When it comes to the membership only sites, it seems that Gilt has really emerged as the leader of them all. In the past I’ve asked about these members only shopping sites: are they our most affordable option? Are they causing us to buy too much, in the frenzy of the short time of availability?
Time has passed & I wanted to revisit my thoughts–especially considering I’ve now had the opportunity to actually shop with Gilt. It’s amazing to see the growth that Gilt has had– from increasing the number of sales at a time to the range of products offered to their newer Gilt Fuse (with a lower price point than Gilt), and the new Jetsetter (which I’m absurdly excited about).
Two things work in Gilt’s favor: the $25 crediting system (which I think is much encouraging than the $10 Rue La La offers) and the range of collections they carry. I was very lucky and had enough credits to first shop Gilt’s Final Sale this summer without losing out on my own sweet pennies.
Disappointments:
- The account credits in place of a refund option. I ordered 2 pairs of Melissa shoes, at a size 8, because Gilt encouraged you to order a size down. So I did, only to regret not ordering a size 9 like I intended. Now the cost of both pairs of shoes are credited to my account and not back to my credit card. Not only that, there’s no way for me to get them in a size 9, unless someone returns their pairs (I did manage to get one of them, but I didn’t have the credit to my account yet…so that too came back out of my own pocketbook).
- The uncertainty of ship time. The first time I ordered from them, I had no idea it would take upwards of 3 weeks to ship my shoes. This happened the second time as well, when I ordered Stila make-up: it could take them from 1 to 3 weeks to receive. Then I ordered my Melissa shoes, only for it to SAY 1-3 days (and 1-3 weeks) but to have received them by the end of the week.
- 2 Week Return Policy. First, I will say this is a half disappointment–because I’m GLAD that I CAN return pieces, and I understand why they have a shorter return time (so they can get them to people on a wait list more quickly). But 2 weeks can be SUCH a pain to get things back, especially when UPS is on the other side of town.
Successes:
- 1 Log in for all Gilt sites. I LOVE that I can access Jetsetter/Gilt/GiltFuse/Gilt Men (and any future branches) with 1 log-in and email account. I don’t have to create a new one each time I want to access a new phase. Ease in shopping? Bliss.
- A great selection of brands at varying price points/trying new brands at a cheaper price. I LOVE that I can get Stila make-up at drug store prices, Pour la Victoire’s for under $100, and Melissa shoes for under $40 a pop. I’ve tried to find the pair I couldn’t get, and they’re at least $90 every where else I’ve looked. I was excited to see Noir Jewelry featured, Pour la Victoire, Melissa shoes– brands that stole my heart instantly, but due to financial reasons, I was reluctant to try. I feel that I can experiment with new brands at much more affordable rate–especially when I do have some freedom in returning them. Everytime I find a new designer I like–Kelsi Dagger and Noir, for example, they soon pop up on Gilt.
- Free Return Shipping. Shipping ain’t cheap through Gilt, even if it is UPS and only a couple of days on the road; I think that my Stila make-up was $7, which is kind of silly since it weighs nothing. That being said, shipping it back is FREE, and that’s quite lovely (though I was charged an extra $10 for the re-ship of my Melissa shoes). Occasionally they DO discount shipping costs though– my Noir Jewelry had NO shipping fees associate with it (from Gilt Fuse).
- Great Layout. I don’t know about you, but I’d be willing to bet that part of Gilt’s success is that their site is clear, easy to navigate and requires as few clicks as possible. All featured designers clearly laid out, all products are listed on 1 page, and the shopping process is very easy.
Overall, when the right shop comes up, I’m RIDICULOUSLY excited about it. Then adrenaline of getting to buy in that short span of time is sort of nice… (or I’m an adrenaline junkie), the brands offered are great and pieces offered current. I find that I’m more pleased each time I use them.
If you haven’t signed up for any of the Gilt companies, please feel free to use my invitation link.
If you HAVE joined Gilt or it’s branches and shopped with them–what were your thoughts and experiences? Would you go back?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I love Gilt for all of those reasons! I think it’s one of the few sample sale sites that gets it right and Gilt Fuse has amazing labels at good pricepoints. Great review gal!
.-= Fajr| Stylish Thought´s last blog ..Well Heeled: Irregular Choice =-.
GILT was the WORST shopping experience I ever had. Not only did they send me irregular merchandise for which they would not offer a refund, they also sent one of my purchases to the WRONG ADDRESS and then told me to contact the people they had sent it to so that I could see if I could work something out.
They may have good prices, but they have the worst customer service ever.
Do yourself a favor and shop somewhere else.
2 of my friends work in customer service at Gilt – so I’m kind of surprised to hear that because from what they tell me, their policies are pretty hardcore in terms of “the customer is ALWAYS right.” It sounds like employees being lazy, I bet somebody’s manager would be interested to hear you were told to figure out a solution for THEIR screwup.
I had a very disappointing experience with my first purchase at Gilt unfortunately. I bought the De Beers products, which I feel that I am cheated. First, the origins claimed to be made in Germany, but the tag says it is made in Hong Kong. Second, the product has flaw – in poor condition. The flower in the ring is tilted. With this condition, I don’t think it can be sold in the store! Also, the surface is scretched and seems like it is used. Third, the $1000-ish purchase comes in a plastic zip-lock bag, and does not come with a box nor certification. Extremely upset about my first Gilt purchase – I am still deciding what to do next…
Have you contacted them about the purchase and what you received? I’m sure they would be happy to refund or exchange it for a better piece…
Thanks for responding Ashe!
Yes I did contact Gilt. I sent an email on tue and I still haven’t heard back from them today (Sunday). I have doubt about their customer service now. It is a frustrating situation since I expect to give this as a gift but the product is in such an unexpected poor condition that I can’t give it to my mom.
I adore Gilt! Most certainly my new shopping addiction. You made for a very good review, and have issues with pretty much the same things as I do… but overall, it’s just so very worth it and quite impressive. :)
omg, i’m glad i’m not the only one with shipping issues and gilt.
i love them and i hate them, and any time i buy anything from them it’s with a side eye, because who knows when i’ll see it.
but other than that, i love everyting i got from them!
.-= jennine´s last blog ..Easy Watercolors : For when I don’t feel like it.. =-.
This is extremely helpful–I’ve been seriously considering joining one of these membership-type shopping sites but have been too lazy to do the research. Thanks for doing the legwork!
~Tamia
.-= Tamia´s last blog ..Life ain’t so bad at all… =-.
I HATE their return policy, I wish there is another site similar to what they do that gives full credit back on your credit card (any ideas out there?) so i can have more flexibility on my purchases. They really need to consider that.
So i’ve been a loyal Gilt customer until now. Ordered yohji yamamoto dress which had a retail value >$3,000 as per Gilt.com website. Once i received this item I noted the retail price tag of 50% less from what Gilt.com stated, so I could have gotten a MUCH better deal if I would have purchased this dress from the actual boutique during its sale. Now i am questioning almost each of my single purchase with Gilt. Do we really get a massive discount or it is all made up by the website?!… Now i will be very careful with buying anything on Gilt.com. In addition, I used once Gilt for Bon Jovi tix, AND ended up sitting next to a couple who bought their tix of the regular website for the price 40% less of what we paid for Gilt’s “special offer” (so even with the discount, we really did not get a great deal as we realized)… So I am thinking if a buyer is comfortable with paying a certain amount of money while shopping on Gilt.com, that is a win win situation for all, unless a buyer is looking for a great deal, than I would never recommend using Gilt.com (especially after such a misleading information in regards to the real retail prices). Hope this helps Thanks
Elena, I’ve had the same experiences over the years! I always try to google items now if I can, to see if I’m really getting the best price available… a lot of the time you aren’t! I find if its available on Amazon, they almost always have the best prices…
I hope you go this resolved, hon! I know there’s a way to do returns through the site, but with what happened you’d obviously want to TALK to someone….
Thanks Ashe! I finally got it resolved. What a relief!! Gilt did try to take care of the issue. I appreciate that. I hope they have better quality control on the items they sell. I honestly feel a bit skeptical about buying luxurious from discount site anymore after this experience.
Thanks for your support!
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