Great online shoe store: Pump up your Spirit and Soles. There are no negatives here.
Written: Jan 08 '06 (Updated May 05 '07)
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Recently, I had the opportunity to order shoes from the EasySpirit online store. As someone who works outside the home, and often has to spend hours on my feet, I appreciate comfortable, well-built shoes. Life is too short to spend it in uncomfortable shoes. High, spiky heels that will increase my chance of back and ankle problems, or falling? Forget about it! Luckily, with EasySpirit shoes, I can have it all: a large selection of comfortable shoes that look good and won’t break the bank. I purchase EasySpirit pumps for the office, and often purchase their athletic and casual shoes, too. They are great for long walks by the Hudson River, or doing dreaded chores, such as dusting and vacuuming. I suppose I would even consider wearing them if I were to decide to do some dusting along the Hudson River.
I recently spent a day with a good friend. We shopped for shoes at the mall and then had lunch. In other words, it was a perfect day! She and I both fell in love with a certain shoe that was extremely comfortable and had soft, buttery leather. She chose to purchase the shoe in a color similar to brown mustard. Unfortunately, they were out of black, my preferred color. No problem. I would order from the online store.
Thus started a series of purchases from the EasySpirit online store. My general pattern is to try on the shoe at the actual store, but then order additional colors or additional pairs from the online store. Let’s take a look at the website together:
What is the home page like?
The website is well organized, thorough, easy to use and fast. The home page is not too busy, yet contains all the elements most customers would be interested in pursuing. Along the top panel, one can start a basic search (by size/width/ or keyword) or an advanced search (by model/price). Along the left column, one can click on the type of shoes or accessories one wishes to purchase, such as career shoes /casual/ athletic shoes/ boots/sandals /handbags/men’s shoes/ gift cards. In the center is the store locator. Finally, along the bottom, one can link to "frequently asked questions" and "contact us".
Do they have enough details and pictures of the items?
Yes, if you click on a category, such as “special occasion shoes”, then click on “view all”, you can scroll through thumbnail images of all items in that category, shown in every color available. Then, click on a specific item, and we are told the fabric, heel height, and shown images taken from various angles. You can then enlarge the image, and zoom in and out.
What about the check-out process?
Items can be added to your shopping bag, until you are ready for check-out. Sales tax and shipping are clearly shown. The process is accurate and efficient. After making your purchase, you will quickly receive an email confirming the transaction and providing shipping tracking information.
What are their prices like?
I have found their online store prices and retail store prices to be the same. At any given time, a high percentage of their inventory is "on sale". Typical prices on pumps are around $69.99, but there are many styles on sale for $29.99-$39.99. Typical prices for athletic shoes (or what I still call sneakers) are $49.99. The Frontera pumps I have been ordering lately were originally $75.00, but at both the retail store and the online store, the sale price was $49.99. There is a link so you can view all the items that are on sale. In my mind, I like to figure in not only the actual price, but also the construction and durability of a pair of shoes. I find that these shoes last and last.
What about shipping charges?
They charge $7.50 if the total charge is below $75.00, and $10.00 if the total charge is above $75.00. They sometimes have special promotions that can reduce or eliminate shipping charges. You can also sign up to receive various email promotions. One can pay extra for express shipping or overnight shipping.
What about sales tax?
By law, they are required to collect sales tax for online purchases when the purchase is made from a state that has an EasySpirit retail store. I note there are currently only 10 states without EasySpirit retail stores. So, you folks in Alaska and Arkansas do not currently have to pay sales tax.
What about other questions?
They have an impressive list of 60 frequently asked questions, accompanied by thorough, clear answers. Questions range from “Do you ship internationally?” (answer is: NO) to “How can I apply for a job with EasySpirit?”
How quickly do items arrive?
Items ordered before noon on weekdays are shipped by UPS that same day. They allow up to seven days for arrival. However, my items always arrived in less than one week.
What about returns?
EasySpirit accepts returns of unworn items up to 30 days from date of purchase. So far, I have not needed to return any items.
What if items are not in stock?
This should not be a problem very often. I will quote from the website:
“We make every effort to only offer you sizes and colors that are in stock. If a size or color is no longer available it may not be offered and no back orders will be accepted. Occasionally, when items are very popular and additional inventory will be arriving shortly, we may accept back orders knowing that more inventory will arrive shortly.”
Bottom line: I have had a positive experience using the EasySpirit online store. I really like my new shoes. I am pumped! You can check them out at www.easyspirit.com.
Thank you Joubert, for adding this store to the database, at my request.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: Diana
Location: New York
Reviews written: 151
Trusted by: 182 members
About Me: Hope my reviews are helpful to somebody!
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