Shopping online offers a convenient and efficient way to find the perfect items without leaving the comfort of your home. However, when it comes to finding the perfect fit, particularly for clothing and shoes, it can be challenging to get it right the first time. Despite this, there are savvy strategies you can implement to ensure a successful online shopping experience. By utilizing size charts, customer reviews, and appreciating the return policies of the stores, you can confidently shop for the perfect fit and avoid unnecessary returns. Additionally, with the option of using a general store gift card, whether online or in-store, you have the flexibility and convenience to make your purchases. Let’s explore these tips in more detail to help you become a savvy online shopper.
Utilizing Size Charts to Find the Perfect Fit
When shopping online for clothing or shoes, one of the most crucial tools at your disposal is the size chart provided by the retailer. Avoid relying solely on the sizing you typically wear, as sizes can vary between brands and even different items within the same brand. Take your measurements using a tape measure to ensure accurate sizing, then compare them to the size chart provided by the retailer. Pay attention to specific measurements such as chest, waist, hips, and inseam for clothing, and foot length and width for shoes. Understanding the sizing specifications will significantly increase the likelihood of finding the perfect fit when shopping online.
Another helpful tip when using size charts is to familiarize yourself with the retailer’s sizing guide and any customer reviews that mention the item’s fit. Sometimes, reviewers will provide detailed information about how an item fits compared to the standard sizing, giving you valuable insights before making a purchase.
(Related: 3 Smart & Simple Was to Max Your Dollar at the Grocery Store)
Leveraging Customer Reviews for Insightful Feedback
Customer reviews play a crucial role in online shopping, providing valuable insights into the fit, quality, and overall satisfaction with a specific item. When looking for the perfect fit, pay close attention to the reviews that mention sizing and fit. Look for comments from customers who share their experience with the fit of the item, especially if they provide detailed information about how the item runs in terms of size and shape.
Moreover, seek out reviews from customers who have a similar body type or style preferences as you. Their feedback can be particularly helpful in determining whether a specific item will suit your needs and preferences. Take advantage of the wealth of information available in customer reviews to make informed decisions and increase the likelihood of finding the perfect fit.
Return Policies to Navigate Purchases Confidently
Despite your best efforts, there may be occasions when the item you purchased online doesn’t quite fit as expected. This is why appreciating the return policies of the stores you’re purchasing from is essential. Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the retailer’s return policy, paying attention to details such as the time frame for returns, whether they offer free return shipping, and whether they provide full refunds or store credit.
In the event that you need to make a return, having a clear appreciation for the return process and any associated costs will streamline the experience. Additionally, knowing the return policy upfront can also alleviate any concerns you may have about not being able to return an item if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
(Related: 4 Easy & Effortless Ways to Automate Your Savings & Reach Your Money Goals)
Maximizing the Flexibility with a General Store Gift Card
As you navigate the world of online shopping and strive to find the perfect fit, having a general store gift card adds a layer of flexibility and convenience to your shopping experience. Whether you purchase a discount gift card, eGift card, or prepaid Visa card, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of retailers and make your purchases online or in-store.
By utilizing a general store gift card, you can take advantage of gift card deals and promotions, maximizing your savings while shopping for the perfect fit. Additionally, the option to activate a Visa gift card online or in-store provides ease of use and allows you to make purchases from a variety of retailers, giving you the freedom to explore different options and find the perfect fit with confidence.
As you implement these savvy strategies for online shopping, you’ll be empowered to find the perfect fit and avoid unnecessary returns, ultimately enhancing your overall shopping experience. Whether you’re utilizing size charts, customer reviews, or appreciating return policies, these tips will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to shop online effectively and efficiently.
The Essence
Honing your online shopping skills by leveraging tools such as size charts, customer reviews, and return policies can significantly enhance your ability to find the perfect fit and make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, the flexibility and convenience of using a general store gift card further elevates your shopping experience, offering opportunities for savings and convenience. By applying these tips and strategies, you’ll navigate online shopping with ease, ensuring that you find the perfect fit and make purchases with confidence.
This article originally appeared on GiftCardGranny.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
More from MediaFeed:
9 tips for finding the best online shopping deals
Online shopping has made it easier than ever for people around the globe to get what they need at the mere click of a mouse. In fact, it appears it has become a favorite pastime. The number of digital buyers was expected to reach 2.05 billion in 2020 and rise to 2.14 billion in 2021.
If you’re among the billions, it’s high time you make sure you’re getting the best deals online. Luckily, digital hunter-gatherers can load a checkout cart with tips and tricks to get great prices. Here’s everything you need to know about how to find the best deals online.
Related: A guide to ethical shopping
Depositphotos
Coupon codes are lurking all over the internet to help people find the best deals at their favorite retailers. For example, many online retailers will give customers a little discount for newsletter signup or for their first purchase. Others hide discount codes, but a simple Google search can yield great results for coupon hunters.
An easier way to dig up coupons to online retailers may be to search on coupon websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com.
Digital shoppers also can try downloading Chrome extensions like Honey, which automatically searches the internet for the best discount codes and applies them at checkout.
DepositPhotos.com
Online shopping tips don’t stop at coupons. Another way to save is to find free shipping options. If you don’t need an item ASAP, free shipping is typically an option at checkout.
Many online retailers also offer free shipping with a minimum order amount. To find free shipping deals and codes, check out websites like FreeShipping.org.
Another option may be to order an item online and then pick it up at the store for free. If it’s close enough to grab in person, it may be worth it to avoid shipping costs altogether.
DepositPhotos.com
Consumers who aren’t in a rush to purchase an item may be able to take advantage of price tracking tools. Price tracking tools help shoppers stay informed about price drops and sales so they can click “buy” at just the right time.
Apps like Honey have tools like Droplist that allow consumers to save items for later and be informed when an item on the list has a price drop.
Other apps like CamelCamelCamel track prices on Amazon, and PriceBlink , a desktop application, will find even more deals across the Web, too. It works by showing how much an item costs at several online stores so shoppers can pick the best one.
DepositPhotos.com
Many larger retailers like Walmart and Target participate in price matching programs, which means if you find a price at one retailer you may be able to get it at another.
This used to mean bringing in a printed coupon or proof that the product was on sale for a lower price at a different retailer, but now, it can all be done online. All a shopper needs to do is reach out to customer service, which may be able to help out.
Specifically for Walmart shoppers, the retail giant now offers customers access to Savings Catcher, its own price-matching tool. After purchasing an item at Walmart, just scan the receipt. Walmart will compare prices and issue a refund if it finds the item for less money somewhere else.
DepositPhotos.com
Yes, haggling is still an option, even online. One way to potentially drive down the price of something online is to open the little chat box on most online retailer sites to speak with a customer service rep. There, customers can just be blunt and ask for anything from a discount to free shipping. The worst they can say is “no.”
There’s also the option to use apps like PriceWaiter, which will do all the negotiating for the user. The app already works with many larger online retailers and allows consumers to make an offer on an item rather than pay the sticker price. Usually, the app will let users know within 24 hours if their offer has been accepted or declined.
DepositPhotos.com
To get the best deal online, consumers need to be sure they are getting the best product. And one way to do that is to check online reviews. Customers all over the internet leave reviews on products they’ve purchased, alerting others to potential issues or potential great buys.
On websites like Amazon search for “verified purchase” to know that the review is legit. While online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they are one more tool to add to your decision-making arsenal for online shopping.
Before purchasing a product, is it really something you want or need, or will bring joy? If so, check reviews to make sure it’s the perfect fit before clicking “buy.”
UberImages / istockphoto
Throughout the year, larger retailers will likely host online shopping sales. These sales are known to occur around the holidays, specifically on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
Other major sales usually occur around holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, as well as midsummer. During this time, consumers may be able to score major discounts, so if you can wait for a purchase, try to wait until then.
One more “holiday” to keep an eye out for is Amazon Prime Day. During the sale, retailers across the website offer steep discounts on products.
However, to get in on the deal, one must be an Amazon Prime member, which comes with a subscription. But Amazon Prime members get free shipping on most products, which can add up in the long run.
DepositPhotos.com
One more way to potentially find the best deals online is to follow brands and retailers on social media.
Brands love to give their loyal customers something special, so they may share insider discounts and offers on their social media pages and newsletters before anywhere else.
Give your favorite brands a follow on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to stay aware of when sales may be happening, and maybe get inspired about new things to buy along the way, too.
DepositPhotos.com
Look for credit cards, debit cards, royality programs and other ways you can earn cash back.
Learn More:
This article
originally appeared on SoFi.comand was
syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
SoFi Money
SoFi Money is a cash management account, which is a brokerage product, offered by SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA / SIPC . Neither SoFi nor its affiliates is a bank. SoFi Money Debit Card issued by The Bancorp Bank. SoFi has partnered with Allpoint to provide consumers with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. Consumers will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
As of 6/9/2020, accounts with recurring monthly deposits of $500 or more each month, will earn interest at 0.25%. All other accounts will earn interest at 0.01%. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at our discretion at any time. Accounts opened prior to June 8, 2020, will continue to earn interest at 0.25% irrespective of deposit activity. SoFi’s Securities reserves the right to change this policy at our discretion at any time. Accounts which are eligible to earn interest at 0.25% (including accounts opened prior to June 8, 2020) will also be eligible to participate in the SoFi Money Cashback Rewards Program.
The SoFi Money Annual Percentage Yield as of 03/15/2020 is 0.20% (0.20% interest rate). Interest rates are variable subject to change at our discretion, at any time. No minimum balance required. SoFi doesn’t charge any ATM fees and will reimburse ATM fees charged by other institutions when a SoFi Money Mastercard Debit Card is used at any ATM displaying the Mastercard, Plus, or NYCE logo. SoFi reserves the right to limit or revoke ATM reimbursements at any time without notice.
Each business day, cash deposits in SoFi Money cash management accounts are swept to one or more sweep program banks where it earns a variable interest rate and is eligible for FDIC insurance. FDIC Insurance does not immediately apply. Coverage begins when funds arrive at a program bank, usually within two business days of deposit. There are currently six banks available to accept these deposits, making customers eligible for up to $1,500,000 of FDIC insurance (six banks, $250,000 per bank). If the number of available banks changes, or you elect not to use, and/or have existing assets at, one or more of the available banks, the actual amount could be lower. For more information on FDIC insurance coverage, please visit www.FDIC.gov . Customers are responsible for monitoring their total assets at each Program Banks to determine the extent of available FDIC insurance coverage in accordance with FDIC rules. The deposits in SoFi Money or at Program Banks are not covered by SIPC.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Deagreez / istockphoto
Featured Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
