Zappos, painfree shoe shopping
Sad as it may be, I am not afraid to admit that a large part of my life takes place on the internet. It’s just so convenient. Sometimes my real life takes a hit for it- more time is spent on Myspace than I would like (although admittedly, I have cut back so that I spend only half the time on there that I have at the same time last year) because it’s often easier to leave someone a comment than to call them up and chit chat. However, for the most part the internet’s part in my life is quite helpful- I order movie tickets ahead of time on fandango, google directions using google maps (which, PS, since my relocation to NYC has become a life saver– at least I know usually have SOME broad idea about how to get where I’m going, and a general sense of direction), do all my word processing/spreadsheets in google documents, and purchase any music I download from the iTunes store. Last, but not least, a few times a year, I purchase shoes online, from Zappos. I haven’t purchased a pair of shoes in a shoe store in I don’t even know how many years. Ain’t it amazing?
I say amazing because like clothing, shoes are something that many people are very fickle about. People are not likely to plop down upwards of eighty dollars on something they haven’t been able to try on and walk around the store in. Zappos free shipping for returns no questions asked policy lulls potential customers into ordering because, hey, if it doesn’t fit, just send it back and get the size that does! Tactile investigation aside, this site has fantastic photos of their products from every angle- including details like the stitching or riveting, in every color offered. What you see is what you get.
The most annoying thing I find about this site is its layout and navigation. I can’t offer any ideas on how to improve it, but I do find after browsing for a few minutes I find the site cluttered and difficult to navigate to get to where I want to be. Also, they are able to keep their prices lower than you’d pay in store by offering old stock and last season’s styles. However, for cheap shoes (with free shipping!!!) I guess its a small price to pay…
They carry most popular brands in a variety of styles, color, price range, all with some sort of free shipping offer. If you haven’t made the leap to online clothing/shoe shopping, Zappos is a very friendly place to start. Go check it out!