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.
The Lumiere cardi, from one of my orders placed last week, arrived w/a big, wicked hole in the front right side of the chest. Blah!!
ReplyDeleteHave been looking for two weeks, and cannot find the trouser socks in the colors that I want ANYWHERE. Word to the wise, do not put *anything* on the cover of a catalogue if it cannot actually be readily purchased for at least a month or so after the catalogue hits. Kthx. (And really, can it be that hard to stock socks? It's not as though they take up any space at all.)
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ReplyDeleteRude CS Reps. Look. I did not ask you to take this job. I did not call to get some free attitude. I'm on the West Coast, and you're on the East Coast, so when I dial in at 9 am, and it's noon over there, I'm hoping and expecting you to be on your 3rd cup of coffee, when I'm on my first. Just be nice this time of year. Seriously...Tis the season.
ReplyDeleteAnd quit sending me gently worn clothing that is gently used. Gross.
LOL. My word verification is "moth rot".
Incredibly rude SA Eric at the Houston B&M.
ReplyDeleteI'm just sad that I look forward to finding vintage pieces from JC from past times on eBay rather than being excited for what currently offered. I'm just really tired of holey tees and pilling sweaters.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking about rude CS, this morning I was using the chat feature online to find out some measurements. I also inquired about my recent order that didn't go well. After all the explanation I gave to her she writes back saying that I should call the 800 number to place a new order. Didn't she read the part that it was regarding an existing order? So frustrating!
I'm tired of the lack of consistency. From the sizing, to pricing, to CSRs, to quality, etc...the only thing consistent at J.Crew IS the inconsistency.
ReplyDeleteOT: sale section updated with quite a few new goodies.
ReplyDeleteFFM, you hit the nail on the head. I think that JC wants their customers to have to watch the site every day, and purchase every day. Back in the days of the weekly free ship/no min codes (and consistent quality/sizing) that was okay, because I could get a piece here and there. Now with the falling prices, ridealongs, etc., shopping JC has become more trouble than it's worth. Stalking older, better quality items on eBay is more rewarding than shopping retail JC!
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I think that the big rationale behind the return/rebuy is that most of us feel that the clothes are not worth their price points (or 1st and 2nd markdown prices). A lot of the sale section stuff doesn't start to move until there's an additional %off. If the quality were better, I wouldn't feel the need to get the absolute lowest price possible.
We'll see what 2011 brings!
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ReplyDeletei posted this under the sale page, but it's really more of a rant.
ReplyDeleteI went to put a pair of shoes in my basket. They were available in every size except for my shoe size, so I put them in my basket at one size up. I clicked back on the shoes section a few minutes later, and only one size is now available for that pair. There's no way they could've sold out in just a 5 minute span of time, at 4am pacific time. I wonder if they're hiding inventory......it's just so weird. I am POSITIVE I didn't make a mistake when looking at the available sizes before the sizes all disappeared.
Haven't received a catalog since the summer (why?). Received a November catalog in mail yesterday. (Why??)
ReplyDeleteThis isn't so much of a vent as it is an expression of sadness. Although sadness is a pretty deep emotion to grant to a retail experience! I just don't like much of it anymore. My ordering has gone down steadily since 2007. Every year I buy less. Some of it is styling, some of it is the overkill effect - I've got more than enough ruffles and sequins - and some of it is the quality. I have still managed to pick up some great pieces. In the last week I've received both the Kingston and Bronson booties and love them. It's getting to be that I don't even pay attention to new rollouts because I know I won't like much and the few things I do like will be cut too short for me to wear.
ReplyDeleteITA silverlining, desertflower and ffm. JCrew is ripe for a buyout. I just hope it brings an improvement...
ReplyDeleteWow. I am so sorry to hear about the bad CS experiences. There is NO excuse for that! I have had a couple that seem to be clueless and not very helpful but never rude. I hope they are just temporary help for the holidays and this behavior does not continue!
ReplyDeleteI had very good luck with an online PS using the chat feature to help with a defective item/return issue.
Just a few days ago, I bought a pair of button-flap mittens in the prettiest green color. Was thrilled that I could use my phone while still wearing gloves.
ReplyDeleteWell - after four days of wear (outside only! - not more than 1 or 2 hours in total), these gloves are a pilly mess. I don't think they'll last past this month! Very disappointing.
OT, can anyone comment on this year's dream yarn? I like the dream zip cardi in dried papaya, but am hesitant to buy because of pilling issues. On the other hand, my merino cardis (lea, evening primrose) from last fall have held up incredibly well -- very minimal fuzzing even after a year's worth of wear.
ReplyDeleteJust the standard rant about cancelled items. If you don't have enough, don't let me buy it. They just cancelled half of a Christmas gift order for my niece. I had to choose something else (fine), but they can't manage to put everything in the same package again. So she'll be getting two gifts in two shipments with two of the same gift message. So stupid. (And I do hope it still arrives for Christmas!) CS associate was very nice, though.
ReplyDeleteOk, not exactly a vent, but I saw the product image for the cc boys' long-sleeved brunswick-striped pocket tee (31706) and my first thought was, "now I've seen everything - ruffles on a boys tee." Upon closer inspection it is not ruffled, it just appeared that way at first. But a good lol
ReplyDeleteI've been in gift card purgatory since before Thanksgiving. I won't be asking friends and family for gift cards again, since the time to process returns (I send them in, have now had two rejects due to sizing and fit issues) and then for the gift card to be generated, sent, and arrive has been taking over two weeks. Once the card number is generated CS will allow you to buy something with it (they can access the number but they won't give it to you over the phone), but if there is something sold out on site and you are lucky enough to find it in the B&M, the B&M can't access the numbers so you have to rely on their kindness to keep things on hold for you until you get the gift cards in hand. And it is the luck of the draw whether or not they will allow you at the 1-800 number to change form of payment by using your CC while waiting for the gift card to be processed; I've been told both that they can do this, no problem, and that they can't do this, no exceptions.
ReplyDeleteSince I have so much $ on gift cards right now, I don't want to use my CC for purchases. I just want to be able to spend my gift cards on something for the holidays, love it, and get out from under these cards! It has been pretty frustrating. I don't understand why they can't send the gift card number by e-mail when they process your return, this would seem to be the simplest (and environmentally friendly) option. And why they can't get their sizing and fit issues under control so I don't have to return and be disappointed in the first place, but that's another issue.
I have followed this blog for quite some time but have not posted before today. I bought the beautiful Tweed Tatum jacket during one of the 25% off promos. I love the jacket and could not wait to wear it. The very first day of wear, I'm driving to work and notice the left sleeve seam has a 2 inch hole in it. I really expect better quality for the cost of the jacket. I plan on trying to sew it myself since the jacket is no longer available in my size.
ReplyDeleteReally hate it when you pay a lot of money for something and then six months later it's a factory item for considerably less.
ReplyDeleteI can't stand the differing prices in store vs. online. I wear a size 14 skirt and always have to purchase online. I was mighty upset to see the double serge skirts I had purchased two days earlier at full price on sale in store for $80. Which is another vent: why doesn't the store carry the full size range? It's really irritating.
ReplyDeleteThis is OT. Is there a review anywhere for this year's stadium cloth peacoat, 29458? I found one for the Milo, but not this one. Has anyone seen the autumn squash color irl? TTS? Size up if you a sweater? Thx!
ReplyDeleteI ordered a coat mid-winter last year -- can't remember the style name, but it was wool and had a ruffle down the front. I got it out a few weeks ago to wear this winter and as I was buttoning it one of the buttons snapped in half. I could still get it buttoned since one half was stil attached to the coat, so I kept wearing it figuring I'd search for the extra button that hopefully came with it and sew it on as soon as I got a chance. Well, about three days later a second one snapped in half! So now I have this coat I haven't even worn for a full season with two broken buttons. So annoying! And I'm sure it didn't come with two extras, so now I'll have go to the trouble of replacing all of them if I want them to match. Quality issues are my main gripe with J.Crew right now and the reason I've drastically reduced how much I buy from them and how much I'll spend on an item.
ReplyDeleteThe Stadium clothe peacoat is true to size, maybe a smidgen on the bigger side if anything, but only a tiny bit. I am usually a 0 but occasionally a 2 and a 0 in this one is good. I probably couldn't size down to the 00 which I can do occasionally. I ordered it in a 2 and had to return it because it was huge. Cute coat though!
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ReplyDeleteJS: I agree on the Stadium coat running big! Just returned mine. Also, the collar on mine refused to fold over, so it looked like I was wearing a turtleneck-style coat.
ReplyDeletejacquelyn,
ReplyDeleteDidn't you mention on your blog that you were able to get the sale prices on your skirts though after talking to a store manager? I mean that is really great they let you have the sale prices.
Kelly, a similar thing happened to me. I put 2 pair of shorts in my cart and when I went to check out they'd disappeared (as did other items). Went back and found all the other items that went missing, but not the shorts. I figured they'd sold out. Not even a photo left on the site. A few hours later, the shorts are back...in additional colors and sizes. THis was late night, so are they really processing so many returns within a 2 hour window at 10 PM?
ReplyDeleteAmy: I know this is not the answer you want, but could you put on a CC and then take item in to store and have them credit your CC and re-ring on GC? I've done that before. They DID match the price I orig paid.
Cancelled orders: I did have something in a recent order get canceled b/c OOS after I'd placed order. I emailed CS and received quick reply that they'd price match the promo price I paid if I went to B&M. THey said to have the PS call at time of purchase or CS can fix it after. I think it'll work to just show PS the email, too.
Yes Eloise, I was able to get a price adjustment, and I commend J.Crew for doing so, and gave the store manager kudos in my blog post.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the fact still remains that they do not carry all sizes in store, effectively cutting out a part of their demographic. And, when those prices are lower in store I find this to be off-putting.
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ReplyDeleteThanks, St Germain, that's very helpful to know. I don't get into the B&M because it is a major hassle for me (I actually do charge-sends from B&Ms instead!) but if I get into this situation in the future, I will do what you suggest, since this seems less of a hassle than dealing with returning to the catalog, waiting, and begging.
ReplyDelete(Apparently I've long since exhausted my one-time courtesies in every category!)
I placed an order. I was sent the wrong item. Then I canceled the rest of the order that was backordered. Then they sent that item anyway. I HATE J.CREW RIGHT NOW! Oh except for the adorable cashmere cardigan I am wearing with strawberries on it from '06. If only they still made cute things consistently! And didn't fail so often in shipping the right items!
ReplyDeleteEm,
ReplyDeleteThat is a cute sweater. I remember it well. I have a cashmere butterfly sweater that I LOVE from around that same time.
I have been sent wrong items so many times I lost count. It makes me sooo mad. Once or even twice I can understand but I have had WAY more than that!!! It is so frustrating. That is why I no longer buy popbacks or final sale as of last December.
r_e_edwards, if you call/email CS and give them the style number (it is on the care tag inside your coat) they may be able to send you some buttons (gratis). For all their problems, JCrew has been great about this in the past. Last year I got a replacement button for a knit jacket from 07. Worth a try :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this is technically a vent, but Madewell CS called me regarding a recent order. She was perfectly nice and helpful, but she called at SEVEN FIFTEEN in the morning! Hellllo, some people live on the West Coast! Thankfully I was already at work and not sleeping, otherwise I'd probably chuck my phone against the wall in rage.
ReplyDeleteI just wish JCrew would over no min free ship for this promo. It sucks to buy something at a great price and then have to pay so much to ship it out. It sucks especially when it is a flimsy tee shirt or a lightweight bracelet. And then when you factor in tax, man, the discount is like non-existent!
ReplyDeleteTracey, I bought an item that came with a hole and took it back for return, they fixed it for free (similar to yours, my item was sold out). If you have a store close by, you might bring it in, explain what happened and request that their tailor fix it. I believe others on this blog have done this and its worked out for them.
ReplyDeleteJS, call J Crew customer service and ask if they can process an accessory request for you. This is what they did when a swimsuit top I ordered arrived with one strap missing. It's worth a shot! Maybe if they can't match the button, they will send you a whole set.
ReplyDeleteThey will probably ask for the item # of your garment -- it should be on the white tag inside it.
I never really have an issue.
ReplyDeleteI placed couple of fair sized orders during the GIFTS promo, and see a bunch of stuff marked down soon after it was over. Now with the additional 30% off, I could save myself a bunch of money... just emailed CS for a price adjustment. Hopefully they come through, or I'll have to go through the hassle of returning and re-ordering.
ReplyDeleteLike others have said here, if JC sets a reasonable price point on their products, shoppers wouldn't have to stalk, I mean, monitor the site daily for markdowns and promos. Mickey famously says that he hates mark downs. Well, so do I, but I've been trained by JC to look for sales, % off, FS promos because their goods IMHO do not justify their original price points.
Ladies, what is the return policy for the holiday with J. Crew. Still only 1 month? Sorry if it was discussed already.
ReplyDeleteConnor, I do think this year's dream yarn is better than last year's (which was really awful, I found). I have the shawl collar cardigan and the dream zip henley. Worn each a handful of times. The only pilling I've seen is minimal on the sleeves of the henley, nothing like last year. I'd be interested in what others' experiences have been.
ReplyDeleteConnor - I've worn the Cambridge shawl cardi twice and no fuzzies. There were a couple pills, but I had to hunt for them. Irl pic in this post.
ReplyDeleteWhat in the world is up with the pricing online?? One day the item is one sale price, the very next day it is a different sale price and then a week later it is back to regular full price. Looks like I'll be putting together some returns. I know JC has done this in the past but it seems a little out of control this holiday season!
ReplyDelete2 things are currently stuck in my craw:
ReplyDelete1. that I paid $19 dollars in shipping for a package that cost JC $5 and change to ship; and
2. those promos that make you spend $150 AFTER the discount is applied!!! Gah, it is soooo not worth my while to buy one small thing...
Just received softwashed wool blazer that I ordered on sale last week - I paid after the sale $97.00. It is JUNK! So disappointed. First off - It came pilling.... it is not lined at all - WTH? How do you sell a wool blazer unlined? Going BACK.....
ReplyDeleteI am seeing a lot of complaints about the $150 minimum. Can I put a few things in my cart to go over that limit and then return the extra things to a store later? Do I get to keep the extra30% discount on the items I kept? Can someone comment on that?
ReplyDeleteyowza- yeah, you can do that. we usually term that as "ridealongs" to meet the shipping minimum. you can return the items in store for what you paid but if you plan on mailing the items back you have to pay shipping. if you have the time its worth it, if not, it's just a hassle. hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashley! I do have a store nearby and they will be getting 3 things as a return b/c I ordered 3 extars (ridealongs!) , I didn't know if I could do that after reading all the gripes of fellow Jcrewaholics :) I'm glad there's free shipping and NO FINAL SALE otherwise I'd be stuck with the ridealongs.
ReplyDeleteI have never made online retruns in a store before so I hope it goes hassle-free !
After receiving my holiday catalog, I rushed to buy a pair of lovely pink Lolli pants and poof! THEY ARE ALL GONE! I was SO disappointed! The need to increase their inventory!
ReplyDeleteI have a completely selfish, and some may say stupid, vent and i will go ahead and apologize for it up front. I am greatly peeved because my go-to retailer of Christmases past has failed me miserably this year. Previously I have been lucky enough to find something at JC for practically everyone on my gift list. This year I've spent very little, primarily on casual men's markdowns with an extra % off, for my twenty-something boys, prefering to buy nicer things for them at LE Canvas. No more one stop shopping for me-I don't want my loved ones to be insulted by JC's ever present quality issues. Like I said, this is a selfish vent, and I know I sound like a major grouch, but does anyone else feel this way? Also, and this is completely OT, has anyone seen anything else on JC's Spring '11 collection? I haven't seen anything on the website and just wondering if I've missed it.
ReplyDeleteI received the cody cashmere cardigan with a ripped seam at the sleeve. Also, I received the dream draped sweater that was worn! It smelled so badly of perfume. And there were wrinkles around the elbow areas. What is going on JCREW?!
ReplyDeleteSo sad, just received my Metallic gauze pencil skirt and it's exactly the same fabric as a B&M-only mini I bought a few weeks weeks ago at a Collection store event. It looks completely different online! I love it but can I really rationalize owning two, even if one is for work and one is for going out? Will have to try it on with some work sweaters when I get home and decide...
ReplyDeleter_e_edwards, your post made me laugh because the same thing happened to me! If I'm thinking of the correct item, it's the Wool ruffle-front coat from Fall '09, item 17501. I'm considering emailing them for a new button, although it might be worth it to find a set of well made buttons and have a tailor replace all of them...
ReplyDeletei have the same complaint about sizing inconsistencies. i bought a sweater, a perfect fit t and a hoodie. one was just fine, the second way too big and the third was so small i could barely zip it. ugggh. what's the point of ordering it and saving myself the trouble of mall traffic if i wind up having to drive to the mall to return it anyway!
ReplyDeletep.s. having the same fit issues with gap. grrrr.
Sorry for being blog-hog. Just got email reply back from CS politely refusing to give me a price adjustment on my order. So, I'm gonna have to decide which items I'll be returning when I FINALLY receive my order to "save" the equivalent of the newly marked down/discounted prices. Crappy thing is if I drive to a B&M cross border to do the returns I'll "eat" the duty/taxes. If I want to claim a refund on the duty/taxes I'd have to pay to ship back to JC. 6 of one, half dozen of the other... what a pain.
ReplyDelete@David - you can google J. Crew's 2011 spring collections, they were covered by quite a number of blogs and news articles. Hope you find something you like in the new year.
@Closet Crisis: I really feel for you. I had a similar thing happen to me.
ReplyDeleteMy DH jumped the gun and bought the Wool Langham Jacket for $192 with promo pricing. Then it went down to ~$130 with the new promo and card discount. We were just outside the 7 day window (maybe day 9?).
I called the VIP line to see what could be done. Not only did they refuse but they also "politely" pointed out that I had a price adjustment done in January of 2010 and on April 23rd of 2010 (gee thanks for making me feel like an idiot...maybe I wouldn't have to call you all if you didn't constantly play games with your pricing!). So I just placed a new order.
Today I went back to return the first coat at the $192 price (it's back up to full price - $275- online now). The SA asked me if I was returning *that* one because there was another receipt (yes, another return because the color was way off) with the same coat at $132...Uhm....what do *you* think? I just smiled and said, yes, I'm returning the identical coat that is $60 more. I refuse to be shamed in getting my money back - particularly when pricing is all over the map.
This pricing game is such a time sink. This is the exact reason why I stopped shopping Gymboree for my kids. I got sick and tired of going to the mall to save $30+...How about fair pricing for an item from the get-go?
I just re-read my post and realized that I'm talking about an item that had a $143 price difference within the span of 2.5 weeks. And no, the price didn't go down -- it went up!
ReplyDeleteWell, my sweater promo order *finally* arrived this afternoon. I thought it was lost forever. A couple of the items were sold out online and I was really getting preturbed thinking I had missed out, so today after the site updated I reordered 3 of the sweaters, one of which had been drastically marked down. Of course by the time my order arrived it was too late to cancel the new order so I'll be returning the the 3 duplicates and who knows what else. At least I only have to pay return shipping.
ReplyDeleteEloise, I have the butterfly one, too! The pink/orange one! Love. I miss the sweaters with cute "critters" on them. I ALWAYS get compliments when I wear something like that from '07 and earlier J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteaudball, good for you to reorder and return and not be shamed about it. The pricing discrepancies and swings are absolutely ridiculous. I am never ashamed of saving money, I work hard for it after all. I totally agree with you and others who have commented that a fair price to start would be so much better.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the rants about quality and sizing inconsistency. Sizes keep getting bigger and bigger (what is this, Old Navy?!) and quality keeps going down. Knits and tees are so prone to holes that they are basically un-purchasable. Even the jeans are declining in quality. Last year I got a pair of toothpick ankle jeans in the dark wash and they were so thick and sturdy, I wore them almost every day. I bought THE EXACT SAME PAIR this year and it was like it came from a different manufacturer, much thinner and not as good of construction. Sad times!
ReplyDeleteUpset with the "complimentary" alterations offered on the JCrew card- had to get some shirt lengths hemmed which the store said would be complimentary. When I went to pick up they said it would actually cost $16 per shirt since it was a difficult hem. When I called CS, they said that each store has different complimentary hems pending the manager and you just have to find a store that has the hem you want. Same with a jacket, which is advertised as a complimentary hem!
ReplyDeleteI'd been stalking the wool crepe pencil skirt in dark plum in P0 patiently for awhile. When I realized only one was left, I ordered it. A few hours later, when it was still showing up in my cart (it eventually disappeared afterwards), I got worried that my order would get canceled... and it did a few days later. Right after I got the email, I went online and saw that it was available again! Called to place an order, and the CS just straight up told me that the P0 that was "available" online was the same one I had ordered... and that my order would just get canceled again. Since I had actually seen the other one disappear from the site, I asked her to place the order anyway. Lo and behold, I actually did end up receiving the second P0! Ugh. She was perfectly nice and all... but with all of JC's crazy inventory problems, who is she to tell me she was sure it was the same skirt I had originally ordered?
ReplyDeleteXOXO: Thanks for the support :)...!
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ReplyDeletePromotions, sales, price changes (up and down) from one day to another...Jcrew is driving me crazy! My solution, like many others...Buy, rebuy, return...Arrrghhh! I mean, I like promotions and sales, but please be consistent! I don't want to find out that I paid $50+ more when items are still available in all sizes!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I gave up on calling CS to get a price adjustment. When I do that now, they always make me feel bad for asking for the adjustment. Well, like others, I feel if Jcrew had a better strategy in pricing their items, I wouldn't have to do this. Now I just make a trip to my nearest B&M and return them. I prefer it that way.
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ReplyDeleteHow long can a package possibly stay stuck in "Billing Information Received" status?! I got the shipment email two days ago; is this normal? At this rate, the whole "arrival 3-6 days after ordering" deal seems dubious...
ReplyDeleteIn other news, I love that I placed my order during the whole "25% off/$150+ free ship" deal, then literally the next day JC started offering 30% off AND all the items were marked down. Awesome.
thx MDPA! I'll delete as well. thought there was some other way, but this will work too!
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ReplyDeleteGigi & Kris, thanks for the dream yarn review. Still waiting for the sweater to be marked down before I buy, however.
ReplyDeleteElaine K, Audball & xoxo, I'm in the same boat. Two hours after I placed a large order under 25% off/$150+ free ship, the promo changed to 30% off and some items I paid FP under the first promo were marked down!
CS refused to adjust, even though items hadn't shipped yet, because I had already received a 25% off deal. Not worth it to argue. I just reordered everything under the 30% off w/markdowns, and return the first order. It would've saved JC shipping & handling costs & appeased me if they had simply made an easy $130 adjustment. But noo...!
Damned if I'll be intimidated by some rude SA when I return the entire contents of the first order, but it sure is annoying to even have to do that!
elaine k. -- i had the same issue with my package, and it kept telling me it was still in billing information! i ordered two wedding dresses to try on, so considerably pricey....so i customer service and I think they just have given you an incorrect tracking number...or perhaps something that only links to that initial page...anyway....i have the "correct" tracking number now...and can now track where the package is....i'd try contacting or chatting with someone for the "real" number....;) i dunno....
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Sperry Boots (item 33668) and while my husband was pointing out that they looked worn because they had dirt on their soles, I tried unlacing the shoe and the rivet popped right off of it. So my guess is someone bough them, wore them around the house (at least) and was not gentle and I got their return. How is it that they don't notice shoes are worn when they take the return in? It is really obvious if you look at them.
ReplyDeleteD.O.N.E. with J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteTried to return a two-month-old defective Factory Store top Tuesday and was initially refused. The seam under the right arm had split and the fabric had started to run.
The Castle Rock, Colorado store manager, Sara Strobe, was loathe to touch the item even though I'd washed it before bringing it in. She whined,"You've worn this - we can't take it back."
I reminded her of the company policy and she then nastily offered a gift card.
I WAS PISSED. I accepted the gift card feeling I had no other option. I was not going to drive an hour round-trip to the factory store again.
Got home and fired off an email to Mr. Drexler. Was called on my cell phone about an hour later (scarily enough I hadn't given a phone number in my email) by the head of Factory Stores, Karen Clement.
She apologized for the incident and promised to refund my purchase. Two days later and nothing has appeared on my credit card.
They've just lost a 24 year shopper.
I wanted to thank you all for the quality alert. I have a big order sitting behind me and I would normally just put it away without thinking. Now I'm going to look closely at every item!
ReplyDeleteThank you all!
I received the cinema stadium cloth coat from Jcrew and was quite pleased with it initially. Then I noticed that on one of the sleeves, the stitching had started to come off.. I start to pull at it and it gets undone more :(. I was so sad and I hate going through the return/ exchange process because it takes so long and anyway my size was in real limited quantities in this item. I decided it was better I get my needle and tread out and just take a few stitches in place.. that should do it I hope. I got it at a deep promotion and was in no letting that get away .
ReplyDeleteRaina,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your experience. I hope the credit appears soon!
I think that is the KEY to JCrew's new return policy is that the merchandise is no longer high quality and is now disposable trendy clothing.
It has made me purchase way less! (and I mean WAY LESS!)
@Raina: That sounds terrible :( ... what horrible customer service. Somehow they manage to needle the long-time, dedicated JCrew customer, but allow others to return worn/smelly/damaged clothing for credit/cash. What is their problem?
ReplyDeleteI was going to say, as much as you want to be done with the issue, I would still follow up and get your credit card refunded. Money is money! Don't let them win.
Sadly, when I read other blogs/mags/message boards, it seems that JCrew has engendered a new customer - one who adores the harem sequin pants, paired with the heels and an army jacket. Maybe it's changing of the guard? I'm one of the "oldies" (wore Crew in college and now am in my mid-40s); I can appreciate the new aesthetic, but not the crummy quality...
In addition to all the other features I dislike about the JC website (no wishlist, no quickview, etc), I don't like that on product pages they now list "other stuff I might like" on the right-hand side instead of showing me which other items are worn by the model pictured. I always found it very helpful to see exactly which other items were in the featured picture and actually made a few purchases on things I never would have looked twice based on their own website images.
ReplyDeleteThe rapid price cuts are off the chain...but not a good chain.
ReplyDeleteOkha-
ReplyDeleteI've had a similar experience with the Stadium cloth peacoat with the gold buttons. The buttons keep falling off and I keep sucking it up and taking it to the tailor to have her sew them back on. Isn't it kinda sad though that we accept that quality?!! And pay a lot for it! Meanwhile I've been eying another coat, so I am a supreme sucker!!
Related to gigiofca's comment... I have a Cambridge crewneck from this season and just noticed the other day that it's pilling like crazy. So disappointed! Cambridge sweaters I have from previous seasons are relatively pill-free.
ReplyDeleteNot really a vent, but more like a concern...I was in the Danbury CT store today, and it was oddly low-stocked. There was so much empty space there I could have spun around waving my arms (If I had been so inclined). It almost had that "going out of business" feel. Lots of nearly-empty shelves and spaces. It was weird! Hopefully, it's only the result of them having a great holiday season and not something else.
ReplyDelete@ Jessy- We shop Jcrew because they do have somewhat appealing designs and its amazing how we know the quality issues are getting worse and still don't give up !
ReplyDeleteJust got my order--seriously, why the sizing inconsistencies? If I am a size 0, shouldn't a size small belt fit me? The belt doesn't even come together-it's got like two inches before the ends meet-more if I actually wanted to buckle it! I wonder how much I've spent shipping returns due to THEIR problem with sizing correctly??!! I just sent back 4 things last week for this reason. So frustrating! I should be able to wear the same size with every single garment they produce. It's worse when you have to order everything because there is no store near me.
ReplyDeleteRaina,
ReplyDeleteGlad you heard back from corporate!
Wanted to add the credit card refunds often do take longer than two days - I have had that experience with other retailers - might give J.Crew a few more days for the credit to show up on your account.
For everyone complaining about price adjustments, I have MUCH better luck doing it in the store. Online they sometimes tell me "one-time courtesy" or that it can't be done, but if I go into the store with a receipt for in store or online stuff, they always do it. I don't want to jinx myself, but I just politely mention that even if it is not policy to do it if I already got a discount, I can just return and rebuy the items right there on the spot and get my money back, so this is a lot less hassle.
ReplyDeleteLast time it took FOREVER but I got enough back to buy a hat and then still have some leftover. I had used a 20% off coupon and it switched to 25% the next day (and some of my items went further on sale), so it was well worth it.
I also had a store associate (maybe even assistant manager) tell me they won't price match the online price, because if it's cheaper online it is because they are trying to move the product online (which I am sure everyone already knows), but I have never had any trouble getting them to price match the online price for me. They won't match the 25% off entire purchase and things like that, but they usually match the sale price.
ITA with everyone about the price inconsistencies - I'm constantly second guessing myself about when I should order, would I get a better price if I waited a week or will it pop back up to fp. Seriously, what other retailer takes items to sale then back up to full price with no rhyme or reason? Practically everything I buy I wait at least a couple weeks to wear it in case it might drop significantly in price. And it often does. Have never done that anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteSheesh. Wish I didn't love them so. Was it gigi that compared them to a bad boyfriend? So true! I just keep coming back and hoping for better... :)
Connor-
ReplyDeleteI purchased Dream Alexie sweaters as well as a few V-Neck Cardigans and I looove them. I've only had them for a month or two, but I tend to be on the rougher side with sweaters and I have not had any issues. I even used Dryel instead of traditional dry cleaning and they still came out great. I would recommend.