I have had some really great experiences with shopping online, and some terrible ones. There is nothing worse than getting your fix from a bit of online splurging and then having to wait for a year and a half for your products to arrive. So here is a list of the sites that I shop from, and a little note on my experiences with the stores in question. I will update the list as I shop in the future (it’s inevitable, let’s face it…)
By far the store that I have had the best experience with. The site is easy to navigate, the stock list is amazing and the staff are some of the friendliest I’ve ever come across. I always opt for express shipping ($7.95) and my order is guaranteed to arrive within the following 2 days. (I imagine the shipping is even faster if you’re residing on the East Coast, as I am tucked away over on the West.) The site also offers a wide selection of reviews – so you can read about other beauty lovers experiences with the products before purchasing for yourself. (And these are genuine reviews, I’ve even written a few myself!) There is also a great forum attached to the site, definitely check it out if you get the chance. Orders over $30 come with 2 free samples of products and if you have any questions or problems with your products and orders, the staff are an email away and always happy to help.
I am torn when it comes to Strawberry Net. On the one hand they have a wide range of products at seriously reduced prices and offer free shipping worldwide. On the other hand, the shipping takes 2-3 weeks at a minimum, the stock lists vary (which is annoying if you buy something from them and when you go back to re-purchase they no longer have it available) and the customer service is not very user friendly. They offer no free samples, but they do have a great “rewards system” where you are offered an increasing percentage discount the more you shop. They also offer a free gift with your first purchase.
I purchased from Zuza for the first time last week and they have already moved up to one of my favourite online stores to buy from. They have a decent stock list, shipping is free and the service is FAST. I received my order today, and with a personalised ‘thank you’ note and a GWP size D&G Homme Fragrance enclosed which is sure to make my other half happy! (and distract him from the 5 packages that arrived for me today) I will be testing out Zuza’s services again soon!
Ahh Mecca. Mecca, Mecca Mecca. My absolute favourite beauty store to shop at in person, but probably not one of my favourites to shop at online. They have an extensive stock list, (including some amazing brands exclusive to Mecca) and provide a lot of information about the products available, but something of the charm of the store seems to be lacking from the online experience. Samples are offered with purchase, but although you pay for express shipping the products often take 1-2 weeks to be delivered. It is probably because I have such high standards when it comes to shopping with Mecca that their online experience lets me down. The staff are so incredibly helpful & friendly, it’s always such a pleasure to shop there!
NB: I am from Australia, so this sites may not be THE best for international readers. Feel free to leave a comment and suggest some places I should shop in the future!
