When fashion online shops come to mind, most people may immediately think of popular websites Nordstrom, H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the like. However, the concept of selling fashion wearables is not a new trend. It has been around since the 1990s, and one of the pioneering website stores that you might have heard about at some point is Zappos.
They were among the top go-to online shops back in the day because of the big brands they are in partnership with that can boost your casual or formal wear.
They have been in business since 1999, and with the booming industry of online shopping, you might wonder whether their products could still compete with the more popular websites today.
In this article, you will gain insights about the specifications of Zappos, which will help you determine whether they are still a good online shop to buy your fashion items.
Product Overview: Zappos
In 1999, Zappos started with fashionable shoes for women. Although they sell fashion items, they do not sell their own brand. Instead, they are in partnership with several brands where they act as the middle-man between the consumer and seller. Therefore, their operation is more similar to Amazon and eBay than Nordstrom or H&M, which manufacture their own line of products.
However, they progressively rose to prominence due to the number of shoe brands they are in partnership with. But what made them popular back in the day was the wide variety of styles and shoe sizes available in their database. In particular, shoe sizes make it very convenient, especially if your size is hard to find.
Over the years, the company grew and started exploring selling other fashion items and accessories not only for women but for the entire family as well. Shoes are still the bread and butter of Zappos, but you will find other items on their website which include apparel and accessories. Some of the notable brands that they have connections with are Crocs, UGG, Hoka, The North Face, Brook, Hey Dude, New Balance, and On Running, just to name a few.
Payment Method, Shipping, and Returns
The user interface of Zappos is straightforward and feels very familiar. It works very similar to any online merchant: you create an account, choose the products you like, go to the checkout, and wait for your delivery.
However, what makes Zappos different from popular online merchants is the limitation of choices. Once you are happy with the items, you can either pay them through PayPal or online banking transactions. You can also redeem points or use coupons to allow you to have more discounts on your chosen product.
The good news about Zappos' shipment method is that the delivery will take only about 4 to 5 days since their main headquarters is in the United States. Another piece of information you have to know about Zappos is that Amazon owns them. This is important because you can use your Amazon Prime account to make the delivery a lot faster, which should only last about 24 hours.
Furthermore, what makes Zappos extra appealing is its 365-day refund policy. Thus, you can test the products all year long. And you can exchange the products if you are unhappy with the item you received or if you want to have your money.
The customer service is also very responsive and accommodating, and you can contact them either through their website or by contacting 888-926-7670. You have to provide the customer service with valid reasons for the return or exchange. Once they approve your request, they will provide you with an address where you will send the products back.
Why You Should Shop with Zappos'?
The following are the reasons why you should shop online with Zappos:
Authentic Brands
Probably, the primary reason why you should shop with Zappos is you can be sure that the products you are buying are authentic and made of quality materials. Unlike other online merchants, they are working directly with brands like The North Face, Crocs, UGG, VANS, etc.
Fast Delivery
If you are residing in the United States, you will receive your package within 4 to 5 days. In addition, you can receive what you ordered overnight if you have an Amazon Prime account. They also offer international shipping, but it may take longer than usual, which will depend on your location.
Nevertheless, they have a more reliable and organized shipping process, which is better than AliExpress or any Chinese-based online shop that will take months to reach a US address.
Responsive Customer Service
Zappos has very reliable customer support that you can depend on whenever you have queries or concerns about your apparel or tracking your package.
Positive Overall Rating on Sitejabber and the Better Business Bureau
The website has over 700 consumer reviews, and they have a high rating of 4.4 over 5 stars on Sitejabber and A+ on the Better Business Bureau.
Why Zappos May Not Be a Good Place to Shop?
Below are the reasons why Zappos May not be a good place to shop:
Expensive
The apparel and accessories that Zappos is selling are branded. So what this means is that they are slightly more expensive than those offered in a general online shop. Nevertheless, you don't have to worry about the quality of the shoes or clothing you are buying.
International Shipping Delays
You may receive your packages in just a matter of days if you are residing in the United States. However, short delays are possible if you are living overseas. The good news is it won't take long, and you won't experience the same shipping problems as with AliExpress or Wish.
Negative Rating on Trustpilot
Even though Zappos has a rating in Sitejabber, they have a subpar rating on Trustpilot which is 2.2 over 5 stars.
A High Number of Negative Experiences
Despite the A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, they have a poor 1.42 over 5-star rating with consumer experience. The complaints range from wrong items delivered, wrong sizes, and inconveniences related to returning the items they ordered.
Final Thoughts
Zappos has fallen into obscurity over the years. Some of you might only have heard of them today, while others are familiar with the websites but do not even know that they are still in operation. One of the reasons Zappos is the lack of diversity when it comes to the products they are selling, which is limited to apparel and accessories.
But an advantage of Zappos is they sell shoes and apparel directly from brands like The North Face or Crocs. Thus, you can be assured that you are receiving legitimate brands.
Furthermore, the shipment process is excellent as it will only take about a few days to reach its designated address if you are residing in the United States. If you are concerned with the product you receive or shipment, then you will greatly benefit from their responsive customer.
