How to Improve Online Shopping

As so much shopping moves to online I find that I am missing some things that used to be an expectation during my shopping trips. I’m here to help you learn how to improve online shopping. And it starts with me.

Amazon or other online websites are great for those things that you use a lot or that don’t need to be a particular size. Shopping for clothes online, however, can be a bit of a hit or miss situation.

Clothes don’t fit

Recently I started looking at clothes online. I rarely buy new clothes online. Easy for me to say because I can sew clothes that are perfect for my body. I know that not everybody can do that. I also don’t trust that clothes bought online will fit my plus size body. Bad online shopping experiences in the past have moved me back to shopping in a store so I can try things on.

Here’s a problem with that – it’s so demoralizing. Even if I can find something that fits it isn’t very flattering on my wider hips, short waist and narrow shoulders. Factory made clothes are cut to an imaginary perfect measurement which doesn’t fit almost anyone correctly.

Now of course you can have those clothes altered to fit well. In a perfect world everyone would know and love with their local tailor or dressmaker. This brings me to another problem. Many clothes in modern stores are not made to be easily altered. They have almost no seam allowance. this is so that the manufacturer can cut materials costs. Even some higher end clothes seem to be falling victim to this problem. Also, seams are usually serged. (That means that they have a stitch that covers the edges) A seam sewn that way it is difficult to open and resew. This is true with clothes purchased both in person and online.

Customer Service

I used to love shopping at Nordstrom. It was so easy to find someone working there who could stear me right to the spot where I would find several options that fit what I was looking for. They would always bring more sizes and other options they thought I might like. Recently I decided to shop at Nordstrom . On this trip it was difficult to find an open register let alone someone to give one on one attention.

If a better department store like Nordstrom who used to pride themselves on customer service is struggling you can forget finding anyone to talk to at a discount store. No wonder people are shopping online. If I have to do it all myself it may as well be convienient and in my pajamas.

There are some times that we need the help of an actual person. This guessing game is so frustrating. So many of the clients I do alterations for end up purchasing 4 or 5 dresses just to get one that kind of fits and sort of looks good.

So what is there to do?

I scoured the internet for clothes made to fit and here is what I found. I found several websites where you can choose your fabric but only from what they have available. You can choose your style but really there are only one or two options. You enter your measurements but there is no one to help you know if you are measureing correctly. Most of these sites were targeting women who are looking for business attire. The skirts are slim pencil skirts and the models are…model size so I have no idea how their skirts will look on me.

How is Beth Smith Textiles different?

When you choose to add a skirt made by me to your wardrobe my focus will be on you. I don’t have limited fabric options. We talk about what you have in mind. If necessary I make a sketch for you. Then I go shopping for the perfect print and fabric for what you need. I don’t hurry you in your decision making. I keep looking until you are thrilled with your choice.

We set up a video call so I can personally walk you through taking your measurements so that if you aren’t sure or you are nervous I can help. I can show you lots of styles and lengths on a body that is not a model’s body so you can get an idea of how you might look in the skirt.

As soon as I get the fabric I get to work and I keep you informed about the progress. I also send a tracking number to you as soon as the skirt ships out by priority mail.

Everything is packaged in an organza bag that you can use for anything you like once your skirt arrives.

I can”t wait to work with you to make your dream skirt come to life. I am positive that you will be back again and again for quality garments that will last for many years.

While you are thinking about how to improve the online shopping experience here is a post that has some great tips to keep your information safe and secure. I will never share or sell your information with any other organization.