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WaqasAltaf
IQ Crew
Saturday December 8, 2012 8:38:55 AM
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@ stotheco

Free shipping is a bad idea IMHO unless it is in the same city. Nonetheless, the cost is incurred even when we are talking about within city making too many returns bad for the financial health of the retailer. I dont think there is an alternative to this as the retailer cannot display on the counter "No return policy" due to the competition these days.

stotheco
IQ Crew
Thursday December 6, 2012 2:56:03 PM
no ratings

Sometimes, the reason for the return is none other than buyer's remorse. In short, over-buying, or not really thinking about it until the excitement of the sale wears off. In the end, retailers suffer because they have to pay for shipping (if they offer free shipping for returns) and either re-shelve the item or dispose of it. If they do the latter, it's also a very wasteful practice. Definitely makes sense to work hard at avoiding returns because it sets off a chain of unfortunate events.

stotheco
IQ Crew
Thursday December 6, 2012 2:53:59 PM
no ratings

Thanks for the link. This is the first time I've ever heard of being able to feel the texture of goods over the Internet. Strange but definitely interesting!

Kim Davis
Thinkernetter
Wednesday December 5, 2012 2:35:49 PM
no ratings

That's curiously compelling, Mary, not to say a little weird.  Thanks.

Mary E. Shacklett
Thinkernetter
Wednesday December 5, 2012 10:39:26 AM
no ratings

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/12/prototype-creat.php

Above is a link for you to look at, Alison.

I wrote about this several years ago in connection with the Internet2 initiative.

Texture was being used in specialized applications for handicapped persons who had difficulty seeing images.

At the time, it was also being experimented with by a few retailers who wanted to demonstrate textures of fabrics.

 

Alison Diana
Thinkernetter
Wednesday December 5, 2012 9:16:51 AM
no ratings

I thought I was a pretty savvy online shopper, Mary, but I have not heard or seen that. Please tell us more! Any examples you can link to -- either articles or sites, please?

Mary E. Shacklett
Thinkernetter
Wednesday December 5, 2012 8:38:18 AM
no ratings

Yes!--And in some cases, retailers even have tactile Internet to where you can feel the texture of an item. 

Alison Diana
Thinkernetter
Tuesday December 4, 2012 3:14:09 PM
no ratings

Some online stores have tried to work around this by allowing shoppers to upload their photo and virtually try on clothes. In our social world, shoppers can also share their prospective looks with friends via Facebook or other social networks. This isn't how I shop, but I can imagine this being popular with my daughter and her friends, perhaps. It's definitely worked for eyeglasses, for example. 

Mary E. Shacklett
Thinkernetter
Tuesday December 4, 2012 9:12:03 AM
no ratings

It's always good to have a physical outlet of the  store "standing by" if you purchase clothes online.

This eases the returns process, if you end up having to make  a return. 

Mashka
Researcher
Tuesday December 4, 2012 8:43:08 AM
no ratings

I have never understood, how is it possible to  buy clothes online.

Shoes is something ,I can  understand- you find a brand, you go to their store, you find out what is your size and  you get what your want , and most probably it fits you.I know girls who do this with Victoria secrets things.

But clothes! Even if it's your size, there is no garantee, that this item looks good on you. I have started to buy online  from the first on line stores and I can say that I feel pretty  and , but buying clothes? No,  way too risky.

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