Buying online has become challenging, hasn’t it! There are hundreds of websites with the same dress at different prices. What’s going on?
Well, let us explain! We’re here to help you navigate the world of online dress buying and save you money!
Here are the top 3 things to know about when buying your dress online:
1. Knock-Off Websites (Yikes!)
In 2012, there have been recorded over 1,000 knock-off websites that are shipping directly from China. These websites launch several sites with different domain names and operate from the same location.
Solution: AVOID all websites that are not posted as an ‘AUTHORIZED DEALER’ from the designer website.
How do you check? That’s easy! Browse onto the designers website and find STORE LOCATOR or WHERE TO BUY. You can then search by geographical location. Once you see the store or website listed, then you can feel secure when making the purchase!
(Hint! Any website that only shows an email address under ‘contact us’ should alarm bells and whistles. What are they hiding? Don’t they have a phone number or address if they are a registered business).
2. United States Duty and Taxes
When any item classified as ‘ladies apparel’ ships from the United States into Canada, the end consumer is charged 18% duty, every time.
What does that mean? How do I calculate? Well, we have created a fancy example below:
We haven’t even touched upon the shipping charges and potential delays at border with Canada customs.
Solution: Buy Canadian! At After Five we offer a best price guarantee!
3. Returns, Policy and Exchanges
Please read the fine print! Understand that all websites use loose terms like ‘seasonal’ or ‘special occasions’ to deny return inquiries.
All websites state their return policy, however, they purposely do not clarify what style can or cannot be returned before purchase. As a result, they have every right to refuse your return as all merchandise is time sensitive as a ‘special occasion’.
Also, be aware of the additional postage/custom charges for shipping back into the United States and the re-stocking fees applied.
We’re here to HELP!
Solution: Shop in Canada. Shop at After Five.
