3 ms·

Regarding the size problem, one idea I've had is to create a set of "sizing" clothes, which you send to new customers for free. They return them to you indicati

by revorad 15y ago

Regarding the size problem, one idea I've had is to create a set of "sizing" clothes, which you send to new customers for free. They return them to you indicating which size fits best. You keep a record of that to match all future purchases based on the dimensions (not just broad size category) of the best fit. You could probably also do this by asking people to send in their old clothes which fit them well. You just use the clothes for getting the measurement and donate them to charity.

Mz 15y ago
This kind of assumes that people don't change size. In my experience, this is not true. I'm female and for women this seems especially problematic, especially once they start having kids. This also sounds to me like a fairly expensive solution for the business. But thanks for the feedback. It's good food for thought.
- revorad 15y ago
  I thought of that issue, but clothes sizes probably don't change that often for most people. I don't think it's an expensive solution either. Think of it as a customer acquisition cost. Almost anyone would accept free clothes. Edit: Let's not forget Zappos is killing it. Maybe fit is not that big an issue and can be worked out over a couple of purchases.
  - Mz 15y ago
    Zappos is killing it? I take it you mean they are very successful in this space? Any data/thoughts/whatever? Thanks
- sixtofour 15y ago
  "create a set of "sizing" clothes, which you send to new customers for free. They return them to you indicating which size fits best." That sounds brilliant on first reading. I think it would take a lot of work and research to make it work, but man what a killer if it does work. I don't think people change sizes that often, but that's solved by "Does Item XYZ still fit well, or should we send you another set of sizers?" Note: this has been a surprisingly interesting thread. I really don't care about clothes, as long as I don't look like a derelict. But it's been fun to read and comment.
  - Mz 15y ago
    Actually, my line of thinking has been more along the lines of an online sizing tool that could be implemented by anyone who owns a tape measure. I can't sew, but I did learn to take measurements as a kid (and I'm handy with a seam-ripper...and a few other things). Also, I get away with grabbing stuff off the rack in part because of the types of clothes I buy. I strongly favor knits, jersey, and stuff with a smidgeon of spandex. I have a serious medical condition and I suffer edema. I can bloat up so bad overnight that people will congratulate me on my pregnancy (probably in part because they all think I am in my thirties and I am so NOT). So I can't wear anything too fitted because it may not fit from one day to the next. As I get healthier and these issues resolve, I am finding that I no longer qualify for "women's" sizes and am beginning to have some of the pain points I had in my youth: Tall, thin women have a tough time finding clothes that fit properly. (Men get "big and tall" shops. Women get "petite" (short) and "women's" (fat).) When I was younger, I sometimes fantasized about learning to make my own clothes. That never happened. These days, I fantasize about starting a factory to make the kind of things that work well for me and, oh, turn a tidy profit at the same time. Time will tell if such thoughts lead anywhere. In the mean time, I am contemplating how to address such topics on various websites I own. Thanks so much for your generous contributions to the thread.

by revorad 15y ago

Mz 15y ago

This kind of assumes that people don't change size. In my experience, this is not true. I'm female and for women this seems especially problematic, especially once they start having kids. This also sounds to me like a fairly expensive solution for the business. But thanks for the feedback. It's good food for thought.

revorad 15y ago
I thought of that issue, but clothes sizes probably don't change that often for most people. I don't think it's an expensive solution either. Think of it as a customer acquisition cost. Almost anyone would accept free clothes. Edit: Let's not forget Zappos is killing it. Maybe fit is not that big an issue and can be worked out over a couple of purchases.
- Mz 15y ago
  Zappos is killing it? I take it you mean they are very successful in this space? Any data/thoughts/whatever? Thanks
sixtofour 15y ago
"create a set of "sizing" clothes, which you send to new customers for free. They return them to you indicating which size fits best." That sounds brilliant on first reading. I think it would take a lot of work and research to make it work, but man what a killer if it does work. I don't think people change sizes that often, but that's solved by "Does Item XYZ still fit well, or should we send you another set of sizers?" Note: this has been a surprisingly interesting thread. I really don't care about clothes, as long as I don't look like a derelict. But it's been fun to read and comment.
- Mz 15y ago
  Actually, my line of thinking has been more along the lines of an online sizing tool that could be implemented by anyone who owns a tape measure. I can't sew, but I did learn to take measurements as a kid (and I'm handy with a seam-ripper...and a few other things). Also, I get away with grabbing stuff off the rack in part because of the types of clothes I buy. I strongly favor knits, jersey, and stuff with a smidgeon of spandex. I have a serious medical condition and I suffer edema. I can bloat up so bad overnight that people will congratulate me on my pregnancy (probably in part because they all think I am in my thirties and I am so NOT). So I can't wear anything too fitted because it may not fit from one day to the next. As I get healthier and these issues resolve, I am finding that I no longer qualify for "women's" sizes and am beginning to have some of the pain points I had in my youth: Tall, thin women have a tough time finding clothes that fit properly. (Men get "big and tall" shops. Women get "petite" (short) and "women's" (fat).) When I was younger, I sometimes fantasized about learning to make my own clothes. That never happened. These days, I fantasize about starting a factory to make the kind of things that work well for me and, oh, turn a tidy profit at the same time. Time will tell if such thoughts lead anywhere. In the mean time, I am contemplating how to address such topics on various websites I own. Thanks so much for your generous contributions to the thread.