also, keep in mind the season you are shopping for. For many people, summer is synonymous with living lightly in the open air. As soon as the good weather starts, women decide to mix up their clothing a little and go out in shorts. In autumn, blue jeans will protect you from the first cold.
Step 2. Check the size information for each garment
Most manufacturers have a standard size chart that is used for all dresses, but many online stores sell items from different manufacturers. Check the product description of each garment you intend to purchase to double check how sizes are measured. You may find that you carry a small by the standards of one manufacturer, but a medium by the standards of another.
Step 3. Make a list of what you need
If you decide to buy several items of clothing at the same time, write down everything you need before starting. This will help keep you on track and may help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by your choices.
Step 4. Avoid distractions
Look only at the clothes you know you need. If you're just going to buy a new dress, avoid looking at the tops and accessories. Otherwise you risk wasting time looking at clothes that you don't really need and you could end up buying something extra and over budget.
Step 5. Try on the clothes immediately when they arrive
Many online stores accept returns, but only within a limited time. Try on the clothes immediately when they are delivered to you. Do not remove tags or stickers as this may affect the ability to return the goods if it does not suit you.
Method 2 of 3: Stick to the Budget
Step 1. Establish an expense budget
To avoid overspending, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. Review your financial situation and determine how much extra money you have.
Step 2. Compare the various stores
The real beauty of online shopping is convenience. In a few minutes you can check the selection of products available in different stores and all this while remaining seated. Take advantage of this convenience to compare the prices and variety of products offered by several reputable online stores. You may find that two stores offer similar clothing at very different prices.
Step 3. Look for offers
The easiest way to do this is to sign up for the various online stores you visit to receive email newsletters. Newsletters often contain information relating to sales and sales. Alternatively, quickly visit the shop windows of different online sellers and pay attention to the ones where the sales are in progress.
Step 4. Buy in bulk
Many wholesalers require you to be a reseller in order to make a purchase, but not all.
- For true wholesale it is necessary to purchase large quantities in a single order; it is in fact a good opportunity for basic needs such as underwear and socks.
- Wholesale traders who also sell at retail purchase large quantities of clothes at wholesale prices and resell those garments with a minimal markup. Consequently, clothing purchased from a wholesale trader who also sells at retail are often much less expensive than those purchased from a normal retailer.
Step 5. Check the shipping costs before proceeding with the purchase
Shipping costs and additional transaction costs can cause the price of your purchase to skyrocket, especially if you end up purchasing from a seller abroad.
When comparing the prices of the various stores you should also consider these costs as an important element
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Safe
Step 1. Buy from trusted sellers
Department store websites and official websites of well-known brands are a good starting point. If you're shopping in small stores or from individual sellers, choose those that use PayPal or other secure payment methods.
Step 2. Check the comments and reviews
Buy from individual sellers only if a detailed feedback system is available. Sellers with a 100% approval rate may have skewed the results, so you should look to sellers who have broadly positive reviews and some that have been "fixed" as it were. Negative reviews that have been "resolved" include all sorts of problems to which a solution has been found after an exchange of information between the buyer and the seller.
Step 3. Learn how to spot a counterfeit product
When buying a branded item, be aware that many sellers are quick to scam you. Know the peculiarities of a particular brand and look for detailed images that can be used to identify an authentic or counterfeit garment.
Step 4. Do not disclose personal information
Your name and address are required, but not your social security number and bank account number. If you are in doubt as to whether the seller is asking you for unnecessary personal information or not, be cautious.
Step 5. Shop on encrypted websites. Sites starting with "https:" are safe, and many browsers also display a closed lock indicating that the site is safe. These security measures are not necessary to view the products, but you should avoid sites where payment is made on unsafe pages.
Step 6. Check the return conditions
Before making a purchase, check if the seller accepts the return and offers refunds. It can be a mistake to even buy from a regular seller if they don't accept returns, as you may find yourself stuck with an unusable product if it doesn't suit you.
Advice
- Avoid impulse purchases. Browsing online stores without a purpose with a credit card in hand is a quick way to end up with more clothes than necessary and more debts in relation to which you will not know what to do.
- If you receive a gift card for a major chain of stores, consider using it online. Most department stores and other well-known chains allow gift cards to be used both in-store and online.
