Online Shopping Guide

Did you know that it wasn’t until 2013 that I first bought clothing online? As a plus size woman, I found it hard enough to find clothes that fit well in stores and I just didn’t want to risk ordering the wrong size and having to send it back. Fortunately, I did a bit of research and decided to take the plunge (and have to admit I’m a little addicted to the freedom that online shopping offers!), and now I can share my wisdom with you…

How do I know what size to choose?

1. Measure yourself
Every brand has different sizing, and will usually have a sizing guide on their website.  Invest in a decent measuring tape and measure yourself (or get someone else to help you) regularly.

2. Do your research
Check your favourite blogs to see if they’ve reviewed whatever item you’re looking at.  Bloggers often share whether or not they recommend sizing up or down on a garment, or failing that – just ask the company directly! If you want to know more about what size I’m wearing in a particular garment, or how I find the fit, please feel free to leave me a comment on the relevant post or post on my facebook page. I usually respond pretty quickly!

What if it doesn’t fit/it turns out to be nothing like the picture?

1. Check the return/exchange policy
It’s usually pretty easy to return your purchase if it doesn’t fit properly, or it’s not what you expected. Some places that have physical stores will also let you return things to a store rather than mailing it back – just make sure you check the policy!

2. Consider getting it altered
If it’s not quite the right shape or a little bit big, consider having it altered! Ask around for a good tailor in your area, and get them to customise the fit for you – it will look fabulous!

Where should I shop?

1. Make sure you choose a reputable retailer
If a website looks dodgy, it might be best to avoid it. Poor design and strange web addresses are two red flags to watch out for. Keep an eye out for the SSL lock and never ever buy anything online using your credit card from a site that doesn’t have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. You’ll know if the site has SSL because the URL for the site will start with https:// (instead of just http://). An icon of a locked padlock will appear, typically in the status bar at the top or bottom of your web browser.

2. Get recommendations
Ask your friends where they shop! Also, make sure you check out our shopping directory – you’re bound to find some new gems!

3. I want to buy something from a country that doesn’t ship to New Zealand
Some companies don’t offer shipping to New Zealand, which is a total pain. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out though – New Zealand Post have a freight forwarding service called YouShop that allows you to have your purchases shipped to an address in the UK or USA and then they’ll send your stuff on to NZ. Nice and easy!

How much will this cost me?

1. Check the currency
Some places offer the ability for you to purchase in different currencies. Always check what currency you’re purchasing in before you buy, and try to use the same currency your bank account is in, otherwise you could incur extra charges.

2. Check the shipping costs
Shipping can get really expensive, so to be honest I usually stick to places that offer free shipping or reasonably priced shipping for what I’m purchasing. For example if I’m buying a $20 top, I don’t want to pay $50 shipping…

3. Know your customs limits
Every country has different limits on the value of goods you can bring in to the country before you’re charged extra taxes. In New Zealand, the limit is very low (around $220NZD for women’s clothing before you’re charged extra taxes, opposed to Australia’s $1000AUD limit), which can get VERY expensive. For example, a $230 purchase with free shipping could cost you approximately $107.84 in duty and GST (yikes!). The New Zealand Customs Service has put together this handy duty calculator that will give you a hand working out what your charges might be if you’re having things shipped to NZ.

Do you have any tips for people shopping online, or any questions of your own?

xo Meagan