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.
Ahhh I haven't been to their store for a long time now so I can't complain. Got to love the accompanying pick though!
ReplyDeletesubbing :o)
ReplyDeleteSub!
ReplyDeleteThe silk driving scarf is not shown correctly online when trying to add the correct color to your shopping cart. Very frustrating. I wanted to buy one yesterday but I cannot deal with possibly getting the wrong one sent and/or ordering both and returning one. Don't want to mess with the return shipping fees or driving the 30+ min. to a store. I mean I should be able to order something as simple as a scarf!
ReplyDeleteSo, I went to the Talbots website and picked out a scarf I know is shown correctly.
JCrew's website is such a disaster.
Something similar happened with another one of their scarves last year.
Genny, I called CS about the driving scarf issue. I was confused too, because when I highlighted the "Modern Red" it showed the orange-based floral print, but when I added it to my cart the thumbnail showed the reddish geometric print, which on the main page was called "Retro Orange." CS confirmed that the orange floral is "Modern Red"--in fact, she said she'd received some kind of notice about it.
ReplyDeleteBut, until I receive it I guess won't know for sure! And you're right, it's just like the Watercolor Potpourri vs. Waterfloral Pastiche last year. (I wound up keeping both, LOL.)
Hexicon,
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see what you end up with in your box. (I honestly don't trust CS anymore! That is why I did not call.) It does NOT seem like the orange floral would be modern red as the other is a reddish geo print. Good luck. I already spent my $$ at Talbots and am good to go with scarves for the spring:)now.
I haven't had an issue with an order yet, but I would like to comment on your post about the "special" email offering free shipping to a select few. I dislike any policy that shows favortism. J crew would be smarter to give terms to earning a bonus or reward - I would probably spend towards a target. Maybe there is a secret amount to spend, and those people get the rewards. Does you know if this is true? I understand there are special envelopes sent also to only a select few. Again, is there any rhyme or reason to that policy? I would like to think that J Crew has some sort of plan for issuing rewards and that they just don't throw names in a hat- that doesn't seem very professional to me. At the very least they should explain how people are selected. Maybe the Crew has explained it somewhere, and if anyone knows, I would be interested in the answer.I don't know why this "special selection" policy bothers me so much - I guess I would just like to understand it. Well, I would also like to be "chosen", but even then I would like to know why. If it is random, that would be disappointing to me.
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ReplyDeleteHi ebe, we've been discussing that for months (years, even) and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason from what we can see. The gift card rewards are sent to JC credit card holders that spend a certain amount per quarter ($25 for each $500 spent), but beyond that, we're not really sure how the other stuff is doled out.
ReplyDeleteRe: silk driving scarf, I have ordered both. Selecting the modern red one (that isn't red on hover but is the modern red thumbnail at check out) gets you the real retro orange one. The reverse is true for the red one with the geometric print.
ReplyDeleteSo, if you want the retro orange print scarf, add the modern red one to your cart. (No guarantees on how long this will hold true if they fix the mix up in the meanwhile. :) )
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ReplyDeletethe colors are named by our friend The Copywriter from Space. When she was first promoted to Director of Creative Language (whopping bonus included), her worried mother suggested that Strunk & White would come in handy. Someone finally told her that mom meant a book, not an agency, but she mistyped her order and received 1984. We will see many more examples of Newspeak before her next promotion. I'm worried, because I've heard she was seen moving her lips while gazing at An Introduction to Web Design.
ReplyDeleteOh blerg, Cleo, now I am really confused! All I know is that I will be mightily PO'ed if they send me the wrong one and the right one is sold out! That's what happened last year with the watercolor/waterfloral scarves. Eventually I got both but only because a JCA hooked me up with a particular CSA who knew what was going on.
ReplyDeleteI'm annoyed about the special free shipping email as well. I'm a cardholder and just spent $500 in the last two weeks (granted that is not the norm). Ugh. Thanks for making me feel appreciated Jcrew.
ReplyDeleteI am confused as well. Are you saying that the color on the tag of the actual scarf is different from the color that is associated with the scarf when you select it on the website or just that the color retro orange would more appropriately describe the floral scarf than modern red (but is not mislabeled?) Who knows what they were thinking when they decided of the color codes. Maybe the geo-print scarf looks more orange IRL than on the website
ReplyDeleteI actually had an issue with an in store purchase and asking if a deal I saw online can be used. The lady said that they definitely will honor the deal if I saw it online. The deal I inquired about were the sale price on the cotton watch straps. The ones I wanted online were clearly 4.99, but the girl supposedly looked on the website and saw that they were 10 dollars. I know it's not the biggest discount, but it's still half of what they charged me. And I even questioned it when she said the price, but she insisted that's what it was. I bought it anyways, but when I got home I wanted to double check the price again because I was thinking I was looking at it wrong. But I ended up being right, I compared everything and the straps I bought were the ones for 5 dollars. I'm complaining because I know J.Crew is a higher end store than places like GAP and even Banana Republic sometimes. So when I can get a good deal I jump on it, but unfortunately this deal was not given to me when it should've been. So J.Crew, Please train your employees better when it comes to comparing online prices. So middle class folks like myself can save some money on your nice products.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that if they don't want to offer me a free shipping coupon, they obviously don't want me to buy from them.
ReplyDeletePricing inconsistencies. It's been mentioned a number of times, but really - the Aurora tweed skirt is on sale online, not in my store. However, the camp cardigan is on sale in store but not online, as is the Bevin blouse and the Nickleby top and probably other stuff I wasn't interested in. Really, it is a full time job to keep up with it.
ReplyDeleteCleo,
ReplyDeleteI too am still confused on which scarf is which. Which color will get me the floral print one? Thanks.
Still unsure if I will order but want to know just in case:) esp. with my free ship code.
Ema,
ReplyDeleteHave you tried adding both silk driving scarves to your shopping bag? Then I think you will understand the confustion!
I'm really annoyed I didn't get any one time or end of the month free shipping deal on my account.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ordered anything for the past several weeks and it actually feels good that JC isn't getting my money.
Ema-
ReplyDeleteIf you select modern red online, you get the floral, selecting retro orange gets you the red print. I think the confusion is just that the names appear to be flipped based on the appearance of the scarves. I have the "retro orange" which is definitely a modern red/navy print. No orange in it all.
Hi Everyone:
ReplyDeleteI am new to this blog and I have few questions in reference to the ongoing discussion about free shipping deals/JC credit card/PS.
1. I am considering getting J. Crew credit card. Is it worth it? Do those of you that complaint about not getting free shipping emails are J Crew card holders?
2. How do you utilize your Personal Shoppers? Do you use the ones online/from your store or via phone?
Thanks!
Adding my 2 cents to vent about the misguided promo / marketing efforts. I never get squat. Never EVER, not even one drop of free shipping just for me.
ReplyDeleteI know you're all tired of hearing about it. I just continue to be astounded by it. Considering the amount of money I've spent with JC over the past 3 or 4 years, it's just ... it's astounding. Way to reward customer loyalty.
It's really, truly making me think twice when I consider buying anything from them now.
@Pumpkin: I'm a silver JC credit card holder for few years and the only time I received free shipping on my account was last December for few weeks. And also the only other time I received a perk for being a card holder was the one time card holder exclusive 20% off code last Dec. I will be canceling my CC and really don't recommend it since the perks are not great compared to my BR Luxe card or other rewards CC out there.
ReplyDeleteThere have been several discussions before about JC CC on this blog and if you do a search on them for previous postings you could read other comments.
Also, you can do a search on personal shoppers since many JCA's commented about their experiences.
Welcome to the JCA blog! ;-)
Haven't purchased anything recently due to lack of promotional efforts. I don't care too too much about free shipping, but I would buy if there were some percentage off. I feel like J Crew used to do that a lot more than they do now.
ReplyDeleteWhatever, I just have found other places to shop that seem to have sales more frequently. I only pay full price for necessities these days.
@ Jcrewphd: thank you for the valuable advice.
ReplyDelete@Ashley: I agree with your opinion on promo efforts. I am a student so I can only afford to buy on sale. We need more of those extra 40% of sale deals with larger inventories. I found myself shopping at 6am!!! in order to get items/sizes I want.
Pumpkin, I have a J. Crew card and I will probably cancel it soon. I do not carry a balance, but the APR on it is around 25%, while my Banana Luxe card is around 17%. The BR rewards are better (like free shipping) also. I have had the J. Crew card for a little over two years and have never received free shipping or any other "special" promotion. The only thing stopping me from closing it right now is that the limit is high ($1300 I think) and closing it would affect my credit-limit ratio. I think you're better off with a credit card with cash rewards.
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ReplyDeletePumpkin - I canx my J Crew credit card last year, transferring the balance to a 0% MC and I've never looked back. The $25 'rewards' are restrictive. You can only use them for a period of time. It's around 3-4 months. Not sure it's even that long. In contrast, rewards from the Gap family credit cards have an expiration date of a year or thereabouts. I've never held onto one that long so I don't know the exact length of time. Talbots has rewards on their cards which are red and black, I believe. I'm mentioning them because you can sign up for a Classic Awards red card and it's not a credit card. It's simply an awards system. You earn 1/2 point for every dollar or something like that. They have double point periods, too, and non-credit card reward members are included in that. You are also eligible for a birthday discount of 10% at Talbots and Gap. It exists at Anthro, and they don't even offer a credit card. Doesn't exist at JC.
ReplyDeleteBack to Gap. I love my Banana Republic card. I have free shipping on all orders as a Luxe cardholder. Plus, they've respectfully lowered the shipping minimum to $50 or less for everyone, whether you're a cardholder or not. The shipping for that offer is slower, but at least you have the option for it to be free at a low threshold.
Don't get me started on the high interest rate for the JC card. Also applicable on other retail cards. However, their benefits are much better than JC's. It's true that not all JC cardholders get the free shipping thru 2/28 that's on some accounts. JC cardholders are not included in all of the promos, like when they mail around a % off card as they did last Sept. Long diatribe about it and other things in this post on my blog. That doesn't make sense. They need to fix their system so that cardholders have access to all promos. Because of the frequency I shop at the store, I would open a J Crew credit card again in the future. However, only if the card was overhauled.
Driving scarf
ReplyDeleteI have ordered both on two separate occasions, obviously out of confusion, so i think i've figured out the formula:
To order the orange floral scarf, choose the color modern red from the product page.
Disregard the thumbnail (geometric red) on the checkout page.
Not sure why the color code for the obvious red geometric scarf would indicate "ROR," but it would explain why even the site developers are confused as to which image (and color) apply to the scarf.
And no, the geometric scarf has no orange or orange undertones in it.
I know that I'm in the minority here, but I have to say that aside from the lack of customer reviews, I kind of the like the JC website. I find it easy to navigate and the clothing views are pretty good. Better than BR or GAP I think, and better than Talbot's site (which I confess I find reaaally confusing). Maybe I'm just used the site and it's quirks but I can't really relate to the website hate! [Erm, this scarf thing aside.]
ReplyDeleteMailed a return to Madewell thirty two days ago via USPS Priority. Still no credit. Jeez.
ReplyDeleteI wore my ciel etoile cardi for the third time last week. The seam along the arm started splitting in class and by the end of the day, half of the sleeve was open. What was even worse is when I went to pull my cardi down and readjust it during the day, I felt the bottom seam split, too.
ReplyDeleteThe cardi isn't too tight by any means, so the only thing I can think is that the seams are so shoddily stitched that they'll split just by slight movement. Ridiculous.
gigi - me too, if that makes you feel any better. it's taking forevvvvvver.
ReplyDeleteDriving scarf update:
ReplyDeleteThe orange silk floral driving scarf which is $58 retail is available at the crewlet for $44.50 less a 20% promo discount on scarves. It came to a grand total of $35.60. (I was just there today). It is the actual retail scarf and the manager said that they have a boatload of them in the warehouse, thus the shipment to the crewlet. This is the only silk scarf in the store. It is really wonderful and goes with everything.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post and sorry about the sweater. I don't feel their cardigans are as well made anymore that is why I stopped buying them unless on super sale which to me is $35-40 or even less! The quality has gone down hill fast.
I too had a cardigan with a hole in the arm area after only one wearing. I wonder if it was there before and I didn't notice and just got bigger as the day went on since it was by my shoulder!
McShoppy,
ReplyDeleteGlad to know there is a boatload of these scarves running around. No need to buy it right now anyway so will wait as I am sure it will go on sale sale sale. Thanks.
They had the same deal McShoppy describes at my crewlet, too. They had baskets of the scarf. I really want one... and I know it will be on clearance within a few weeks. They mark things down really fast at the crewlet, especially retail items.
ReplyDeleteNot a rant, but does anyone have any feedback on the Double cloth bonbon coat? How does it run size-wise? Also, how long is it? I'm 5'7 and am wondering if regular or tall would be better for me. I would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI get really annoyed by the special promotions/offers that are sent to only certain JCrew shoppers. There really seems to be no reasoning to it at all.
ReplyDeleteI contacted Brittany - MD's assistant - after I inquired to the general JCrew customer service about this issue, and specific to the latest free shipping promotion. Here is a portion of her response:
"... We don’t send every promotion to every customer and are always looking into and testing new ways to reach all of our customers, but may not be everyone with every initiative. Additionally, as in this case, not all promotions are connected to your J.Crew account."
While I appreciate her great customer service in promptly replying to me, I don't like the message. It honestly seems like if you are a loyal customer - be it money spent, length or time - you should receive special promotions.
And I fully agree about the rewards cards as well. $25 for every $500 is a drop in the bucket, and to then place an expiration date on the card - not cool.
And lastly - I wish they featured models that weren't so damn skinny!
ITA on the crazy promos. There's no rhyme or reason as to who gets what. There should be a rewards system, like other retailers as Gigi points out, that is not tied to JC's credit card. AE Outfitters come to mind as a fine example.
ReplyDeleteEmailed for a replacement button on my Jackie cardi at the beginning of January. Got a prompt response from CS that they'll track one down for me. Been a month and a half, emailed again to see if there's any progress. Got another prompt email response saying they're still waiting. They made a boat load of the Jackies in Dark Pewter. How hard can it be to find a couple of buttons?
Orang floral driving scarf at a big discount at Crewlet? Now I feel like a chump! I almost hope they send me the wrong damn scarf so I can repurchase as a charge-send from Crewlet. Just for once I wish I could make a full-price purchase at JC and feel good about it.
ReplyDeleteCC, go to the store, buy another jackie, clip off the extra interior button and return the darn thing back to the store.
ReplyDeleteProactive, no reactive is how you'll get things done when dealing w/those people in CS! :P
Omg what a freaking disaster with the scarves. I was thinking of using my rewards card on the one that "looks" orange but once again jcrew makes it too hard to even bother shopping with them. That crewlet price ticks me off too. Can u use a rewards card over the phone at the outlet?
ReplyDeleteI *thought* I saw that scarf the last time I was at the crewlet, but I didn't look too closely as I figured for sure it had to be a non-retail cotton version or something. They did the same thing with Arrow sweaters and Benny jackets last fall. The Bennys were down to like $20 with discounts and all and were still full price in the retail online section. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteI actually miss the days when my catalogs would arrive and I would get soooo excited as I rummaged through them looking for coupons that weren't there. Now I rummage through my mailbox looking for catalogs that aren't there. First January, and now February. Where is the love?
ReplyDeleteResponding to MDPA - I have the Bonbon coat, and I think it runs fairly true to size. I am about 5'4", and got a size 10 Petite, which is perfect for me. It is not a long coat; maybe just about fingertip length?
ReplyDeleteI got it in the spicy russet color, and I love it, have gotten many compliments.
One thing - if you are wide-hipped, be aware that the narrowest part of the coat is at the hips. But because it buttons so high, it seems to work fine for my wide hips - the bottom just opens up a bit if I wear it completely buttoned. I tend to wear it with only the top button done or unbuttoned, however.
Hope all this helps!
Thank you, carmencatalina!
ReplyDeletejcbellemarie - Thanks for sharing that. The long wait is making me rethink any future Madewell purchases. I would hate to have a return, so I'll probably only bite on something I feel I absolutely have to have. Then I'll be praying it fits.
ReplyDelete