I love wearing dresses. It’s my signature style and I will always get drawn to a frock before a pant and top ensemble. Or even a skirt and top ensemble.
Back in November, I took a risk in purchasing a pair of Gorman pants, which I had had my eye since their release. I was waiting for a sale to purchase my size.
When the sale happened, I purchased the biggest size and waited for 3 weeks for delivery. In that time, the pants sold out.
I received the pants, put them on and felt they were on the roomy side, but I’d make them work.
And I did. I wore them with an orange top for Christmas Day and a chambray top when going to the cinemas.
But they were a really oversized fit and when I caught myself side on in the mirror… they made my butt look like a shelf. The pleats were doing no favours for my figure. I regretted the purchase and had wished I’d bought the smaller size – or the dress instead. But this too had sold out.
I was now in the position where I had worn the pants and couldn’t exchange or refund them.
I did a quick scan on eBay and found the dress was on sale with tags still attached. Possibly a regrettable purchase from the seller or one where no exchange could be given? I was in luck.
I bid on the dress and watched it like a hawk. I also sold my pants to a friend who loved them and the money I got from that sale was used to pay for the dress – if I won it.
I was surprised to see I was the highest bidder and I received my dress a week later. I love it and know it’s going to get more wear than the pants.
What to do with a no Refunds or Exchanges purchase
It can be disappointing to purchase a piece of clothing online and not be able to exchange it for a different size or get a refund. But all is not lost. Here are some options to consider:
Resell the item via Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups or on eBay.
If it’s a designer piece, you can definitely try and sell it in a Facebook Group. Just ensure you have great pics of the item and include postage in your price. I find these posts sell quickly as opposed to ones where postage is extra. Opt for eBay if the item was popular and sold out and you’d like to get your money back. It won’t always work… but I have seen some over retail prices paid for pieces which were highly sought for.
If selling on a Facebook Marketplace, also ensure it’s listed in a Facebook Group. To find the group, put the brand in the search and ask to join the groups. Some groups may be at capacity. Others will ask you questions to join to ensure you are a real person. You may also be asked to respect rules when making an offer and sharing a piece you wish to sell.
Try and swap the item for a different size in a Facebook group.
Someone may also be in a similar situation needing the size you have and they could have the size you want. Organise an exchange in a Facebook Group. You can also place a post in the group ‘Wanting to buy or swap…’
Get the item tailored.
If you love the piece, but it’s too big, why not get it tailored? Unfortunately, if the item is too small, this may not work. Think how the piece can be used to create something new if you absolutely LOVE the fabric.
I could have got my pants tailored… but I preferred the dress better and I took that risk. I’m glad it paid off.