Currently, eCommerce sales make up 18.1% of sales across the world. Out of trillions of online purchases, many of them are made online.
While it’s convenient to make a purchase with an online sneaker store, finding the right product isn’t completely simple. There are several things to keep in mind, such as checking online reviews and comparing prices.
In this guide, we’ll explore some common online sneaker buying errors. We’ll also detail how you can avoid making these mistakes.
1. Not Checking Fair Labor Certifications
Doing business on the internet has allowed many people to learn more about the companies they buy from. In fact, this has made it possible for people to buy from companies that support their values.
With that said, it’s a proven fact that many shoe companies outsource their production overseas.
They do this to take advantage of cheap labor.
Sometimes, these companies are aware of how these factors exploit young children. Other times, they aren’t.
Because of this, it’s important to buy from a shoe company that practices ethical production operations.
2. Selecting the Wrong Shoe Size
This seems obvious, but many people wear the wrong shoe size every day. Countless studies prove this.
The issue with buying shoes online is that you can’t try them on before making the purchase. Thus, it can be frustrating to receive a shoe order you can’t even fit.
Before making a purchase, visit a local shoe store and get fitted with the right size.
This will make buying shoes easier and less expensive down the road.
3. Not Viewing a Website’s Measuring System
When most people buy a shoe at a local store, they usually don’t look at other country sizes. Most sneakers in the United States also have corresponding sizes for the UK and Japan.
When you’re looking at different options for sneakers, check the website’s measuring system first. If you’re going to buy a size 10.5 in the UK, you should know that you’ll have to wear size 11 in the US.
4. Ignoring Online Reviews
Online customer reviews are great tools for buyers.
They help online buyers preview a product before committing to it. The good news is that websites like Google and Yelp provide online reviews for all kinds of businesses.
When shopping for sneakers, make sure to check product reviews from reliable influencers and publications.
This will help you to make an informed buying decision when the time comes.
5. Buying Uncomfortable Shoes
Before buying sneakers online, you should make one important distinction.
What kinds of shoes do you already have? If you regularly wear heels, you may be used to pushing through the pain when wearing fashionable shoes.
If you wear running shoes all the time, wearing uncomfortable shoes may not be appealing. Whatever the case may be, sneakers shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
Make sure to check with popular YouTube celebrities and social media influencers to see how a product fits before buying.
You’ll be glad you followed this advice when your sneakers are a comfortable fit.
6. Not Having Any Matching Clothes
This may seem like an unrelated tip, but it’s not. The right pair of sneakers will complement an outfit. They’re not designed to stand alone. For this reason, it’s best to buy sneakers that will match more than one outfit.
Otherwise, you’re going to end up spending more money on sneakers that will match your wardrobe.
Before you make a decision to buy a pair of sneakers, take a look in your closet first. Doing so will save you the grief of buying sneakers you can never wear.
7. Not Comparing Prices
If you’re new to buying sneakers online, remember that you can find similar-looking products at different prices. This is why it’s important to begin comparing sneaker prices before buying.
It can be frustrating to buy a pair of sneakers, only to see that it was cheaper on another website.
Do your research and buy the right pair of sneakers that will fit your budget. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Watch out for very “cheap” sneakers
- Stay away from untrustworthy websites
- Create a shortlist of at least three different websites
8. Not Checking the Source
This is probably the costliest mistake people make when buying shoes online. You should never believe a deal that looks “too good to be true.” In all honestly, it probably is.
Many dishonest sneaker websites will do their best to cover their tracks and fool unsuspecting buyers.
To help you avoid any scams, here are some helpful tips to follow:
- Make sure the website has an SSL certificate
- Avoid websites that look poorly built or have too many issues
- Avoid websites that don’t have an authenticity disclaimer
- Don’t ignore your gut feeling
Part of checking your source is doing your research. The other part is following your gut and common sense.
9. Not Reviewing the Refund Policy
Mistakes happen during the shipping process. This is even true for prominent shoe websites like Nike and Under Armour.
If you’ve received a damaged product or the wrong one, it can be frustrating to be denied a refund.
The truth is that shoe websites have the right to dictate their own refund policy. If you don’t read this policy and buy a product, you still have to follow their policy.
Check if your sneaker website has a refund or return policy, and only buy from providers you fully trust.
10. Not Learning More About Shipping
Before you buy a product, are you aware of how long it takes to ship? Are shipping and handling free? Will your product be mailed from overseas?
These are all questions you need to know before you make a purchase. That way, you can be certain when your sneakers will arrive.
Avoid These Online Sneaker Buying Errors
As you can see, there are several online sneaker buying errors people make on a regular basis. Understanding them all will make you a better shopper.
If you want to learn more about buying sneakers online, check out more of our blog articles on the topic.
