Tips For Clothes Shopping On The Web

(c) 2001 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes

One of the neat things about buying on the web is that
you suddenly have access to a world of goods you
probably never even knew existed.

Whether it's cashmere sweaters from Scotland, Italian
lingerie, or a hand stitched Chinese gown, doing
business with someone half way across the globe can
give you a real "global village" feeling. But it can
also create a few headaches if you overlook pertinent
details.

Here are some quick tips to help you navigate the
sometimes unpredictable waters of the World Wide Web:

1. Always Look For a Secure Site When Ordering.

Now this is real "Web 101" stuff, I know, but I'm
still amazed at the number of unsecured sites
requesting credit card information. While instances of
"lifting" credit card numbers off an unsecured page are
rare, it certainly never hurts to err on the side of
caution.

The merchant will probably indicate that you're on a
secure server when it calls for your charge card
number, but you can always know for sure by looking at
the address line in your browser. It should read:

https://secure.whomeverthemerchantvendoris.com

If you don't see "https" and the word "secure" on the
address line, you're not on a secure server.

2. Know The Return Policy Before You Buy.

Yes, returns happen. The best way to make sure there's
not going to be a problem is before you place your
order.

Some of the largest Internet clothing sites started
offline as mail order companies. They know how to fill
orders, and they expect a certain number of returns.
When you click to these sites, you know they have
their act together: the return policy is clearly
indicated so you won't have any surprises. What's
more, you'll probably find a return shipping label
attached to your packing invoice, just in case.

Many bridal and second hand stores have a "no return,
no refund" policy listed prominently on their order
pages. As this is standard in the industry, don't let
that stop you from buying. Just know you may need to
pay for alterations if the fit isn't right.

But there are many sites that don't have a policy
listed anywhere. Don't assume anything. Email or call
before you place your order so you know where you
stand if the purchase isn't right.

If you do need to make a return, send the package back
via a courier that has a tracking system in place,
like U.P.S.(www.ups.com), so you can confirm receipt
of the return. Verify that your charge card is
credited for the item returned.

3. Use Conversion Tables For Size and Currency. When
buying clothes from other countries, there are two
things you are likely to encounter:

A. Sizes you've never seen before.

B. A currency you don't know.

Don't despair. Many savvy sites ask where you're from
on the home page and send you to your country's
version of their catalog. Others offer conversion
charts right on their sites.

But if you don't see anything and you don't know what
you're looking at, don't click away in frustration.
Just open these sites to help you with the
conversions:

Clothing sizes - http://fromto.as/clothing.htm
Currency exchange - http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic

4. Keep Track of The Accounting.

Again, basic stuff that bears repeating. Always print
out a copy of your invoice and keep it with your
bookkeeping receipts. Often, web site names don't
match company names, so you'll want to a have a record
of your purchase when your credit card statement
arrives.

So whether you fall in love with the couture
consignments at The Snob (www.thesnob.net), can't live
without that pair of shoes you saw at Faith
(www.faith.co.uk/), or become tipsy over the fragrance
at L'Occitane (www.loccitane.com), you can buy with
confidence, knowing just what to expect.

Shopping on the web can be fun, convenient, and a real
time saver. Just follow the tips above to make it
safe, hassle-free, and completely understandable as
well.

========================

Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image
consultant and author of "521 Of The Hottest Fashion
Sites On The Web," THE ultimate online fashion
directory. You can visit her online at
www.fashionforrealwomen.com .



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