Amazon vs Zappos

[sdkitty]

I don't do a lot of online shopping and when I do I try to keep it to items that won't likely be returned or to buy from stores like Nordstrom where I can return the item to the store and get credit immediately. But I've been looking for shoes lately and it's hard to know what will fit until you get it.
I saw a couple on Zappos and Amazon. Seems since Amazon bought Zappos there is no competition. The price went up at both places for the shoes I'm interested in. Are they both pretty much the same for returns? Do returns go smoothly? Do you have to wait long for your money?
I'm thinking of ordering two pair of shoes so most likely either one or both would be returned.

 

[Roro]

I don't do a lot of online shopping and when I do I try to keep it to items that won't likely be returned or to buy from stores like Nordstrom where I can return the item to the store and get credit immediately. But I've been looking for shoes lately and it's hard to know what will fit until you get it.
I saw a couple on Zappos and Amazon. Seems since Amazon bought Zappos there is no competition. The price went up at both places for the shoes I'm interested in. Are they both pretty much the same for returns? Do returns go smoothly? Do you have to wait long for your money?
I'm thinking of ordering two pair of shoes so most likely either one or both would be returned.

Zappos has free shipping and free returns. Many of Amazon's items are the same. You need to read each listing to be sure. I have found in the past that if I put an item into my Amazon cart but don't check it out, the price will fluctuate while it's in the cart. Sometimes items will go up but others will often go down as an incentive to buy. Prices tend to be the same for the same item across Amazon, Zappos and 6pm. If you see something you like at 6pm, check to see if it's also on Amazon. Returns are not free at 6pm ever but can be free at Amazon, especially if you have Prime.

If you have Prime, then returns at both Amazon and Zappos are super easy. I just returned a pair of boots to Zappos. One hour after the UPS label was scanned at my UPS store, I received a message that my credit was issued. This happens all the time when I return things to Amazon. It's another benefit of Prime. Honestly I've had Prime for so long that I don't remember what returns are like without it. The Zappos credit was so fast because of my Amazon Prime membership.

Hope this helps.

 

[BigPurseSue]

Zappos has a free one-year return policy on shoes.

I think Amazon offers only 30-day returns.

6pm.com, which is the outlet for Zappos, offers only 30-day returns and they're not free.

I think Zappos is run separately from Amazon, with CS people working in Las Vegas. They've always prided themselves on having great customer service. I've never had any problem with returns to Zappos. In general I'd rather buy from Zappos than Amazon, although I have occasionally found the same shoes running a bit cheaper on Amazon. Amazon lists all of Zappos' shoes.

 

[sdkitty]

Zappos has free shipping and free returns. Many of Amazon's items are the same. You need to read each listing to be sure. I have found in the past that if I put an item into my Amazon cart but don't check it out, the price will fluctuate while it's in the cart. Sometimes items will go up but others will often go down as an incentive to buy. Prices tend to be the same for the same item across Amazon, Zappos and 6pm. If you see something you like at 6pm, check to see if it's also on Amazon. Returns are not free at 6pm ever but can be free at Amazon, especially if you have Prime.

If you have Prime, then returns at both Amazon and Zappos are super easy. I just returned a pair of boots to Zappos. One hour after the UPS label was scanned at my UPS store, I received a message that my credit was issued. This happens all the time when I return things to Amazon. It's another benefit of Prime. Honestly I've had Prime for so long that I don't remember what returns are like without it. The Zappos credit was so fast because of my Amazon Prime membership.

Hope this helps.

Zappos has a free one-year return policy on shoes.

I think Amazon offers only 30-day returns.

6pm.com, which is the outlet for Zappos, offers only 30-day returns and they're not free.

I think Zappos is run separately from Amazon, with CS people working in Las Vegas. They've always prided themselves on having great customer service. I've never had any problem with returns to Zappos. In general I'd rather buy from Zappos than Amazon, although I have occasionally found the same shoes running a bit cheaper on Amazon. Amazon lists all of Zappos' shoes.

thank you....that's helpful

 

[sdkitty]

Zappos has a free one-year return policy on shoes.

I think Amazon offers only 30-day returns.

6pm.com, which is the outlet for Zappos, offers only 30-day returns and they're not free.

I think Zappos is run separately from Amazon, with CS people working in Las Vegas. They've always prided themselves on having great customer service. I've never had any problem with returns to Zappos. In general I'd rather buy from Zappos than Amazon, although I have occasionally found the same shoes running a bit cheaper on Amazon. Amazon lists all of Zappos' shoes.

assuming same price I think I'd go with Zappos or Nordstrom over Amazon. In my case, I keep getting the same reminder on the boots I'm looking at with price either staying the same or going up.
Zappos one year return policy doesn't cover shoes that have been worn if they're uncomfortable does it? Nordies will sometimes take back shoes that have been worn (although of course I try to determine whether to keep before wearing outside)

 

[BigPurseSue]

assuming same price I think I'd go with Zappos or Nordstrom over Amazon. In my case, I keep getting the same reminder on the boots I'm looking at with price either staying the same or going up.
Zappos one year return policy doesn't cover shoes that have been worn if they're uncomfortable does it? Nordies will sometimes take back shoes that have been worn (although of course I try to determine whether to keep before wearing outside)

Zappos is strict about the condition of shoes that are returned. They must be brand new and unworn. I'm embarrassed to say how many shoes I've returned to Zappos, but I'm even more embarrassed by the number I've kept.

Are the "reminders" you're getting on boots the banner ads? Those rarely show the current correct price. You need to click through to the web site to see an accurate price.

 

[sdkitty]

Zappos is strict about the condition of shoes that are returned. They must be brand new and unworn. I'm embarrassed to say how many shoes I've returned to Zappos, but I'm even more embarrassed by the number I've kept.

Are the "reminders" you're getting on boots the banner ads? Those rarely show the current correct price. You need to click through to the web site to see an accurate price.

I've been getting emails from Amazon reminding me that I'm looking at these boots or that they're in my basket. Funny though - that is for a pair I was looking at before Christmas. Since then, I found two others I'm interested in and they haven't sent me anything on them.
I did notice the price went up on one pair - both on Amazon and Zappos.
I bought six pair from Nordies before Christmas. Three boots in two sizes. None were comfortable. So I'm a bit hesitant to try another online purchase. But I haven't gotten over my boot OCD yet.

 

[kemilia]

I've ordered from Zappos, and have had no problems with returns, except having to drive over to the local UPS store to drop them off. I get a credit pretty quickly.

Once I ordered a pair of chestnut-colored Uggs and got a bright pink pair instead. I contacted them right away, I think via email, and they sent out the chestnut pair right away, even before they got the pink ones back, and were very apologetic too. Their CS is definitely top shelf!

 

[BigPurseSue]

I've been getting emails from Amazon reminding me that I'm looking at these boots or that they're in my basket. Funny though - that is for a pair I was looking at before Christmas. Since then, I found two others I'm interested in and they haven't sent me anything on them.
I did notice the price went up on one pair - both on Amazon and Zappos.
I bought six pair from Nordies before Christmas. Three boots in two sizes. None were comfortable. So I'm a bit hesitant to try another online purchase. But I haven't gotten over my boot OCD yet.

When my return rate for Zappos hit 40 percent I said enough with the online shoes. Nowadays I have a rule that I will buy shoes only from brick and mortar stores. Much easier on my pocket book. And my time.

 

[sdkitty]

When my return rate for Zappos hit 40 percent I said enough with the online shoes. Nowadays I have a rule that I will buy shoes only from brick and mortar stores. Much easier on my pocket book. And my time.

Yes, I've had a lot of trouble this round with boots. I've ordered my go-to brand and they just aren't comfortable. But on the other hand, last summer I got some sandals online in a brand I'd never worn before and like them so much I bought another pair in a different color.
Guess boots are harder to fit. And either my feet are getting bigger or the boots are running smaller/narrower.

 

[DreamingBeauty]

I'd always go Zappos or Nordstrom or anywhere else I know I can have a free return or return in store, since shoes have a good chance of not fitting or being uncomfortable. Amazon would be okay if return is definitely free, but this requires careful reading as they have tons of 3rd party sellers with different rules. I have had the situation where to get a free return I had to take the item to an Amazon shipping location (they seem to be around college campuses in many cases, you could see if you have near you) or I was going to be charged like $7 to return. It worked out okay as I had to drive by that area anyway, but not always super convenient.

 

[sdkitty]

I'd always go Zappos or Nordstrom or anywhere else I know I can have a free return or return in store, since shoes have a good chance of not fitting or being uncomfortable. Amazon would be okay if return is definitely free, but this requires careful reading as they have tons of 3rd party sellers with different rules. I have had the situation where to get a free return I had to take the item to an Amazon shipping location (they seem to be around college campuses in many cases, you could see if you have near you) or I was going to be charged like $7 to return. It worked out okay as I had to drive by that area anyway, but not always super convenient.

yes, I think the items I'm looking at are free return with amazon. but same ones are available on zappos and one of them is also available at Nordies.
I may order one style from zappos and the other from Nordies. it's so hard with shoes.....lately I've been needing a half size larger on some. but today I tried on a pair and my regular size fit. unfortunately I didn't like the look of them as much as the boots I already have.

 

[cbarrus]

I love Zappos and Amazon and have never had a problem with either one. I do have Prime, however. I haven't ordered from Nordstrom in a long time, but it seems their return policy is a little iffy. They now state that returns are on a case-by-case basis, although there is no time limit. I believe they are trying to curb excessive returns. I am not sure if this is new since I haven't shopped there in a while and do not have a store close to me. I got some great deals this year on Frye boots from Amazon. I like Zappos, too, because no matter what time of day I order, they are on my doorstep the next day. Their customer service is top-notch.

 

[sdkitty]

I love Zappos and Amazon and have never had a problem with either one. I do have Prime, however. I haven't ordered from Nordstrom in a long time, but it seems their return policy is a little iffy. They now state that returns are on a case-by-case basis, although there is no time limit. I believe they are trying to curb excessive returns. I am not sure if this is new since I haven't shopped there in a while and do not have a store close to me. I got some great deals this year on Frye boots from Amazon. I like Zappos, too, because no matter what time of day I order, they are on my doorstep the next day. Their customer service is top-notch.

Nordstrom is great if you return at store - no questions asked. The shoes I've been watching on Zappos and Amazon just went upon Zappos but not on Amazon. Everything I watch seems to either stay the same or go up.
There was one pair on Amazon that showed $149 on the email and then when you selected my size it went up to like $265.
If I want to try this online boot thing again I probably need to pull the trigger. If I wait for prices to go down boot season could be over here in so cal.

 

[NanaEvie]

I have never had a problem returning a pair of shoes or boots with Zappos. They are my go to when I’m looking for a style or a designer I don’t usually wear. They are also my go to for shoes I like and want in another color. Very quick delivery and easy returns.