In the world of luxury fashion, finding a trustworthy online platform can be daunting. Enter Farfetch, a legitimate luxury fashion marketplace that offers a seamless shopping experience and connects customers with over 700 boutiques and 3500 brands worldwide. But is it too good to be true?
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Farfetch’s business model, authenticity, customer service, shipping and delivery, return policy, pricing, payment methods, loyalty program, and alternatives. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the world of high-end fashion shopping and answer the question: “is Farfetch legit?”
Key Takeaways
- Farfetch is a luxury fashion platform connecting customers to over 1400 worldwide brands, designers, and boutiques.
- Customers can be confident in the authenticity of Farfetch items, with varying delivery times depending on location and free delivery for eligible orders.
- Access loyalty program offers rewards & discounts as well as potential delays in courier pickups & refunds. Compare prices before making a purchase for successful shopping experience.
Understanding Farfetch: The Business Model
London-based Farfetch, a luxury fashion platform established by José Neves in 2007, connects customers with more than 1400 worldwide brands, designers, boutiques, and department stores.
As a marketplace, Farfetch doesn’t own inventory but rather partners with boutique stores, brands, and department stores to enable customers to shop for items from multiple sources on one platform. Farfetch’s distinctive business model guarantees the authenticity of their items, as they are procured directly from the designers or their warehouses.
In addition to their online presence, Farfetch has luxury boutique store outlets called “Store of the Future” (SOF) in select cities, such as London and New York. However, these stores don’t stock products. Instead, they provide customers with innovative technologies such as holographic displays and smart mirrors to give them a virtual product try-on experience. Farfetch’s extensive product range includes over 100,000 items for women, men, and kids, featuring both new and pre-owned items from renowned brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Tory Burch bags.
Some advantages of shopping on Farfetch include a wide selection of luxury products, cost-effective prices, fast shipping, and free returns. However, potential drawbacks include slow customer service and a limited return period. Farfetch’s business model and partnerships with luxury boutiques and brands make it a legitimate and reliable platform for luxury fashion shopping.
Authenticity of Farfetch Items
Authenticity of the products is a primary concern when shopping for luxury fashion items online. Fortunately, farfetch items are authentic, as they are sourced directly from designers or their warehouses, guaranteeing top-notch quality and original products. This ensures customers receive genuine designer clothes, shoes, and accessories when shopping on Farfetch.
Customer reviews back up Farfetch’s authenticity claim, with many positive reviews praising the quality of items purchased from the platform. However, it’s worth noting that customer reviews are not available on product pages, which can be a drawback for those who rely on reviews when shopping online.
While Farfetch has received some criticism for its packaging, with negative reviews mentioning excessive packaging materials or damaged packaging upon arrival, the authenticity and quality of the products themselves remain unquestionable. In light of this, it’s important to consider a balanced Farfetch review before making a purchase.
In summary, shoppers can be confident in the authenticity of Farfetch items, as they are sourced directly from the brands or boutiques, ensuring that they receive genuine luxury fashion items when they make a purchase, making Farfetch legit.
Farfetch’s Customer Service: A Mixed Bag
The quality of customer service can profoundly influence an online shopping experience. Farfetch’s customer service receives mixed reviews, with some praising their helpfulness while others complain about:
- slow response times
- unresolved issues Although Farfetch is a legitimate business based in London, there have been reports of:
- inadequate customer service
- a reluctance to provide refunds.
Some customers have experienced challenges with returns, responsiveness from the customer service team, and multiple deliveries for a single order. For instance, one customer reported that they returned shoes two months ago but have yet to receive any updates or refunds, and had to send multiple emails to Farfetch customer service to receive a response. Farfetch aims to respond within 24 hours, but their customer service team may sometimes experience delays in responding to inquiries.
Unfortunately, Farfetch does not provide live chat support, which can be a drawback for those who prefer real-time assistance when shopping online. For a timely response, customers should contact Farfetch’s customer service via phone.
Shipping and Delivery: What to Expect
Farfetch’s shipping and delivery times fluctuate based on the item and its destination. Farfetch works with couriers such as:
- DHL
- UPS
- FedEx
- TNT
- DPD
for order delivery, depending on the location, ensuring that luxury fashion items are delivered safely and efficiently. It’s important to note that Farfetch does not directly fulfill orders; instead, the item is shipped from the store or designer it was acquired from, ensuring that Farfetch items are authentic and sourced directly from the brand or boutique.
Farfetch offers:
- Free delivery for certain locations and orders meeting the minimum amount, making shopping online more convenient and cost-effective for customers
- Delivery times that can vary, ranging from two to seven days depending on the country and delivery method
- Some Farfetch reviews mention longer delivery times due to customs processing or other factors
In summary, while shipping and delivery times on Farfetch can vary, customers can expect their orders to be shipped directly from the store or designer, and enjoy free delivery for eligible orders.
Farfetch Return Policy: Pros and Cons
While Farfetch’s return policy permits returns within 14 days, customers need to account for possible courier pickup delays and the requirement for items to maintain their original condition. The 14-day return policy is an important factor to consider when shopping on the platform, as some Farfetch reviews mention positive experiences with returns.
However, there are potential drawbacks to Farfetch’s return policy. One customer, for example, reported that they had not received the refund issued by Farfetch even after a full week, although Farfetch does state that it may take up to 14 days for the refund to appear in the account. This is a common concern mentioned in Farfetch reviews.
In conclusion, while Farfetch’s return policy allows for 14-day returns, customers should be mindful of the potential delays in courier pickups and the requirement for items to be in their original condition when considering Farfetch’s return policy.
Pricing: Is Farfetch a Cheaper Option?
Farfetch’s pricing can be competitive because of their absence of physical stores and product ownership, but it may not always offer a cheaper alternative than purchasing directly from the designer. As a marketplace, Farfetch connects customers with luxury boutiques and brands, allowing for potentially cost-effective prices. However, it’s essential to compare prices when shopping online to ensure the best deal.
Unfortunately, the typical price range for designer items on Farfetch is not indicated in the search results, making it difficult for customers to gauge the affordability of luxury fashion items on the platform. The absence of physical stores does not have a direct effect on Farfetch’s pricing, but it does allow the platform to focus on providing a seamless online shopping experience for customers.
In summary, while Farfetch’s pricing can be competitive, it’s not always the cheapest option. Customers should compare prices with other platforms before making a purchase to ensure they’re getting the best deal.
Payment Methods and Security Measures
Farfetch provides a variety of payment options for online shoppers, accepting major credit cards, Klarna, and PayPal. In addition to multiple payment methods, Farfetch ensures customer safety with SSL encryption and other security measures. SSL encryption is a security protocol that creates a secure connection between a web server and a web browser, encrypting sensitive information during online transactions to protect it from unauthorized access.
Customers can also use multiple payment methods for a single order, making shopping online more convenient and flexible. Farfetch even accepts digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, providing additional payment options for customers.
In conclusion, Farfetch offers a variety of payment methods and employs security measures, such as SSL encryption, to ensure a safe and secure online shopping experience.
Farfetch Loyalty Program and Discounts
Farfetch’s loyalty program, Access, offers incentives for returning customers, boosting the platform’s reputation as a customer-centric online shopping destination. By creating a Farfetch account, customers can enjoy faster checkout, access to a wishlist and order updates, as well as enrollment in the Access loyalty program.
Access has five tiers:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Private Client
These tiers showcase the platform’s commitment to providing a rewarding experience for loyal customers. While an account is not necessary to place an order on Farfetch, the guest checkout option is also available for those who prefer a hassle-free shopping experience.
Overall, Farfetch’s Access loyalty program and the benefits offered to account holders make it an attractive option for customers seeking a rewarding luxury fashion shopping experience.
Farfetch Alternatives: Comparing Competitors
Even though Farfetch is a well-liked platform among luxury fashion shoppers, alternatives like Net-a-Porter, Mytheresa, and SSENSE are worthy of consideration. Each of these alternatives offers its own unique features and benefits for customers seeking a different online shopping experience.
Mytheresa provides:
- Ready-to-wear apparel
- Footwear
- Purses, including the stylish Tory Burch bag
- Accessories from luxury labels for women, men, and children
They offer a 30-day return policy and 24-hour customer service in multiple regional languages, making it a great alternative for online shopping. With a positive rating from the Better Business Bureau and over a decade of experience, you can trust their commitment to customer satisfaction.
SSENSE is a Canadian retailer that specializes in high-end fashion and streetwear apparel, offering a more flexible return policy and free returns for customers in Canada, Japan, and the US.
In conclusion, while Farfetch is a legitimate platform for luxury fashion shopping, customers can also explore other alternatives like Net-a-Porter, Mytheresa, and SSENSE to find the best online shopping experience for their needs.
Tips for a Successful Shopping Experience on Farfetch
For a successful Farfetch shopping experience, customers should understand the return policy, be conscious of shipping times, and compare prices with other platforms prior to purchasing. For first-time Farfetch shoppers, we recommend creating a wishlist in advance, selecting items that will blend well with your existing wardrobe, filtering your browsing to find the desired items, focusing on accessories and jewelry for a more economical luxury option, and taking advantage of first-order discounts and subscribing to the newsletter to stay informed of promotions.
When considering returns, customers should be mindful of the 14-day return policy and the potential delays in courier pickups, as well as any exceptions or conditions that may apply. Additionally, customers should be aware of the estimated delivery times for orders placed on Farfetch, which generally range from two to seven days, with variations due to customs processing, shipping carrier delays, and the location of the seller.
By keeping these tips in mind, customers can navigate the Farfetch platform with confidence and enjoy a successful luxury fashion shopping experience.
Summary
In conclusion, Farfetch is a legitimate and reliable platform for luxury fashion shopping, connecting customers with a global network of luxury boutiques and brands. While the platform has its pros and cons, such as mixed customer service reviews and varying shipping times, it offers a robust selection of authentic luxury fashion items, competitive pricing, and a rewarding loyalty program. By being aware of the return policy, shipping times, and comparing prices with other platforms, customers can make informed purchasing decisions and enjoy a seamless shopping experience on Farfetch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy from Farfetch?
Farfetch is a reputable company that sells only authentic items and provides a generous return policy, making it safe to buy from. Real customer reviews further suggest that Farfetch can be trusted.
Does Farfetch sell real items?
Yes, Farfetch sells real items; they are a legitimate platform offering authentic designer goods. However, it is important to be aware of counterfeit sellers who attempt to sell fake items.
Is Farfetch based in USA?
No, Farfetch is not based in the USA; it was founded in London in 2008 and is headquartered there.
How does Farfetch’s return policy work?
Farfetch offers a 14-day returns policy with the requirement of returning items in their original condition. Customers should note possible delays in courier pickups.
What are some alternatives to Farfetch?
Alternatives to Farfetch include Net-a-Porter, Mytheresa, and SSENSE, offering unique features and benefits for luxury fashion shoppers.