In the current age of internet sales, my recent experience with sosweetboutique online conjures up bad online buying memories from the 1990's!
As a very active mother of four, I purchase numerous items online and have come to appreciate retailers that offer certain conveniences such as online tracking, practical shipping and a reasonable return policy.
Actually, I am wiling to pay a relatively high premium for these conveniences!
Variability in retailer/manufacturer sizing has motivated me and my family to routinely purchase more than one size of any one item--typically resulting in a return of the less desirable item.
I recently purchased a very pretty dress from sosweetboutique online in two different sizes. Although I paid for premium shipping, the dresses arrived in a time frame similar to that expected for UPS ground.
The web site states that customer service is available between 9A and 5P Monday thru Friday and between 11A and 5P Saturday.
However if you call during these hours, be prepared to leave your purchase and contact information on voicemail--in hopes that someone returns your call in a reasonable time frame. I left my information shortly after 9A (store time) on a week day and my call was returned at the end of the work day--roughly eight hours later.
Customer service informed me that the delayed arrival was related to a manufacturer delay and was NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY of sosweetboutique online. I WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED SOME NOTICE THAT THE SHIPMENT WOULD BE DELAYED.
Customer service also informed me that I would NOT be able to return either of the dresses (""as spelled out on the web page"").
I was left with some very negative feelings and two dresses that my daughter was unable to wear to a christmas pageant. Fortunately the dresses are quite pretty and will likely make some young girls very happy this holiday season as they will be donated to a local charity.
Unless this retailer changes tactics, I will NEVER purchase another item from sosweetboutique online--the same goes for a number of upscale mothers who were present while I was perusing the sosweetboutique site prior to making my most recent purchase.
I understand that sosweetboutique started out a few years ago primarily as an online retailer. Their site emphasizes customer service, however if my recent experience with them exemplifies their idea of customer service, they should consider making a few changes.
Until then, if you are considering a purchase through this retailer, do so with care.
1. Give yourself a generous time window and consider contacting customer service prior to making any purchase to outline the details of the order and inquire about any potential delay in shipping.
2. Take accurate measurements of the person who will be wearing the purchased item(s).
3. Hope the sizing is accurate and hope that the photograph on the site truly captures the essence of the item you are considering.
4. The website is a bit complex, however if you take your time, the site offers some helpful information, see FAQs.
Despite the difficulties I have encountered, sosweetboutique online does have a very nice selection of goods. The sellers should consider raising the prices on their online items SLIGHTLY to cover the expenses of certain conveniences that are becoming commonplace in the universe of online sales.
Pros: Appealing Dress designs
Cons: Delayed shipping, Marginal Customer Service
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