Thursday, August 21, 2008

J.Crew Website Upgrade: The Great Debate

Silver_Lining (in the "Images of the Tribeca Store" post) came up with a phenomenal suggestion: to create a weekly post (or even semiweekly) where J.Crew Aficionadas can freely express their recent experiences with J.Crew's website/ system upgrade.

I think this is a great idea for so many reasons. First, I think that there should be a dedicated place where we can vent our concerns, frustrations, and feelings over recent J.Crew orders: both the good (e.g. great customer service, having all items ordered sent, receiving package in less than a week) and the bad (e.g. orders being lost, canceled without warning, being excessively overcharged, etc.). This will also provide other Aficionadas (who may have avoided ordering online,) greater insight on whether the website/system issues are getting resolved or not.

Second, I think having this dedicated post will free up other non-order related posts to be devoted to those posts' specific topics. (I know I can easily get "off track" with my own comments about ordering on a non-order topic. So hopefully this is a way to try to keep the conversation for each post "on track".)

What are your feelings on the website/system upgrade- or "downgrade" as some of you have called it. ;) Have you been ordering online as much as you have before the upgrade? Have you received all your items without any issues? Would you recommend another Aficionada (or Aficionado) to order online or to wait a bit longer? Do you like the current layout of the new website (or do you prefer the old layout)?

132 comments:

  1. I recently discovered this blog about a month ago looking for free shipping coupons and I have to say am addicted! Alexis, you've done an awesome job!! I've been a long-time J Crew customer. I still have a white cotton lawn tennis skirt from the late 1980s (probably older than many J Crew customers!). I usually place about 2-3 J Crew orders per month. Lately, however, I've been taking advantage of the "SHOP" code and it seems like I place an order every few days. Until the last few weeks, all of my orders have been shipped quickly and accurately. However, in the past two weeks I've had two orders cancelled. Granted, the items cancelled were small $$ items and I wasn't too disappointed. However, some of my regular priced items have been really late and given how much I look forward to getting my mail, it has been frustrating to say the least. This website upgrade seems (at least to me) to be the turning point in my love for J Crew. I always enjoyed browsing the sale section (it's relaxing!) but lately, the pleasure is gone. Moreover, I'm not really interested in the new Fall items primarily because of the ridiculously high prices. I am a mom who wants to look stylish and feel comfortable. AND I have a budget. I feel like J Crew is targeting the college student with a minor trust fund. Who can afford to buy their clothing anymore??? Those of us who can't afford to pay regular prices are relegated to the dark, dank "back of the store" otherwise known as the online sale section. This is reflected in the God awful job that they've done with the online sale section. No effort or thought was put into. That's too bad because I've been a pretty good customer for almost 20 years. I suppose I'm not in that coveted demographic anymore.

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  2. Not happy at all with this website. The sale section is a bait and switch. Most of the items that I want from the sale section, show the full price when I attempt to purchase them. This is not a case where the color I want is priced higher. I'm just very disappointed with the sight overall. I now wish I had not asked for JCrew giftcards for my b-day. I'm sure when the website finally works, I'll go back to my normal shopping ways. But for now, JCrew doesn't get my money, Brooks Brothers does. Sadly, if this keeps up I might just stick with BB, at least they actually stock my size, 16, in the stores.

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  3. Bring back the old version! I liked searching by XS/S for both tops and bottoms. It's much more efficient than shopping for pants, shirts, knits, skirts, etc, etc section by section. I've lost a few items in my basket because I was too slow browsing. You have to be quick to get the good deals!

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  4. OK, I'll blurt it out. what I don't understand is why a corporation as big as J.Crew would take so long for a website/system upgrade. You would think that they would be pumping more money into getting computer bugs fixed, and I really don't understand why it's so difficult. It really baffles me. You don't see other brands running into difficulties for this long a time - upgrade or no!

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  5. The J.Crew website always give me trouble, especially the sale section. Some items that are on the list aren't even on sale. Also, the shipping and email returns are ridiculously slow. Comparing this website with GAP's, I say GAP has a much better website.

    The GAP's website navigation save me a lot more time then J.Crew. I like how they have the quick look feature on each item. That saves me time of actually loading the item on a new page and get all the item I want faster. GAP's shipping is fast too and not to mention their generous $7 shipping and deals. It takes GAP at most 5 days to ship my item after I order it. No wait or nothing. Fast customer rep response to my emails.

    I hope that J.Crew can learn from all the other websites and make some quick adjustments before people lose interest in buying online.

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  6. Hi! Another newbie here who found the site looking for coupon codes. I love this blog and wish there were a similar Gap blog.

    I had a bizarre experience a few weeks ago. I placed an order and then ended up returning a few pieces because they just didn't suit me. I received a gift card that was empty when I tried to use it. I called the gift card line and they filed an occurrence report but also transferred me to customer service who immediately activated the card, which I then used.

    Two days later, I received an email saying a gift card for the same amount (roughly $100) had been shipped. I still haven't gotten it - but I thought that was weird.

    Meanwhile, I haven't gotten the order I placed that day nor one I placed subsequently. I find it very frustrating that there is no way to track packages. I am in Canada, and I know that once they hit the border, they are virtually impossible to trace - but it would be nice to know that at least packages have been shipped. (Or is that what "released" means?)

    The no exchange policy on the final sale items also frustrates me. I don't have a store anywhere nearby, so I am just guessing at size. I wish items had measurements so one could know if things ran large, small, etc. I have a feeling I will be taking advantage of the ebay posts here.

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  7. dree: You have to phone CS to obtain your tracking number, however the information that CS has about shipping is not often update, (believe me I have experienced this first hand like many others on this site).

    I live in Canada too I find it easier to track the package once it leaves the border. My last one came through in 4 days total from the warehouse to my home in Canada. The shipping is getting back to normal (good news), however it looks like they screwed up what is in the box. I hate these surprises!

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  8. I meant to say the parcel I am going to be receiving today, not my last parcel.

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  9. My positive experience: I order many items last week when the extra 30% was on. I was a little worried when 4 after placing the order, the order status page still listed it as open. Yesterday I received my order with all the items. It was exactly one week after ordering. No problems.

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  10. I placed an order 2 weeks ago and was anxiously awaiting their arrival. It seemed to be taking forever to receive them, so I called to check the order status. They stated that the items were not in stock and were mistakenly placed on the website that day. They had no plans to let me know that my order was cancelled until I called in. I do not understand how a company that got it so right for so many years can suddenly have things so terribly wrong. I am a longtime jcrew customer and purchase regularly for not only myself, but my son and husband. I have never been so frustrated with the company before. This was my 3rd mishap with them since the "upgrade".

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  11. I actually had a semi-good experience recently. I called CS to see if I could return a final sale item that was just humongous on me. She never explicitly said that I couldn't return it but she did say that J. Crew would reimburse me for all the alterations.....so I guess that's something!

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  12. One more thing: I ordered the Soft Jersey Sara dress on waitlist with a ship date of Aug. 19th....now the ship date is Nov. 18!!!! I live in PA; we're going to be knee-deep in snow by the time it arrives.

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  13. I was really hoping that after 2 months I would start to get *used* to the new *upgraded* website, and that all the issues with ordering and shipping would be resolved, but neither one has happened. I just flat out DESPISE the layout of the new sale section and actually avoid it unless I am looking for a specific item. I hate that when I place an order there is a huge, and I mean HUGE chance that I won't even get part or all of the order. Before the upgrade fiasco and removal of FS/NM I placed numerous orders each week, then when the shipping codes required a minimum it became several items a month, but since the upgrade and ROYALLY screwing up several of my orders I really don't care to order at all. I HAVE had good luck with a few orders placed within the past month, so I am pleased with that, but I feel the whole process is basically *order at your own risk* now, and it really, really, really shouldn't be...it's so sad that it has come to this.

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  14. - SHIP-2389 worked last night (orderd a pair of buttery twill cargo pants and received the email confirmation).

    -purchase less online after they removed coupon codes from RetailMeNot

    -shop less since the web fiasco

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  15. I know that I order MUCH less online since June. I used to average about 10 orders a month back in the days of FS/NM, but now am down to about 1 or 2. I've been doing more b&m shopping than web shopping. It's just too much of a pain to look through all of the sections, especially because when I'm sale shopping I'm not usually looking for anything in particular. I LOVED the old layout of tops/bottoms/dresses/jackets/swim, it was just so much easier to go through, and easier to spot the new additions for sale. Remember when you could just start at the top of the page in "tops" and it would be all the tanks, and then you could scroll down to the sweater coats at the bottom? Good times.

    It just seems amazing to me that they've alienated their web base this much. If their goal is to go high-end and just cut off all the sale shoppers, then they should've had a HUGE sale and dumped a lot of the merch, then "upgraded" and gotten rid of their sale section.

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  17. I had orders cancelled on my during the past 2 years PRIOR to the poor upgrade and was never notified. This is not a new policy/practice. Sometimes they notified me of a cancelled item or cancelled back ordered item....sometime they didn't. This happened to me on several occasions...both ways...

    Since the "upgrade" I have been notified of 2 cancelled orders via email. 2 I have not.

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  18. anonymous: Right on! Where is the fun in shopping the online sale anymore?

    First, I would like to start off by saying thank you to Alexis and all of you nice gals out there who post on this blog because you love J.Crew as much as I do. And, due to the website fiasco I have become addicted to this blog. It was so nice to see that I wasn't the only one who was frustrated over the 1-2 week system upgrade right around the 4th of July (the perfect time for a great sale)! Anyway, I don't know what I would have done without this blog during those tough times.. thanks again Alexis for all that you do! Secondly, I would like to say that I ordered two items this past Sunday and they should be out for delivery today! I can't believe those very words myself, since I haven't placed any online orders in over a month, woah! Back in the day I usually placed like 5 orders within one month. Anyway, I ordered the hammered silk tank in ivory and the bootcut jeans in the new authentic vintage wash. When I would check their order status online "released" kept coming up so I called cs to check on my orders.. he was very nice, helpful, and couldn't have asked for better cs. He spoke with someone in the warehouse for me about my packages and told me they should be shipping out today,but guess what they were shipped out yesterday evening after I spoke with him which is even better! I must say I am absolutely ecstatic and will let you know something ASAP!

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  19. JCrew Old Timer: Thanks for the nice words about the blog. I know what you mean about relaxing in the morning by browsing through their sale section with their old site. :)

    Anonymous at 2:06 AM: I am also very disappointed to see an item on sale only to click the link and see the price at full. The old system was better at telling sale prices. :)

    Anonymous at 2:10 AM: I love the "tops" "bottoms", etc. features of the old site. I hope they could add that category (among their many new categories) on the new site. :)

    The Konosur: You raised a really good point. It just baffles me that their issues with the system upgrade are still continuing.

    NE-Guy: I love the the quick look feature that Gap has. It makes navigating through items so much easier! :)

    Dree: Thanks for the nice words about the blog! :) I also am not a fan of the final sale policy. Even though I rarely return anything, I like knowing I have the option to if necessary. :)

    Leaderboys: Congrats on receiving all your items!! :)

    Anon at 6:34 AM: Sorry to hear about your cancelled order. It is even more upsetting because they didn't tell you in advance, so you would have just kept on waiting. :(

    FFM: I know what you mean about the new sale layout. I don't like it much either. I thought it would grow on me, and certain aspects do (like sorting by price). But I really miss the "tops" option and seeing all the items on one page.

    Anonymous at 8:08 AM: Thanks for letting us know that SHIP-2389 still works. I was actually wondering if it did. :)

    Silver_Lining: Your post is exactly what I think too! I have shopped online a lot less, and miss the tops/bottoms/et al layout. :)

    Mary Ellen: Thanks for the thanks! :) I also hope you get all the items you ordered and please let us know if you get those items too. :) (The bootcut jeans look fantastic- Congrats on the purchase!) :)

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  20. There's something about the new sale section that really bugs me... it's too "busy" and it seems like everything is jumping off the page. The pictures aren't really uniform anymore (which bothers me) and I think they're a bit smaller as well. And the side categories, which are meant to be helpful, are sort of overboard. It's nice to select a category if you're looking for something specific, but I liked the tops/bottoms/dresses/jackets layout better. Plus, when you first click on women's sale, it throws everything into one category, and its all jumbled up.

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  21. Well I am trying to take all this with a sense of humor and a grain of salt! I have been shipped 5 pairs of chinos that are the wrong size! I called my personal shopper and said "O.K. Thats it you owe me a collection box. They are going on display!" She laughed!

    I called another CS rep for an order I was short shipped on and said to her "Hi, I was short shipped. :) Can you help me? Please! :(" She said to me, "I have never heard someone call with a smile in their voice and say 'I was short shipped.'"

    I just try and make it easier on CS and I understand that they are working to fix this... this isnt how J. Crew normally works and it isnt how they would like the company to run.

    P.S. I am still waiting for my chinos.


    Good luck to everyone else on your orders!!! But trust me this this could be so much worse... wait until Best Buy short ships you a fridge! Thats a delivery that you have to take a day off of work to receive!!! They screwed up my schedule for the entire month and I cant even get the fridge I want now... oh and they charged me for the fridge and delivery and then they day before delivery I got the big "oops" call.

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  22. THanks Alexis for an awesome blog!I used to love online shopping at JCrew. Easy website, fast shipping. Now, I dont do much online shopping with JCrew. I order from Gap,ON or Nordstrom. To purchase from the JCrew website is just too risky. I dont have time for the hassle. I have three kids. It is more convenient for me to shop online. Thats why I loved shopping online at JCrew. But not anymore. Their website issues have gone on WAY TOO LONG. And the shipping rates are so expensive compared to Gap and Nordstrom. I just cant take the chance to order from JCrew online anymore.

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  23. I really like the term "downgrade", nothing better comes to mind to describe it.

    I waited for six weeks for an order placed July 1. It finally came but what a complete gong show in the process. The last two orders went great and now my newest one is strangely MIA.

    Why J.Crew has a pleasure become a pain? When will you be who you used to be?

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  24. jcrewguy, you're cracking me up! "JC, when did you stop being the store I fell in love with? Can we ever get back what we had?"

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  25. I will take a second to 'whine' about my latest fiasco with the website. I have a wedding in 3 weeks (or it was 3 weeks away when I placed the initial order). I ordered my husband the chino suit and myself the camille cotton cady dress. At an extra 30% off I figured why not? I also ordered several other things in the same order, and the confirmation email came through as expected. When I checked the 'order status' online, it showed one of the items had been cancelled, and the dress and the suit pants were waitlisted. The dress was supposed to ship 2 days AFTER the wedding, and the suit pants are listed for NOVEMBER. What? Are you kidding me? Oh, and of course it's final sale stuff. Talk about frustrating!

    On top of that - I had placed a large order the week before the extra 30% off sale started. I had called because it was in the 7 day window for price adjustments. I spent 15 minutes on the phone with the CS lady while she did each individual item and then told me that she would credit the items back to my account and it would take a week to show up on my card. Then a week later, I get a stack of packages from Jcrew - each with an individual giftcard in it. The giftcard prices ranged from $15 to $3.49 each. Now I have a stack of giftcards (6) that total about $50, no b&m store within 150 miles of my house, and no way to use them all on the same order online. Seriously JCrew - get it together.

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  26. I used to love shopping the J. Crew sale--like you, Alexis, I used to often open up my browser for the 6:45 am update. Do they even update at a certain time anymore? My question is this: what are they doing with all the stuff that would normally be sold as sale items? There used to be new things every day, whatever had been returned, etc. Lately, it seems like the same old stuff, and there aren't the great deals there used to be. I've spent a lot less money this summer, which is good for my bank account, but I miss the shopping!

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  27. I have had a good experience recently. I placed and order for 2 items with the EXTRA30 code. One item was not expected to ship until Sept and I was ok with that. I would not have been surprised if it ended up cancelled. One item arrived yesterday and the other has shipped already. I was emailed a tracking number both times. So far, I have only been charged once on my credit card (DIscover).

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  28. katherinD: I am not a fan of clicking on the women's sale section and seeing a whole bunch of items (from different categories) at once either. The old site's sale section use to have a more classic look (if that makes sense). :)

    Blumre: I can't believe you got short shipped a fridge!!! I agree that is a lot worse. :(

    Anon at 9:14 AM: Thanks for the nice words about the blog. I have to agree with you that ordering from the Crew seems a lot more riskier now. I have found myself preparing in advance with the idea that if I order anything online, there is a chance of it not being delivered- This way I won't be sad if my item doesn't make it. :)

    JCrew Guy In Canada: I can't believe you got that order from July 1st! Congrats on finally receiving it!!! :)

    Peacegrrl: Maybe J.Crew can combine all six of your gift cards into one gift card to use? :)

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  29. J: As others have mentioned here, the new update time (for their website) seems to be 9:30AM. :) I am also guessing that JCrew's warehouse is still sorting through all the merchandise that was returned. Although I thought for sure I would have seen better merchandise in their sale section by now (after all this time), but I also thought the website issues would have been resolved by now too. ;)

    Kristin: I am happy to hear you had a positive shopping experience! Congrats on your items!!! :)

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  30. lol@a $3.49 giftcard.

    that's just about enough, maybe, to purchase a spiffy giftcard holder. :)

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  31. peacegirl: If you phone in your order you can use all of the Gift Cards at one time...the rep will just enter one and then the amount you owe will be reduced by that amount, then the second, third, etc., until all cards are used. :) I have done it with 3 Gift Cards on one order, so I don't think using all 6 should be an issue.

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  32. Yea Best Buy's customer service is not nearly as good or accommodating as J. Crew's! I mean it is one thing to be short shipped a 4 lbs package containing pants. Its another thing when it involves an 21.0 cubic foot refrigerator that you arrange your entire week, nay month, around receiving! And they they couldn't even get me another fridge on the same day. UN-FREAKING Believable!

    Not that I haven't been short shipped from Jcrew. I know how frustrating it is! I sympathize and empathize with all of you! I am not trying to minimize anyone else's problems at all!

    I just find it remarkable that a company can manage to short ship a fridge!

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  33. Has anyone else noticed charges missing on your cc from J Crew?

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  34. anon 10:16am- ME! I never got charged for an order i placed and recieved

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  35. anyone think they will do a big promo code like 30% off sometime soon? They should for all of the problems lately

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  36. The large amount of money that JC is going to have to write off due to this computer fiasco is going to be huge!! and they are going to have to recoup some of their losses in some way, so I expect to see less sales.

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  37. Definitely frustrated with the sale site as lots of times you click on on an item and there are errors.

    Had 2 online orders since the "downgrade" and the first order came with one item "canceled" But the term bothers me- why not label it "out of stock" which I am assuming is what happened. Canceled makes it sound like I canceled it, but I did not. It was ok with me since it was a $4.99 shirt for my daughter but I would have been mad if it was the pants I ordered for me!

    Order #2 came relatively fast except one of the items was mislabeled as a final sale and it wasn't. I emailed J Crew and they claim 24 hour turnaround but it was 48 hours. They emailed me a nice email to tell me I could return it and I took the email to the store to have them credit my account with no problems.

    Before the "downgrade", I never had any problems with ordering online. I've been ordering online for at least 5-7 years with J crew.

    Am definitely more cautious with ordering online than before. Unfortunately, as a busy mom of 2, I can't get myself down to the nearest J Crew store very often, so I rely a lot of ordering from J crew online. I probably order more online than buy in the store.

    I really hate the final sale. It definitely cuts down on my ordering online. Its just too risky to tell if the colors online will look good on you.

    However, my shopping pattern is that I don't buy as much in the spring/summer as I do in fall/winter. So, I hope J crew you get it together soon!!

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  38. I have found that they dont charge the cc right away for orders. I have had about 7 charges show up late (5-9 days after I received the orders).

    And since all these orders were "short shipped" it was an ordeal to try to figure out what I was charged for. I ended up just pulling my CC bill and call CS and asking them to go through each charge and asked them to give me details.

    Yes, it took me all of 45 mins (which was way too long...). But it cleared up questions in my mind as to what I was being charged for. I didnt check my CC bill as closely as I do now. After the website fiasco, I want peace of mind that I am not being overcharged. The CS is very helpful and makes it less painful (once you get someone on the line after waiting 10-15mins).

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  39. I have had a shipping issue. I ordered something from the sale and everything was processed but when my shipment arrives only 3 of the 4 items ordered are in the box. Mind you the tracking number for each item was the same. I called Jcrew, they apologized and said the new system messed up and the missing item was not actually in stock. I asked to cancel the order and they said they couldnt. I was sort of pissed at that.

    MOST IMPORTANTLY - I HATE how the sale section is set up now. HATE IT. It looks junky and is not as intuitive as the old site.

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  40. I ordered something July 31 and it didn't show up on my CC until Aug. 18. It is taking a while for charges to show up on cards even after you have received the items.....FYI

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  41. I ordered something July 31 and it didn't show up on my CC until Aug. 18. It is taking a while for charges to show up on cards even after you have received the items.....FYI

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  42. silver_lining - I was cracking up about "good times". It's so true. I used to love the old sale pages, and miss the time I spent with them. Now, I just "search" for specific items because I can't stand to browse that junky (as cassandra burton said) sale section.

    I too am really trying to make myself a B&M shopper instead of the web. The only time I will order from the web is if something pops back up that I really wanted and couldn't find in the stores (double-stranded flower necklace, cafe capris in gray, polka dot san telmo). Other than that, I'm making myself go to the store. I know this is cutting back drastically on my jcrew purchases. But given the website downgrade, and the fact that this blog has taught me that the store prices really are better, I'm trying to stick to a real rather than virtual store!

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  43. Last week I placed an order (3 items). I received my package yesterday and it contained only 1 item.

    One item was waitlisted (its a summer item, so I'm thinking it will never show up) the other item was cancelled. I called CS to out what is going on with the cancelled item since it's still showing "in stock" on the website which is infuriating. I was told that it was indeed out of stock and that they would do a store search.

    This morning I receive an e-mail stating that they searched every store but couldn't locate my item (not really sure about that, considering the quick turn-around).

    Just for kicks I decided to go back on-line and sure enough the item is still up there showing "in-stock". I decided to order it again to see what happens. The website allowed me to place the order yet again and it's currently showing "releasable" status. I'll be curious to see if the order gets cancelled again. Stay tuned for an update...

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  44. cassandra - Are you wearing a brushstroke item from J Crew in your avatar? It looks really pretty on you.

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  45. They just sent me an email to cancel the rope-link necklace I ordered last week. Ugh! I really wanted that necklace. They are still so inefficient that makes me feel so frustrated...

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  46. ny0311: Didn't the rep tell you there PLENTY in stock when you placed the order?

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  47. OT: Does anyone own or seen IRL the Deep Yellow Summerweight Cashmere Shell? There is no pic for it on the website, and I am contemplating getting it to wear under my Polka Dot San Telmo, but don't want to risk Final Sale if it isn't pretty. TIA!

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  48. greetings,
    i have been avidly following this wonderful blog, initially to keep up to speed about coupon codes, and increasingly, to accept (and enjoy) my jcrew addiction...thank you for creating this space alexis!
    anyhow, i am sorry to hear of folks' woes with ordering, and without wanting to rub salt on any wounds, i wanted to share my own, more positive experiences.
    i don't order a great deal from jcrew, but i have submitted 4-5 orders since the online 'improvements'. with all these orders, i have received the items i requested in less than a week using standard shipping. one crimp, though; for my last three orders, i received emails with shipping confirmations and tracking numbers *after* receiving my orders.
    i hope more share in these experiences *and soon*

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  49. FFM: She didn't but I know that the rope link necklace remained available for many days after that...Do you think I should bother calling in to talk to a CS about this?

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  50. ny0311: I would call in...the fact that it was available for days after you ordered means that they either really DIDN'T have any of the item in and are short shipping everyone who purchased it, or your order got placed in the back of the line and by the time it got filled the necklace was gone...that happened to me several times, and it was SO frustrating!

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  51. FFM: Thanks for sharing your experience! It's indeed frustrating! So when it happened to you, what was the resolution? I just feel that I'll call in and then they'll just apologize and say unfortunately the necklace is not available anymore. :(

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  52. ny0311: my ordeals were at the beginning of the fiasco and carried on through the end of July. I was compensated at the time by a Promotional Gift Card and Free Shipping...I'm not sure what they would do now. It seems as if they aren't being as generous in regards to messed up orders, as if its just the *norm* now, or something. I would ask for free shipping with no minimum on your next order or for them to do a find it now search and send it to you at the price you paid free of charge. It's just not right that it was in stock and you still got short shipped...they should do something about it.

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  53. ny0311 - I agree with FFM, they should absolutely do something for you, at the very least look for it in stores. I spoke with a very nice woman in the find it now dept yesterday, and I would just call them directly, explain the situation, and ask them to look for the item. She gave me a number, but since I can't find it on the crew website, I don't really want to post it publicly. Are you in the private blog that jcrewmama started? I could post it there if you want it.

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  54. FFM & Kater: Thanks for your feedback. Before I saw your last two posts, I called in and talked to a CS...blah, blah, blah, they gave me the usual excuses and apologies. She didn't offer anything and I didn't ask either. Now it's more a matter of principle for me to get that necklace, you know, because when I ordered it they said it was in stock and now they just cancel it as if it is just the norm (Yes, FFM!).

    Kater: Thanks! That'd be really help! I read about Jcrewmama's website, but haven't registered yet. Can you remind me how to register now?

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  55. ny0311: you just email jcrewmamma at jcrewmama AT gmail DOT com, and she signs you up. I'll go post the info on there so you can get to it once she puts you on!

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  56. Also, when I talked to the CS regarding my cancelled rope-link necklace, I tried to replace it with the sand dollar necklace. She told me that even though it shows that it is in stock online, the necklace is actually sold out. What? I guess this whole experience just tells us to stay away from online orders, especially sale items. :(

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  57. I just wanted to tell everyone that I received the cashmere Clementina sweater in Navy and it is lovely. It is still available (sale section) in Navy as well as Sweet Orange and Snow. I had ordered it when there was 40% and FS. You may still be able to get it 30% and FS using the code SHIP-2389 which worked for me on a different order yesterday.

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  58. ny0311: Don't be too disappointed about the Rope-link necklace. I received it yesterday, and I am not that impressed. It is way too bright and shiny and cheap looking, IMHO. I might give it some time to see if it tarnishes a bit before I attempt to wear it.

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  59. Anon at 2:16 PM: Thanks for the nice words about the blog! :) I am also really happy to hear about your positive order experience. It gives me hope that one day, all orders will be that smooth. :)

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  60. ny0311: I'm sorry to hear about the rope link necklace! I received mine on Tuesday (overnight shipping thanks to a problem with that order with many items). The necklace is pretty (and prettier because I paid $15 for it!).

    When I called yesterday to order the necklace again, CS said inventory was low but went ahead with the order anyway. And she gave me overnight shipping to make sure I "stand a better chance" of actually receiving the necklace. This morning I got a working tracking number.

    You should call CS again!! They need to make it up to you for screwing up your order.

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  61. jcrewlover: I've been a fan of the Clementina and paid full price for the Sweet Orange two months ago. It's flattering and just adds the right touch of ruffles to any outfit.

    Last week I returned it and got a same one on sale for 40% off and free shipping.

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  62. Ashley: Thanks for your feedback! It makes me feel so much better! I had never seen it in person, so it was one of those sale items that I gambled on since the price is so low!

    Anon@3:47: Thanks for sharing your experience. So you called yesterday and they still said the had inventory of that necklace? I'm so upset now!

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  63. ny0311: Yes! I called 6 a.m. EST yesterday. And I have a Fedex tracking number an hour ago - we'll see if it actually gets here.

    I agree with Ashley it is rather bling-bling. I prefer the opera ring necklace that has a more muted antique gold color. So maybe it's not such a loss. It's a great buy at $15, so I'm not complaining. Worn double-strand, it looks great too. Just gotta watch the outfit and not overdo the shine.

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  64. I just received an email from my PS; there was a screw up between Fedex and J.Crew and so she's resending the item overnight on their dime.

    J.Crew is really trying and I feel so badly for the people in the front line.

    For me the biggest thing with the website is the delay we have compared to the stores in both items and prices. I don't need all kinds of fancy links and special zoom in features. Just get a website that works all the time.

    The stores get items before we see them on line and the stores seem to get mark downs and break far more often.

    Tough stuff for a guy in Canada.

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  65. Just called CS again and asked to speak to a manager regarding my cancelled rope-link necklace...That's when she offered free shipping (including express/overnight) for my next order to rectify the situation. Knowing that the necklace won't be available, I figured I would take the free shipping offer. So there's the resolution to my rope-link necklace ordeal. Thanks everyone for listing and helping out in getting this straightened out!

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  66. I thought when you place an order by telephone or online the item gets taken out of inventory, or reserved for you?

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  67. ny0311: YAY!!!!! I'm glad you called back, and it turned out ok afterall! :)

    anon@4:11: Yes, that's the way it is SUPPOSED to work, but apparently NOT the way it works at J.Crew.

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  68. Thanks everyone for "listening" not "listing"...I'm still so annoyed I can't type!

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  69. anon@4:11: That'what I tried to explain to the CS and she kept giving me a lot of excuses that didn't make sense. That's when I asked to speak to a manager.

    FFM: I know! In times of recession, I'll take anything if I'm entitled to it! :)

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  70. I've heard from CS that phone orders are "more reliable" than online orders. When you call, CS has a more updated inventory system than online orders. Not sure how true that it, but I've heard that from 2 reps.

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  71. Anon@4:14: Did I mention that my rope link necklace was placed from a red phone at a Jcrew store? That's why I'm so annoyed!

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  72. jcrew guy in canada: My store doesn't really get that many items before they are online, and then it doesn't get that much that IS online. That is why I have been such a devoted online shopper, well, that and the fact that I have 4 boys which makes it really hard to shop in the store...anyways, I have also been really negatively affected by the web downgrade, as it has always been my first choice and source for J.Crew merchandise. It is so frustrating that it doesn't work now, and that I actually almost *fear and dread* placing an order. I miss the old website!

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  73. anon @4:14: All of my orders have been placed over the phone and I still had problems with shortshipped orders...I don't really think it makes a difference. I think the CS reps can only see what we see since the *upgrade*.

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  74. ny0311: Whoa. So the Red Phone is just as bad? My first order was placed online together with a bunch of other items. The second order was on the phone. I'm glad you got the free shipping offer!

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  75. I have the Cashmere Clementina in all 3 colors and think the quality is very poor. I love the style and colors but would NOT recommend it to anyone. My orange one has a crooked shoulder seam, the white one came with a small hole in it, and for some reason the navy one is really itchy. Also, I noticed each one has tiny holes at at least one point on the pockets where they are attached so it won't wear well. Beware this cheap JCrew cashmere sweater as I have 3 going back....

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  76. FFM: Seeing that you're the resident stylist - which Herringbone Bella would be a better choice: camel or heather azalea?

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  77. yet another request for FFM, the resident stylist (anon and I had the same idea!):

    I have a polka-dot lana top in the light gray color, seen here , just hanging in my closet. Do you have any ideas how I should wear it FFM? For some reason, I lost all the inspiration I had for it when I ordered it. Maybe because it's been so long...:)

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  78. anon @4:24: Definitely the Camel...did you find one?

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  79. FFM: Thanks!! I found an ebay seller with both colors, and couldn't figure out which to get. The azalea is pretty but it's not a classic neutral like the camel.

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  80. kater: You can wear the Lana top with white or cool graphite now, and in the Fall pair it with winter white pants or the Belle Skirt in Dark Fog or Bright Rhubarb. You can even do a dark gray or black pant, too. :) I also think it looks pretty with a cardigan over it. :)

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  81. FFM: It does help that the azalea is twice the price of the camel :)

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  82. thanks FFM! you're the best. I was thinking cardi when I bought it, but couldn't come up with any bottoms except black pants. And I have the cool graphite cafe capris, as well as the dark fog bella, so it's like you mentally transported to my closet or something.

    Thank you again!

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  83. No problem, Kater!

    anon@4:24: That REALLY makes the Camel Bella even BETTER! I really think you will have alot more options with it, too. Congratulations! :)

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  84. Anyone else have the Clementina sweater?? I'm considering it in Navy since I missed out on the Lily.

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  85. jcrewbug: Anon @4:25 just posted this about the Clementina:

    "I have the Cashmere Clementina in all 3 colors and think the quality is very poor. I love the style and colors but would NOT recommend it to anyone. My orange one has a crooked shoulder seam, the white one came with a small hole in it, and for some reason the navy one is really itchy. Also, I noticed each one has tiny holes at at least one point on the pockets where they are attached so it won't wear well. Beware this cheap JCrew cashmere sweater as I have 3 going back...."

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  86. Hey FFM: Yes, I saw this and also another comment before this one that they love the Clementina. So I'm wondering if we can get a consensus about it?? Do you own it?

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  87. I guess my thoughts are if I can get it 30% plus 15% off then it may be worth it - it's cashmere after all. If there are defects when it arrives then they will certainly take it back no questions. I'm wondering if there are any reviews on fit, etc. I called and they seem to have many left in all colors. Wonder why it's not selling?

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  88. jcrewbug: I don't have the Clementina, but I do think the style is supercute! I do own 2 of the Cashmere Tees and also a Cashmere *Beach* Sweater, I think it's called. I wouldn't purchase J.Crew cashmere at full price, but on sale it can be a good deal. It seems that if you got it and had issues with defects, then a return would be allowed. If you get free shipping then it would be worth the risk, IMO. :)

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  89. FFM: I think it's cute too. The CS also said that it looks like it's longer than what it appears like on the model which makes me happy. She said the small has a length of 20 inches. I think I'm going to go for it. Looks like a all-year round sweater to me esp in Navy or Snow. A good layering piece.

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  90. jcrewbug: just saw your post about the discounts and that would make the price for the Clementina just fabulous! I'm not sure why it's not selling...I think it's really cute! Btw...I'm not a big fan of J.Crew cashmere but do purchase it if I get it for a great price like you would on this one. :)

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  91. FFM: PS. I called about that order and now they are saying it's shipped. HaHa. Four different stories in four days. I will let you know when and if it arrives!!! And I will def by watching my CC!!!

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  92. The clementina is a great layering piece. I have it in three colors and no problems with the quality. Of course it's just J.Crew cashmere, not Tse, but I don't find defects in this cardigan. I paid $45 a piece, and just love the drape and subtle ruffles.

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  93. This is a biggie! If anyone is wondering what has happened to lost orders, I have the answer for you. They are being shipped to other customers.

    Last week I order 2 Perfect Tees online. They shipped and got charged to be cc in less than 1 week. So far so good, I received 2 packages, 1 was my Tees, the other big box was ecole jacket size 4, vintage cords along with a duplicate copy of my invoice!!

    Doesn't anyone check the boxes? quality control?

    I called CS, they want me to ship it back, fine with me, but I live in Canada!! It is going to cost me $50.00 or more to send it back. CS wants me to incur the cost of sending this back, and I will get refunded in 8 weeks time.

    They can go to hell!

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  94. My latest J. Crew order (placed one week ago today) is the reason that this blog is no longer the first thing i check when I get online; it is now my banking site. I ordered a sweater and the amt. was deducted from my acc., then the item shipped and the the amount was added back to my account. I received the sweater yesterday and then the amt. was deducted from my acc. again; I checked this afternoon and the amount was once again no longer deducted from my acc.. Will I or will I not be charged for my purchase? I am starting to wonder. I feel like J. Crew is playing w/ my account.

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  95. update to annon 5:56 After demanding to speak to a Customer Service Advocate I got resolution, they are sending Fedex to pick up the parcel. It is worth over $200.00.

    Our cc and personal information is not safe with JC.

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  96. Okay, ordered Clementina in navy and snow. Don't think I can pull off the orange - it looks kind of bright from the pic although you never can tell. I paid around 45 each.

    Because of all these stories I check my CC everyday. I had to call about a charge today in fact!!

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  97. I second the call for J.Crew to go to hell. I just got my phone bill this morning, and damn I have $60 in usage charges from calling CS to rectify problems with my orders. #&0@!!!

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  98. anon 6:38 - Didn't you call the 1-800 #? Call CS see what they will do for you. I have noticed that they are not as gracious as they used to be with freebies.

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  99. Anon@7:08: I agree that they are not as gracious and generous as before...

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  100. I received my J.Crew packages today and said I would let you in on the details ASAP, well here they are. I ordered the hammered silk tank in ivory in a size 2 and I absolutely love it (a big thanks goes out to tammylee who helped out with the sizing) and the bootcut jeans in the authentic vintage wash (plan on returning these). I own a pair of bootcut jeans in a 30s from last years fall line and so I figured I would go by those for sizing. Great idea gone wrong.. the new bootcut jeans I ordered in the authentic vintage wash are HUGE! I would definitely say go down a size or try them on for size first. Other than the sizing mishap, I would say that my overall online shopping experience was successful which just means that I might be back into my old habits very shortly.. oh how I miss those days terribly! Now, I just can't wait for those new September items to appear online!

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  101. There is a lot of risk ordering pants online I have noticed there has been quite a few complaints about sizing on this blog.

    Too much risk for me to continue ordering on line with J Crew. Too much hassle, haggling over cc charges, incorrect shipments amd most of I get the feeling speaking with CS the the customer is wrong!
    I don't need this headache.

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  102. NY0311: I am happy to hear you were offered free shipping. Although it doesn't make up for the order being canceled, its good to know J.Crew is trying to rectify the situation. :)

    Anon at 5:56 PM: I can't believe you were shipped someone else's order. I also can't believe J.Crew wouldn't pay for the expensive shipping up-front. "Wow!" is all I can say.

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  103. So, I still haven't received my order from 8/7. However, it has shipped and I'm hoping it will arrive tomorrow. When I called to check on the order last week, cs told me that she would refund the shipping - I told her I hadn't paid shipping. So, she told me she'd give me 30% back. Well, I didn't really expect to see it, but it's come through on my cc. Now, if I get my item tomorrow, I'll be happy! When cs is good, they're really GOOD. Unfortunately, they are also inconsistent, which makes it hard for many. Anyway, just thought I'd give cs Janelle a big thanks! She also called me Monday evening to let me know that it had shipped. :)

    ffm: while I'm sorry you're getting so much rain, I'm glad it's not any worse. We have only seen a little bit of rain off and on.

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  104. mary ellen: How's the sizing of the hammered silk tank? What size do you normally wear in J Crew tops? I really want a few myself but none of the stores I have been to carry it. Also, how would you describe the arm hole (I'm not sure what to call it) sizing? Like for the Piper, I know it's tighter.

    FFM: I also need styling advice but for the Polka Dot Flamenco Popover. As the weather gets colder, how would you recommend I layer it with jackets, cardigans or sweaters? It fits a little loose on me since my store only had one size left and I'm not sure how to wear it other than by itself.

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  105. Aly-I just received the silk hammered tank too. I would say it is pretty tts, *in relation to other J crew* . I usually wear an xs, with some tops being too big. This tank I bought the 0 and it is a little big in the arm holes, so I am sending back for a Petite0. I just noticed it is online/catalog only.

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  106. Alexis: I know! I don't think that was done properly. I know they messed up my order. But oh well, one can have so much energy fighting about things.

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  107. Alexis I like to say thank-you for letting me vent on this site (anon 5.56), it was only reading posts on this blog that I was able to ask to speak to CS advocate, otherwise I would not know how to get to the right person to get the situation resolved.

    Sorry my post came off sounding so angry but I was ticked.

    math_teacher: I hope you did not order vintage cords and a ecole jacket, because I have your order if you did. Mine shipped out on Monday and was ordered the same day as yours.

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  108. Aly: Regarding the Flamenco Dot Popover...I have made 3 Polyvore sets for you: Click Here , Here , and Here. These should work even if the shirt is a little loose on you. :)

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  109. anon @ 9:15: No, that's not my order. I ordered the slub cotton tunic top. I hope my top comes to me and not someone else. I'll give it till Saturday, and then I'll call again.

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  110. NYo311: You are absolutely right- there is oh-so-much energy you can spend on these things. :) But I am happy to hear J.Crew offered you a little something. :)

    Anonymous at 9:15 PM (also Anon at 5:56PM): That is what this post is for- to express our feelings with J.Crew! :) Also, don't apologize about your post. :) You didn't come off angry to me- you came off frustrated. Which in all honesty, I would be too if I got a package that wasn't mine only to find out I had to pay for the (expensive) shipping to return it (that JCrew would eventually reimburse months later!)

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  111. jcrewmommy: Is the Camilla a sweater? Sorry, I'm out of the loop. I searced it and got a dress :) Congrats on your new best friend!!

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  112. FFM: Thank you so much! You have amazing fashion sense.

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  113. jcrewmommy: Oh wow, that's darling. It's got endless possibilities! Congrats! I've been mixing up my light pinks and bright reds lately and am finding that they go well. I wore my pink pinstripe bermudas today with layered whites and reds on top. With the navy cardis I like to wear yellow underneath. It's still so hot out and these are summery combos.

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  114. jcrewmommy: The Camilla reminds me alot of the Kelly Sweater Jacket, so I would wear it the same way as seen Here , Here , and Here . As the weather starts to cool I would put a turtleneck or long sleeve tee under it, as well. :)

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  115. Thanks for the compliment jcrewmommy, and congratulations on getting your Camillas! :)

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  116. jcrewmommy: I hope you don't mind that I used the Kelly Jacket to show outfits for the Camilla...I really think they are similar stylewise except for the Camilla has a collar and pockets...what do you think? I really think the same pieces that go with the Kelly will work with the Camilla.

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  117. AHHHH
    this
    is the dress I was raving about. It is soooo pretty! I didn't catch the price in store--- but that looks about right for a J.Crew dress... this person must be an employee. They were only put out on the floor a day or two ago!

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  118. jcrewmommy: That's awesome she found things for you!!! I need me an insider at the Crew. I also have some regrets like missing the Bella!!!

    I agree about the Camilla being like the Kelly, it actually was my first thought when I saw it. Especially after you mentioned the colors it came in! I think the bright flame works well with british khaki bottoms as well.

    FYI: I purchased my yellow tanks/shirts at ON. They had a beaded tank that was incredibly cute. I try to get most of my layering pieces there to save $$.

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  119. aly: Well, I couldn't ask for a more adorable tank from J.Crew! I normally wear a size 4 in tops but since the Amelia tank I ordered in a size 4 fit too loosely for my taste, I decided to ask around and ended up sizing down. I'm with you there, I think I will be ordering a few more myself because like you not three stores in SC & NC carry them.. CRAZY! As for the arm hole.. I would say that its not loose nor is it tight, it fits just right. For me, it lays against the skin just perfectly and I could not have asked for a better fitted tank. I can't really compare it to the Piper but I would definitely say go for it, I love mine! Also, if you would like anymore information about the sizing or just more opinions for this tank I recommend tammylee. She answered all my questions, helped me figure out what size to order, and was such a tremendous help! Good Luck!

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  120. Mary Ellen: Thanks so much for the info. It helps a lot and now I'm trying to decide if I should wait for it go on sale or use the 15% off. I might have to wait till I get my next paycheck. :)

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  121. Jcrewbug, I have Clementina sweater in all 3 colors and I love them all. I think that they are pretty in both style and colors as well as comfortable. I had posted my point of view last week. After I recieved my first 3 jackets, I ordered 3 more. And after reading the other Anon's review about holes in her jackets, I took a close look on mine. But everything looks perfect. Hope this is helpful.

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  122. I had some problem with my navy clementina sweater....wore it once and it had a hole in it. I returned it. Yeah, it's just JCrew cashmere but it should last throught one wearing...

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  123. Anony: What will you do with 6 of the same jacket??? Even though you have three colors???

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  124. jcrewbuy,
    How did you manage to get your sweater for only $45 each as they are $79.99 online?
    I might order one but I am not sure I want to chance it on a possible defective sweater....I haven't had the best of luck with JCrew cashmere....

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  125. anon: You can call in and say you were just at your store and they are having 30% off their sale and they should honor it for you. I also had a student discount applied. If you go to a store today call from the red phone. It's harder to get a CS to agree to call the store for you, easier if you are already at the store.

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  126. Similar to what the konosur posted earlier, I'm surprised and disappointed that weeks later, problems with the J.Crew Web site still haven't been resolved (e.g., images showing broken links). Has anyone else noticed the misspelling in the women's suits section of the site? Instead of pinstripe, J.Crew offers "pintripe." Again, that's been present since the redesign. I think J.Crew should really continue offering free shipping as an apology to customers. (The sale prices are pretty much a joke now too, but that's another topic.)

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  127. To the conspiracy theorists who think that using a free shipping code messes things up, I'm a convert.

    I didn't have any problems with my July orders that used extr % off rather than free shipping. More than two weeks ago I ordered just a little t-shirt from the fall catalog using the "SHOP" code. When it didn't ship for over a week, I sent two e-mail inquiries (after the first one was ignored for two days). The first response said my order had been "skipped" but would be shipped soon, the second response said my order was "fine" and it would be shipped 8/19. I got a shipping notice--but followed up. Guess what, it hasn't shipped.

    (Fortunately, my red phone order placed at the store appears to be on its way.)

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  128. Oh, and J.Crew has yet to acknowledge that it cancelled my Martine. Still listing as "open" and "released."

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  129. I emailed Customer Service on Aug 21 to check on the status of my Aug 9th order. This morning I got an email saying - great news, it was shipped on Aug 21 (bit much of a coincidence, don't you think?)

    I'm now checking on my Aug 15th order and have asked them 1) to confirm that all pieces are there 2) to let me know what they plan to do to ensure orders are shipped promptly (both times, and another in the spring, I didn't get the "shipping confirmation" email they said they would send) and 3) suggested Tracking numbers be available automatically on the website.

    I'm now very skittish to order anything else.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)