10 Tips For Shopping On Shein Like A Pro

Everybody loves to have many items in their closet, without burning a hole in their pockets. As a result, when you came across sites like Shein, it is natural to be blown away with their endless collection of fashion items and their budget-friendly dupes. For those who don't know about Shein, it is an Asian online shopping site owned by ShenZhen Global E-Grow E-commerce company. Shein and similar sites such as Zaful, Choices, SammyDress, BeckyDress, Nasty Dress, RoseGal, Twinkledeals, Trend Gal, RoseWe, TideBuy, ModLily,  and Romwe pull images from higher-end retailers and replicate those items for a cheaper price. And, the only way to be able to sell it at a cheap price is to compromise on the quality. Hence what you’re buying is different from what is shown in the picture. It’s a hit or miss situation. 

Despite that, a lot of people get addicted to these sites because, even if you know you’re getting knock-offs, it’s so cheap that you are unable to control your curiosity to check them out. Moreover, these sites heavily rely on social media and influencers for a promotion that leads to shoppers trusting such retailers and shopping from their e-commerce sites. There are so many articles on the internet about people who have had bad experiences with long waits to receive the order, bad quality or damaged items, items don't fit, they don't match the photos on the website, lack of post-sales customer services, etc. Hence, this post is about the due diligence that you must practice so that you don't get duped in the process of buying dupes.

Basic rules to follow

1. Read the reviews: That's the first thing you must do when you like an item. Do not buy an item that doesn't have any or less than 25 reviews.

2. Pay attention to the sizes: Every item has detailed sizing information but the fit can vary. Therefore, measure yourself with a tailor's tape, look the size thoroughly and try to find reviews of people who have similar measurements like you.

3. Scrutinize the photos: Try to find pictures of real and regular people wearing it. Their hashtag is #sheininspo and I’d recommend browsing that before you make an order!

4. Expectations versus reality: If you’re someone who normally spends $50+ on a blouse and then you order a $10 top from Shein, there’s going to be some noticeable differences in quality compared to what you are used to. That doesn't me that the $10 blouse is a total piece of crap. All I mean to say is that don't have 'designer - level' expectations. I typically read the material before ordering and avoid materials like rayon, polyester, spandex, acrylic and try to stick to cotton-based clothes. Fabrics made with natural materials generally tend to look expensive.

Shipping, returns, and refunds

5. Shipping: Don’t order anything that you need immediately because shipping can anywhere between 1-3 weeks depending on their warehouse. For instance, something that is coming from NJ will arrive earlier as opposed to an item that is arriving from China. So if you want to order something for an event, just plan. 

6. Returns: If you are not happy with your purchase, you can initiate a return from your account within 30 days from your delivery date. A return shipping label will be generated (for free) that you can print and drop off at the Post Office. I have returned items a couple of times in the past and did not have any issues with it. Just be sure to check the return policy on each product page. This is because some categories are not eligible for return such as swimwear, undergarments, jewelry, etc.

7. Refunds: Once the warehouse receives the item, you will receive an email indicating that your money has been credited to your Shein 'wallet'. You can go into the wallet to withdraw dollars or apply to your credit card.  I have received full refunds for items that have arrived in a defective condition. Since I do not shop on Shein regularly, I always take the refund back on my credit card and not on the Shein credit. 

How to save money?

8. Keep an eye out on the deals: When you place your order for the first time on Shein, you will be asked to create a profile. Doing so will help you make points on every purchase that can be used to avail discounts on future purchases. You can increase your points by confirming delivery, submitting reviews and sharing photos of the items that you have purchased.

9. Don't forget to review for reward points: Before making a purchase always look out for coupon codes on their homepage. These codes keep changing, however, the discount is more or less consistent. Also, check your reward points balance before checking out. That way help you get some additional discount. 

10. Beware of hidden charges: There is an option at checkout to purchase shipping insurance for $0.99. I always uncheck this box. But if you are worried that your package may be lost in the mail, then do check this box- this will ensure your refund or re-shipment of items. Also, as a buyer from the US, I have never been charged anything extra such as customs clearance charges. However, my friends in India have experienced this for their orders. So, please read their customs policy before placing your order.

Lastly, I have also found an entire category of home and personal care accessories on Shein and they look super cute.

Ciao Shein Shenanigans!
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PS: I am not a spokesperson for Shein or similar sites or Instagram nor do I have friends or relatives working there. This post contains my personal opinion based on my shopping experience on Shein.