Guide: How to Shop at Shein

Ya’ll know I love a good deal. So when I first discovered SheIn (also known as SheInside), I was excited about the endless selection of styles and it’s budget-friendly dupes! Although there are some great things I can say about this site, prices have increased over the past few years and the overall quality of items may be a hit or miss, if you’re not familiar with the common telltale signs. Read the guide below for my top seven tips and tricks on how to shop at SheIn without the disappointment.

1. Read the Reviews

Before you purchase anything on this site, you must read through the customer reviews on the product pages. Do you notice a general theme? Although they encourage influencers to submit photos to the Style Galleries, I prefer to look at unedited photos submitted by every day girls. You’ll get a better feel for quality, sizing and overall thoughts about the item.

2. Know Your Size

If you’re familiar with international discount retailers, you know that sizing tends to be on the small size. Whenever you’re in doubt, size up. I typically wear an XS in U.S. brands, but at SheIn, I’ve found myself in sizes ranging from XS to L. Each product page provides a listing of measurements, so be sure to measure yourself and compare between sizes. The model’s measurements are included, which I also find helpful.

3. Be Aware of Extra Charges

There is an option at checkout to purchase shipping insurance for $2.99. I always check this box. Some items may be shipping from China, and should the package get lost in the mail, this will ensure your refund or re-shipment of the items to your home.

Living in the United States, I have never been billed duty charges upon delivery. However, friends and bloggers  have experienced this for orders under $50 in Canada and Latin America.

4. Shipping is Complicated

All orders shipped to the United States is FREE, with no minimum (and FREE returns). The website states that delivery is made on average 6-8 business days. I disagree. Shipping can take anywhere from 1 to 4+ weeks, depending on which warehouse the items are shipping from. As a rule: don’t check your mailbox everyday (like I typically do when ordering online)… you will receive your package much later than you anticipate.

Because of high demand, you can experience delays in shipment. You will be notified and most of the time compensated via a $5 to $10 dollar credit to apply to a future purchase.

You may even receive a notice of cancelled orders for popular items. It’s super frustrating, but I would advise on staying away from items with ten or less remaining in inventory. Items with low inventory are posted in red on product pages.

5. Easily Available Discounts & Coupon Codes

When you place your first order at SheIn, you’ll be asked to create a profile. You can use this profile to generate points that can be applied as a discount for future purchases. You can earn points for confirming delivery, submitting reviews and sharing photos of the products you purchased.

There are always coupon codes posted on the homepage. The codes change from week to week, however the discount is pretty consistent: $5 OFF $59+ | $100 OFF $89+ | $30 OFF $169+. Be sure to use one before you check out!

Current students are also eligible for a 20% OFF discount via Student Beans.

6. Get Popular Items before they Sell Out

SheIn is famous for their trendy sold out items, but I can share a tip with you to stay ahead of the curve. Each day, they aggregate all of their new arrivals in the What’s New link on the main menu. You’ll be among the first to see a fresh batch of inventory. Just don’t sit on the items in your shopping cart too long. I’ve seen popular items sell out within a day. Prices also tend to be cheaper when items are newly added to the site. As popularity grows, you will notice slight price increases — another reason to check out sooner rather than later.

7. Hassle-Free Returns (for the Most Part)

If you’re not happy with your purchase, you can initiate a return right from your account. A return shipping label is generated (for FREE) and you can print immediately, tape to your recycled packaging and drop it off at the Post Office.

Once the warehouse receives your return, you will be sent an email indicating that the value of the purchase has been credited to your “Wallet.” You must go into your wallet to withdraw dollars and apply to your original form of payment – i.e. Credit Card. Or, you can use your credit toward a future purchase.

Also, be sure to check the return policy on each product page. You’ll notice that some categories are not eligible for return – i.e. swimsuits, intimates, jewelry, etc.

LATEST SHEIN FAVORITES

Have you shopped at SheIn? Do you think the prices are worth the inconveniences?