6pm is often touted as a discount site for footwear, but is it a reliable option for purchasing shoes? This article delves into various aspects of shopping on 6pm, drawing from customer experiences and reviews to provide a comprehensive overview.
Overview of 6pm
As mentioned, 6pm and Zappos are owned by the same people. 6pm is essentially Zappos' discount site, which is why they don't offer the free returns. Their prices are often better than Zappos, and sometimes items are listed on both sites, but often by the time something goes to 6pm it is out-of-season or has limited sizes and is hard to find on other sites.
I only took a chance with this company because I saw they were owned by Zappos who in turn was owned by Amazon so I assumed they were legit.
Pros and Cons of Shopping at 6pm
Shopping at 6pm can be a mixed experience. Here's a breakdown of the potential advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Discounted Prices: 6pm is known for offering great deals, especially on out-of-season items or those with limited sizes.
- Good Customer Service: Many customers have reported positive experiences with customer service, particularly in resolving issues like lost buttons or shipping errors.
- Prompt Shipping: The company is generally very prompt when it comes to shipping.
Cons:
- Return Shipping Costs: You have to pay for return shipping.
- Inconsistent Return Policy: Some customers have found the 30-day return policy to be strict, leading to missed deadlines and frustration.
- Customer Service Issues: Some customers reported rude and unhelpful customer service representatives.
- Defective Items: A few customers have received defective items.
Return Policy and Associated Costs
One of the most significant drawbacks of shopping at 6pm is the return policy. Unlike Zappos, 6pm does not offer free return shipping. This can be a deterrent for many customers, especially when purchasing multiple items or items with uncertain sizing.
Several customers have expressed frustration over the cost of returns. For example, one customer bought an assortment of sandals and needed to return 5 pairs, incurring a $34 return shipping fee. Another customer had to pay $13 to return a pair of sandals priced at $70.
6pm acknowledges this issue and explains that they are a "deals site" and, in an effort to keep prices low, they do not offer prepaid labels for returns.
Customer Service Experiences
Customer service experiences vary. Some customers have praised the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer service team. For instance, one customer had a shipping charge issue resolved the very next day. Another customer lauded Nadine from customer service for exceptional service regarding a delivery issue.
However, other customers have reported negative experiences, citing rude and unhelpful customer service representatives. One customer mentioned that the employees were not well-trained and lacked politeness. It's important to note that these negative experiences are not universal, but they do highlight potential inconsistencies in customer service quality.
Product Quality and Descriptions
Most customers report that the items they purchased from 6pm arrived as described, with no complaints about material or workmanship. However, there have been instances where customers received defective items. One customer received a bag with the logo sewn upside down.
Also, they don't list all the customer reviews, so you have to hunt reviews down on your own.
Alternatives to 6pm
Given the mixed reviews and the cost of return shipping, some customers prefer alternatives like Zappos or Nordstrom, which offer free returns. Amazon was selling the same shoes for the same price.
BBB (Better Business Bureau) Information
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB):
- BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment.
- BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
- When considering complaint information, take into account the company's size and volume of transactions.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic.
BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time.
Summary of Customer Feedback
To provide a clearer picture, here's a summary of the recurring themes in customer feedback:
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Great deals and discounts | Return shipping costs negate savings |
| Customer Service | Responsive and helpful in some cases | Rude and unhelpful in other cases |
| Return Policy | Fair fee for frequent returners | Expensive, no prepaid labels |
| Product Quality | Items usually as described | Occasional defective items |
| Shipping | Prompt shipping | Shipping to return can be expensive |
