As you know I tried out stitch fix a few weeks ago and posted about how my first fix was a bust, but I had high hopes for the next one. Well, I received the second one. The second one was better than the first, but I found some major flaws in the whole Stitch Fix business. Here are the problems I see and how I would tell Stitch Fix to improve.
As you know I wasn't happy with my first fix. Two basic problems existed in that fix: 1.) I specifically requested an item they had posted on instagram and they didn't send it and 2.) I really do not think they had looked at the Pinterest board I provided for inspiration of what I was looking for.
Solution: 1.) If someone requests an item and you are unable to send it, include a little note that you were out of their size (or whatever), and provide an alternative item that they may like in it's place. This was not done for my first fix. I was just left wondering if they had even read my request.
2.) Since stitch fix asks for your Pinterest board for inspiration, maybe adding a note about including an item because it was similar to one you pinned would make the customer feel like you really were a personal stylist and not just shoving items in a box.
As a side note on this, I've read that some people have received notes like I am suggesting above, however, nothing was ever commented on in my fixes.
I realize that the personal notes would take a bit more time, but it is supposed to be a Personal Styling service. Let's add a little bit more personalization, Stitch Fix.
So on to my second fix. The first problem was there were only 4 items in my box, but five were listed on the receipt. That wasn't a huge deal because I am a totally believer that accidents happen. But for me the MAJOR issue that I had with the second fix is some items Stitch Fix uses are available elsewhere at HALF the price. Upon realizing this, I decided I cannot trust Stitch Fix. Here, let me give you an example:
This shirt was in my second fix--Everly Pleated Sleeveless Polka Dot Blouse.
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Stitch Fix price $68. The same exact item can be purchased HERE for $34. And that is not a sale price. After realizing the price markup, I felt like Stitch Fix isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Another example that I found was this blouse that I've seen in other people's fixes--Everly Bird Print Blouse.
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Those are just two examples. I am pretty sure there are more out there.
Solution: My advice to Stitch Fix is that they need to stick with labels created just for their use--like their 41 Hawthorn line is I think. People may be willing to pay the higher prices for the Stitch Fix items if that is the only way to get them. And I do realize that the business model for Stitch Fix has an increased cost, but I'm not going to pay that extra cost if I can buy the same item elsewhere. It's called comparison shopping, Stitch Fix. Your making your company look bad and customers are losing trust in you when they realize they are paying way more money than necessary for the clothing.
So if any of you blog readers are still enjoying getting fixes, my recommendation is to always google the brands to make sure you aren't paying too much. Hopefully soon Stitch Fix will move to exclusive brands so that customers won't feel cheated when paying the Stitch Fix price.
***Update to this post found HERE***
***Update to this post found HERE***
31 comments:
Thank you for your honesty Michelle! A few months ago I read lots of great SF reviews, and almost jumped on board (I even got on the wait list and did my style profile). I am really glad I didn't hop on the bandwagon. Some of the clothes are cute, but I've really never had a problem finding cute clothes (my problem is deciding to spend the money on something)......eventually I started noticing the people who raved about the company were getting their clothes for free or very cheap through their referrals. Which is great for them, but probably affects their reviews. Anyone would be happy with free clothes! I agree that the price markup is unacceptable. $70 on a $35 shirt is ridiculous!
Wow! What a bummer! I was waiting to see how you liked it before considering it. I won't be considering it now!
I felt this way to some extent at first too, but I would urge you or anyone to think of it differently. I have no affiliation but just received fix #1, and while I could track down items and etc., I feel like for me the idea is to get them sent to you and chosen for you -- I could find some of them, but would never have thought to look unless I got them and tried them. Then there's shipping, and paying and returning if the quality isn't good or they don't fit, whereas with a fix you can trust that they are decent, no up front charge. I settled on the theory of not looking for the items, not thinking about comparison shopping, and just doing it for yourself as a thing. I think it's just a way of thinking about it.
I think it is important that you were honest. I would agree if you are selling a personal stylist service then you should be hitting the mark pretty close on their style likes. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I remember you posting about Stitch Fix and was curious how you liked the service.
I loved my first box from Stitch Fix, but my second box really disillusioned me. The first box was a good style hit but in the second I only wanted to keep one piece, which turned out to be a $68 blouse. I didn't want to lose the $20 styling fee, but I reasoned that I could buy a blouse I loved (instead of just liked) for the $48 I still had to settle up to keep this blouse, so returned the whole lot.
I was further disillusioned when I received a $12 order from Zulily and realized it was the exact same designer as one of my keepers from the first box. I feel like I can DIY the Stitch Fix effect by ordering cheap, trendy pieces that might be a little outside my norm from Zulily & by ordering from Modcloth and being prompt with returns.
Thank you for your honesty. I was on the wait list and was finally 'accepted' but I totally agree... I can bargain shop and find cute stuff for a fraction of these prices. It would be worth the mark up if the stylist REALLY 'knew' you and picked things specifically for your style/body type... but the more blogs I read, the more I notice that the stylist changes and preferences are being ignored. Now THAT is not worth the extra money.
Thank you for validating that little voice in the back of my head.
Hey!
So I am a lover of Stitch Fix but I also have had ups and downs with the company. I have looked before and found some of the tops on sale elsewhere. But I am thinking that I wouldn't have found these cute tops without the help of Stitch Fix.
Also, I have heard if you are specifically requesting an item and don't receive it. They are 1. out of the size 2. they think it might not fit for the body type that you put on the style profile.
Just some helpful suggestions:)
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with your readers. I think it's so important to give people both sides of the story. These subscription boxes are not perfect. But I've received nine SF boxes now and I've loved something in every one of them. My notes from the stylists are always personal. Part of that I chalk up to how thorough I try to be in the comments of each check-out experience. I'm seven months pregnant and each month the stylist (a different) one, shares why she chose a piece, how she thinks it will accommodate my tummy and wishes me a healthy pregnancy. They also frequently reference my Pinterest board. I live in a city where I can't always depend on the one mall, Target and TJ Maxx to deliver the style I'm accustomed to, so this box is perfect for me. I like to comparison shop, but that's not my primary reason for using this service. It's to be taken outside of my comfort zone, to have pieces that are unique to where I live and to have the convenience of the items coming to me. The service is not for everybody, but for me it has been worth it. Thanks again for sharing your experience!
Thank you for you honest opinion :) I was looking into this but decided against it. I actually do enjoy going out and shopping and especially after reading your review it just affirmed my feelings on it. I can probably find clothes I love at a good price all by myself...
FYI, I just found a compant called "threadup" that sells 41Hawthorn clothing at nearly half the price SF sells (http://www.thredup.com/catalog/women/brands/4/19390). As Shelly mentioned, the items were drastically marked up on Stitch Fix where this website is showing a shirt for nearly double the price. Thank you for your honest feedback. I was skeptical and a friend told me to try StitchFix. I am canceling today.
I also want to give up on Stitch Fix. I got my third today and it was just TERRIBLE. Nothing fit. It was all lose and baggy when I asked for fitted. I asked for colorful and got dark green, grey, black, and white...not colorful at all! My 2nd box they ignored my request not to send jewelry. I just wanted 20 dollars and I won't be doing that again. The problem is I have another 55 in credits, so I feel like I need to do it again to get rid of the credits before quitting.
I just want to say that as a busy working mom (and a person who contributes a lot of time contributing to childhood cancer non-profits, I don't have time to shop for cute things (nor do I have the eye). I really enjoy Stitch Fix. My time is worth the mark up. At one point in my life I looked into hiring a stylist and it cost much, much more to hire her than it did to pay this addition markup cost. I am a woman who lost a 9 year old daughter to cancer. I always ask myself would I rather spend my time with my family than trying on clothes? YES! I would. Send it to me and if I love it great! It is worth an extra $15 and I can get on with spending extra time with my 17 year old who is only going to be home with me for another year before going off to college. Precious time. I only keep 2 or 3 of the items that the spend me but I am learning about brands that I never knew about when I was limited to the mall and TJ Max previously. I love it, but I realize that not everyone has the budget to take advantage. Just my .02 cents.
i tried stitch fix and hated it. i thought i was going to get a full outfit but nope. i got things i would never wear. and none of them went with anything i have. i think this stitch fix thing is a joke. there are other places that do this and will actually listen to what you like and don't like and will send you a full outfit not just some random things. keep searching lady's there are other company's who actually care and you and what you look like.
Direct from the StitchFix FAQ:
What if I see an item in my Stitch Fix package elsewhere for a lower price?
If you find an identical product at another online retailer within 7 days of receiving the item, we will match the lower price for you and for future clients receiving that product. Please email us the details of your item as well as a link to the lower-priced item to hello@stitchfix.com so our buying team can confirm; if the product is identical, we will match the lower price and credit you the difference. We do our best to ensure that our pricing is competitive and appreciate your help in making sure that this is always true.
There's also Designer Mystery Box: It's a curated box of 3+ designer items, with a total retail value of $500+, specially tailored to your style for as low as $125 (depending on subscription chosen). You can get a $99 deal right now through Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/273326864/designer-mystery-box
I wouldn't trust their supposed "price match guarantee" either. I just purchased all 5 items in my box (a first in my 9 boxes) and found an LA Made top they priced at $68 on 6pm.com for $20. I alerted them to this within 7 days and all I received back was, "I'm sorry, but we cannot price match this item." I'm sorry, what is the point of a PMG, then? And why not a more thorough explanation of why you won't price match the item? It's clearly the same item, just with a different cutesy name. In my 9 fixes, I've kept items I wasnt a huge fan of and haven't worn, in order to not lose $20. I have had 3 fixes where I kept one item I absolutely adored, one where I sent everything back and lost $20 because I got awful subpar items (one had a gaping hole in it) , and this latest where I kept all 5 because I would have paid Stitch Fix $2 more to return the LA Made top which I actually hate, it doesn't fit, and I will never wear it. I'm extremely frustrated with this latest fix. I don't know if I'll continue it because I feel this service has become kind of like a popularity contest or a clique. Which is great for SF, you've created a successful business based off how people think psychologically. They want to be a part of the company because now, it's "cool" and desirable to say you've used their service.
While you are honest, I think you didn't get the process. Part of the service is finding the item for you. You couldn't comparison shop until they sent you the item in the first place. And part of what I like is that they send me things I would never choose for myself. I have had two boxes and both times I have pulled out an item that I thought I would hate. Instead I end up loving it! I kept everything out of my last box. I don't have time to shop for coordinating, out of my comfort zone styles, nor am I good at it, so Stitch Fix has been great for me. But, like everything, you have to have the right attitude about what to expect.
I felt the same way about Stitch Fix!! I was looking for an alternative and found Golden Tote! https://www.goldentote.com/points/invitation/new/from/NTE3ODQ,/ Try it and please post a review. Not sure if you already reviewed it - will look for your review now if so! It is similar to Stitch Fix but better price points and I just got mine and loved it!
Just an fyi, they will match the price of you find it online cheaper....
As a Personal Stylist who works with women in person and one-on-one, I can understand why you were disappointed with StitchFix. As someone who has never used them myself though, in their defense, charging only $20 for a "Styling Session" (and no shipping costs) is insanely cheap...so they do have to make their money somewhere (ie. marking up the clothing prices). That's why paying more money to work one-on-one with a Personal Stylist is more expensive but worth the price tag thanks to the completely individualized service and no mark ups on clothing. I guess you just have to pick your preference. To have someone help you choose and source your clothing items, you will have to pay somewhere (either for the experts time or for the clothing). :-)
On the Stitch Fix website they say "If you find an identical product at another online retailer within 7 days of receiving the item, we will match the lower price for you and for future clients receiving that product. Please email us the details of your item as well as a link to the lower-priced item to hello@stitchfix.com so our buying team can confirm; if the product is identical, we will match the lower price and credit you the difference. We do our best to ensure that our pricing is competitive and appreciate your help in making sure that this is always true."
I personally like it because although I love to shop and love to bargain shop I either never have time or would never have chosen what stitch fix would send me. Almost every time i open the box and think... "humm... this will not look good" and I am pleasantly surprised almost every time to the point of keeping the item. They don't necessarily send me the exact items on my pinterest board but they send me things within the style that i have shown them. I think they are a win!!
I've been a Stitch Fix customer and fan since February and have just received my 5th fix. I've had the same stylist for each fix and have always found her to be responsive to my requests and attentive to both my profile and my feedback. Last fix I requested a particular skirt which they did not have in stock. Hillary, my stylist, was quick to offer a suitable substitute that I ended up falling in love with, and promised to keep tabs on their stock and send my requested skirt when it came in. I also don't mind paying a little extra since I'm unusually tall and normally have a difficult time fining clothes. It's such a relief to have clothes chosen specifically for me with my style and unusual sizing in mind, AND they are delivered straight to my door. That being said, I'm curious about this GoldenTote mentioned in another comment and have decided to give it a try.
I just canceled my Stitch Fix "subscription" after 3 boxes. I gave them leeway with the 1st one, but gave them plenty of info about my style, color preferences, & the fact that I am 60, not 25. The next 2 boxes sent colors I had marked AVOID on my style profile, & items totally not suitable for someone my age, even after very pointed comments for the stylist--who, by the way, was a different person each time. They say they dress any age, but that is doubtful. I didn't mind the prices--as someone said, they have to make money somehow, & part of the price is convenience. Also, to be fair, the free shipping & easy return process is a real plus.
Gotta say that I have been unimpressed with StitchFix as well. In the beginning I felt that they delivered fairly well, but as I used it a few more times I felt like my comments weren't being read. E.g., I said "no prints" and got two things with prints, or "no more jeans" -- got a pair in the next box. I also feel like they are a little "old" looking depending on your profile. I am 41, but I look a little young for my age and I don't want to dress like an old lady! When I said I needed something nice for my 40th bday night out I got a long dress that was more day than night, and a few other pieces that honestly read more "50" than "40." Also -- their "refer a friend" offer is bogus. You just get a $5 styling credit as opposed to $20 fee but they could never explain why. Had to stop.
Stitchfix is awesome. Don't listen to the naysayers. You are paying for convenience. If you think you can effectively use your time to find these items and create outfits the way Stitchfix stylists do, then you don't need the service in the first place. But most of us will never look as good on our own or have the time or skill set needed to pull these outfits together.
I know this is an old post but I wanted to add my experience....
I was on fix #7 when a real leather jacket arrived. This was something I had asked for. The jacket was priced at $288. I loved it. Before buying it, however, I did a price check as the jacket was not from a Stitch Fix in-hourse label, but a rather prominent designer. I found it to be and old style that was now on clearance at BlueFly, Lord and Taylor AND the designers own website. If I would have purchased the one I received from SF I would have paid $160 more than those that were on clearance.
I researched and found that SF does price matching. I sent them an email with two links to the jacket on clearence. I thought I should see if they would price match in order to keep the business with SF, after all, they were the ones that found the jacket for me. I wanted to stay loyal to them and not just use their service as a 'try on' service. Yet I also did not want to overpay by more than $100.
SF said they would send the links by their buyers and match the pricing if the buyers said the items were the same. I was confident this would be the case as the item was distinct- it was very easy to see they were the same. However, this did not happen. The buyers said that because the zipper had a slightly different metal color than the two I had linked them to, that they were not the same. The customer service rep then tried to explain that SF worked with the name brand to create an item just like theirs but slightly different so that they can say at SF that it is a 'Stitch Fix Exclusive'. Was that supposed to make me feel better?
I sent the jacket and all other items back despite the fact there were a couple things I wanted to keep. I simply felt like they were no longer trustworthy and I did not feel right keeping anything. I canceled my automatic subscription and also canceled the next scheduled fix. It was fun while it lasted but I am sad to be left with a bad taste in my mouth for this company.
Stitchfix is so much more than just the item. It is a way to have a stylist without traveling to a store. It is a way to become yourself without knowing what your style is ( bc you are not a stylist!). Your critique was way off what this company entails and what they offer women like me, who have no sense of style. It was my saving grace for clothes.
Well I am on Stitch fix #5 and have found the fixes to get better and better, and the process simple.
The reason I did stitch fix is because I really hate shopping for clothes. I don't have great taste, but if someone says that will look good on you, it often does. I know they have looked at my pinterest wall and have individualized my fixes, they even use my words, in the note to me.
So, tonight I am confirming I am keeping all 5 of the items in my fix. Yes, sometimes you might find something less expensive, but the time it takes to find it and get it may outweigh the convenience of the service.
I do not have any relation to the company, but wanted to share my satisfaction. It has become a 'team building" activity at work with my colleagues, and I have them open my box.. they get a thrill out of it. I also found, after I get a fix, the fix opens my eyes to so many fashion possibilities that sometimes I get on line and find additional items , that will compliment what is in my fix... like it gives me shopping confidence.. a fascinating outcome.
ThredUp is a resale site, so of course the prices are cheaper.
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Someone mentioned getting items for half the price at THREADUP, but let's be clear, the Thread Up clothes are USED! They are NOT NEW. I'm not from StitchFix, and I ALWAYS google my items, some I keep, some I don't. I've received several items from the designer, Liverpool, and they've ALWAYS been the same price as the designer's site. If I keep all my items, of course you know, it's then 25% cheaper than the designer. My latest box was from a different stylist and she wrote a VERY DETAILED note to me, reflecting attention paid to my last request. The clothing also reflected that. I'm always going to shop around, but if I can't find it elsewhere, and I like what was sent, I'll keep it. I'm also checking out Wantable to see how they compare.
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