Purchasing from websites

[Jersey mike]

Over the years we (as family) have made numerous purchases online at various website for many items including clothes,boots,shoes and when it was necessary to return have never had an issue with returns or having return shipping paid for.

Recently I made a purchase at LeatherUp for 2 leather jackets (1 for me and 1 for my son) and used their size chart. I'm a 38" chest, so according to their size chart a Medium (size 38-40) would be a fit for me. The jackets arrived and they were tight under the arms, so I went to the computer and ordered the next size up which would be a 42 (size Large). The jackets arrive and they fit better, a little big in the chest but much better under the arms.

So to get to the point in the story, I call LeatherUp and ask for a return shipping label and their response was "that was not their policy, they do not offer return shipping unless it is their fault".

I couldn't get anywhere with the customer service over the phone, so I penned an email saying I was disappointed with the response I received over the phone and explained why.

I informed them I used their guideline chart to get the correct size for this jacket and their response is this;

"Dear Michael,

Thank you for you inquiry. The sizing chart on our site is a guideline, not meant to fit the human body. So, we usually recommend, that if there would be normal size that you would typically purchase, we would recommend a size larger to ensure proper fit. We understand your concern in regard to not having to pay for return shipping, but our return policy does stipulate those matters unless it is an error on our behalf. Please feel free to contact our customer service dept shold you have any further questions."

If something is a guideline does that not mean it is meant to be a suggested starting point? And if the size chart is posted for items designed for people is that not meant they are "to fit the human body"?

It is not posted anywhere on their site that "if there would be normal size that you would typically purchase, we would recommend a size larger to ensure proper fit." How can you be in the clothing business and suggest to people not to purchase items in sizes that are labeled to fit their normal dimensions or size they typically wear.

So I guess it's back to the phone and try to understand

[da prez]

   It's your fault for using the non-human chart. I have a Leather up near me . I do not like mail order sizing. When I ordered our day glow mesh jackets ( not from Leather up) , I called them and questioned the chart. I ordered a size up for my wife and I. My up size fit my wife and I had to send back her size and go one bigger yet for me.  It is a crap shoot on sizing. Call and ask for a supervisor and be firm. Also ask why they do not publish a chart for human sizes.

                                            da prez

[Jersey mike]

after 35 minutes on the phone I didn't get anywhere w/ customer service supervisor.

it's not their fault, "it's my fault because I used their size chart and didn't read the return policy."

"Their policy is no return shipping labels"

I asked how can you be in the garment industry, list a size chart and not stand by it?

Their response is "not everyone will fit in a size category, it's not our fault."

[Jess from VA]

At least for bike stuff (and I suspect many more), unless the site specifically says they will pay for non-fitting returns, it's on YOUR dime.

Years ago, I got a good price on a premium leather jacket from a premium vendor, and after two returns and a three jackets, I got a fit.  Two returns at my expense lost me the discount.  When I complained, I was told too bad.  Later, I determined that the S, M, L, XL sizes they published was for Taiwanese men, where they were manufactured.  Ahhh, Soooo.

When sizes for anything are only S, M, L, XL you are always taking a chance.  I've had shoulders tight, waist tight, arms short, arms long, you name it.

This is one of the reasons I like to do business with MotorCycleGear.Com (formerly NewEnough.com).  Not only do they have a series of size charts, but they do an individual analysis of fit for all their products.  A very fair return policy too.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/



 

[Robert]

My wife who does quite a bit of on line stuff says that is normal. A big company will eat it a small company will not but they should not charge you to ship another one out. She had the same thing with a pair of shoes.

[Jersey mike]

Jess,

the size chart read as;

Small = 34-36

Med = 38-40

Lg = 42

X-L = 44-46

I'm not a big guy, slender frame 5'10 160# 30" waist, my son is taller but similar sizes. according to their size chart these jackets should have fit. if they just read as small medium large I never would have made the purchase. I can't imagine if I had bought pants from them.

[Jess from VA]

Jess,

the size chart read as;

Small = 34-36

Med = 38-40

Lg = 42

X-L = 44-46

I'm not a big guy, slender frame 5'10 160# 30" waist, my son is taller but similar sizes. according to their size chart these jackets should have fit. if they just read as small medium large I never would have made the purchase. I can't imagine if I had bought pants from them.

If these estimated sizes (ie L=42) were the same for everything they sell, well you know it's BS.

And with your slender build, you should have had a better chance of getting a fit.

I'm only 5'9", but I haven't had a 30 waist since HS.  LOL

FWIW, I think you have a better chance of getting a decent/generic fit with textile gear, than leather.  A lot of lower cost steer hide comes right from Pakistan; who in their right mind is going to do quality control over there?  Lots of leather stuff has very strange and untraceable labels, if any.

If you want a perfect fit, go to Fox Creek Leathers in VA (they require multiple measurements, weight, height, yada).  But bring a five pound box of money.  My Vented Racing Jacket is super heavyweight naked leather, and I got the laces so the jacket can follow my changeable waistline.  I have several really nice leather jackets.... but I wear textile about 85% of the time, because it's lighter, armored, vented, waterproof, more versatile, packs tighter, and more much comfortable.  

https://www.foxcreekleather.com/

[gordonv]

This is one of the reasons I like to do business with MotorCycleGear.Com (formerly NewEnough.com).  Not only do they have a series of size charts, but they do an individual analysis of fit for all their products.  A very fair return policy too.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/

+1 for the above info.

When there is something on the web I can buy locally (name brand product), I drop by a local store for a fit, and then go online to buy the size that fit me. Works ever time.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've only made one purchase with LeatherUp. 2 Mesh Jackets. But it was a good transaction, I think I ordered 1 size up because I don't like tight. $39 and so far my favorite jacket yet. Actually of all the MC purchases over the years only one hiccup. Chaparral sent me a tire 6 months after the order had been changed. But it was no big deal, I used the tire soon enough. Hope you stay out of the pokie. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

i just bought a leather jacket from wilson leathers here, i bought a large but it felt like it was to tight pulling my arms back so i got a lg long,, nope finally had to get an XL and it fits ok,, i wear a lg so i guess sizing doesnt mean anything any more..

[CajunRider]

Over time, I've noticed that clothes and shoe size are not very standard.  What one company says is a large, another will say is medium.  This goes for almost all brands. 

For this reason, I never buy clothes or shoes online without making a phone call to get ALL information first. Usually, they will assist to make sure I get something that fits.  Some aren't much help, so I buy elsewhere. 

I'm sorry to hear you're being treated like that.  Best of luck to you and your son.