Don't call me, I'll call you. Oh wait! I can't call you!
Written: Aug 03 '05 (Updated Aug 03 '05)
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I am not a huge fan of Fashion Bug and I have a store a few miles from me but a while back when I was quite ill and unable to get out much, I bought a few things from the website to lift my spirits (and lighten my wallet). Here is my experience.
Navigation
Navigation is quite straight forward. There are categories for Plus, Misses, Maternity, Junior, Girls, Intimate, Shoes, Accessories. There is also a link to clearance merchandise and current specials and sales. Just click the appropriate category then pick what you would like to view within that category (for example sweaters or jeans) and you will be taken to many pages of offerings.
Once you find what you want and pick a quantity, size, and color, you click to put it in your cart.
When you’re done, it’s check out time and then it is time to sit and wait for your stuff to arrive.
Variety
Fashion Bug has women’s and girls items only. There is a wide variety of items on the site in every category. The pictures are good quality and descriptions are short but tell you what you need to know. This is a very large website with many hundreds of items to choose from.
Quality
Fashion Bug has decent quality merchandise. As with any clothing store, some items are better than others. They are on par with Target as far as quality. No big brand names but lots of right now, today styles as well as traditional things that can be worn to work.
Buying From the Site
When you are ready to check out, you will be prompted to input your user name and password if you are a returning customer or to fill in the usual information if you are a first time shopper.
Once you get past that, you will see your total with shipping and tax. You have three shipping options which leads me to …
Shipping Rates and return Policy
Shipping is by USPS ground mail by default. You can also choose USPS Priority Mail or USPS Express Mail which is two day delivery for added fees.
Regular shipping starts at $4.95 and maxes out at $11.95 for purchases over $150.00.
You can return unworn tagged clothing at either a local Fashion Bug Store or send it back at your cost. You will be able to exchange or get a refund minus shipping charges.
My Experience
I had no problems finding items I liked. I did note that many sale items and, especially clearance items, were limited in sizes (usually only size small was available), but regular priced items were usually available in all sizes and colors. I chose a junior’s top and jeans.
After I was done shopping, I went to the check out and filled in my info – name, address, email address, the usual. I was taken to a page that showed my total with shipping and tax and asked what credit card I would be using. I used my MasterCard and, after filling that info in, I received a verification that the order had gone through.
I got another email about two days later with a number I could use to track my package on the website.
My items arrived in about three weeks. I thought that was quite a long time to wait but I wasn’t in a big hurry. Still, I think Fashion Bug could get items to people faster than three weeks even if shipping by USPS ground.
The top was too small so I took it back to the local Fashion Bug with my invoice when I was feeling better. I got a refund and didn’t bother getting anything else in exchange.
The shopping experience was fine except for a long wait for my items. I just don’t really like Fashion Bug’s clothing enough to shop there on a regular basis. However, as far as the site goes for those who do like their offerings, all was fine. One caveat that really bothers me though is that there is NO customer service number to call in case of a problem. You either have to send a snail mail letter or an email. I really think that is a bad policy and shy away from sites that don’t have customer service numbers and staff. The only reason I didn’t hesitate to shop on this site is because the store itself is close by and I knew I could deal with a hassle via the store if need be.
If you don’t have a Fashion Bug store near you, know that if you have a problem, all contact must be made by email and you will not be able to speak to a live person. For this reason alone, I downgraded this site to three stars.
Customer service is very important and, although I didn’t have a problem with the site, I may have if the top I bought that didn’t fit couldn’t be returned to the store nearby.
Conclusion
Fashion Bug is well known and has decent quality items at decent prices. The site is set up well and easy to navigate and the variety is large. Buying from the site is easy. The drawbacks are a long wait for your items and no customer service phone number to call in case of a problem or a question. I just don’t feel comfortable unless I know I can speak to someone live about an order I make over the internet.
Although I didn’t have any major problems, I gave the site three stars as I said above because of the two situations: shipping time and lack of a phone number for customer service.
Recommended:
No
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Jeans,top
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