I just got an e-mail from J.Crew with the title "Thoughts?" Here is what it said:What a wonderful step in the right direction! It really is a great move for J.Crew to finally offer customer reviews. (Honestly, they are way behind their competitors with this. However, better late than never.)
"We’d love to know how everything worked out for you, don’t be shy. Just click below to get started and your comments could end up on jcrew.com...".
So does this mean online reviews are coming???
J.Crew already has experience with this since Madewell (J.Crew's sister store) already incorporates customer reviews on its product pages. Makes complete sense that J.Crew would eventually hop on board.
I heard from an associate that they are currently testing it out for a few items via email. Then they will run it sitewide sometime in late May. Fingers crossed, it all works out!
Did you get an email requesting a customer review for J.Crew items? Did you take the survey? What are your thoughts on customer reviews on J.Crew's website?
FINALLY!!! Though I still like looking at blogs because I like seeing the pieces on people and judging how they will work for me (vs. seeing them on the model only).
ReplyDeleteMe too - I love seeing the items on a "real" person (not that models aren't real, but you know what I mean). The SA I spoke with on Saturday when I asked, she seemed pretty excited about it too. She said she used to work in the call center so she thought that reviews would help some of the questions that she used to get in terms of fit & sizing.
DeleteNo e-mail for me, but I welcome any innovation.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get the survey. Reviews will be great. Particularly since there are a good number of online only items are never tried on/reviewed/discussed.
ReplyDeleteI just hope the general community excels at it like the Anthro online reviewers who provide their measurements and size they chose. A repetitive chorus of "I can dress it up or down. I received compliments the first time I wore it. I really like it!" isn't helpful. At all. Looking at you Loft reviewers.
HA! Yeah, I haven't found Loft reviews to be all that helpful. Gap brands are better, but I agree - if you're going to talk sizing in your review you have to give your measurements and the size you ordered. A lot of Gap reviewers only mention one or the other and it doesn't provide a whole picture. They also give one star if they haven't received the item or there was an order mix-up. Um, that's not a review! (but this happens with any review system)
DeleteSO TRUE. Loft and regular AT reviews are some of the worst. My favorite reviews are the ones that include the reviewers height/weight/build, the size they bought, and other details about fit and quality of the fabric. Also especially helpful if they can comment about how the item holds up after a wash!
DeleteMadewell reviews are pretty good about size & fit.
Deletesilver_lining - Those are my other favorites..."I never got my order. The box was too big." Looking at Target & Amazon reviewers. Actually, service issues are important on Amazon when the item is coming from the vendor instead of Amazon.
DeleteI do totally agree that those are service issues and not a review. And they drive me nutz.
No review email for moi. I wonder what the "certain items" are? But I am looking forward to reading reviews online.
ReplyDeleteOT but has anyone reviewed the factory stripe stretch tank dress? http://factory.jcrew.com/womens_clothing/new_arrivals/dresses/PRDOVR~A1997/A1997.jsp
ReplyDeleteHi Brittney! I was searching all over the internet for reviews for that dress but unfortunately had not been able to find any, so I went ahead and ordered the dress. I figured if I didn't like it I could return it. I love the dress! It's very cute, comfy, and simple! You can dress it up or down! I was a little disappointed because I really wanted a black or white stripe option, but the navy blue is slightly dark enough to pass as black if you're not standing too close. The dress has splits up both sides that are a tad shorter than up to the knee. It doesn't say that in the description so I was surprised when I realized they were there! I love the splits! They make the dress flirty! I am 5'5.5''-5'6'' and slender. I normally wear a 0/2 so the x-small fits me like a glove! The length is perfect as well! The dress is pretty true to size if you don't float between too many different sizes. I was eyeing the JCrew maxi tank dress off of their actual website but if you're slender the fit of the dress will make you look like a wall. I love the factory stripe stretch because it hugs at the right places.
DeleteI think that would be great. Modcloth does customer reviews (as well as several other places) and I love it. It is good to know what actual customers who own the pieces think, especially when it comes to if something runs big or small is cut short or long, etc.
ReplyDeleteI got the email, inviting me to review the Andie chino (I'd recently ordered a few colors and sizes to try out), so that must be one of the items. Looking forward to seeing how customer reviews work out for JC!
ReplyDeleteSooo . . . . I'm wondering if formally, or informally, helpful review criteria can be communicated, along with a few examples of helpful/non-helpful reviews. Here are some possibilities: 1) List your height, weight, measurements, "go-to" size, and how the item fit relative to these variables (e.g., too big so size down, too tight so size up, full-length pants that require heels unless you decide to hem them, etc.); 2) How the item fit relative to the model and/or description in the catalog or website (e.g., these seem to be bracelet-length sleeves, not full-length sleeves), 3) How the item looks relative to the photo on the catalog or website (e.g., much more or less colorful, neon, etc., sheerness that might get you sent home from work or possibly arrested); 4) Perceived quality (unravelling threads, stones falling off, snags easily, color from denim rubs off on your hands), 5) Real-life performance (e.g., soles separating from shoes, pants do or don’t stretch out, jeans remain awesome after wearing them 50 times), 6) Washer-dryer performance (shrinks, fades, recommend hand-washing with the tears of happiness from small children); and 7) Potential outfit pairings or occasions to wear item, preferably with photos, although that might be beyond website capabilities. So maybe just blog links. I’m sure there are other thoughts, so chime in. Hey, is someone from J.Crew reading this?
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think it's also important to ensure that quality ratings are not colored by "usefulness to your life" ratings. For example, I think the Lightweight Merino Scalloped Sweater is super-cute and the scalloped hem is a great design detail, but it's something I would get limited wear out of because I'm always cold and prefer closer-fitting tops that I can wear a jacket with (looks like it's designed to fit loose based on website and catalog photos). Or, the Schoolboy Blazer in Linen is a great fit, but I already have several summer blazers and simply don't need another (except the Evergreen color is really growing on me) . . . yay J.Crew for listening to the voice of the customer. I wonder how many new ones they will get if potential customers can read online reviews?
DeleteJenniferD, I lol-ed at "hand-washing with the tears of happiness from small children". Reminds me of their cashmere care instructions. Your purposed guidelines are pretty spot on for what a good review should include.
DeleteDuplicate info I just put in another thread:
ReplyDeleteRetail - Addtl 40% off still going in-stores as of today, Mon. Plug for the prima jersey drop shoulder tee. $29.99 & nets $17.99. I bought 2 in grey, sz S. Still reg price online. I'm surprised the drop shoulder didn't bother me. I expect this to be a spring staple, which is why I bought 2 straight away. I love grey.
Factory - SHOPTIME gets 30% off & free shipping thru 12p EST (as Taylor shared) .Visit the Irl Pic Guide for reviews.
Tempted by the factory promo this morning. Has anyone seen or tried on the factory linen twist dress??
DeleteJulie Taylor - the twist dress is online only. I haven't ordered it, so I have no info. Hope someone chimes in. :)
DeleteAnthropologie has free shipping no minimum today only with code JUSTBECAUSE.
ReplyDeleteKinda related... anyone have any sizing reviews on the Sloane patent pump? thanks!
ReplyDeletesnowbrdgrl - I have the Sloane in the mirrored metallic and found them to be the same fit as the Everlys, the Martinas, and the Monas. I took a 7.5 in all of those styles & I am a pretty solid 7 in other brands. HTH.
Deletesnowbrdgrl - Easy Petite compared the Sloane to the Mona in this post.
DeleteThank you Taylor for the very helpful info :) I ordered a popback in half sz up from my usual non-crew size so hope it fits :)
DeleteGigi - yes I saw that post but didn't seem like there was definitive sizing info :)
snowbrdgrl - I'm 7.5 in other brands and always, always, always an 8 in J Crew pumps & wedges. I've purchased a couple in 7.5 that initially fit (cold weather), but I had to let go. Hope yours work out!
Deletethank you Gigi! I am praying it works out too! LOL
DeleteI hope they work out for you! I absolutely love the look of the Sloane - it's sleek & surprisingly very comfortable! I wore mine for the first time on Easter & didn't want to take them off.
DeleteAre they comfy, Taylor? I'm hoping the patent isn't too stiff!
DeleteYes! Much more comfy than my suede Everlys or my leather Monas were upon first wear. No breaking in required, at least not for the metallic pair I bought. Hope yours are just as good!
DeleteI was asked to review the Eaton boy trousers. I agree with comments above about providing (when relevant) the reviewer's height and weight, as well as the size of the item being reviewed.
ReplyDeleteOT (sorry) - but for all JCA's who wear petites (and are size 0-2), I highly recommend the Crewcuts sale section right now. A few months ago they started carrying size 16, and now many of those items are on sale (current season). Great deals on Toothpicks, Café Capri's etc, some of which are in the same fabrics as in the women's section.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the tip. I never think to look at crewcuts for myself.
DeleteI've always been tempted to try Crewcuts for me. So far I've only worn New Balance and the Macalisters from Crewcuts..
DeleteThe Crewcuts version of the Excursion Vest was Sherpa-lined and came in great colors. A winner!
DeleteI also got the email asking for a review of a girls crewcuts tee. I have ordered a ton of stuff recently so it's interesting what they are choosing to test review. Agree that it needs to be helpful info - fit/sizing/material, etc.
ReplyDeleteOT - not thrilled to see same promo extended. Last one removed early now this one just goes on and on.
Just contacted JCREW via online chat to do a store search - they are now able to check instantly if an item is in stock in retail anywhere v. taking your card info and waiting for days. Now if they could just keep items in stock.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's interesting that I received the email requesting Madewell reviews when they started and not get the one from J.Crew considering that I barely shop at Madewell and spend tons at the Crew.
ReplyDeleteI'm having such a good time reading the above reviews of reviews and the reviews of reviews that haven't yet been written - this is the kind of guidance that should appear at the head of every comment form. I find Amazon's and Zappo's positive and negative reviews both helpful because someone else's no's may add up to a big yes please! for me. Very excited, and hoping to read the work of our own fashion experts soon!
ReplyDeleteI was asked to review two things (two separate emails). I do wonder how they decide. I'm excited that they are doing this, though. They've already improved the web site a lot recently, adding the Wishlist and also by fixing the sale section (View 100 and jump to page # are both available and the pages are loading super fast for me now). Definitely a good move to add reviews.
ReplyDeleteI received two emails for two separate orders - for the merino mesh sleeve sweater, photo floral skirt and jeweled peter pan collar blouse. I haven't had time to fill out the review form yet but I am going to try and be as descriptive as possible!! I found it interesting that they say your comments "could" be on jcrew.com, I wonder if this is just for the pilot or if they'll review before posting similar to other websites. And I agree...I always look for the height/weight/size reviews on gap, always so helpful!!
ReplyDeleteyes got invite as well, and it's a great feature if indeed added; it says "could" so not sure if they will be filtering out comments, which they shouldn't imo because it is then biased
ReplyDeleteI was asked to take a survey that focused on packaging and shipping. In the additional comments I voiced my opinion that the switcharoo on the last promo was shady as all get-out. Fortunately, the 2 items I ordered were "selected" to have the 30 off, but I stated in my comments that I probably would have purchased more had they kept the universal 25 percent off. I received an email in response from a customer service rep apologizing offering me 25 percent off and free shipping on my next purchase. Yay! I thought that was really cool.
ReplyDeleteI dont know if I like their reviewing system. I got a "Thoughts?" email about my Tall Andie Chino purchase. It's not too specific. It has the basic "overall rating", "Would you recommend this product?" question, "Overall fit" scale and the "Style" and "Quality" stars....but for the narrative JC gives "writing guidelines" such as e want to publish your review, so please keep our guidelines in mind: Do keep your review focused on the item (without sharing the price you paid for it), Don't write about customer service—just contact us here if something needs our attention, Don't mention other brands and Don't include your full name or anything else that might identify you.
ReplyDeletei got the email too, review a swimsuit i purchased.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend has work in advertising in NYC for years and say's that most reviews are peppered with "fake" reviews from the company itself. take everything with a grain of salt.
I hope that's not the case with JCrew... I do trust the Gap reviews. They publish my reviews word for word, even if negative.
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