As many of you have noticed and mentioned, J.Crew's website seems to be having some "technical difficulties". :( From the comments, it sounds like the website issues started this morning and has been fluctuating back and forth from "up & running", running slowly, and "site down".The website issues are a normal staple of shopping on JCrew.com. ;) It seems that the site will crash whenever there is a new promotion being offered and sale prices drop (which is what happened this morning). I am trying to stay optimistic (about the website being fixed), but in all honesty I have no idea when all these issues will be sorted out. :(
Has the website issues today impacted your shopping and browsing of JCrew.com? At this point, are you accustomed or surprised by the existing website issues?
What I have noticed is the site times out in the mornings when the new sales items are being added or/and J.Crew changes the prices. As you may have noticed already the prices for many items have been lowered today – like metallic Jamie $199, Lulu heels $69, Opera length gloves $49 and etc. I was able to place 2 orders this morning and one of the orders status is already “Released”.
ReplyDeleteOh well, I guess this is a sign that I should go clean the bathroom...
ReplyDeleteThis is annoying as all get out!! However, this morning a very nice CS rep did apply the 20% off current promotion to an order I placed LAST WEEK, so I can't complain too much....
ReplyDeleteIf anyone else is in that boat try calling CS. It's worth a try, even though I did get the 'just this one time' disclaimer. Made my Berry Boucle Scarf Coat only $80!!
Here's my question. . .has Jcrew fired their CIO yet?!?! I'm really surprised that they have let the website problems continue like this. How long has it been? 8 months?
ReplyDeleteIn JCrew's defense, within the past two months I have encountered downtime with Gap's site two times, during peak coupon promo's. I am not defending JCrew though, as I was an avid fan of the old system!
ReplyDeleteI think it's inexcusable that web issues have persisted for so long. Their website is not innovative or complicated, it shouldn't be so difficult to manage.
ReplyDeletesmartblonde: how did you get the 20% on an earlier order? I tried but was told "NO".
ReplyDeleteAny helpful hints..?
I wonder why ebay never had tech difficulties?
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many cancelled orders posts we are going to see in a couple of days? The web site is ridiculous.
ReplyDelete^ I don't if they will be cancelled. So far both orders I placed this morning are in the status "Released"
ReplyDelete*hopes more spring stuff is being loaded*
ReplyDeleteWestside Mom,
ReplyDeleteAll I did was call CS and very nicely explain that I had placed an order last week that had been shipped but hadn't arrived yet, and added that for me, the 20% off would be a significant amount of money and would they consider honoring that promotion now, since the items I had purchased then were all FS. She agreed and did it.
lauren, they will upload more stuff withing a week. Local store J.Crew manager said they will have a completed stock of spring items on 01/21. So by that time jcrew.com will have them as well.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else wish they had never 'improved' their website??? They could have kept the old one, which I suspect we were all used to surfing...and just added the ability to search by keyword - which as far as I can tell is the only useful addition to the new site. This has been going on for about 8mo now...sort of ridiculous
ReplyDeleteA :)
It is probably due to the inreased traffic from the code.
ReplyDeleteI miss the old website. I don't remember it ever crashing like this, not even once.
ReplyDeletestill down... by the way the only reason the search by keyword is necessary now is that they *hide* items from the sale site!
ReplyDeleteIs anyone else having problems logging in to their online JC account? Mine keeps saying "login failed."
ReplyDeleteOh no, now it says "is email address not recognized."
ReplyDeleteSo :(((( The item I wanted to order was gone after the stay tuned message! Anyways, anyone has a Chunky Star Cable Popover in Size XS Charcoal to spare, do not hesitate to let me know :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~10174/10174.jsp
chiffoncupcake@gmail.com
Anon @ 3:41, that happened to me! JC somehow altered my email address by adding the number "1" at the end (e.g. xxxxx@gmail.com1) so I was told. I never was able to retrieve info on any orders I placed before that. And now I never receive any confirmation emails on any of my orders... Call CS!
ReplyDeletechiffoncupcake: Oh no! I have more than 20 pending orders. I called CS twice and they keep asking me to send an email instead.
ReplyDelete20 pending orders? really? you're hilarious.
ReplyDeletesmartblonde: I tried similar tactic but did not work. The order only shipped out yesterday and is yet to reach me. I called twice and both CS said no. Guess you had better luck with a nicer CS.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 4:04, wow, 20! I can imagine all the shipping fees you are paying! ;) I guess they wanted an email with all the order info to allow their associates time to check on each individual order. So when you call, they have all the info ready for you.
ReplyDelete20 orders what a waste of money!
ReplyDeleteOT: In a previous topic, a couple of you mentioned you love your gray merino Merinda cardigan. I have it and love it too - although I haven't worn it yet. What are you wearing under it - a tee, a cami? I'm stuck and not sure how to wear mine! Thanks in advance for any help!
ReplyDeleteYes, 20 pending orders. I have free shipping, and I could apply 15% educator's discount to my discount. Go eat your hearts out.
ReplyDeleteShe's lying. It's obvious by her last comment that she wants to get a rise out of people.
ReplyDeleteMy Log In never works, I have had JC "reset" it many times but it just wont let me in, so I've been doing only phone orders...
ReplyDeletejust got an email today saying that they ran out of the greta coat i ordered. =( so disappointed, i was so happy i found the right coat, but i guess i'll have to keep on looking. seems like every time i order something they always cancel my order...i feel like they should give us some kind of discount whenever that happens.
ReplyDeletewestside mom -
ReplyDeletetry this number, it's the "just ask" line....they are very nice & told me to just call back if I ever see an item I purchase marked down within 7 days of original order. Got credits for all items purchased within last week that were FS (someone mentioned that they were told only full price items). I am thinking that perhaps this "just ask" number goes to the more experienced CS reps, since they are the ones that hunt things down for us! Good Luck!!
866-393-2090
No I was turned down by Support Services Dept., "you know the rules you already received a discount item cannot be discount again".
ReplyDeleteMaybe J.Crew will be the next company to file for bankruptcy. Perhaps they don't have the $$ to hire a qualified tech group to fix their website problem. I am very reluctant to order online anymore because of this issue.
ReplyDeleteI much prefer to pay fp rather than go through this website up and down issue, and wondering if my order is going to get cancelled or not. HOHO and Turkey made me realize it is just not worth the effort, maybe this is J Crews plan to get their customer pay fp, mess up their orders.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 5:11, that is very true and I agree with you 100%. I wonder if the pimple popped up on my forehead today is from all the stress hunting stuff during this final sale perios! ;)
ReplyDeleteI did order some FP items and they all are shipped in a timely manner. But of course I do hope that they would go on sale soon enough so I could do a price adjustment. Well, if that does not happen, I just cut back on the small items.
There were a pair of size 7 dusty rose heels at Barton Creek Austin store. I think they were 99.99 plus 30% off. Not sure exactly what their name was, but they are cute!
ReplyDeleteI have to say if I were a cardholder who ordered yesterday I'd be pretty pissed off today to see this morning's price reductions for all shoppers, along with the 20% discount. Not good planning on J.Crew's part if they want to keep cardholders happy--they definitely should've made the markdowns yesterday, or delayed the secret cardholder 20% sale to coincide with the reductions.
ReplyDeleteIt's also beyond bizarre not to have the website issues ironed out after all this time. I really miss that old website. It was so much easier to navigate, much cleaner layout, better presentation of sale items, and no dog leashes appearing alongside women's sweaters! I tried to search "cashmere" today and got a ragtag assortment of items, from hair bands to men's shorts to swimsuits to pet accessories. You never know what you're going to get when you try to do a sort...so annoying!
I went to the store and placed a red phone order. The rep offered free shipping and student discount - better than any of the promo codes so far.
ReplyDeleteJCrew has been super disappointing today! Besides the website being wacky, I got a package from them today and it was the wrong item! They were nice about it, and said they would overnight my oder tomorrow, and even gave me a credit because the item went lower in price, but still... It annoyed me. lol
ReplyDeleteYou know what, I spoke to soon! Actually the mess up HELPED me. I just called them again because I saw that I was charged the lower price of my item, and wanted to made sure I'd be credited the higher price too. She said yes, and also since I technically re-bought the item today she applied the 20% off promotion! So due to this mishap, I wound up saving money. JCrew reps are the best. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep on buying folks, can't wait to see it all on the weekly exchange after it doesn't work out. LOL
ReplyDeleteVic - released status does not mean it has shipped, only that your cc has authorized the charge and now the warehouse has it. A lot of JCAs will tell you they have had items and whole orders cancelled from the released status.
ReplyDeleteHopefully all your items ship.
20 pending orders!?
ReplyDeleteYour handle should be "sea kelp". Seriously.
You can't even get your login to work and you expect us to believe that you get free shipping and an extra 15% discount on top of the 20%.
ReplyDeleteSure, uh huh.
I really must have good luck with the reps. This afternoon, I tried to order the brown V neck argyle cardi and a few other things twice and the website crashed right at checkout. So I called to place the order by phone, mentioned the website being down, and she offered free shipping of her own accord! I didn't even ask. So, I got free shipping the 20% off. Maybe they are all being told to offer free shipping if someone mentions website being down?
ReplyDeleteI am annoyed.
ReplyDeleteAs "loyal" cardmembers we are offered the 20% off promotion YESTERDAY, and then they LOWER prices of many ITEMS today with the 20% off for EVERYONE.
*How is that an incentive for cardholders, J.Crew?*
I know that you cannot always control timing of prices, however do not annoy loyal cardmembers, by lowering prices the day AFTER the incentive.
Does anybody else agree?
Site is down yet again!
ReplyDelete...aaaannndd back up!
ReplyDeleteAnon at 7:26- You are pill. Why do you bother posting on this site? You are just bringing people down. Having a bad day?
ReplyDeleteSunday - I think it's funny to watch people go crazy. And maybe I secretly want to influence people to think about what they are doing, before they overspend and have to deal with the big cc bill.
ReplyDeleteDid I touch a nerve?
And back down again! Good grief, I'm getting seasick.
ReplyDeleteand once more, back up. Is it only me, or is anyone else seeing this up and down thing going on???
ReplyDeleteanon 7:54- i really doubt you said that out of true care for people's "cc bill"
ReplyDeleteDefinitely seemed more along the lines of a rude comment.
Can't Blame Sunday for reacting/defending
Can anyone tell me please how the cascading flowers astrid runs - are the shoulders narrow, is it boxy, ... any help appreciated. TIA!
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 4.31
ReplyDelete"Yes, 20 pending orders. I have free shipping, and I could apply 15% educator's discount to my discount. Go eat your hearts out" ARE YOU SURE, YOU ARE AN EDUCATOR??!!
Anon at 7:54- No, you did not touch a nerve. (That comment is quite amusing though.) Perhaps you are just a bitter pill because you can't pay your cc bills in full. Not everyone is drowning in debt on this site....
ReplyDeleteIt is inconvenient that you can't combine the EXTRA20 and the free shipping over $xxx codes on the website. Not to mention, I got the J.Crew "BRB" message several times while trying to order online, so, I had to order over the phone. They were hesitant to give me the free shipping but I did spend over $150 and the website was down.
ReplyDeleteI confirmed the order for four items. I got the confirmation email which only listed three. I called customer service back and they claimed that only three items were ordered in the first place. Not so! The Kelly shirt (on sale for $19.99) was the missing item. It was sold out in the color I ordered. Hard to believe that it was sold out from the time I placed the order to the time I got the confirmation email, 20 minutes later. There were other colors available; I asked to add the shirt BACK on in a different color and the girl said she couldn't do it. She could start a new order and charge me shipping. No thank you! Should have been done in the first place.
I've also noticed a change in their sales strategy since the summer. For example, I ordered the Elizabeth tank. They read back the order, saying, "Elizabeth halter, size, color, falls at the hip, perfect paired with a cardigan". Way to slip in the add-ons, J.Crew! The girl also asked me if I'd like to order a pair of dress pants. They are more persistent than I remember.
Have any of you had a similar experience with telephone orders?
Just noticed a few comments about problems logging into online accounts - this happened to me today too! Two password resets and still no luck.
ReplyDeleteredsox31,
ReplyDeleteI got that strange robotic sale too. I ordered the broken-in chino and she said you have "the broken-in chino in classic fit, our most popular, slimmer fit. do you want to have the broken-in T (and some other stuff) to go with that?... Is that all you want today?" She actually repeated it three times, once after every "please hold and let me update your profile/...".
The rep. was nice. I think the managers request that they follow that sales script. I did open a credit card account with them for the ten percent off.
Sunday, I don't know how long you've followed this blog but some people admittedly do go overboard and I've seen more than a couple on the weekly exchange saying they need the $ after they see their cc bill. Also, lot of the stuff in FS are returns and some are defective and even worn/stained. People don't realize they could get stuck with a worthless dud and be extremely disappointed. People get caught up in the excitement and often regret it later. It's sad.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 8:24- Yes, we are all aware of the facts you stated. I don't see why you find pleasure in knowing that people might be disappointed with their purchases. That is just rude and mean spirited, and this blog is intended to helpful.
ReplyDeleteI placed an order last night for 4 items including the Lydia in ivory. Today, the Lydia popped up in Saffron so i called and ordered it. The order never arrived in my order history, my card was never charged and no email verifying order.
ReplyDeleteSo, I called CS again after a few hours and apparently despite having total given to me, my credit card information and address verified, the order was in fact not really placed. Weird. So sad now.
Yes...I have bought a lot of stuff this year. Not only from J. Crew but other retailers as well. Sometimes I have to rethink my spending. BUT, I have never in my life seen prices go this low in all stores. If you hit J. Crew at the right time, I think pretty much most of you will agree that some of the prices can't be beat AND you get some good quality stuff as well. So, I no longer feel guilty. I'm good at stowing things away for next year when prices will surely go up. I know in the end I'll be saving a TON!
ReplyDeleteI had stuff in my cart prepared to place my order when the site went down. It seemed to crash soon after the sale site was updated with new merch. They lost my business today, though the items were sold when I checked 30 minutes later.
ReplyDeleteWhy does J.Crew list the dog clothes in the women's section?
ReplyDeletehaha im totally addicted seeing that i'm on this site on my iphone even in an airport if anyone is looking for the spectator peep toe heels, try the st louis frontenac store...they have both gray (my sister just emailed me about getting one in a 6!) and pink (8 and up) for 79.99!! check 'em out! with tax and shipping she got 'em for 60$ or something..!
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else notice, when you click on "shirt and tops" in the regular (not sale) section, it says "featuring our solid anvers cami" and shows a picture of the lattice cami? How weird. Not that I'm surprised JCrew would make an oversight like this...
ReplyDeleteI'm not buying anything especially since the website keeps going down... it makes me lose interest.
OT but I received an interesting card from my local J.Crew today in the mail. The card thanked me for my business last year and invites me to check out the new spring line on January 21.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else get something like this?
I scanned it and posted it to my blog: www.fashionableyetfrugal.blogspot.com
site's up and down like a yo-yo today...
ReplyDeleteThe site crashing thing is really annoying but I have to say it's better than it was before Christmas when it was crashing for hours and large parts of entire days at the height of holiday shopping. Now it seems like the Stay Tuned thing pops up, and if you refresh the screen it's back. Annoying -- but not like the "black outs" they were having.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do find VERY annoying is the random appearance of sold out items as if they are suddenly available again - and then you click and you get the red "we're sorry - this item has been so poplular" - that makes me the most insane. You get your hopes up that an item has been restocked only to be let down. I just hate that and wonder why it happens SO frequently.
--lucegirl
The New Haven store is fantastic. Platinum Tweed Sheath dress in 10.. Dream Valerie Bow Cardigans in various colors and sizes, tons of cords in various colors and sizes, cashmere shells (some argyles!), and metallic totes on sale! There's some green/yellow Martine heels for $49.99 in size 6 (or 6.5 can't remember!). I just bought a pair of Alessia patent-leather peep toes in 8.5. Usually I wear 8 but these fit with some extra room in the back.. they're so comfortable in only 3 inches. I can walk no problem and I suck at heels! Highly recommended, and I paid only $33. Good luck shopping :)
ReplyDeleteThe website issues are absurd.
ReplyDeleteAnd if Mickey wasn't the Prince Merchant or whatever title he has paid for via PR, he would have been on his ear by now. E-commerce is here to stay and as a multi million dollar company, it's imperative to have to have all the wheels on your virtual shopping cart straight. Actually, that's a good analogy. Everytime I pick up my J Crew online cart, I'm hoping I'm going to get a good one but there is always something wrong with it. The wheels squeak, veer to one side or get stuck altogether. Sometimes there are no carts at all. Not to mention that when I put things in my cart, sometimes they show up with a different price when I put them on the belt. Ugh! The bait and switch needs to go. It's irritating to click on something at a low price and see there are only colors available at a higher price. Do you think I'm going to suddenly want it just because I clicked on it? If anything, I'm pissed off. Oh -- and they really need to nix the "we're sorry this item was so popular." Well, get it off the website then!
I really think they should offer free shipping codes with promo codes to J Crew cardholders who use their card. They can send out individual one-time use codes via email. That's practically free. Sure, they don't want to dilute the brand by having people turn around and sell these codes online, but they need to get over it. Furthermore, I'm a green cardholder but I still think it's absurd that silver cardholders don't have free shipping or some other distinction between the green card.
J Crew should be glad people are shopping with them. In Jan's Oprah there is copy next to some items stating that people are starting to shop lower brands, like J Crew. *lol* I will try to find it and post it.
I just orderd 5 things. Everything went fine. used the 20% off. Great deals. Packing away for fall/winter 2009/2010! Also snagged some tops for summer for next to nothing. Good luck all.
ReplyDeleteMy memory didn't serve me entirely well. Here is the snippet from Oprah, Jan:
ReplyDelete"...was a stranger to lower price stores until her then 6-year old daughter started dragging her to Zara, H&M & J Crew. Now she views mass fashion with new eyes."
Still very funny.
...and yes, I am the dummy as I still keep shopping with them.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shoes/heels/PRDOVR~96340/99101511767/96340.jsp
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to make that into a link but... does anyone else think these totally look like camo shoes? WHAT were they thinking???
Sorry, OT, but I keep finding such interesting things in final sale...
I just scored the rose tee for $15.99, an Amelia silk tank for $15.99, the crystal button wool v-neck cardi in silver for $15.99, and a luxe knit tee (3/4 sleeve) for $7.99. Then I went to my B&M and got the merino trois rosette cami for around $10, and some dark wash high heel flare jeans for around $15. All in all some pretty good deals on things I "needed"/had been really wanting :)
ReplyDeleteCan anyone help- I have a Sophia in an 8 that fits well, but am nervous about ordering a strapless dress (claudine) in an 8- do you find that j.crew's sizes are typically consistent from dress to dress? thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes! In numbered dresses I always order one size (10) and have never had problems. Sometimes in the general sizing (small, medium, large) I'm all over the place, but I usually have consistent fits--strapless or with straps.
ReplyDeleteHope that helps.
OT - can anyone recommend a good fabric steamer? My ancient Franzus just died and I need a new one. Preferably one that has or will work with travel adapters.
ReplyDeleteI've heard people mention steaming things like the droopy flowers so I'm hoping some of you can help me out.
TIA
The site is so slow. I'll bet it's going to crash again. =(
ReplyDeleteThe website is working well for me now. It's sad to see they are still having problems after all this time.
ReplyDeleteI have had the same issue as others with the JCrew online account. I've emailed a few times, my (online) personal shopper tried to get it fixed, she said her boss tried with her peer in the IT dept, and I finally got to the point where I gave up bothering with it. I just do phone orders now.
With regard to the JCrew dress sizes, I have found them to be consistent--I have the fall Sophia and Janelle--though I couldn't comment on the strapless question. I'm not horribly big, but I have tried on casual JCrew dresses with side zippers that don't give me enough room to fully zip up.
I was one of those that purchased the golden cypress dupioni skirt last week, and it arrived today. I'm really fond of the colour. The fabric is soft and light weight. It does pouf out a little where the pockets are--I may tack them closed, which is what I have on some of my trousers to keep a nice leg line. But it doesn't really bother me.
After purchasing the spring aubrey jacket in papaya (this was on second opinion from my sis) and receiving the heather bright berry aubrey today, I have to say there is quite a difference in the tailoring--the spring version is more refined, has a nice turned cuff at the sleeve, and overall the jacket lays well. The fabric on the bright berry is just too itchy--like the herringbone fiona. It's going to go back to the store this weekend.
Sorry for the long post!
I placed an order last night and the price dropped this morning. Easy fix - just call and the rep will adjust. I didn't even have to ask. Just stated what happened.
ReplyDeleteI agree it will be better if they coordinated the changes. Also, does anyone realize how much it cost to keep hardware available all the time? It's expensive, and I have a feeling J Crew is more a creative company than a technology company. They do need to clean their IT house though.
anon @ 10:40:
ReplyDeleteI just got this steamer for Christmas and I love it. It's too big to travel, but small enough to sit on the floor of my very-small-just-barely-a-walk-in closet. Works great for the price. HTH!
Haven't they cleaned house in their IT department yet??? I am sure there are some Fabulous folks looking for work who might have some ideas on how to keep a website up and running.
ReplyDeleteSeems like this just happens way too often? I guess I am lucky that I placed my order right away this morning.
Twiga
Elizabeth in MO-
ReplyDeleteI wore my Miranda last week with a Perfect fit tee underneath in light grey. kind boring, but classic I think? You don't really see what is underneath if it is buttoned up. Also FFM had some fun ideas for the miranda.
Twiga
Really unbelievable...going on 7 months now since the *upgrade*, and still so many issues...
ReplyDeleteI don't think customers are the only ones who dislike the new website, either. When I was in the Tampa J.Crew last Friday, the SA's made a couple of negative comments about the *new* system, too...seems like it's been nothing but a PITA for everyone.
Nellie-Oh, you didn't realize that J crew has a creative team straight out of the "lollipop guild" creating some of their heels?
ReplyDeleteAnon @8:51 PM:
ReplyDeleteI keep getting the doggie stuff too when I filter by X-Small in women's.
Makes me super-mad!
All my orders basically were canceled. I am officially done with buying on their website---in the past few weeks I have spent too much anyway, but this is just frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem. The website doesn't recognize my username (email address). I contacted JCrew by email and they couldn't help. I set up a new account using a different email this morning and placed two orders. Hopefully my pending order with the old account hasn't been wiped out.
ReplyDelete