This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.
i ordered a pair of silver sandals to wear to my wedding this fall. i, in my attempt to complete everything early, purchased them in April. i did not wear them until august to try and break them in before the wedding. the FIRST time i wore them the silver all wore off and some sort of weird film came along wtih it. upon trying to return these items, i was told that the 90 day return policy was thru. i get that. but for $100+ these sandals should last for YEARS. boo j.crew.
ReplyDeleteI reccently ordered two expensive coats and instead recieved a men's scarf and t-shirt :( The process of fixing it has not been smooth...
ReplyDeleteYikes Ashley... I hope that doesn't happen to me! I'm in China, it'd be months before I get what I want... lol.
ReplyDeleteHopefully they can get it all worked out for you soon!!
And aboeka - that sucks! I would be so annoyed... its a defect with their merchandise, it's not like you just didn't want them anymore.
aboeka,
ReplyDeleteYou should have gotten store credit. The only policy they can enforce is the one when you bought them...90 days should equal store credit.
Write to Mickey and even if he doesn't personally respond one of his assistants will; you will get at least a credit and hopefully better. Attach a photo if you can to your email.
Ashley K,
ReplyDeleteI got many a wrong item or seriously defecective ones 5 times in two years that I lived overseas. Got mens pants once and ordered something else entirely different and also got 2 completely wrong items as well another time.
Also while in the US this happened on two other occasions.
Really weird and VERY frustrating.
this is a general complaint, but I hate how jcrew has price discrepancies between B&M stores and the online store. I often resort to online purchases b/c my store doesn't carry some of the items I want, and it's extremely frustrating to find out that someone else found the item for $50 when the item is still $150 online. I need some consistency!
ReplyDeleteaboeka: The silver sandals you purchased in April would have been *grandfathered* in with the old return policy, which means there is absolutely no reason you cannot and should not receive store credit. Not to mention as others have said, they are defective which means even with the new return policy they should take them back...no questions asked. You should speak with a manager or email Mickey Drexler as Genny suggested.
ReplyDeleteITA about the price discrepancies. Sometimes the difference is over $100!
ReplyDeleteI also don't like how long they let stuff languish in the sale section at the B&M. If things haven't moved for months, then have an additional % off and anything left over should be shipped off to to the outlet. The more shopworn something looks, the less appealing it is to buy.
The return policy SUCKS. I received three items from someone whom I'm not particularly close with. They were the wrong size and of course, did not have a gift receipt.
ReplyDeleteThinking I could return them for store credit, I went to my nearest B&M only to find that they wanted ALL her info - name, address, e-mail address before issuing credit.
I don't even know the person that well, and here I am stuck with 3 items that aren't my size or taste.
So in terms of buying gifts for people, J. Crew is off my list. If someone I give a gift to loses the gift receipt or is uncomfortable knowing I returned it, then I just can't risk it.
J. Crew, your return policy stinks.
ilovejcrew: yuck! that is frustrating! were they still willing to give you the store credit without the receipt if you had all the info they asked for? the new return policy just seems tedious!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone on the price differences between online and in-store! I hate when I splurge on something in the store (or online) only to find out I could have gotten it for half-price! Seriously!?!
I'm becoming jaded. I love the clothing, but I want to ENJOY shopping, not be stressed about it!
Shopping has become a game of buy and return due to price discrepancies. It is becoming not fun and I want it to still be fun:). The return policy is going to prevent me from buying any gifts unless they are for my immediate family. Just can't risk it!
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm shopping in store I always look stuff up by item number on my cell phone, talk about taking the fun out of shopping. I also check in store for any items I bought online and do a price adjustment or return and rebuy if it's been too long for that.
ReplyDeleteI just read Tony Hsieh's new book Delivering Happiness -- he's the CEO of Zappos.
ReplyDeleteIn it, he talks a lot about how they've built their business on customer service, with their free shipping both ways and 365-day return policy. He says customer service is the #1 most important feature of their company, even more important than price and product selection.
It's definitely worth a read, and I think that JCrew could learn a LOT from watching Zappos.
Their new return policy and general lack of concern for the customer is ridiculous -- especially seeing how easy it is for a company like Zappos to care!
OT - do you think there will be a % off sale any time soon since now it is Fall Sale not Final Sale?
ReplyDelete@ A, I think when J Crew does a % off sale, it's usually final sale. At least that's what an SA at a B&M told me, for in-store purchases.
ReplyDeleteI find it annoying that J. Crew will reduce the price of an item but then randomly INcrease it after that. I had a pair of Minnies in my shopping bag for $39.99 (price in store, btw). The next day, they were back to $69.99. I immediately removed them from my bag. What's up w/that?
ReplyDeleteI recently ordered the wool icon trench during last week's promo. I was so incredibly excited to receive it. Well, that smile turned into a frown when I took it out of its plastic wrap and touched it. What a letdown. I used to be able to count on J Crew for almost all my wardrobe. That has changed in recent years, but I thought I could still count on blazers and coats.
ReplyDeleteThe icon coat is THIN. JC is delusional to refer to it as the wool-CASHMERE icon coat. The fabric content is 75% wool, 20%nylon and a whole whopping 5% cashmere. JC, please remove the words coat and cashmere from the description. You should rename this the wool-nylon lightweight jacket. This may keep someone warm during 50 or low 60 degree weather, but that's it. The fabric reminds me of stuff I've seen at H&M or Old Navy. Does it look nice from a distance? Yes. But up close, you can see the cheaply done lining and feel how thin and scragly the coat is. I compared this coat's fabric content to a wool cashmere coat from 4 years ago and the older coat has thicker, more plush fabric that is made from 80%wool and 20% cashmere. Not only that, but the lining is better sewn and overall looks better than this $325 farce.
Sorry for the rant, but as you can see, I'm mad. I feel like a sucker for continually falling in love with a design only to see it in person and realize it's made with cheap fabrics I've not previously associated with J Crew's legacy--until recently. The most this coat should cost is $75-$85 full retail price. I'll look for a new coat elsewhere.
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ReplyDeletesorry...sub again!
ReplyDeleteCMG, I'm sorry to hear about the icon coat - what a bummer! They really need to start putting the fabric content on the website like other retailers do, if only to save us time. Heck, Target has a Merona camel robe coat that's 75% wool/25% poly for ... $69.99!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I could always count on JC for their blazers and coats. To hear of the raggedy in-store stadium elements coat and the 'wool-5% cashmere'... this is just embarrassing. But even weirder is that out of the bunch there will usually be something well made (you may just have to go through trial and error to find it!) - like last year's wool duffle coat, for example. It's 100% wool AND lined in Thinsulate (even though that was never pointed out in the description). However, with their other coats you had to pay extra for the Thinsulate, and they're not always 100% wool. I don't understand why.
Does anybody have an older stadium cloth coat that could report the fabric content? I'm curious to see if that has also changed.
The return policy indicates a total lack of concern for customer service. I also dislike how they "wink wink" advertise using Loro Piana's fabrics, lately I have no idea how Loro Piana is producing such shoddy fabric but it certainly in no way is the same.
ReplyDeleteAshley K...I haven't vented about this previously but you are not alone. Depending on the promotion they run, I can make up to 3 orders, primarily due to the wacky inventory restocking. Well, pretty much for the past 3 months, I have received incorrect items. Even one "quality checked" order came incorrect, not even close!
ReplyDeleteI have also had some issues with CS relating to these orders. I got really sick of reminding them that this was their error, not mine. But I now just deal with my PS and that has made things a lot easier. If it wasn't for her, I'm not sure I'd continue shopping there because regular CS is so hit or miss lately, as is the chance of my order being correct. You might consider calling into the PS line, they can be really great depending on who you get (my first one wasn't so great, but the one I have now, is just wonderful).
My major issue is related to the the cards we all want - the 25% off seasonal cards (they went out this past fall). As a loyal J.Crew customer and credit card holder, I would expect to receive one. I spend more than my fair share at J.Crew and consider mysel to be one of their biggest fans. To my surprise, I didn't receive a 25% off card this fall; however, my boyfriend did who rarely buys anything from J.Crew. We both had magazines delivered to our home - he got the card, I didn't. Of course, I snatched his up and used it this fall. While shopping, I asked a salesperson how it's determined who gets the card. She shared with me that the card is sent to shoppers who tend to buy online and it's sent to entice them to come into the store. OK, that's great - but what about the rewards for those of us who shop online and IN THE STORE loyally? The most loyal shoppers should receive the card as we are the ones who have kept J.Crew afloat during these trying economic times - just saying! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting to hear about the Wool-Cashmere Icon Coat. I also almost ordered it with the promo last week, but ended up getting the regular Icon Trench instead, since it filled a hole in my closet. If you notice, the price difference between the Icon and the Wool-Cashmere Icon is only $30 or so...perhaps this is indicative of how cheap the quality of the fabric is that is used to make the Wool-Cashmere Icon? Thanks for for the review -- greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteOnline PS's can be very good and extremely helpful if you can find a good one!
ReplyDeleteMy first one was just OK. The second one I got was good but she left the company and I was never told! Left hanging for 2 months wondering what was going on???? The third one I got was FANTASTIC. After 6 months she left J.Crew and I can see why. She was too good for the job/company! :) The one I have currently is just average to tolerable. She was very friendly when I was buying full price and using my educator's discount. Now that that discount is gone for online I have not bought much of anything. I told her I won't buy final sale either b/c I cannot try on first (unless it is an accessory) and I rarely buy full price (no discount now). So, therefore, she quit emailing me except about once every 2 months or so to "check in" which is fine.
However, last Christmas I had a serious order issue and could not get any help. Somehow I got an email from a different PS-- she has been a truly wonderful person to call on for help when needed the past year. I only call/email when I really need help and she has come through every time with wonderful customer service.
katie
ReplyDeleteThat is really strange- at my store they told me the card went to people who shopped a lot in store, and I didn't get one because I do my shopping all online. I think they are all just making stuff up to make us feel better.
Do the PS have some kind of target goal to reach, or some kind of incentive to sell? I always thought that they did, but I asked in store last week bc I keep buying a lot from the same one and she said they got nothing out of it.
ReplyDeleteI like how J Crew is now positioning the lack of a lining in their jackets as a "feature". How ridiculous is that? It's "deconstructed". Take a look at the description of the Softwashed Wool Blazer.
ReplyDeleteWatching J. Crew go down the path it is on is a little sad.
sub :)
ReplyDeleteKatie and JS,
ReplyDeleteI got a 25% off card and I do 95% (or more) of my shopping online. I only get to a store about once every 3-4 months and don't always buy.
Who knows how they decide who get the cards????
About the 25% off cards: I actually think they went to people who USED to shop a lot but haven't recently. I got one and barely buy anything from J crew anymore, but I used to buy from them all the time. They think they "have" people like katie, so they don't need to give her a discount. Those discounts used to be given to EVERYONE and they included free shipping. Those were the days.
ReplyDeleteI want to say that I do love JCrew - I do.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest complaint is I find many of their black cotton items fade - and fade fast. I wash the items per instructions, usually inside out, in cold water, low dryer, and they all end up becoming faded quickly.
I also had a problem with a pair of silver flip flops - they wore out on the foot bedding after only a couple of wears. I contacted customer service about getting an exchange pair, and included a photo of the sandals. They seemed unwilling to exchange them, and told me I needed to send the sandals - with my own money, no pre-paid shipping label would be sent - to be inspected to determine if an exchange would be granted.
And lastly - their jewelry is too expensive.
With all that said, I have emailed the CEO and his assistants have personally responded to my concerns. I have received an exchange on a blazer that had a hole in the pocket when I received it. Effortless exchange.
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ReplyDeleteSub
ReplyDeleteI liked the recent JC credit cardholder sale, but it's really not enough of a perk. The reward cards have low value and short expiration period. I think they should follow GAP's example by 1) allowing free shipping with every order for card members 2) allowing JC card to be used at Madewell and 3) have more card member only sales (sometimes GAP has 40% off for card members!).
ReplyDeleteThese specialty store credit cards tend to be lucrative business for the issuing store. It makes sense for card members to get something in return. I think most of us do not need another credit card. Certainly, there are better options out there with more perks. It doesn't make sense not to reward card members given the myriad of alternative options available.
General vent about a recent return:
ReplyDeleteI made a small-ish return recently (2 items from 2 separate online orders and 1 item I'd bought in-store, all within the limits of the new return policy). I dread making returns because I feel judged by the SAs. I went late on a week day to avoid the weekend rush and was very organized with all my receipts. First of all, the SA told me I couldn't return my online orders because they were over 30 days. I corrected him (after a mini internal freak-out) and he had to ask another SA. Then, as he was scanning my returns (which take FOREVER), he scribbled my email address down on a scrap of paper. Call me paranoid, but do stores keep a list of customers who make a lot of returns? Am I blacklisted? I couldn't figure out why else he would need to write down my email, since it is on each online order receipt.
The frustration I'm feeling at the moment is the lack of options at J. Crew. It's great that Jenna is using JC as her personal style hothouse. I can see someone tall and slim rocking all the "borrowed from the boys" looks. For those of us a bit shorter and thicker, not so much. For example, I really love the colours offered in the "fashion" pants, but I don't want to wear any skinny/cropped bottoms. Would it be a huge ordeal to offer the same colours in a straight/trouser cut (which only seem to come in navy, gray, black or brown)?
ReplyDeleteIf there's one thing I truly enjoy at J. Crew is the colour pallette. I wish they would offer that range of colours in ALL the pieces they stock.
OT, I sent an email to Talbots regarding their product views (want to add side and rear views). They sent me a very nice email back saying they've forwarded that idea to their website team. has anyone tried to email JC about site features and what was the reply?
Karaoke,
ReplyDeleteIt is a common complaint here about the foot bed of JC metallic sandals wearing off after a few wears. I have had the same prob w/ gold sandals. Did they end up allowing an exchange?
My rant this week is about the suit pants--super 120s are unlined and fabric is tissue thin (and I don't care if they are "super", fabric is still itchy)--I brought the whole suit right back to the store when I got it. I will not pay for unlined suit pants. They don't put out unlined suit pants for men, do they?
Maureen and others who hate returning things, if you get an attitude from SAs about returns, give the attitude right back. Let them judge you for returning, and you judge JC back for putting out clothes that turn out to be unappealing IRL.
ReplyDeleteMost SAs are very gracious to me when I return (which is a lot since I do 95% of my shopping online) but I am very firm with the ones who are snooty because it's my money and I won't pay for things that don't meet my standards.
Ok it’s my first time venting here so it goes, sorry having to repeat this again but I just have to second Kelly and several other JCA’s entries earlier on pricing inconsistency between retail and on-line, AND on top of that, inconsistent practices with their SA and CS rep.
ReplyDeleteIt drove me nuts when certain things are marked down significantly in-store and it is still full price online. For me personally, I am on the larger sizing end of the spectrum (Size 12-14) and it’s very rare that I find what I need in-store, I almost have to always order online. Almost 9 out of 10 times (I swear sometimes JCREW is screwing with me on purpose LOL), as soon as I made an order online in full price, the same item is marked down 30%-50% in-store.
But of course, one would think you can just go in-store and ask for a price adjustment with your online item (which by the way has to be within 7 days of purchase), and my experience tells me the chances of you getting a PA in this type of situation is like a crap-shoot. Depending on which day, which store location or which SA you got, you may not always get the PA honored.
While some store managers will do it liberally for me like it’s no big deal, other managers I’ve encountered told me they cannot make PAs for online order.
Does anyone know exactly what JCREW’s policy is on this type of situation?
@ Cass -
ReplyDeleteThe footbed actually wore off in a matter of a month! I had worn them only about a half dozen times! I never bothered to do the exchange - too much hassle.
Sorry - what does "sub" mean? I'm seeing it on the blog, and I'm not getting it! Someone let me know? Thanks!
Oh another note about their new Return Policy, IT SUCKED MAJOR A$$.
ReplyDeleteI get all the motives why JCREW is revising their return policy, sure, there will always be those bad apples who abuse policies and ruining it for the rest of us. But I really think JCREW is missing the point here. The point is, it doesn’t matter what return policy you have, whether it being 30 days or 3 days, those folks who would abuse the system will find a way around it and will continue to abuse it. At the end of day, JCREW is still unable to move inventory fast enough (b/c now customers are more careful with what they buy) and most importantly, they really ruined customer relationship by introducing the new policy. It’s a no-win situation, frankly. If it’s anything, it’s making your customer’s shopping experience worst.
In addition, the never-ending Final Sale on top of the new return policy is truly like slapping your customer in the face and tell us to go **** ourselves. I mean Mickey might as well send me a personalized F-U greeting card would have been less insulting to me, as a customer.
Whew, thanks for letting me get these off my chest!
A - whichever ps that told you try get absolutely nothing from the sales completely lied to you. Were they a ps for sure? They could be sales asst and that would be true.
ReplyDeleteLOL @ Couture:
ReplyDeleteAn F-U greeting card from Mickey!
hahahaha
Hello fellow JCAs!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time posting but I'm hoping to get some answers from the experts!
I am just enamored with everything j.crew and place online orders on a somewhat regular basis. I placed an order on jcrew.com last friday and when I received my shipping confirmation email on monday there was no tracking number (just "n/a" where the number should have been).
I called j.crew yesterday to inquire and see if they could give me any information about my order. I got a standard "your order has shipped but no tracking number has been assigned yet (um obviously!). please wait the allotted 3-6 days for shipping and if you still haven't received it call us back."
Checking into things further, my j.crew credit card (which I used on this order) does not show a charge!
I'm just getting a little nervous and thought maybe another JCA has had a similar situation--has anyone else ever not received a tracking number? And did you still receive your order?
Thanks in advance ladies!
Completely OT, but can someone please explain the difference in quality and fit(hopefully you've seen both items) between last year's stardust sequin pencil skirt and this year's sequin pencil skirt? Is the brown dust (2010) color close to copper (2009)?
ReplyDeleteOh, two more rants: The we will find it for you service dept. claimed to have located the item I requested. I asked them 3 times to please verify it was the right color to which I was told it definitely was. Well, guess what? I received the item yesterday and it's the wrong color. Last rant of the week pertains to boots I ordered a second time because there was a defect in the first pair. I requested that the shipping/quality control please check the 2nd boots carefully prior to shipping, and well, guess they missed that note because there's a small chunk of the unfinished material sticking out. Guess someone was in a hurry to sew and forgot to finish off the boot edge. Sigh....
Thank you!
Closet Crisis,
ReplyDeleteI am with you on the pants issue. I however am 5'10" and I don't want to wear cropped or ankle length pants. I spent my whole life trying to find pants long enough and I don't like the look of "high waters". Just brings back nightmares--ha ha. I stocked up on lots of JCrew wool/lined pants several years ago and so glad I did. Their pants right now just make me shudder.
Nicci,
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had this happend to me on at least 2 occasions that I can remember clearly. I got my orders just fine.
Couture,
ReplyDeleteWhat I thinks really sucks is that they are not letting customers know the new policy by clearly stating it on signs in the store or at least on the back or the receipt or discussing it with customers at check out. That is what makes me mad; they are purposely trying to be deceptive and that does not go over well with me.
I just want to rant about their sale emails and how sad they look. Do they not have a graphic designer on board? Can they not hire someone to put together a quality email? They seriously look like something my little nephew could whip up on Word in 2 minutes. It's embarassing.
ReplyDeleteUnlined wool Pants = major the itch factor
ReplyDeleteBought two lovely Studio Twill wool pants last year that I absolutely love. Both are LINED and feel yummy on my legs...(sans tights)
Bought the Woolen twill Minnie pant and Wool crepe cropped pant — both are flattering but UNLINED and just too itchy for words. Granted they are leaner in fit, but even with tights (which I don't need in CA) there's the static cling thing to contend with. Regretfully these are going back pronto.
I have to agree with the post about the cropped pants. I think for the past year they haven't had any normal length pants - everything was cropped! First I'm 5'4 and they don't look so great on me!
ReplyDeleteI also never get a tracking number but I'm in Canada.
I really loved jcrew's old stuff :( I wish I bought more things...I remember those gorgeous jackets and blazers and even jewlery. I miss enamel jewlery, but I was lucky to buy a yellow ring and a bracelet. I hate myself for not buying more!!
I'm annoyed over the lack of gift receipt options available online.
ReplyDeleteRecently I placed an online order that contained, among other things, a gift for a friend that i wanted a gift receipt for. I didn't want to give her a receipt that contained a list of everything I bought, just her gift. Makes sense, right? But that's not an option!
I ended up placing 2 separate orders. Obnoxious.
CMG, I have the stardust pencil from last year in the gunmetal and this year's brown sheen. I think I saw the copper in store last year. This year's color is much more mauve than brown. It matches the dark rosewood color pretty closely.
ReplyDeleteQuality wise I think last year's is a little nicer in the feel, but I haven't looked at them side by side yet to be a little pickier about it. HTH
Jcrewlove - she said that she was. I even said to her I thought that their sales counted and she reaffirmed that they didn't.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I never used ps before (well I guess I might still not be lol).
silver_lining, I have older stadium cloth coats. All of them have 100% acetate lining and here is the outer fabric content:
ReplyDelete2008 Bridget - 80% virgin wool, 20% polyamide
2009 Shipley - 80% virgin wool, 20% polyamide
2009 Winnie and Boulevard - 80% wool, 20% nylon
2010 Peacoat - 79% wool, 21% nylon
The virgin wool/polyamide are noticeably thicker and softer than the others and this year's peacoat is definitely thinner fabric. I wonder how it will hold up over time. The 2008/09 coats have held up amazingly well. No pilling, good shape retention, no open seams or loose buttons, and I wear these coats a lot because they are so warm for the Canadian winters.
The 2010 peacoat tag reads "J.Crew Stadium Cloth by Nello Gori", which looks to be a small family company specializing in synthetic, natural and technical fabrics.
Gigi, hope you don't mind me sharing the links to your great reviews. They come up at the top of my search results!
A - my ps often mentions his recent sales if they've been good (I am just a small drop in his big pond :D). And he also mentioned that it is hard to make his goal at the beginning of the year b/c customers don't buy a lot of full price then. It's hard for them with sale items and % off b/c even though they have lots of sales, the total is usually low. All that to say that I know they have a goal. I have never asked what happens if he reaches or doesn't reach it. If I remember, I'll ask him this weekend.
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ReplyDeleteKelly - The warehouse/online is a different sales channel than the b&ms, which is probably one main reason there is a price difference. Whoever is managing one doesn't speak w/manager of the other. However, I agree that it's crazy to see the drapey jacket for $50 in the store & still fp online, among other items.
ReplyDeletekatie - Oh you must've missed the vents on the white card here and here. It's an old horse to beat, but nice to see others articulate similar feelings.
Carnivore Gir - ITA. I hold the BR card because of free shipping. I won't hold a JC card again until they amp up the benefits. The possibility of rewards cards in $25 increments is not enough to have it sitting on my credit as an open line.
Couture - *lol*
xoxo - I don't mind at all. I was going to look them up to help out, but felt lazy. I have started to put fabric content, though, for those of us shopping on Ebay or who just need to compare past to present, etc...
Regarding the coat content, I have a wool/cashmere plaza coat from 2008 that is 80% wool and 20% cashmere, very thick and soft. It's also lined with Thinsulate and would likely be cozy and warm, but I never wear it because it's ivory and I don't like the way the color looks on me. I popped the tags but the pockets and back vent are still stitched together, it's only ever gone as far as the mirror. Such a shame, it is likely the next one to be donated to goodwill and now J.Crew is using cheaper fabric so I won't even bother replacing it in another color.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"I mean Mickey might as well send me a personalized F-U greeting card would have been less insulting to me, as a customer. "
ReplyDeleteBEST. COMMENT. EVER.
@A: The PS who told you that is probably lying or is not a PS but just a regular SA. I know for a fact that they get % of their sales. The fact that all SA have their "scanning cards" for each sales means there is some rewards system. Any JC employees correct me if I'm wrong.
ReplyDeleteLike many of you JCAs I'm also getting tired of price discrepancies btween B&M and online. I know other retailers do this but the prices don't vary more than $10 or so.
The 30 day limit return policy with NO store credit just sucks. At least GAP will give me a store credit for the current selling price albeit it's a true store credit not a gift card.
@CMG: I'm glad I didn't cave and order the wool/cashmere Icon trench coat. I also wondered why the price differences between the regular version and the "cashmere" version was so little. I'm eagerly awaiting the short Icon this week.
JC seriously lacks so many features to make shopping experience better online. Lack of fabric content (really bugs me), lack of zoom roll over feature (hate opening a separate window and then zoom in), no wish list or save for later feature, etc.
@KAP: "sub" means subscribing to this thread. After you type in your word verification you can check the box bellow to follow up to these comments directly to your email linked to your blog ID. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeletePs gets highest % sales assoc gets very low % and sales asst gets no commission! Hth
ReplyDeleteRegarding the unlined pants, I read an interesting article a few months back about the new head designer for Ann Taylor. Apparently when she first started she tried to take the lining out of the pants, but customers revolted and they had to bring back pant lining and get the word out that they were doing so.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear I'm not the only one looking for pants that are full length!
ReplyDelete@XOXO. Don't GIVE your coat away! Put it up for sale, on this blog at the very least. I'm sure a JCA would be happy to take it off your hands! The coat sounds yummy... what size is it? ;)
jcrewphd, I'd love to hear what you think of the short icon trench once it arrives. Which color did you get? I was only able to wear mine a couple of times before the temperature dipped to freezing. Now it's back to wool coats for the next six months. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI noticed some of the men's suiting pants are "partially lined". I asked my PS about that and she said they are lined to just below the knee. Cost cutting measure for sure. Not that my husband would wear J.Crew suits anyway, men can be so particular about their suiting. Personally, I would never buy wool pants, jackets or skirts that aren't lined. I can wear wool-blend tights but I cannot wear wool clothes without a lining. I guess I can be pretty particular too.
Gigi, it's great you are adding fabric content. I can't count how many times I've looked at reviews on your blog, it is so incredibly helpful.
Closet Crisis, the coat is size 10. I guess I could put it up for sale on the Weekly Exchange and see if anyone is interested. It is the older model with better quality fabric so someone might like it.
ReplyDelete@xoxo: bummer. I'm a P8/R6.
ReplyDeleteAlso agree about the lined wool pants business. Who'd want to wear wool with no lining? They get scratchy and stretch out/loose their shape.
I lamented about the decline in quality in my favourite source for preppy shirts, AE, in my blog. It's not just JC that's going downhill.
Looking at the 07-08 catalogs (see the newest thread on this blog), I'm so NOSTALGIC for well-constructed and well-conceived classics. I'm sad that there is a generation growing up that's missing out on learning about quality garments. The new consumer has little exposure to quality mid-price-range clothing. They won't be demanding it, so clothing companies won't produce it. Just makes me sad.
Couture: LOL! Oh my, your line about the greeting card was good, really good. ;)
ReplyDeleteKaraoke Activity Partner: Sub just means that the member is trying to subscribe to the comments (which requires checking off the option when you leave a comment.) Hope that helps. :)
maureen1125: Good for you knowing the return policy! Smart shopper. :)
Ashley K: I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I read your comment. I don't know how two woman's coats look anything like a man's scarf and t-shirt! Sometimes you have to wonder if anyone reads the purchase order before filling it. ;)
yeap- agree with all of you re the store/online price diff and with price adjustment difficulties. Case in point- ordered a blouse online a while back, fp $100. Three days later, saw online price was $70. Then saw on someone's blog that, surprise surprise, it was 40 bucks in store... major womp :( Instead hauling my butt over to the nearest B&M or figuring out if any stores were carrying my size, I decided to call custserv and just have them do the adjustment to the online price of 70 and just suck up the $30 loss from the store price.
ReplyDeleteSA on the phone was NOT a happy camper- spent 5 min triple checking it was a full priced item, within 7 days, etc etc, then put me on hold so she could fetch a SUPERVISOR (!?!) to confirm the obvious- fp item, within 7 days, then came back and made sure to emphasize to me that she was only doing this b/c it was w/in 7 days blah blah..UNPLEASANT process
lesson: fp purchases at j crew = NO!
It's also telling that the JC website doesn't have a customer review capability. It would save me a lot of heartache but of course lessen their earnings if we no longer purchased their shoddy merchandise.
ReplyDeleteI get full length pants at AT or Loft and love them. They make them for various body shapes.
ReplyDeleteIf you buy the Toothpick Cords in a size that flatters you (in my case, 27, my usual size), don't bend over.
ReplyDeleteNuff said.
I really need to vent! Jcrew cancelled my order after one week...It was items from the extra 30% off sale item. I think it's so unprofessional!!!
ReplyDeleteI ordered the garland scoopneck (from factory)in the beautiful aqua blue this past weekend and received it today. The garland piece on the top is a completely different shade of blue than the tee part! It looks so tacky! I'm calling tomorrow. :)
ReplyDelete@ Citychic, OMG that's just terrible customer service, and J Crew doesn't seem to understand that they are losing full-price customers like you. I hate arguing with sales assistants too. Today I wanted to get the silk & sequin scoopneck (28508) in olive, which is $59.99 online. It rang up $89.99 in store. The SA wouldn't give me the online price or the price of the pink one ($49.99 in store; still $89.99 online), so I thought, screw it, if it's meant to be, I'll get it at a 30% off sale. Why J Crew would rather turn away customers than make a sale, I will never understand.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to keep this short. Placed an order 1 1/2 weeks ago - several items, including a polo for my husband - on final sale. Received my pkg - was charged for the fs polo but it was NOT in the box! Called and spoke to a very nice CS, she apologized profusely, took the charge off my credit card, checked stock on the polo (said it was available) and offered to resend it to me at the 30% off final sale price (what I was originally charged) and she offered to OVERNIGHT it to me at NO CHARGE!! I was SO impressed. This was late on Friday - she told me it would ship on Monday and I'd have it on Tuesday. Monday afternoon I received the dreaded e-mail "wish we had enough . . . but your item is no longer available"!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo continue the saga - Tuesday afternoon I get a call from J.Crew - a CS tells me that there has been a lot of confusion about this polo and it IS available and do I still want it???? I declined - I told her I had really had enough with this polo and to forget about it - I no longer want it! She apologized, said she understand and then said there had been a lot of mix-ups with inventory!
I just cannot believe that J.Crew cannot seem to get their act together with their inventory system!
Ashley: Somewhat similar thing happened to me, although not with J.Crew. I ordered a bra and received a $376 puffy, shiny coat! Sometimes customer service is very odd. Wonder who got my bra.
ReplyDeleteAs for a Crew vent...my only real upset right now is the color discrepancies between online and real life! I ordered the Cashmere V-neck cardigan in soft peacock. On my monitor, the color looks like a bright and rich turquoise/teal. In real life, it is SO muted and I would call it more of a sage, almost. (Looked kinda like this, which I found on Google...)
Other than that, I'm decently happy with Crew right now. Wish things were lower-priced and/or that the student discount could be used online. Happy to have the introduction of XXS, since I've actually been able to keep the things I've ordered recently. (Hope this isn't a jinx for the order that's on its way to me now!)
I think it is interesting to note the different retail return policies. I shop sometimes at a Clark's shoe store - originally they had a two week return time frame for refunds but changed it to a completely open ended return policy. The SA told me they actually have more sales and fewer returns with the more liberal policy and speculated that customers feel more comfortable making purchases knowing the company 100% stands behind their products. Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom are two other examples that come to mind.
ReplyDeleteMy teenage daughter has started shopping more without me and I hear about the very restrictive return policies at stores like Delias. I understand they are dealing with teens primarily in those stores. But J.Crew, I am not a teen and I'd like to be treated with better customer service in regard to general return policies.
I must say that I don't get any bad vibes when I return stuff, and I return alot of what I order on line. It is very odd that changes to the return policy were never posted in the store.
Regarding that 25% off card - I got one and I buy both in the store and online. I've also been buying a lot lately - not an extreme amount, but enough to get the $25 reward cards for the past two times. So I honestly don't know if there's any rhyme or reason to how they distribute that card.
ReplyDeleteXoxo, I am interested in your coat! If you're still interested in selling, can you please email me at call_me_blue_too [at] yahoo.com?
ReplyDeleteI guess I disagree about online versus in-store pricing. They are dealing with very different inventories, and while I am usually 100% pro-consumer, I think it's fair to have pricing discrepancies. It costs more to have a B&M than an online store (I am assuming), so it makes sense. Then again, maybe not, I was mad when Best Buy did it. I guess I am undecided.??? I would like to complain, again, about their website technology. What a joke. Even Kohl's has the roll-over view feature. I have carpal tunnel issues, and the fact that I have to click a zillion times to see each item's detail is irritating.
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteSorry but I need to voice another complaint. I decided I wanted to try the Tilly platform heels bc it's now on sale, although at $199 it's still not quite the 'sale' for me. So I put it in my cart, and it says FINAL SALE! WTF! They're selling shoes that I can't try on in-store at $200 for FINAL SALE? Jokers.
ReplyDeleteI know many have already vented about this particular issue, but really, JC's website is SO archaic!! No wishlist or save for later, no rollover zoom, no reviews. But what's irking me this morning is my shopping cart was emptied over night! ARGH! Gap/BR keeps things in my cart for months! And I constantly get free shipping and large % off offers from them. Unfortunately JC's colors are so much better.
ReplyDeleteThey REALLY need to get that website in order!!
One more thing - unlined wool pants? Seriously? Who can wear them? It tried on the wool tweed Minnies and loved them, very flattering, but unlined - as soon as I put them on they were itchy!! Another lost purchase for J Crew.
Ok, I feel better now. :) Off to refill my cart!
@xoxo: I ordered the short Icon in warm taupe. I hope it's not too pink.
ReplyDeleteSometimes beige color washes me out so I didn't get the light khaki although it's more of a classic trench color. It's 84 degrees here today though it's breezy so I guess I'd get more use out of the short one. ;-)
So much for "100% merino wool." Bought the merino shirred cardigan on sale. Pilled under the arms - after ONE WEARING. You'd think I was shoveling in a coal mine or something. Very disappointed.
ReplyDeleteGRRRRR, new promo is free crewcuts shipping. They always default to that. Gee, maybe because crewcuts are a total rip off, people can actually afford this clothing for kids who grow out of it quickly? Consider me envious.
ReplyDeleteJust received an online order on Wednesday. I hand washed the tee I ordered and wanted to wear it today.
ReplyDeleteHeading out the door in my new shirt, I look down and the side seam has split, about 1 1/2 inches.
I know t-shirts aren't made to last forever but maybe I could wear it at least once!
How come every time I put things in my shopping cart on the online Jcrew and then sign out and come back later they are all gone? In the old days, it used save them - at least for a week or two. Anyone else have this problem?
ReplyDeletenewyork0311, I had the same experience during a recent 30% off promo. My item was cancelled after a week from my placing the order. I was more upset about this wait that held up the entire order (in the meanwhile I had called CS twice to check the status of my order and they had assured me that everything was find) than by the cancellation itself. Anyway I emailed them and they sent me a $30 gift card for the inconvenience, so worth a try.
ReplyDeleteL, that's so true. Sometimes because there is a free shipping promo you can't place a separate order. Would it be so difficult to have a separate gift receipt? In my case the SA told me that I was lucky because the gift happened to be the first item on the receipt so I could tape out the other items with white tape. Right, like I am going to offer a gift with tape on the gift receipt. Not to mention that I still need the receipt for the items that arr not gifts...
Ibi, I agree on wool pants that are unlined. However I own the wool crepe ones and I don't find them to be itchy maybe because they are wool crepe (usually I am very sensitive on my legs).