The Savvy Hijabi: An Introduction
January 22nd, 2009This is a new weekly column to help you shop online, and focus on the best prices with the least amount of time and effort (after all, there is more to life than shopping).
I started shopping online eight years ago when found that I could save time, energy, and money. There are some tricks to getting it right, which is why this column is here to help.
All of us have been hit in some way or other by the economic ‘recession’ and even luxury magazines are touting “shopping your closet,” and “how to be a recessionista.”
We’ve been told how much stores are hurting, and we witnessed sales that rivaled the post holiday seasons of the past. But, have you noticed that some of these sales have remained the same, even now? That is, they haven’t gotten better?
Have you noticed the new trend among online stores is to force online coupon websites like RetailMeNot and NaughtyCodes to remove their codes? This is to encourage shoppers to sign up with their email addresses on the stores’ own web sites to get new information about upcoming sales and promotion codes (hoping they will also frequently check their web sites).
This is a two-edged sword, because as much as I want those promotion codes, I do not want my in box flooded with dozens of individual stores’ daily emails, which may or may not be of interest to me.
What you can expect in future columns:
People tend to shy away from online shopping, fearing what they will have to do if their order does not work out. I will show you the best online shops that provide free returns and labels in the box or package so you can set the return package outside your door for pickup by UPS or USPS. Online businesses increasingly realize this is a must for customers.
Many online businesses either have brick and mortar stores, or sell items that can be found in shops. Try stuff on in the store to be sure you know your size before ordering. Also, after ordering a few times from the same brand, shop, or company, you can feel confident in their sizing.
Have you ever bemoaned the same old same old shops in your town? Not all of us live in Chicago, LA, or New York City! There are many unique online boutiques designed to stand alone or complement physical stores that most of us have never heard of, and that fit well with a Muslim woman’s lifestyle. They may not advertise, but I’ll help you find them!
This Week’s Hot Tip:
Did you know that if you purchased an item online you usually have about two weeks to get a price adjustment?
All you have to do is CALL them-that’s right, they can do it over the phone and you do not have to threaten to return your purchases. Just have your order number ready.
Last year, I got a price adjustment of $70.00 for two sweaters purchased two weeks earlier. And, with businesses competing for fewer dollars, sometimes this is also up for negotiation, but that is a topic I will tackle next week.
The Savvy Hijabi writes a weekly column that runs every Thursday. If you have a question and want her to answer you in her next column, then send us an email (info@hijabtrendz.com) with Savvy Hijabi in the subject line!
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