There was a day and age when buying shoes online wasn’t an option. You had to visit a local store to make a purchase. But that all changed with the growth in the popularity of online stores. Today, you can comparison shop and buy any type of shoe imaginable via the internet.
There are many benefits of online shopping for shoes, such as the ability to compare the selection and prices from multiple stores.
If you’re ready to buy shoes online, here are five things you should first consider.
1. The brand and type of shoe
For example, if you’re buying a brand that you’re already familiar with, you probably have a clear idea of how they fit. This reduces the risk of buying the wrong size and having to manage the return process.
The same holds true concerning the type of shoe. Are you buying high heels? Boots? Tennis shoes? You know how each type generally fits you.
Unless you have a defined direction, take the time to compare brands and shoe types to ensure yourself of making a confident purchase. There’s no shortage of online stores that sell shoes. The more you compare the better off you’ll be.
2. Shipping cost
This is one of the primary drawbacks of buying online. But there’s a silver lining: most online stores in today’s day and age offer free shipping. This allows you to get what you want, without any additional cost.
Take into consideration that some stores have a minimum purchase amount to get free shipping. For instance, you may need to spend $50 for free shipping. In this case, buying shoes on sale could result in shipping costs.
There’s nothing wrong with paying for shipping, just make sure you don’t end up paying more than you would by simply visiting a local store.
3. Return policy
Any time you buy a product online, you’ll always have concerns about whether it will meet your standards. This is why you need to be familiar with the return policy. How many days do you have to process a return and receive a full refund? Is there a restocking fee? Who pays for the return shipping?
Most online stores have buyer-friendly return policies, but that’s not the case across the board. Don’t take anything for granted. Double-check this detail before you make a purchase. Doing so could save you time and money in the future.
4. Shipping timeline
One of the primary drawbacks of buying shoes online is the shipping timeline. In other words, you place an order today but you have to wait for the shoes to arrive on your doorstep. This is in contrast to buying in person and taking the item home with you on the spot.
Shipping timelines vary from company to company, based on various factors. Furthermore, you may have to spend additional money for expedited shipping, such as overnight or two days.
At checkout, compare all available shipping options so that you choose the one that best suits you. If you don’t need your shoes right away, opt for the free option. But if you’re in a rush, consider what else is available to you.
5. Fit
This is the top concern of most people shopping for shoes online. You have found what you’re looking for, but don’t know how they’ll fit. You also don’t know what size is right for you.
The best way to protect against this is by reading online reviews. This helps you understand what other consumers think of a specific product. Maybe you find that a certain brand runs big or small. You can use this knowledge to adjust how you approach your purchase.
If you buy shoes online that don’t fit, you’ll be forced to return them. And that takes time and in some cases money.
Final thoughts
There’s a lot to think about when buying shoes online, but nothing that you can’t manage if you take the right approach. With a solid return policy, there’s no mistake so big that you can’t fix it. You always have the option to return your purchase for a refund.
Do you often purchase shoes online? Why is this your preferred method? Is there anything you would add to the list above?
