Latest news with #ASOS
Daily Mirror
37 minutes ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
ASOS bans shoppers for making too many returns
ASOS hit the press this week with the news that it is shutting accounts of people who return too many items Online shopping has transformed the way we buy goods and services. But we are paying a heavy price for the convenience of having our shopping dropped off at the door? The online retailers have come to dominate the market, decimating the high street in the process. But now that they have taken over, they are starting to change the rules to their own advantage. Many retailers are beginning to charge for returning goods. While none of the major online shops is charging for each return, many have suggested they are going to do so, only to backtrack after much outrage in the press. Retailers make these announcements to "soften us up" – in effect scarring us with the prospect of charges that they aren't going to apply just yet, so we are more willing to accept "some" charges. And these are already occurring. ASOS hit the press this week with the news that it is shutting accounts of people who return too many items. This is off the back of the £3.95 charge the retailer has already introduced for people who are returning more goods than they would like. While ASOS has received lots of publicity around these rule changes, they are certainly not the only business that is charging and barring people. So what's going on here? And what can you do about it? Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Why is ASOS in the news? It's been reported in the press this week that some ASOS customers have received emails telling them that their accounts are being closed. This is because the shoppers have apparently breached the retailer's "fair use" policy. Retailers can reserve the right to ditch you if they feel that you are misusing their services. This might include returning items that you've ordered, photographed yourself in on Instagram or TikTok then sent back. There are a few isolated incidents where people have tried it on and had a night out in a nice frock with the tags on then shipped the clothes back! *Spoilers* retailers will know you've done this. But this is pretty rare. Looking at returns policies for the main online retailers, a cardinal sin is 'returning too many items'. ASOS hit the headlines last year when it began charging a £3.95 return fee per parcel when people returned an excessive number of items. It has now confirmed that a small number of customers have had their accounts closed for breaching this policy where there has been "unusual or suspicious activity". The ASOS website sets out their fair use policy in which it explains: For the small group of customers who consistently take actions that make providing them with free returns unsustainable, we deduct and retain £3.95 per returned parcel from their refund to help cover the cost of getting the goods back to us. When deciding whether to make this deduction from your future refunds, we apply an objective formula based on your shopping behaviour, taking into account whether you have made particularly excessive returns well beyond the average ASOS customer's returns, as well as the number and value of orders made by you. If you fall into this group, you will still enjoy free returns when: You keep £40 or more of any order and are a non-Premier customer; or You keep £15 or more of any order and are a Premier customer. Can retailers charge me or bar me if I return too many items? Yes they can. No business can be compelled to have you as a customer. As long as they are not discriminating against you because of a 'protected characteristic' then they are not breaking the law. The problem with these policies is they very rarely explain how many returns is too many - or how this is being quantified. For example, if you order an item of clothing in three sizes to see which one fits best, you'll regularly be returning two items even if you decide to keep one. If you do this once a month, that's a minimum of 24 returns over a year. Will that mark your card as a prolific returner? We simply don't know. There's no ombudsman or dispute resolution scheme for the entire retail industry, so the courts are the only option for people who feel they've been unfairly treated. In the vast majority of cases, this is not an effective solution for most people. What about damaged or faulty goods? Your legal rights remain the same when it comes to faulty or misrepresented goods that you buy online. You have 30 days to return these items and you are entitled to a full refund – including postage costs – under these circumstances. If the goods break or turn out to be faulty within the first six months, you must give the retailer one opportunity to repair or replace the item, then if there's still a problem you can have a full refund. I've noticed that some online retailers are making it very difficult to return items within the six month timeframe – including one very big online retailer indeed. Don't give up if you need to send back faulty goods. The law is on your side. Most of the retailer's terms of use say they will not penalise you for returning broken or damaged goods. Is this fair? The reason why returning items and charging or barring people is so contentious is because we have to send back large numbers of clothes we buy online because we can't try them on before purchase. Online retailers created this 'try and return' market, killing off some of the leading high street retailers in the process. They were able to operate with vastly reduced costs because they didn't have the bills that come with running an actual shop in towns and cities across the land. So their only losses came from the cost of postage and returning outfits. So it seems deeply unfair that these retailers – who have profiteered at the expense of the high street shops – are now wanting to charge us for returns after driving countless businesses out of business. In addition, I'm infuriated that many online retailers don't even have customer service telephone lines for you to contact if something goes wrong. So I'd encourage anyone who is unhappy with these charges and lack of customer service to ditch the worst offenders and return to the high street. After all, you don't get charged for leaving items that don't fit in a changing room!
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Amanda Holden is radiant in linen co-ord that solves summer officewear dilemma
With the temperatures continuing to ramp up, we're all trying to find a way to keep cool in style, especially when in the office - and this red linen co-ord Amanda Holden's just worn may be the ticket Amanda Holden has graced fans with another stunning summer look, showing off a vibrant red co-ord that's sure to turn heads for any occasion. Showing off her glorious legs, Amanda looked radiant and ready for the sun in a linen top and shorts combo that seamlessly blends officewear chic and summer-ready style. And the good news? Both the vest and shorts from Amanda's exact co-ord are still up for grabs in most sizes. Available from Theory, this co-ord comes in your choice of cherry red, as worn by Amanda, or a more versatile and understated black. The Trucker Vest can be worn as a top on its own or as an outside layer. Featuring a tailored design for a relaxed silhouette, this top is decorated with a crew neckline and flap pockets that add a utility flair that's become popular this year. The single-breasted, button-front design is crafted from Theory's signature stretch Good Linen fabric, offering plenty of breathability and manoeuvrability to ensure a flattering and comfortable fit on all body types. Meanwhile, the Pleated Shorts boast pristine pleats that define the front of the wide-leg shorts. The design is supported by belt loops and fastened with a zip fly for a secure and figure-hugging fit around the waistline that doesn't sacrifice the loose and breezy style throughout. These are also crafted from Theory's signature stretch Good Linen fabric. Promising to be the perfect style for when the warm weather arrives, Amanda's look compromises on formality for an office setting with the versatility to be worn to any summertime occasion. Keeping you looking and feeling cool, this co-ord can seamlessly transition from a morning meeting to an evening date, without sacrificing comfort for style. Amanda's Trucker Vest from Theory retails for £127 and is available in sizes 2 to 18. Meanwhile, the shorts sell for £117 and are available in sizes 6 through 18. If you're looking for alternative linen co-ords, check out these Ecru Elastic Back Tailored Shorts and White Short Sleeve Jacket with Linen from Rochelle Humes' Next collection for £26 and £50 respectively. Elsewhere you can find this Vero Moda linen touch tailored shorts co-ord at ASOS for £21. If you're after something a bit more casual, Nobody's Child is offering this White Linen-blend Shorts (£42) and White Linen-blend Swing Top (£42) co-ord.
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Millie Mackintosh's stunning date night suede cowboy boots are selling fast
When Millie Mackintosh shared her go-to date night look with fans, she was flooded with requests on where to shop her suede cowboy boots – and her exact pair are selling fast There's nothing better than putting together a date night look, but if you're having a bit of an outfit crisis, let Millie Mackintosh be your style guide. The former Made in Chelsea star shared her go-to look for a date night with husband Hugo Taylor recently, with a simple formula that was flirty, cute and perfect for a summer evening. Millie teamed a flowing floral co-ord with a pair of suede cowboy boots, and it seems her followers were a huge fan of the look with plenty of them begging for info on where to shop her boots. Although Millie didn't reveal where they're from, we managed to track them down, and it turns out they're from her Friends Like These collection at Next. Her exact boots are the Embroidered Western Cowboy Faux Suede Boots which you can get your hands on for £56, although you'll need to be quick as they're selling quickly – thanks, no doubt, to Millie's date night 'fit. The boots are perfect for nailing the boho style which Millie is often seen wearing; just pair them with flowing fabrics and soft neutral tones. However you can just as easily wear them with denim and a band T-shirt for a more laidback western look, or even pair them with a midi dress for the office. Everything from the brown faux suede to the mid-shin length and block heel makes them easy to style with almost anything, so you know they're going to work hard in your wardrobe. If you prefer a lower heel and more rounded toe, these ALPE Camilla Cowboy Boots from Aspiga are £185 and have a more laid-back, practical fit. For something that's slightly dressier with just a hint of western charm, the ASOS DESIGN Rational Heeled Western Boots in taupe (£42) are ideal thanks to their higher heel and classic ankle boot style. If you struggle with boot sizing, Duo Boots are brilliant for allowing you to get a custom fit. The Saffron Knee High Boots in Marigold Suede are slightly pricier at £295, but they allow you not only to choose your shoe size, but your exact calf measurement too, with options spanning 30cm to 50cm. However as well as being versatile, Millie's Embroidered Western Cowboy Faux Suede Boots have also been designed to be comfy enough to wear all day long. The cuban-style block heel is just high enough to give you some lift whilst being low and wide enough to avoid aches and pains. The faux suede material is also soft and supple, so you can wear them all day. They currently only have one review, which is a five star rating saying: 'Comfortable and look great.' With their contrast stitching, wide mid-calf shaft and pointed toes, these are a great way to nail the western trend whilst still looking elevated and put together. You can pick up the Embroidered Western Cowboy Faux Suede Boots from Millie's Friends Like These collection at Next now.
Metro
a day ago
- Business
- Metro
I run my own slow fashion business — I don't come from a family of entrepreneurs
Isabelle Pennington-Edmead, 28, runs her own ethical slow-fashion business with a collection also stocked online at ASOS. Orders from her website are made on demand to prevent wastage and aim to reflect childhood memories and femininity as well as inspiration drawn from her mixed Caribbean and British heritage. Here, she explains how she's made her journey from textiles-obsessed teen to successful entrepreneur, with the help of mentors and a lot of learning along the way. It is quite a cliché, but clothes design and running my own business has always been something I wanted to do. I've got sketchbooks from when I was younger where I designed what I wanted my brand to be, with logo designs and stuff. But I don't come from a family of entrepreneurs. Everyone in my family works in the public sector, like teachers, doctors or the NHS. That makes it hard. When you go to state school, you don't have the connections you might at other places, or the advice. So when I'm struggling with something, I might go to a family member and say, 'I don't know what to do about this', but they don't understand. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video I did textiles at school and then studied fashion design at university, and then did a master's in textiles for fashion. After my master's, I applied for a grad scheme with Yoox Net-A-Porter – a cooperation with the King's Foundation educational charity. I was working on creating a sustainable collection for their private label. I'm from Manchester, and when I finished at Yoox, I decided I wanted to move back to the north-west, but a lot of the clothes industry there was fast fashion. So I decided to just start my own brand, because I'd learned quite a lot about small-batch production. That's when I thought I could give it a go, starting my own slow-fashion label that reflects my mixed Caribbean, Kittitian, and British heritage. I'd say the challenge has been scaling. I've had to deal with things like Brexit. I didn't know about importing and exporting. That was a big hurdle – navigating the production and pricing and logistics, and having to negotiate with factories. I think it can be quite difficult, especially as a young woman, to make sure that you're getting the right prices and being taken seriously. ASOS was a big, brilliant experience. It started in March 24 and there was a lot to learn with scaling up to that size. Everything that's available to buy on ASOS from my brand is made in factories in the UK. I'm using a factory in London that's Drapers Award-winning, so I know it's a sustainable factory. I've also got orders being stocked in small boutiques, I've got an order going to Bermuda at the moment, and I've got other collections to pitch to other sources, hopefully. My next goal is to make the business even more sustainable. I don't think any fashion business can be 100 per cent sustainable, so it's just about trying your best and putting the effort in. A big goal for me would be to become a B Corp, which shows my business is meeting high standards. I met BBI CEO Darren Miller at a Windrush anniversary event. I got chatting to him and told him about my business, and he told me about the initiative. I really liked the look of what they were doing, because coming from a creative background I don't have any formal education in business. So even though I wanted to have a business, sometimes I felt an imposter syndrome around it, with not actually having formal education in it. Darren has put me in touch with some great people, such as Andrew Xeni from resposible fashion brand Nobody's Child. Having mentors has been a game-changer for me, so these connections have been so important. BBI was founded in 2023 and at the heart of the organisation is MBA30, an initiative that provides business training for Black entrepreneurs. They do so to help address the cultural and race-based barriers experienced by aspiring Black businesspeople. Between 2009-2019, just 0.24% of UK venture capital investment went to Black entrepreneurs, highlighting the systematic barriers Black businesses face when securing financing. Working with Metro, BBI hopes to train up 3,000 entrepreneurs by 2030, playing a key role in unlocking the £75 billion economic growth opportunity. Want to join the next MBA30 cohort - and have a chance to enter the MBA30 Emerging Entrepreneur Awards? Register your interest by emailing mba@ I'd say, define your brand and do the market research. That's very important – writing out a business plan and covering every aspect. Customers like it when there's a story behind the product, and they can really be involved in that. Also, try to stand your ground when you are negotiating. I sometimes deal with people on email a bit before first, just so they don't make assumptions when speaking on the phone – if they hear my age or that I'm a young woman. Just don't take the first answer. I think it's a given that they're going to expect you to go back with different prices or suggestions. So, if you just take the first offer, obviously they'll go with it, but I don't think they mind you suggesting cheaper pricing or negotiating. More Trending And when you have bad days, you just have to ride it. You're going to have them. And even though you can see on LinkedIn people's highlight reels, it's not like that every day for them either. When things are going well, make the most of it. I try and post a lot on social media. I try and hype up the brand. I don't have a massive marketing budget, so a lot of it is done myself. I try not to get complacent and take my foot off the accelerator. View More » Lunch. I'm not mad on buying breakfast out – I just think I could have made this myself, and now it's cost me £12 or something. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Tired eyes? Users say this viral eye balm is a 'holy grail' for dark circles and puffiness MORE: Are selfies ruining museums? One reader thinks galleries should ban photography MORE: Bowling, burgers, fries and drinks: 10 unmissable Time Out deals Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘Slap in the face' blast shoppers after being BANNED from UK retail giant for ‘returning too many items'
Shoppers have reported being "cut off" by customer service when complaining about the ban POINT OF NO RETURN 'Slap in the face' blast shoppers after being BANNED from UK retail giant for 'returning too many items' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHOPPERS have shared their fury after being banned from shopping at a UK retail giant for returning too many items of clothing. Thousands of fashion fans have received emails stating that their accounts have been closed with "immediate effect" for breaking the Fair Use Policy. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Shoppers have shared their fury after being banned from shopping at a retail giant Credit: PA 3 ASOS is cracking down on customers who often return items of clothing Credit: Alamy 3 Shoppers have reported that their accounts have been closed as they have returned too many items Credit: Asos ASOS last year enraged customers by charging a £3.95 fee to those who return items frequently, and keep less than £40 worth of items. And now the fast-fashion giant has sparked fury again, with customers describing the strict policy as a "slap in the face". ASOS said: "We recently closed the accounts of a small group of customers whose shopping activity has consistently fallen outside our Fair Use policy. "This helps us maintain our commitment to offering free returns to all customers across all core markets." ASOS' Fair Use Policy states that customers may have their accounts shut down if they carry out "unusual or suspicious activity", such as "unusual patterns of returns activity", and returning items that look like they have been worn. Lucy Britnell, from Teeside, has been paying for a premium ASOS account for seven years, but has now been banned from using the fast-fashion website. The self-confessed "shopaholic" said that she spends around £100 a month at ASOS and spent a whopping £500 on a haul for her latest holiday. She revealed that when buying large hauls, she often buys multiple sizes, as she claims ASOS' sizing is "often unpredictable". However, last Thursday, Lucy received an email stating that her account would be closed within 30 days. "After reviewing your recent return activity, we've noticed that it no longer aligns with our current policy", the email read. I've found the perfect spring wedding guest dress - it's from ASOS & people say it's so nice I'd even upstage the bride Lucy was left shocked by the email telling the BBC: "It was a real slap in the face - I thought it was a joke at first. "Even if they did reinstate my account, I'd take my money elsewhere. "It's really left a bad taste in my mouth." Other customers have revealed that they have tried to appeal the ban, but were "cut off" by customer service. Can your account be closed for making too many returns? By Laura McGuire, Consumer Reporter WHEN shopping online it is important to be clued up on what your rights are - especially when it comes to making a return. H&M, Boohoo and Zara are among the countless fashion retailers which make customers pay for sending products back. And brands such as ASOS and Pretty Little Thing now ban customers who return items frequently. Retailers can impose these stricter rules as part of their own returns policies. Some stores may assess shoppers return behaviour on a case-by-case basis, while others may have a strict blanket policy. Amazon customers in the US have claimed the retail giant has closed accounts without warning more making too many returns. Louise Gowrie, from Glasgow said: "I tried again and asked how to complain regarding this and they told me the decision was final - and cut me off again with no reasoning." Frankie Allen from London, was also told by customer service that nothing could be done about the ban, and slammed "robotic comms" for "alienating" customers. However, she added that she does understand why ASOS has decided to crack down. "I've received ripped jeans and clothes with make-up on them before from ASOS, so I know there are some people who abuse the policy - like they wear the clothes once, keep the labels on, then return them for a refund," she said. Explaining why ASOS introduced the severe measures, retail expert Medi Parry-Williams said: "Managing high volumes of returns simply isn't a sustainable model. "In many cases, a return fee of £3.95 doesn't come close to covering these costs." And ASOS is not the only online store to crack down on customers who make frequent returns. H&M, Boohoo, Pretty Little Thing, and Zara are among stores which now charge customers.
