Bag Online Shopping @ Reebonz
I love Bags! So who (women) don't?
Anyway I believe almost everyone have heard of Reebonz and I myself have bought several items from them before. My latest purchase is an Alexa Mulberry (in midnight blue).
My review today is not about the bag but about Reebonz. So here goes:
Products
Reebonz (will be known as R in short) has an extensive range of products. Variety of brands are under one umbrella, and you can always look out for older or the latest model in the market at the site. Of course if you have been on the site the products do get rotated constantly, so do not worry if you miss the opportunity to purchase the item as the item will surely pop up again in a day or two (if no one has bought it yet of course).
Prices
The prices of the items on R can be reasonable considering the fact that R offers you free shipping and all customs cost paid so you do not need to fork out extra on top of the price of the item (kinda like all included in one cost).
However, if you are looking to purchase the latest bag or an 'IT' bag, you cannot expect the price to be slashed to 50% off the rack price. Nevertheless for older version items (or off season which term does not really apply in the Malaysian market, thank gawd) you can get a decent price.
R every now and then do slash off the price of one or two item and you have to be quick as the price is really attractive but I always get beaten to it as I am not online at R's website at 10 a.m. sharp (as that's the 'store' opening time) but there are heaps of people who does that (people with the privileges offered by R).
I have searched for more popular bags on other website around the globe and some websites are very competitive. Prices can be far lower (at least 20%) and with better selection, however for some you need to pay for shipping and of course the customs tax is not included in the price (customs rate at 10% of your purchase price). The idea is always to buy from websites that offers you free shipping and if the total price (inclusive of tax) is still lower more often than not I purchase from overseas website.
Authenticity
For all the products that I have bought from R, they are authentic. I have heard that some people are duped but I think they are more unsatisfied for the fact that the avenue to return/exchange is rather limited and people are 'angry' for they really thought that there was something 'wrong' with the product that they have purchased. However I think R is being too prudent as well. Read further under Returns/Exchanges and Change of Mind heading.
Packaging and Delivery
I do admit that I love the packaging from R. It comes in nice black sturdy box and with a gold ribbon on top. Now who does not like that. However if you purchase smaller and/or less expensive items you will not be given the same treatment.
R used to deliver a lot faster (like within 3 days from the date of purchase) but beware if you do purchase during a holiday season as it can take up to 10 days (which happened to me and the customer service sounded angry when I asked her about my delivery - that girl should be sacked).
Returns/Exchanges or Change of Mind
This is the part which gets to everyone. Ha ha, me too.
I have once bought a YSL Muse Bag and let's just say that it was a let down. The gold tone of the hardware especially on the lock was tarnish and it is no longer shiny like how new bag supposed to look like. So I contacted the customer service asking for a refund as why should I pay for a considerable amount when it does not match the quality of the product.
OK, R asked me to send in the photos which I did and they state that the condition of the bag is 'like that' and the lock is meant to look brassy. It's funny how R's customer representative ("Rep") said that, as the rest of the hard wares like on the handle and the strap are still gold and shiny. I believe the bag must have been a display bag and more often than not the lock (at the front of the bag) is being handled the most. I said the same thing to the Rep. What irks me most is that her comment is that the YSL bag distinct feature is the brassy lock. I almost fell of my chair thinking 'Seriously, do you think this is my first time buying luxury items'!
In any manner to cut the story short, I fought and I assumed R reluctantly allowed for the item to be returned and a refund to be made (though the Rep did say that usually they only allow store and not a credit refund). Again, I find that annoying as I have shopped extensively online and all overseas online stores allowed for return (with credit refund) with no questions asked provided the return item complied with the rules that they have set. So I was offered a refund after going though so much hassle.
I do understand that R needs to protect itself especially against some 'naughty' purchasers who may have bought the original item and try to return a fake bag to R, further I have also heard that some used the item for an occasion and then wanted the item to be returned and so on. I guess there are bogus purchasers everywhere but R needs to be better in improving its Return/Exchange services for genuine purchasers.
I did not purchase from R for a long time after that purchase as I do not want to fall into the same trap again. From that day onwards I only make sure that I purchase the item I am really desperate for and after I have seen the actual item in a store.
The Extras
R do give cute gifts during the holiday season.
I received this complimentary coasters with my purchase this time around. Nice touch R!
Conclusion
Will I buy from R again? Yes I would but with much caution and if I have lots of time to spare to wait for the bag/item to arrive.
Just my short story, I purchased a bag from UK like 3 days after I purchase a bag from R - Guess what I receive the bag from UK and R on the same day. So go figure.
OK, enjoy shopping and the holiday seasons. Be safe.
