My family loves to shop, but they love to bargain shop even more. Therefore, Shein has become one of the most popular online retailers not only among my circle of friends and family, but also within global markets. When you see its prices, you can easily understand why. It often has the latest styles for deep discounts which seem too good to be true. And sometimes…they are. Although you can’t beat its prices, some of its products will make you wonder if Shein is really saving you money.
Is Shein Really Saving You Money?
Many bargain shoppers have been using the app for years to buy cheap, fashionable clothing. However, sometimes it’s a gamble whether it is worth your money. Based on my own experiences, here’s why it may not be the deal you think.
Poor Quality
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. I never expected to get amazing quality items from Shein, but I also didn’t expect them to fall to pieces after only a few washes.
Even though some are more durable than others, most of the items I’ve ordered use cheap material. Others are so poorly constructed that they don’t even resemble the original product photos. If you are having to pay for returns or replace staple pieces every few years, discount fashion may not be saving you money in the long run.
Disparity in Sizing
While it has gotten better over the last few years, sizing has always been an issue for me. Since I’m petite, I struggle to find clothes that fit correctly. Furthermore, U.S. standard sizes are very different from international ones. Items that are marketed as the same size fit differently, making it difficult to know which one will work for you.
Although it has become more consistent, I still usually buy multiple sizes to get the right fit. Unfortunately, this leads to larger totals and a longer return process.
The Return Process
Some online shoppers have an efficient return process to ensure they never miss a refund. However, I know many more people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of returning items. And when you order from Shein, there will be plenty of returns.
But if you want your refund, you have to postmark it within 35 days of the original purchase, submit photos of your returns, and match it with the original packaging. Any deviation from their process will drag it out. And even though they cover the first return on every order, it will cost you an additional $7.99 plus packaging fees if you decide to return any other items in your order.
Since the items are cheap to begin with, it may not seem worth your time to deal with returns. In the end, you may wind up eating the cost and paying for items you don’t want.
Investing in Quality
Just because you find something at a good price doesn’t make it a good investment. If you are constantly having to replace cheap clothing items year after year, it is probably costing you more than you realize.
In the end, I believe it’s better to invest in quality products. When you take a long view of your finances, you can understand why Shein isn’t the bargain it claims to be. It’s better to spend more on well-made items that will last for years to come. Instead of filling your closet with cheap pieces that will only last a season, look for quality over quantity.
We’d love to hear from you. What has been your experience with buying from Shein?
Read More
- Here’s Why Price History Checker Is Your Friend for Online Shopping
- Clothing Shopping Tips: How to Score the Best Deals and Discounts
- Is Online Return Becoming A Dilemma?
- Want To Know The Secrets On How To Stack Shein Coupons?
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
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