While everyone loves snagging a good deal, some suspicious stores are too good to be true. There are plenty of reputable sites, but many scam stores take your money and send you completely different items (if anything at all).
You need to be wary of suspiciously low prices from shops you’ve never seen in person. Many websites like Shein leave online customers conflicted over whether or not the site is worth the risk. Between dirt-cheap prices and a wide selection, Shein.com seems almost too good to be true. Can you trust it, despite it having such cheap prices?
What Is Shein?
Shein became a household name in recent years as their enticing ads swarmed social media platforms all over the world. You’ve probably encountered an advertisement from Shein, the company that found its fortune through online campaigns.
Many people find out about Shein through Facebook or Instagram posts. Shein shows off stylish clothes or trendy duvet covers for ridiculously low prices.
There are even times where specific products are nearly identical to name-brand items at a tenth of the price! It gets complicated when you ask if Shein is a real store.
Shein is mainly a digital retailer—although the company has found success launching a select few physical locations.
Most of these stores are just pop-ups in bigger cities, so if you want to experience all that Shein has to offer, you’ll probably have to check out their website (or check out the Shein app).
Is Shein a Scam?
When investigating whether or not Shein is a reliable site to shop from, you get mixed reviews. There are certainly people who claim that the Shein website scammed them of their money, but the company does get countless orders a day from all around the world.
Some red flags make people question if Shein is legit or not. For one thing, Shein is not BBB accredited, meaning they don’t have that additional consumer satisfaction support.
Additionally, Shein is based in China, which has a reputation for being untrustworthy, as you can see from reviews of companies like Vencano or Ali Express.
Despite these red flags, plenty of people order from the sites. Shein appears to be a safe site in that they don’t steal your payment information or identities.
It also seems to be a trusted by users worldwide, from South Africa to the UK and from Australia to Canada, suggesting that people receive the products they order.
While it is a “legit” company that doesn’t scam you with fake promises, its low costs ironically come at a price.
Why Is Shein So Cheap?
The official Shein inventory is rather expansive, and it seems like they offer any and everything offered at a fraction of the cost. Shein is a good website for anyone looking for fashionable bargains that help grow your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
However, Shein clothing does come at a price. If you have some time to look at some honest Shein clothing reviews, you will see many complaints about the quality of the clothing.
Many users complain that Shein clothing quickly discolors, loses its shape, or exhibits wear and tear.
Those left unsatisfied or looking for a return or exchange encounter another infamous problem of the company.
Shein’s customer service is notoriously unresponsive, making it difficult to get help in case you need it. Sure, there are many satisfied customers, but you can understand why Shein has a poor Trustpilot rating of only 2.4 stars.
Is Shein Ethical?
The quality of Shein’s products or inferior products is not the only thing Shein fashion reviews have concerns over.
There is a reason products in China cost so much less than items produced in the West. The labor laws in China are much laxer than in the US or Canada. It’s easy for a company to exploit its workers.
Because they can legally pay their workers so little and force them to work long hours without breaks, their end product is cheaper.
Keep in mind that this is true of many companies, and we’re not singling out Shein particularly—indeed, the site stresses that it continually works to look after the health and well-being of its workers.
Many large businesses import products from eastern companies simply because it is so inexpensive to keep their prices down (and their profits up).
If you want to prioritize ethical fashion, Shein is not the store for you. There are tons of ethical alternatives to popular businesses that are worth checking out.
Is Shein Reliable and Safe?
It is safe to order from Shein. You don’t need to worry about it being some elaborate phishing scam. As of 2021, Shein appears safe for sharing debit card or credit card information.
The only thing you risk with placing an order from Shein’s official website is that you might face disappointment in the future.
Shein is a trustworthy site, as genuine as Amazon, eBay, and the like. But with such low RRPs, it’s understandable if you’re unsure about its reliability
Is Shein Safe To Order From?
When browsing sites that offer lower quality items at discount prices, some tips to consider prevent you from disappointment.
Check Sizing Charts
The sizes are not consistent between articles of clothing. Be sure to refer to sizing charts on every listing, as some reviews suggest that Shein dresses vary in size between different items.
Be sure to pay attention to the section your item is in, as this impacts the cut of clothing. For example, the Shein curve collection is different from the standard sizes.
Avoid Everyday Basics
Shein is a great place to find experimental pieces to try out. But don’t buy pieces you’ll wear every day. Its clothes are generally not made to last.
If you are looking for durability, it is better to invest. For example, many Shein swimsuit reviews complain about the lack of support.
Read All Reviews
Customer reviews offer honest feedback you should take into consideration. Don’t just look at the five-star ones, though: these can be faked, so look at the bigger picture.
Be sure always to check reviews from your location, as a review from NZ may not apply to your Shein experience based in Canada.
And before you add to the basket, note the return policies and shipping times of a particular item.
Is Shein a Good Website?
If you are looking for cheap clothing, Shein is a great place to turn to if you aren’t so concerned about quality.
Shein is a safe enough place to shop, but try not to forget about sustainable alternatives that ethically source their products.