When I first heard about Stitch Fix, I thought it was the solution to my year-long hatred of the mall.
Cute clothes delivered to my doorstep? Yes, please!
I’ve done four boxes and with every box I’ve been more and more disillusioned.
There’s a reason I haven’t done another Stitch Fix review–I just kept waiting and waiting for something I could actually show off.
I knew I was paying a premium on the clothing–it was the mark-up for convenience right?
But last month, my box came with a tie-dyed maxi dress that was practically see-through and they were trying to charge me $78 for it…
The month before, I even returned all the items and simply lost my $20 deposit on the box, because I couldn’t justify keeping any of the overpriced items simply so I wouldn’t lose $20.
I also put my subscription on hold, as an attempt to decide whether it was worth keeping the subscription, or if I should just cancel.
The Stitch Fix Scam Video
And then I saw this video–and it sealed the deal:
I rarely shop at Nordstrom Rack unless I need some basics. There have been too many times where I’ve shopped there, and will try on a whole shopping cart full of clothes and leave the dressing room empty-handed, simply because most of the clothing is ill-fitting.
You can read Stitch Fix’s response to the brouhaha here.
I’m not buying their explanation, and I’m definitely not buying any more Stitch Fix. But I am spreading the word to help any other frugal-at-heart blogger save their pennies.
In the end, I decided I just wasn’t going to support this Stitch Fix scam anymore. Clothing to my door is not worth the 80% markup.
I’ll drive myself to the mall, thankyouverymuch.
BUT–if you are in the mood for some cheap & chic clothing., I highly recommend checking out your local JC Penney’s (I am not being sponsored or compensated in any way for mentioning JCP–I am just a very satisfied customer!).
I recently visited my closest store after another blogger did a review on their cute and comfortable shorts. I always have a problem finding comfortable shorts that don’t show off my butt cheeks, but I fell in love with their A.N.A. misses shorts and bought two pairs (you do need to go up a size because it’s misses sizes). I also ended up getting about 10 pieces of clothing for about $80, including a $15 coral dress on clearance that I’ve received endless compliments on (they only have two colors left).
So that’s my fashion service announcement for the summer.
For ways to shop and save money on clothes and other things, check out these awesome articles.
Kids designer clothes are cheaper at Debenhams
Why Wanting to be Part of the In Crowd Cost Me Thousands
The Pros and Cons of Shopping Online
93 comments
Luxury goods no matter what kind have an initial markup of 500 to 1000% period. That’s how retail works folks that’s how Nordstrom’s Rack, Filine’s Basement, & Betsy Thalhimer ALL stayed in business. As did thier parent companies Nordstrums, Filings, & Thalhimer as well as Woodward & Lothrop, Lord & Taylor, Coach, Channel & House of Worth, denigrating others out-to-the-public retail as ‘rags’ and building buzz around thier latest on trend fashions. Don’t be confused by the hype and the size of you bank account about what you can absorb for convenience sake. For God’s sake don’t let them make you think & act like a male! Do your homework
I read several reviews about SF in the internet. I think most of the stuff in the box, are something that I could find at Ross and Marshall , etc.. with much cheaper prices. Just need a little effort to visit the stores and search them by myself. By paying SF prices, people pay more for their operating costs ( labor, services, etc) plus their profit margin. Maybe OK for some.. but not for me!
I totally agree with you! I found a new way how to get stitch fix clothing for more than half the price online between ThredUP and Poshmark.
I have noticed you don’t monetize your site, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn additional bucks every month because you’ve
got hi quality content. If you want to know how to
make extra $$$, search for: Ercannou’s essential adsense alternative
I couldn’t disagree more with this post. In fact it really surprised me. I have used Stitch Fix about six or seven times now and have been really satisfied. Like over the moon, jumping for joy satisfied. Each time I wear an outfit styled by them it never fails that I get a ton of compliments. When items arrive, I do what everyone else does and google them to see if I am overpaying. Not once did I find an item that was much cheaper on line. Not once. Even down the the earings. I find myself looking forward to the next fix and when it arrives the excitment is sheer delight like it’s Christmas morning. I really don’t get all the negativity here. If you don’t like something or think it’s too much money – simply send it back. No charge. No questions asked. What is the big problem here? I mean to center an entire post around why you should cancel it seems a bit strange. I think this blogger seems completely unhappy with herself and has WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON HER HANDS. Spreading this false propoganda and picking on a brilliant concept. I mean seriously the Stitch Fix concept is absolutely genius. My advice….don’t listen to this post and get yourself a Stitch Fix. You’ll be glad you did and alot better dressed than you were before it came.
You do get charged $25 even if you send it back so, in a sense, you’re kind of pressured to keep at least 1 item since the $25 fee is credited to it. But I get what you’re saying.
I’ve received 3 fixes and have never heard of any of the brand names or if the clothes are made to last for more than a year, but I like the style so I keep most of the items. My last fix was $228 for 5 items which is typically cheaper than if I went out and bought them myself.
The charge is only $20.
am sorry about your experience with Stitch Fix. The clothing is way overpriced. They know that sending out a box hides to some extent the price from consumers and they also know consumers have no choice but to buy or else they lose their $20 for the month and nobody wants to do that. Stitch Fix takes advantage of its consumers. High Prices are just the start. Its just not true that the computer or the so-called fashion experts pay any attention to you. Each expert has over 700 consumers to take care of. They certainly are not putting much time into each one. Once Amazon enters the field with a real offering users wont have to pay $20 a month for crappy styling and will be able to buy and return without paying a fee. I was not impressed by Stitch Fix at all.
http://www.adweek.com/creativity/why-did-these-68-shorts-stitch-fix-show-2495-price-tag-nordstrom-rack-159245/
because everything online is marked up. That is why you dont find it much cheaper. That is what they want you to do 😉 They prey on those too lazy to go out and find them like they do at physical locations. Trust me everything you get can be found at half the cost somewhere.
I just got my first box and the 2 items I loved the most were the most expensive and more than what I would probably spend at the store. However, I’ve gained weight since having my baby and I don’t have time to go to the mall to really shop around. When I do, I don’t find anything that makes me feel good and comfortable. Not all of the items in my box fit right and I didn’t love all of them, but the 2 I did like fit like a dream and made me feel good. When I googled the brands and items I did decide to keep, I saw several stores sold them for the exact same price, plus I’ll get the $20 off for the box. I’m new to the membership, so maybe I don’t understand it yet, but Macys, Nordstrom and 2 other online stores all had it for the same price, so doesn’t seem like a mark up for me or even like I’m paying extra for convenience. Plus Stitch Fix states they’ll price match, so believe that I’ll be checking out each item to make sure it’s not cheaper somewhere else.
You don’t get $20 off the box remember – they just give you back your $20 they charged you to style you if you buy something. If you didn’t buy anything in the box, they keep that $20.
I love all the people whining about the markup. You do realize that your $20 H&M blouse that you LOVE so much and are bragging about on this comments thread is actually a $3 blouse — probably made in the third world by children — marked up 7-fold don’t you???? Why are you OK with that markup, but complaining about the regular order of things in business at Stitch Fix…markups and profitability??? I used to work at Urban Outfitters and we’d laugh hysterically at all the Beverly Hills chicks and celebs clamoring to pay $78 for a pair of jeans made in Tijuana and of visibly cheap quality. But people have no problem doing that or shopping at Anthropologie which is the same company as Urban Outfitters and buying equally cheap crap then marking it up to the same price points that have you guys angry at Stitch Fix — with NO curation or styling involved. When I first heard of Stitch Fix, I didn’t automatically assume it was a bargain clothing service. So I’m shocked to see that everyone is so confused about what that company does. I’m not surprised that they charge $50 – $100 – $200 for clothing. When I hear “stylist” I just assume there would be some price there, as I’m from Los Angeles and stylists don’t come cheap. But to call Stitch Fix a scam is a bit much. What Bernie Madoff did was a SCAM. This company is just finding clothes that it feels will appeal to its consumer base, then applying the usual laws of Business Administration to make a profit and pay its workers. If it’s too rich for your blood, then try a different company or spend a couple of hours shopping online each week. Remember: This service is optional. It’s not a gun to your head, so relax with the angry diatribes.
Such a long post for someone who seems to have no skin in this fight. First, Bernie Madoff was not a scam so much as his clients should have and possibly known something was up. The returns he was getting for his wealthy and sophisticated clients should have been a red flag. But back to the subject. People are WELL aware that clothes are made for $1 in third world countries. People haven’t been surprised by that since Nike was exposed years ago. What people are upset is that StitchFix is repackaging “clearance” and “discounter” inventory as top fashion and selling at “MSRP” which is usually a made-up number. And as far as laughing at the Beverly Hills chicks, they are probably laughing at you also.
You are making a false statement by saying that Stitch Fix is a scam. The company could sue for Defamation of Character, read this linkhttps://www.rcfp.org/browse-media-law-resources/digital-journalists-legal-guide/can-corporation-sue-me-harm-its-reputatio
I wouldn’t call Stitch Fix a scam, but as someone who has had previous experience in a buying office for junior’s apparel, I can confirm that many of the brands they sell you can also purchase at a junior’s mall store for about a third of the price. Look up the San Pedro wholesale market, it’s where many of the items are purchased from Asia as styles intended for the junior market, but being sold to grown 30+ women for at least twice the price you would find in Forever 21 (where they work the vendors and put their own labels on the same clothes). This explains the fit and the quality (thin “denim”, low-grade polyester and acrylic). For many who don’t have time to shop, I think it’s a valuable service, but if you’re a Nordstrom Rack, TJMaxx, or Ross shopper who expects those prices from an online styling service, you might be best taking an hour out of each month to make the trip yourself.
Hello,
I recently just came back to the states from abroad and I found out about stitchfix. I thought it was so easy and would help me change my style so I decided to try it. But unbeknownst to me they sent me really expensive clothes and things that were too small for me. Like you explained it is definitely a scam.
Right now I’m trying to cancel my account and the fixes. But their system is definitely trying to scam me as well. Because its been set up so that I can’t seem to cancel my fix or account at all! I never signed up for automatic fixes in the beginning anyway just to be safe and yet the system just sent me an email saying I have a next fix coming up. But now I cant seem to find a cancel or ‘stop this fix’ button anywhere and I’ve read their FAQ about canceling as well, everything they say just repeats itself. I wrote to them requesting them to cancel my account, so I’m just waiting to hear from them soon- I hope they’ll help out.
I just wanted to know how you were able to cancel your account and if you can help me cancel mine?
Thank you!
So I decided to review feed back about this SF that seems to be the rave. I have a co worker who comes to work wearing some of the outfits and there adorable and look stunning on her. So I thought I may give this a try~ So here I sit reviewing the good and the bad about SF as I stroll through some the post I realized what a spoiled Americans we are. Comments about spending 80.00-100.00 on clothing, a top, pair of jeans, jewelry, what snobs we all can be.
There are people who are starving and homeless and were blogging about the style and cost of clothing? Thinking that 80.00 is nothing for a top. I’m no different I went on this site to sign up myself. Than it hit me, Just think that 80.00/100.00/200.00 could do for an entire family who has nothing. Reviewing all of these blogs I have to say I just answered my own question about SF or any other clothing site for that matter~
I work hard for my money and if I want to drop $200 on a monthly shopping spree I will. That family you speak of probably is collecting food stamps and whatever else the government is handing to them so I think with 1/5 of my paycheck already going to them I can and will spend what I can keep on what I want. I have YET to see a top in the $80 dollar range, so there seems to be a bit of exaggeration somewhere. Stitchfix prices are 100% comparable to Macy’s prices, and on the sale side unless you want to go higher. My boxes of 5 items are usually in the $180-$220 range thats $36-$44 average per item if I keep everything. Not much if you ask me for the quality of clothes they offer and for saving me a trip to the mall. It’s fantabulous.
Could you be more out of touch?
“That family” probably collects food stamps?
Lol Have fun making America great again.
Do you want all the brown people deported too?
you do realize taht buy spending $100 you are paying for a person to have a job as a personal stylist for you, a fashion designer to have a job designing cloths, a manufacturing job, a job for the person transporting the clothes, etc, etc. So maybe if you gave some family that $100 they would be better off…but then all the people out there trying to make a living would be slightly worse off. I prefer to give my money to the people offering me something for it and save my handouts for family/friends.
I would try mixandmatchbox.com you get a box of 4 things for 89.99 and the value is higher so it’s a better deal…on another note years ago when I owned a boutique I got s shipment in from nydj and the tags on the pants said a department store which I won’t mention the wholesale price I was paying was almost as high as the retail that try these pants were marked I was pissed off I sent the whole shipment back as how could I compete
I am shocked and amazed at the lack of understanding about business in America. You want jobs, you want manufacturing here, and you want all the best amenities at Wal-mart prices. Stitch Fix is not perfect, but they do offer a service you will NEVER get at Marshals or Wal-mart. JCPenny CEO offered rock bottom prices no coupons necessary, just the best price you can get. YOU the consumer HATED it. There was no haggling no complaining it was boring and he got fired and prices have gone up significantly. Doubled actually you can buy a mens shirt and get one for a penny and in actuality there is no savings and cost more than other department stores. You want Wal-Mart prices, but you want Stitch Fix to still offer a real person to talk to and help you shop, you still want them to give FREE organic food and drinks to their employees in every location (they have large refrigerators and HEALTHY SNACKS in EVERY LOCATION) AND, encourage recycling and you want them to give back to the community like YOU think they should. At a Wal-mart price.
Thank you! Couldn’t have said it better.
You are SO right. I was nauseated by the complaints and clear ignorance as to how the retail industry works. LOVE LOVE LOVE that you made the Walmart comparison. I was thinking the same thing: tons of people who want Saks 5th Ave. lifestyles on a Walmart budget. SO spoiled!!!!!!! Not only that, but isn’t Stitchfix female-owned and operated? Way to support each other, ladies!
For those who like the SF concept, but not the BS, I would suggest trying DailyLook. It’s more legitimate…even though they sent me a skirt that was completely see through 🙂
What would you think of a similar service but with pre-owned clothing at much cheaper prices, more like an average of $10-$15 instead of $55.00?
I would love it!!
I received my first box this week. When opened the box and saw the bill, I immediately packed the items in the return package and dropped it off at the post office. There was absolutely no need for me to unwrap or try on the items. The bill vs the pictures of the items they sent, sealed it for me. Cancelled.
I clicked on the link to stitchfix’s response and it was insulting–insulting that they would think consumers are so stupid to believe it. They said it was a mistake, that the vendor shipped it to stitchfix accidentally. OK, that happens, but then why did that piece come complete with a stitchfix style card with those shorts prominently displayed and styled?
I’ve worked in retail receiving. When a shipment comes, it gets checked in and inventoried to ensure you’re getting what you ordered and in the right quantity. An item not ordered that was meant for another retailer would never make it to the sales floor.
Wow, I didn’t realize they marked things up that much. Not okay at all. I was just planning on canceling because the things they send me aren’t at all what I ask for, and I even created a pinterest board for them to help get a sense of my style. Super disappointed, and refuse to spend that much money. I asked for things “as cheap as possible” and they’re still $50+ every time.
You should try mixandmatchbox.com much more affordable
https://www.trunkclub.com/invite/7YG8ZU
Try Trunk Club. No styling fee and they email you pics before they send your shipment so you can delete things you know you won’t like. Your stylist calls you on the phone to discuss what you are looking for. Very personable.
Trunk Club is a great alternative, it is a premium service affiliated with Nordstrom. Stylists build out thoughtful curated wardrobes for their clients with most pieces ranging $100-$200. I advise looking through the blog to get a better idea! https://www.trunkclub.com/womens?ex=54&var=1
i received my first and last stitch fox box today…was terribly disappointed in the quality of the items…the “retail” was around $500 for the items…they looked like they came from a low end retailer like forever 21 or H&M…never again
I think that overall the prices are a little out there, and it is disappointing when you get a bunch of so so items for way more than you’d normally pay for them. I personally usually get at least one thing just to have something to show for my $20, but when you get that one pair of jeans that fits you just right, a brand you didn’t even know existed, or that perfect jacket or accessory or whatever that you couldn’t imagine not having in your closet now, it’s all worth it. I’m constantly complimenting my coworker on her outfits and every other day Stitch Fix gets the credit. And most of it is stuff I know I would have never picked off the rack in a million years but seeing it on someone else makes me think, if they had sent that to me I would totally have bought that. And the way I look at it I use this service to supplement my healthy addiction of shopping. I know where to get cheap essentials and where to look for bargains for everyday items, in fact I’m really good at shopping for basics, it’s the fashion risks I’m not so good at. If stitch fix sends me a white striped t-shirt for 40 or 50 bucks I’m obviously not going to buy it. But a perfectly fitted leather jacket or some other unique high quality item that fits well? It’s worth the money because my closet literally cannot use another outfit consisting of a solid color shirt with jeans and the same tired pair of riding boots.
Horrible stitch fix box. I usually spend good money on designer clothing and I could have picked out much nicer things at local department store. So Im not getting any value for the styling fee. One box and I regret it.
I work at stitchfix and its a nasty place thousands of piece’s of clothes yes. But they are far from clean. They hit the floor there’s dust everywhere and to kill it for you all. When people send items back…..they go ryt back on the hanger .
I don’t get what’s wrong with that? That’s pretty normal retail stuff. What do you think? You try on clothes, decide not to buy them and the employees just throw them in the incinerator?
I appreciate this post! Thank you! I filled out the application for Stitch Fix, and then decided to google their cancelation process before submitting. That lead me to this post, which convinced me not to sign up. I know people who love SF but, I can’t do it knowing their mark up is so high. It’d break my penny-pinching heart and bank account.
Is it possible I might find an item less expensively elsewhere if I happen upon it at a discount store, try on tons of things until there’s one that fits, and give up my whole weekend day to do so? Sure. But with StitchFix I give realistic feedback on the price points that work for me, the styles I like, why I’m returning (and returns are SO easy) or keeping an item, and fabrics I prefer, and each Stitchfix (I’ve received three, on demand–I don’t have them pre-scheduled periodically and I love that I don’t have to) has been better suited to me that the one before, with the last one (yesterday) simply perfect. Among the 15 items total that they’ve sent my way only one has not fit to the tee. Plus it takes no more than 5 minutes of my time for each fix, versus a day of shopping to maybe find something at possibly a little lower cost. Not a scam–just a great choice about the value of my time, well-fitting clothing, and a system designed to get ever-better if I give honest and precise feedback. Brilliant.
Hi, I have had one box from SF and am sort of pleased…I’d like to feel what you say and am giving it time. So far I agree with you and will give SF a chance. I am probably going to keep my entire box because it seems they did listen to me and not just toss things together willy nilly. You are right about the feedback; others who complain did not bother to explain what their style is about, very specifically, and to explain what they like or dislike. Good luck!
I’ve gotten 2 boxes with a pair of jeans in each – they both fit! The rest of the contents were so-so. I am, however, delighted with the pants. I never seem to be able to find them long enough in stores. For that reason alone I’m happy with Stitch-Fix.
I canceled my subscription (after 10 fixes) because I found the same $68 sweater from one of my fixes in H &M for $24. I don’t like H&M but my teen daughter does so I just happened to be in the store walking around when I spotted MY Stitch Fix sweater! I didn’t know this article existed at the time but my first thought was how I was getting ripped off. Paired with multiple requests for them to stop sending the same style shirt in each fix, I decided to stop my fixes. Glad to read this and know I did the right thing. I’ll put my money in my local businesses/boutiques from now on.
I just need to quickly make a point here. I worked as a stylist at Stitch Fix for a year. The other commenters are correct in that you are paying for personalized styling service and not cheap finds at basement prices. I went to work for Stitch Fix because I loved my first box but monthly subscriptions were definitely not in my budget. Sometimes Fixes are complete misses but I promise you that NONE of the clothing is from Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Reebox. They buy directly from designers and as for the girl who said she found a Marshalls receipt in her box…….not so much
Yeah, but the difference is the pricing. I just saw THE SAME shirt that was in one of my fixes (same designer and everything — Sweet Rain) marked as $22 while it was $58 in the Stitch Fix. And then it was marked down even more because it was at Marshalls, so it was $12.99. The lesson I learned was to just go out and do the old fashioned shopping. I loved Stitch Fix when I started it, but after 4 boxes… I’ve learned it’s a rip off.
Go look at the comment I made previously on how discount vendors (i.e. Marshalls) work… The garment, even if at face value is nearly identical, it is inferior quality. So it comes down to a matter of preference. If you’d still prefer a shirt for $22, knowing that it will not last near as long, that’s your personal shopping style. I studied textile science and merchandising, I know the game. Stitch Fix is not a rip off.
You’re misunderstanding how fashion wholesale buying works. Nordstrom Rack pricing is not original pricing, it’s bargain bin shopping. Clothes wind up there for a couple different reasons. Most of the time though, the merchandise at the discount outlets of major department stores is made or bought SPECIFICALLY for those outlets ONLY, with designers and vendors creating familiar-looking pieces at a lower cost that often indicates inferior quality. Less than 20% of what The Rack sells actually came from or was featured in a Nordstrom store. Stitch Fix DOES NOT buy clothes from Nordstrom Rack or other discount venues, nor do they get the clothes from the same source as them. They buy wholesale directly from the brands themselves. Stitch Fix carries only 2 brands that are also carried in Nordstrom (although many brands are similar to Bloomingdale’s), so the pants that lady found are probably very similar, but not an exact match. I can assure you that the mark up is not taking a pair of 25 dollar pants to 68. The markup at Stitch Fix is lower than what you’re guessing at, but still there (otherwise what’s the point of a business?). It is set in place because not only are they providing you with garments, but a service that the average woman otherwise could never afford. They have to account for the fact that they have to not only pay the behind the scenes salaries of their employees (i.e. merchandising team, buying team, marketing, etc), but hundreds of personal stylists’ salaries as well. By the time you’ve gotten your Fix, at least 4 people have seen it and helped get it ready for you, personally. I’ve been a personal stylist at a Barney’s for 7 years and have a BA in fashion merchandising. Knowing what I know, I absolutely think this is a great company. I can understand your frustration as someone not involved in the industry and just seeing a price tag, but there is a lot of behind the scenes stuff that takes place that makes those prices what they are. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
It seems you have a knowledge in the industry. I am looking start my own e-boutique and am having trouble finding a reliable wholesaler that have designer items. Do you have an suggestions? Or do you suggest I go directly to the designers?
As silly and out of date as it sounds, you really have to go out and directly contact these specific designers yourself. Phone calls, emails, even knocking on office doors, all of it… Unfortunately, a lot of designers/established brands will not work with start ups because of the risk to their own image involved, but it’s still worth it to try them. You just really have to hustle unfortunately, there’s no other way around it. The best way to handle new businesses is to buy wholesale from brands that maybe aren’t as well established and create a stable business, and then you have a lot more room to market yourself to bigger brands.
Well, doesn’t the $ 20 “Stylist Fee” buffer all off what your mentioning the mark ups are for, over your typical amount. We as consumers are led to believe that anyhow. I have to say, as someone who regularly shops at high end stores I just sometimes have to laugh at what they charge for things that aren’t high quality items. 100% unlined polyester blazer with for $80? Nope. Looked like it came from Forever 21. It didn’t, I’m sure. But it would have been embarrassing to pay that much!! Much less wear it. More is expected for their service and price.
No, the $20 “stylist fee” would cover the shipping there and back for multiple products for the people who choose not to purchase anything. Remember, if you do purchase anything, that $20 goes towards your purchase… I don’t mean to criticize your opinion, but $80 is not expensive regardless of the quality. In America we’ve grown too accustomed to fast fashion prices that have skewed our judgement completely. A polyester blazer made here in this country would EASILY be $80+ dollars if you actually look at the supply chain in price breakdown. Again, I studied this in college. Prices are set for a reason. We really need to quit bashing companies that actually ethically source their clothing, treat/pay their employees well (starting rate for a Stitch Fix employee is double minimum wage for the area), and are a part of the social entrepreneurship movement. If you’re interested in educating yourself on the subject of clothing, pricing, quality, and waste, watch The True Cost on Netflix.
So I decided to review feed back about this SF that seems to be the rave. I have a co worker who comes to work wearing some of the outfits and there adorable and look stunning on her. So I thought I may give this a try~ So here I sit reviewing the good and the bad about SF as I stroll through some the post I realized what a spoiled Americans we are. Comments about spending 80.00-100.00 on clothing, a top, pair of jeans, jewelry, what snobs we all can be.
There are people who are starving and homeless and were blogging about the style and cost of clothing? Thinking that 80.00 is nothing for a top. I’m no different I went on this site to sign up myself. Than it hit me, Just think that 80.00/100.00/200.00 could do for an entire family who has nothing. Reviewing all of these blogs I have to say I just answered my own question about SF or any other clothing site for that matter~