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.
Im displeased with how sheer the Vintage V-neck tees are. I want a crisp white shirt, not one that is retailed at $30 that I still have to deal with my bra showing. Honestly. It makes me want to NOT buy any more of them, and stick to the GAP where the same shirt is half as much, and not see-thru.
ReplyDeletehttp://fourgoldenkeys.wordpress.com
My birthday is coming up next month and I would like some birthday coupon from JC especially since I'm still credit card holder.
ReplyDeleteI'll be happily checking the mail for my BR and Anthro birthday wishes along with all the other retailers I signed up for.
Very disappointed in the navy shrunken fisherman sweater from spring/summer. I bought it to replace a similar navy cotton sweater from Tommy Hilfiger that lasted about 8 years and was just starting to look faded.
ReplyDeleteAfter two wears and one washing of the J.Crew sweater it is covered in fuzzy pills and there are loose bits of yarn sticking out everywhere. It looks more worn out than the old one it was to replace. I wonder if the cotton used was just really cheap because it looks like the cotton/ramie sweaters you used to see everywhere. I won't be wearing this one out of the house, it looks like a rag. It's marked down now but I would not recommend it even at the sale -30% off price.
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ReplyDeleteThe minimum of $175 to get free shipping is just ridiculous, and I refuse to even pay the flat-rate of $8.95 if I only want to order one or two items. There are so many online retailers that offer free shipping (and some even offer free returns: Zara, Nordstrom, Zappos), so I just don't see why J.Crew cannot even offer a reasonable minimum for free shipping.
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that they didn't offer a discount over the holiday weekend. And now that they do have a sale, it's online only in order to get you to either buy a ton to reach their ridiculous minimum or pay the flat rate shipping. Now that Zara's online (with free shipping like FFM mentioned), I think they'll be getting the larger portion of my disposable income.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the $175 minimum either. I wanted to grab a pintuck tee but $8.95 shipping would negate the discount. I don't feel like dealing with ridealongs anymore - it's just not worth it with other retailers offering similar pieces at lower prices with free shipping and returns.
ReplyDeleteAnother nitpicky vent is that I don't like the new longer clothing price tags. I can't put my finger on it, but something about them just screams Old Navy to me. Maybe it's just a symptom of the overall cheapening of the brand (or maybe I'm just cranky, ha!).
jcrewphd--
ReplyDeleteseptember birthday girl here... and a jcrew card holder... no birthday surprises from the crew here. (sniff sniff) but i already got my anthro, BR and even starbucks birthday "gifts" and discounts.
jcrew: just a little discount PLEASE! i have like 10 items in my "wish list" (read: shopping cart).
I really dislike the flat-rate shipping and $175 minimum as well. I'm sure it's good for loyal customers who regularly order over $175, but for some demographics (such as 15 year-olds like myself), spending that much at one time is really difficult and outweighs the benefits of free shipping, esp. when you're only ordering FS belts or pins.
ReplyDeleteI just don't understand how shipping is so expensive, when you can order five $2 shoelaces from crewcuts separately and receive free shipping.
Another September birthday girl, my birthday is friday,and I also have a mailbox full of birthday discounts and "gifts" from other retailers.
ReplyDeleteHell, I even got a generous $20 gift card from VERA BRADLEY, and the only thing I've ever purchased in that store is an overnighter for my mom!!!
This is a no-brainer for customer goodwill and I don't understand why JC doesn't do it.
Miss JR - I hear you on that one. My birthday is on the 16th and I have a lot of shoes/sweaters/jackets I really want. Why can't we get something for our birthdays...or something other than extra % off final sale.
ReplyDeleteOne more vent. We're all waiting for the sale updates during LOVEIT. Inventory is down around 900 items today, really low, and you know the second the extra % is over there will be a huge update. Suddenly the warehouse black hole will miraculously produce 1600+ items. WTH?
ReplyDeleteruffles, I agree - they're probably waiting till the % off is over before adding new markdowns. Or maybe even waiting a week to add them! We all know how much DL hates a markdown. ;)
ReplyDeleteruffles - I also agree. Promo should be DONOTLOVEIT.
ReplyDeleteITA about the new flat rate shipping. $9 is absurd, and who regularly spends $175? Some people do, I'm sure, but by having such a high minimum they are obviously driving many of us away from placing orders. Even if it was $5 flat rate shipping that would be better but they just need to suck it up and go the way of Nordstrom who offers free shipping and returns on ANYTHING. I am done ordering shoes from J.Crew since I am pretty much sized out at this point (no 10.5)... but then why would I even want to buy J.Crew shoes when I can get higher quality (leather linings) for around $100 at Nordstrom?
ReplyDeleteWhen do they get rid of FINAL SALE? They are always on FINAL SALE.
ReplyDeletepathos, based on past years FS goes away sometime in October (last year was 10/20 or so) and comes back the day before Christmas. So we've still got a while to go. Yuck.
ReplyDeleteMy vent is about quality, quality, quality...
ReplyDeleteJ Crew's sweaters used to be high quality (cashmere, Dream, or whatever). But after several sweater disasters last fall, I'll be very cautious about buying this year. I bought about 10 sweaters last fall, and 3 or 4 of them pilled badly. Another couple felt scratchy or used cheap yarns. Problem is, I love sweaters and live in them, and I do like J Crew's colors and design. Just wish they would use higher quality yarns so the sweaters actually last.
The fabrics used for some of this summer's tank tops and tees were also disappointing. I'm talking about the Ikat print tank, lace scallop tank and Souk top -- beautiful tops, and looked bright and lovely the first few wears. But they are made of very thin cottons or cotton/silk blend. After washing, the color faded, a little shape is lost, and you just know that they won't be durable. So sad.
I guess this plus the higher price tags just mean that I'll be very, very selective and buy less from J Crew. It's tough because I love their preppy, low-key, but chic styles. I've not found a good substitute for JC.
silver_lining-it's amazing that they live the majority of year in final sale.
ReplyDeleteGreta-I am with you; I am very, very selective when it comes to tees and sweaters, and though I want to buy them super badly, I just don't let myself b/c of quality. last year I bought one merino turtleneck. Can you believe it? It held up b/c of the amount of nylon content-lol!
The $8.95 flat rate shipping is ridiculous. I want one sale item that is $29.99, there is no way it should cost $8.95 to ship it. If they are really attached to the $175 minimum for free shipping then fine, but they should at least stagger the shipping costs for orders less than $175. If shipping were $4 on my one sale item then I would bite for sure, but I can't stomach paying almost half the cost of the item (after the 30% off) just to have it shipped to me.
ReplyDeleteITA with all these vents.
ReplyDeleteITA with everyone on the high shipping minimum. $175 is just too much at once and the $8.95 flat rate shipping is BS. Because, if you're ordering enough stuff that would ACTUALLY justify a cost of $9 to ship, then you're probably close to the $175 min, ya know?
ReplyDeleteBut I think the thing that really gets my goat is how J Crew acts like its "Final Sale" is a GOOD thing. They put a bright, cheery graphic on the sale page. And didn't they do this "Introducing! Final sale!" -- like I should be HAPPY about it? W T F?
Also, the prices on FS items aren't THAT good. They don't typically justify a "final sale" ya know? This is J CREW - not Forever 21. I can see why F21 has the return policy that they do, but J CREW? No. Needs a more customer-friendly return policy.
Hi Pathos,
ReplyDeleteThanks for chiming in! To be honest I'm actually not a fabric snob. I've bought sweaters from stores like the Benetton which often contains some nylon, and yes, it holds up marvelously and don't pill. But I don't live close to a Benetton and they're not on line. I don't care how they blend the yarns, I just want it to be nice, soft, comfy, non-pill and durable!
I join others in their complaint about a free shipping for a min of $175. Even when I try to reach the minimum it is impossible to find the item I want in the size and color I want. With J Crew you need to stalk the items until they pop-back and buy one at a time.
ReplyDeleteAdding another vent:
ReplyDeleteI ordered one item, the Gala Shorts, and they arrived in a BOX. SO UNNECESSARY!!! I am really angry about how wasteful that is. Shipped in an envelope, the package would've weighed half as much and I like to reuse the envelopes. I have no use for the box; it went directly into the recycling bin. Sigh.
yes, the $175 minimum is ridiculous! it's higher than any store i can think of
ReplyDeleteDitto everyone!!
ReplyDeleteI love the colours of J Crew cashmere but I am aghast that those I bought last year look like rags - my Brora cashmere is 12 to 16 years old!
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ReplyDeleteThe new shipping rates are an improvement but I agree a minor one at that. They really should find ways to ship items with less packaging.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have been waiting for a sale on regular priced items forever. These days it seems like I browse J.Crew's website and catalogue then wait until I see the items on eBay.
I just want to echo Natalye's comment in the 1st post: I used to swear by their tees but they are just way too thin for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd tight in the bust area.
On-topic: I really REALLY want customer service to always be awesome in the stores. My last visit to the Tysons store was AMAZING, but that was because the only SA who ever gives me the time of day was in the store. She saw me, sought me out, and was truly a wonderful representative for J. Crew. I don't ever have that happen at any of the other stores in the NOVA area, especially in the past few years. (The only reason I was in the store, btw? I had to do an on-line exchange for another size. The Tysons store had that size. I actually almost groaned inwardly when I found out I was going to have to go there, lol.)
ReplyDeletePlease remind SAs, dear J. Crew peeps who read this, that all people should be respected when they walk in the store, you know? Seems like common sense, but maybe a direct memo or two would be a good thing?
Now, off topic, but related to the above...I finally got around to publishing a post with all the fitting room photos I took while on that same visit. BTW, part of the reason I left the store having purchased so many items was because of the customer service I received. Having her help, her time, and all the extra bits made the visit a real pleasure.
So this may be a day late, but here are my latest J. Crew reviews:
http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/09/j-crew-fall-2011-fitting-room-reviews.html
Also agree with the ridiculous $175 minimum and $8.95 flat rate shipping is REALLY great - I can understand $5 shipping, but almost double that is actually a lot for shipping.
ReplyDeleteI would shop a LOT more if the shipping rate or minimum to get FS decreases.
I'm frustrated that the colors of dresses that are promoted as bridesmaid dresses are discontinued.
ReplyDeleteI am buying dresses for my girls and have to track down one dress in Matisse Blue. They were in the final sale last week and by the time I got her size info, they were gone.
I'm hoping the comment above about there being a possible replenishment after LOVEIT expires is true!
Agree with not liking the $9 shipping. I also debated purchasing a sale item, but I could pick it up in store for about the same price. Chances are it's now gone, so that's less money JC will be getting from me.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be slightly OT, but here is an interview from Harper's Bazaar with Marissa Webb on J.Crew's Spring 2012 Collection with some lovely images:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/designer-drop-in-spring-2012-j-crew
Looks and sounds promising in terms of color palette - Greece-inspired blues and greens - IF they can manufacture garments to a quality level that is not disposable.
I'm JCrew obsessed; I have a walk though closet basically all consisting of JCrew items. I have one hang up about their cute graphic tees weather they have ruffles, beading or just a graphic they all seem to form little holes on my bottom waist area. I wear an XS or XXS so I know it's not the fact that they are too small for me but the quality of the fabric is very poor. This has happen to about 7 to 10 of my tees. At $40 a pop this adds up to a lot. I want to wear fashionable tees under my cardis and love JCrews design but, I would really love if they could use more quality when creating their tees. I have read reviews of this happening to multiple others online. Note this has never happen to my Wool, cotton or cashmere sweaters. I will think twice about springing for that cute new beaded tank or tee.
ReplyDeleteIn addition a nice Birthday coupon would make my October much brighter :)
I agree. The flat rate shipping just sucks rocks:P All I want is a bottle of nail polish and it is $10 (I have given up on JCrew clothing at this point. The quality is just down right not worth it for the price point. Why would I pay $9 for my nailpolish to be shipped??? Crazy. I mean it used to be $5.95 to have it shipped. Call me crazy/cheap or whatever you want but that extra $3 just throws me over the line!!! Ahhh!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Has anyone seen the Face Stockholm polish in stores??? Thanks for any help.
ReplyDeleteHi (original)Genny! I saw the nail polish on Saturday at the J.Crew in Aventura (Fl). HTH
ReplyDeleteI was just at jcrew today and was so disappointed. They charge too much for some things as if we will be fooled by the high price into thinking we will be getting good quality I tired one of the raglan henleys on ( I think That's what it's called) and it was a nice enough shirt. Maybe worth $30-$35max. And it was $50. I was like, where do they get off? I also tried on the vintage tees and agree that those are just not worth it.
ReplyDeletedinagideon: do you know the name of that nice SA at Tysons?
ReplyDeletecuckoo4crew@hotmail.com
Yesterday the Matinee trench was on sale but I didn't have time to place an order and this morning it is now full price, I hate the pricing games and yo-yoing J.Crew does.
ReplyDeleteOrdered the Betsy sweater in yellow. Beautiful color, super soft cashmere blend, entirely too sheer- big disappointment. I should be able to see my bra clearly through a sweater! Back it goes! I am losing faith in your quality J Crew!
ReplyDeleteShould have said NOT be able to see my bra clearly through the sweater. It is going to be one of those days!
ReplyDeleteJenLynn, That may be worth a phone call. I ordered it on Friday for $87.50. I hate that they take it out of sale after it's been in there for weeks! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the recent coverage with JCrew Canada caught the eyes of lawmakers: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2011/09/07/Canada-to-probe-US-retail-pricing-gap/UPI-95181315399351/?spt=hs&or=bn
ReplyDeleteFinal sale really needs to stop.
ReplyDeleteFinal sale really needs to stop.
ReplyDeleteSA,
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you. The prices are too high for the (poor) quality. I think people are fooled by the J.Crew name but not me. I have always looked for quality garments and price as well no matter what store I shopped in.
ITA (!) with Fabulous Florida Mommy about the $8.95 shipping fee. It's just not sexy. Not sexy at all. I have a cart that I'm not even excited about, but would pull the trigger on. I would have to add another $30 to get free shipping. Pass.
ReplyDeletebuericana, I am one of the people who brought the J.Crew price gouging to Minister Flaherty's attention. So glad to see that it will at least be investigated. Hopefully something will come of it. Now if I could just meet Mark Carney for lunch. Ha!
ReplyDelete@JenLynn: Ouch. I feel your pain; I've had a similar thing happen to me in the past and I was not a happy camper. I wonder if it's a sneaky way to push people to buy, if we think that something might be moved out of the sale and we'll miss it if we dawdle.
ReplyDeleteWhat size do you need? I ordered two and will be returning one (probably P6 in khaki) once I decide which one works for me better.
Just learned the hard way that Jcrew stores charge MORE than online.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a sale issue. The store charges $230 for the schoolboy jacket and it's $198 online.
Agreed on the ridiculous shipping prices.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I got the Deseree gladiator sandals on final sale--good price, but I can still complain!
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/flatsandals/PRDOVR~36165/36165.jsp
They are what should be the right size, but the fit at the heel--! They cut right into the Achilles tendon. I just do not see how ANYONE could wear these without that happening. And I can't return them, and I literally cannot wear them for more than ten steps before getting redness. If I wore them for half a day there would be blood. And so now I know why they were on final sale. They are unwearable.
Which is all to say--Jcrew, for heavens' sake, put a review feature on your site!!
Also--I went to the Madison Ave. store last month, and the ONLY sizes they had were 2s and 4s. Thanks, Jcrew, for making me feel like I'm too big to be in your target demographic.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE J.Crew but am majorly disappointed with all my planned Fall wardrobe choices. A month ago, I ordered the beautiful Collection alpaca coat w/leather sleeves and the jazzy purple pencil skirt. When I got the skirt, I took in to my local J.Crew store for hemming. The seamstress botched the hemming so I had to return it. Now the skirt is totally sold out w/no B/O date! Tried for the Viridian Green, but that is B/O till January.
ReplyDeleteThe coat arrived, but the wool part was absolutely "hairy" like a fur. I was surprised that the alpaca was "alpaca faux fur" with wool. Had to return it but that's already out of stock on the website anyway.
It's hard to plan a wardrobe when stock availability fluctuates day to day. I was going to order some blouses to match the skirts...but no point to that now. Having to go elsewhere for more consistent stock.