ZAPPOS - A shoe addict's paradise...
Written: Jan 22 '06 (Updated Jun 24 '08)
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I discovered Zappos a few years ago when searching for a particular pair of Guess boots that were no longer sold in stores. Zappos not only had the boots, but offered an unbelievably low price and free shipping. Was this store just too good to be true?
About Zappos:
Zappos is a huge online footwear store that carries hundrends of name-brands, including a small selection of couture brands, i.e. Gianni Bravo. While footwear is Zappos’ specialty, they also feature handbags from multiple designers, socks, backpacks, belts, and much more.
Selection:
The selection of both men’s and women’s footwear at Zappos is excellent. Zappos features all types of footwear; from sandals all the way to cowboy boots. As I already mentioned, Zappos offers most major brands; from Nike all the way to Roberto Cavalli and Vera Wang. When it comes to non-footwear items, however, the selection is fairly scant. For example, the handbag selection is pretty skimpy, as is the accessory selection. Since I only shop at Zappos for footwear, their small selection of handbags and accessories is not a major rant by any means.
Navigation:
Zappos offers a very easy-to-use format. You can find footwear by brand, size, cost, width, height, or a combination of all features. If you have any trouble finding a shoe, Zappos features an excellent search engine. When you do find a product at Zappos, Zappos offers excellent photography and multi views of the product so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Zappos also features up to the minute inventory, so what you buy here will always be in stock.
Checking out:
To purchase a product from Zappos, new users must first become a member (requires you to fill out your typical billing information). Once you become a member, Zappos saves all your info, so you can return to the site and purchase a product by only typing in your password. One should note that Zappos only accepts major credit cards and gift certificates. Once you make a purchase at Zappos, you are almost instantly e-mailed a receipt and an e-mail with a tracking number (within 24 hours).
Prices:
Prices are probably Zappos’ only downfall. While You can find a great deal here on sale items, regularly priced items are usually about 5% more than some online stores i.e. Shoes.com. On a positive note, Zappos offers a 110% guarantee, so if you find the same shoe for less money within 10 days after purchase they will refund the difference up to 110 percent. Also, if a product goes on sale within 10 days of your purchase, Zappos will send a check to you for the difference. I purchased my Guess boots on sale from Zappos for less than 100 dollars; nearly 80 dollars less than retail.
Shipping:
Zappos offers free UPS Ground shipping on every shoe in stock and will even pay shipping if you decide to return a pair. Zappos estimates that it will take 3-5 business for your apparel to arrive using the base shipping. If 3-5 days isn't fast enough, Zappos offers a host of quicker UPS delivery methods at an additional cost.
Return Policy:
Zappos has one of the best return policies in the business. If you are not happy with your order you can simply mail it back after requesting a free pre paid UPS label (available online to print). Zappos offers a 365-day guarantee on all their products, but the catch-22 is that items returned must be in the condition that they arrived.
Arrival Time:
Zappos was impressively fast with handling my order. Less than 24 hours after submitting my order, I was sent a tracking number and was already able to visit UPS.com and see where my package was located. I ended up receiving my boots in just 4 business days; not bad for free shipping! When my boots did arrive they were thoughtfully packaged and were in perfect condition.
Customer Service:
Customer Service at Zappos is excellent. When using their e-mail to inquire about a size, they extremely fast to respond. If you would like to talk to a live representative, Zappos offers a toll free number that is open 24 hours every day.
Final Words:
I am very satisfied with my shopping experiences at Zappos. With a 110% guarantee on prices, a very easy-to-use format, punctuality, and great customer service, I recommend this store 100%. I would not hesitate to buy from Zappos again.
Thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Boots, shoes
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