Online fashion is a tricky business for consumers. On the one hand there’s the draw of being able to find a wardrobe addition without having to barge your way down the high street. On the other, there’s the risk of buying something without trying it on or getting a really good look at it.
With this in mind we’ve rounded up four popular online wardrobes and picked apart their returns policies as well as their ranges.
People Tree
What: Pioneers in Fair Trade and ecologically friendly fashion, People Tree works closely with 70 producers in 20 developing and third world countries. The range is endorsed by model and actress Sienna Miller.
The range: Contemporary clothes for men, women and children. Plus, a range of accessories and homeware. Prices are moderate to expensive.
Service: Postage is £9.50 for next day delivery or £4.50 standard. Anyone wary of giving their credit card details over the Internet has the option of ordering by phone, post or fax. Refunds are given on any item returned within 14 days.
Verdict: Great range. Pricey postage. Average returns policy.
ASOS
What: ASOS stands for As Seen On Screen and is a simple way for shoppers to emulate their fashion idol.
The range: You can search by item, brand or by celebrity. So if you search for Victoria Beckham you get a range of items similar to those Posh has been seen in recently. There’s also a handy wardrobe matcher whereby anything you look at links to matching goodies. The men’s section is beginning to take shape but this site is mainly for women.
Service: Postage is £4.95 for next day delivery or £2.95 for standard postage. Refunds and exchanges are given on any item returned within 14 days.
Verdict: Unique site, nicely laid out and the photography is good. Postage isn’t too pricey. Average policies.
Net-A-Porter
What: Despite the rather uninspiring name, Net-A-Porter is quite simply the largest online, global fashion outlet.
The range: Clothes are high designer and while are noticeably cheaper than if you bought direct from the designer boutique, are still pretty pricey.
Service: Postage prices range from £3.95 to £19.95 depending on where you’re based and which item you’re buying. Returns are handled free of charge by a courier company and refunds are given on anything returned within 14 days.
Verdict: The range of clothes on offer is vast, but at times that makes the website difficult to navigate. However this is a gem of a site for fans of designer clothes. Net A Porter also scores points for so visually displaying the customer services telephone number - many sites keep correspondence to email.
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What: The biggest online auction in the world (www.ebay.co.uk)
The range: eBay is arguably the website that started the craze for online clothes shopping. Fashion, particularly designer clothes and shoes, both new and second hand, are reportedly the biggest selling items across the whole site. You can bid on anything from a brand new Chloe bag with labels intact to high street seconds.
Service: This can obviously vary widely depending on who you buy from. Rarely does a buyer accept returns.
Verdict: Clothes shopping on e-bay is risky, but it’s one of the few ways to nab designer clothes at ridiculously low prices. Just be prepared for occasional disappointments.
