Guide to e-shops and T&Cs to buy well on the web

Did you know: when you buy online, you sign a contract.

This contract is the general conditions of sale. CGV, for close friends.

Example: here are around a fifth of the T&Cs of the RoyalCheese e-shop.

To find them, go all the way down. In the abysmal depths of your favorite e-shop: scroll, go down again, do you see that little clickable three-letter link? T&Cs. That's it. You are there!

On certain sites, we speak of "legal notices", "conditions of sale", or, by misuse of language, CGU (general conditions of use, normally concerning the rules of use of the site). E-shop: Le66 .

What an adventure ! Is not it ? You simply came to buy a t-shirt, and you left with an encyclopedia to read for the evening.

Don't worry, we've read everything just for you. In a selection of e-shops which we will take a tour of here.

The objective? Take stock of the rules of the game for each of them:

• Is delivery free? If not, how much will it cost you?
• How long will you have to return your item?
• What will this return cost you?

Of course, the General Terms and Conditions contain other terms which will concern you in rarer cases. Like receiving a damaged item.

But if we focus here on the essential, it's because while looking around the online stores, I noticed something quite surprising: only a minority of them display this information in a manner clear and precise on their sales pages.

A price, a brief description, and no visible information on delivery or return conditions.

Even if this is not the case for each of them, I found it astonishing that even today, it is up to the consumer to dig to obtain these elements which nevertheless have all their importance in a decision. purchase.

In our opinion, when you have a garment in front of your eyes on an e-shop, the display of the price at which you will pay for its delivery and return is just as basic as that of its material or its place of manufacture.

Obviously, if you have to pay €14 for shipping a package to Asia to return your item, your decision at the time of purchase will not be the same as if you know that you can return it for free.

Not everyone offers you a prepaid return label when you ask for a refund. And it's important to know if this will be the case, upon purchase.

This information should always be in front of you , near the product you are hesitating to buy.

This is why we decided to offer you this guide, which will support you in all your multi-brand e-shop purchases, with a clear view of the conditions of each.

But above the T&Cs of any European e-shop, there are your rights. This is therefore an opportunity to take stock of it.

Know the rules of the game: what are your rights?

If the general conditions of sale displayed on an e-shop constitute a contract between you and the latter, this does not mean that all the clauses of this contract are necessarily lawful.

Many online sellers lack rigor with regard to the law in the drafting of their T&Cs, by including clauses which do not respect your rights.

A classic case: reimbursement during sales periods. Contrary to what the T&Cs of this e-shop indicate, you have the right to withdrawal within 14 calendar days. Product on sale or not.

If the conditions of sale of a website indicate this type of clause, it is of course the law which takes precedence. In the event of a legal dispute, these clauses will therefore be defined as unfair and will have no value.

If you come into conflict with a seller over this type of breach, the latter will probably know very well that they are doing something illegal, and that going to court would not be in their interest.

But if the latter turns a deaf ear, you will find the actions to put in place here.

You can start by contacting consumer associations who will help you in your efforts.

In the event of a dispute: David's advice

Before starting a procedure, David, who answers all your questions with us, has some advice to help you calm things down:

1. Write a letter to the seller,
2. Clearly indicate that you are aware of your rights,
3. Specify that you intend to initiate a procedure by citing the DGCCRF,
4. Send the letter to the merchant via registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.

The DGCCRF aims, among other things, to monitor the fairness of commercial exchanges towards you. You will find a lot of information on his site to help you.

A little clarification before taking stock of your rights as cyber buyers: they concern purchases in the European Union, from a seller who is domiciled there.

1. Delivery of your purchase

According to certain General Terms and Conditions, the responsibility for a purchased product would be your responsibility as soon as it is shipped. It's wrong.

When you buy a good, the seller has a maximum of 30 days to deliver it to you. Beyond that, you can terminate the contract that binds you to him. In other words, you will no longer be contractually bound, and you can demand a refund.

From there, the reseller will have 14 days to refund you.

If you buy online and your package never arrives, it is your responsibility that is at stake.

Likewise if your package arrives damaged: it is the seller's responsibility that is at stake, and it is up to him to initiate procedures with the carrier.

2. The conformity of your purchase

There, it is the legal guarantee of conformity which defends you.

If the delivered item has a manufacturing defect or does not conform to the description, it is not up to you to prove the liability of the seller, who is presumed responsible.

Thanks to this guarantee, you can request:

• The replacement of your item,
• Or its refund.

As for related costs, such as shipping costs in the event of an exchange, they should under no circumstances be your responsibility.

If, for example, you do not receive the model you ordered and an exchange must be made, it is the seller's responsibility to cover the postal costs.

3. Reimbursement

Regardless of the deadlines and conditions mentioned in the T&Cs of an online store, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal .

Some conditions of sale speak of a period from the date of purchase. Others talk about the shipping date.

The truth is that this period begins the day after the day you receive your package.

You therefore have 14 calendar days to notify the seller of your desire to withdraw. Of course, if the T&Cs mention a longer period, it is this period which will be applied.

Please note: if you wish to go through this procedure, you will not be able to simply return your item. You will need to notify the reseller of your desire to withdraw within this 14-day period.

Refusing the package upon receipt does not constitute a withdrawal either. If you have changed your mind, you must still accept it and follow the procedure. (Photo credit: Virojt Changyencham - Getty Images).

You can notify it by any means: telephone, mail, email... But I recommend writing, because you will be able to keep proof of it in the event of a dispute. .

Once the reseller is notified, you have 14 days to return the product at your expense.

If you notice questionable clauses relating to returns on an e-shop, and you consider that they do not respect the rights described here, then choose this procedure which the reseller will not be able to contest.

Three major exceptions to the application of this right:

• Personalized goods. If you have a piece of clothing embroidered with your initials or you choose a personalized sneaker design for example.
• Products purchased on pre-order, when they are made to your request.
• Underwear and earrings, if they have been unpacked. For reasons of hygiene and health protection.

If you unpack underwear purchased online, even to try it on, it will no longer be refundable. (Credit: Sunspel).

Some best practices regarding your returns

1. Limit returns

A return means costs for the company, and mobilized means of transport which do not do the greatest good for our planet.

Each return involves logistical processing procedures that cost time, money, and which could sometimes be avoided (Credit: Halfpoint Images - Getty).

And let's not forget: e-shops monitor abusive returns, and often punish excessive returns with account deletion.

So remember to limit returns as much as possible, by finding out as much as possible about your size before purchasing, for example.

2. Take care of your returns

To avoid any disputes and ensure reimbursement for your returns:

• Leave labels and packaging intact. Product that is not returned in salable condition may be refused.
• If you return the item at your own expense, the package will be your responsibility. So be careful to ensure that the items are well protected.
• For the same reason, make sure you opt for a traceable and tracked service.

Removing the tag from a garment is enough to make it non-refundable.

3. Returns refunded via PayPal

We owe this tip to our dear David.

If you use a PayPal account to make your purchase and you make a paid return, you can request a refund of postage costs from PayPal.

Once you have activated the service in advance, to take advantage of it, you will only need to:

1. Advance the return costs,
2. Make a request to PayPal with proof of sending,
3. Receive your refund within 7 days.

You can do this up to 12 times a year and each reimbursement can be up to €30. Very practical when you need to return a package to Japan.

Our list of e-shops and their conditions of sale

1. AntikBoutik

In a word

Bleu de Paname, Norse Project, Carhartt, Homecore, APC, Maharishi, Veja ... there is no shortage of cool brands. With lots of clothing with an outdoor spirit.

The delivery

• Variable costs depending on the weight and destination of the package.
• Also variable deadlines .

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense by post.

2. ASOS

If this e-shop appears so early in the list, it is only for alphabetical order. For it to be in its place in this recommendation list, it would have had to be called Zasos.

In a word

The least we can say is that Asos' offering is plethoric. You can find anything and everything there. So stay careful. Also, the vision of style that is promoted there is very far from ours. If Asos appears in these lines, it is because you can find some safe values ​​there, sometimes interesting discounts, and certain entry-level pieces that hold up.

The delivery

• Free from €35, €3.95 for any lower purchase amount.
• It is generally done within 3 to 4 working days.

The returns

• Within 28 days. Beyond that, and up to 45 days, it will be a refund in the form of a gift voucher.
• Free via colissimo , Mondial relay, Parcel relay, or UPS Access Point.

3. Beige Dresser

In a word

A very cutting-edge, high-end selection. Often with brands that you won't find on other French e-shops. Between tailoring and Ivy influences, the stylistic proposal is very tasteful. As for the quality of the parts, it is also there.

The delivery

• Free from 150 € of purchase, variable costs below this threshold.
• 2 to 5 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• The return is free.

4. Shopping Center

In a word

A small urban and casual selection mainly composed of well-made basics. With a good quarter of pieces with a more daring aesthetic. A wide range of sneakers also, notably from the Veja brand. For other brands, we like to come across Bleu de Paname, Sunspel, Paraboot, La Perruque, SNS Herning, Patagonia, or even A Kind of Guise.

The delivery

• Free from 60€ of purchases, variable costs (colissimo) below this amount.
• Shipping within a maximum of 3 working days via colissimo, for a total of approximately 5 days maximum.

The returns

• 15 days from receipt.
• Return costs are free outside promotional periods.

An advice

• You can have your purchase delivered or return it directly to the Parisian store of the same name.
• Delivery via courier the same day in Paris for €10 if you order before 11:30 a.m.

5. Clutch Cafe

In a word

A wide selection of cutting-edge brands. The pieces are very well chosen and often in good taste. lots of Americana, vintage, military, and workwear inspiration.

The delivery

• Variable costs depending on your order.
• In 5 to 13 working days.

The returns

• Within 28 days of receipt.
• At your expense, the return address being in London.

6. Copperfield

In a word

A rather vast high-end selection. You will find basics as well as strong pieces, in beautiful materials and varied cuts. Some examples of brands: Universal Works, Ami, Sunspel, Nanamica, APC, Ralph Lauren.

The delivery

• £14.95 for all orders.
• In 5 to 10 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days of receipt.
• At your expense, the return address being in England.

7. Cultizm

In a word

A very vast catalog made up of beautiful brands. There is no shortage of quality basics, and you can find excellent statement pieces there. The selection is varied in style, there is everything. And that says it all, inevitably says that there will be some less successful clothes.

The delivery

• €5.95 whatever the amount.
• In 2 to 4 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• Return costs are included in the €5.95 mentioned above.

8. Elevation Store

In a word

Lots of tasteful pieces and very beautiful brands rarely accessible elsewhere such as Fortela, Momotaro, Aviatic, or Japan Blue Jeans.

The delivery

• Free from 250€ purchase, 4.95€ for any order between 150€ and 250€, and 9.95€ below these amounts.
• In 24 hours.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• Return costs are your responsibility, the address being most likely in France.

An advice

• An order placed before 3 p.m. will be delivered to you the next day before 1 p.m.
• If you are in Paris, you can access the Elevation Store selection in store in the Marais.

9. EndClothing

In a word

From mid-range brands to designers, the selection is very wide. There is a lot of streetwear and workwear there, if this is your stylistic path, you will find what you are looking for there. But you will have to be patient and do it case by case: between successful models and pieces of more dubious taste, it will be up to your eye to sort them out.

The delivery

• Free from €200, it will cost you €4.95 for any basket below this threshold.
• It is generally done within 3-4 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days from date of receipt
• Return at your expense: the package is to be sent to the United Kingdom, with shipping costs accordingly.

An advice

• Remember to set the site to "France" by clicking on the flag at the top left: whether for prices or delivery times, you will see more clearly.

10. Farfetch

In a word

Luxury, designer, and the codes that go with it: very advanced design work, sometimes too much, and a universe very focused on fashion and trends. If you are adapted to this world, Farfetch will be a second home for you. Otherwise, it's always a good spot to nourish your visual curiosity, open up to another vision of clothing, or have a good laugh in front of orange plastic pants with integrated panniers.

The delivery

• Free of €125 on non-sale items, below, delivery costs will depend on the weight of your order
• Usually up to 7 working days

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• They are done at your expense by post, or free of charge by courier service. A detailed procedure is available on the site in this case.

An advice

The brands distributed are considered its "partners", if you buy from several brands you may have to deal with several delivery costs and several return destinations in the event of a return. Be careful.

11. French Trotters

In a word

The selection oscillates between high and mid-range. Lots of basics and rather refined pieces in a casual chic wardrobe, with brands like Editions MR, NN07, Anthology, or even Aspesi . The selection is not huge like some of the giants presented here, but the pieces are beautiful and worth the detour.

The delivery

• €7.50 whatever the basket.
• The estimated delivery time is not specified.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense, the address to be returned is in Paris.

A tip (or two)

• On weekdays, an order placed before noon is shipped within 48 hours.
• The e-shop's T&Cs stipulate that returns of discounted products are not accepted. You understand, that's not what the law says. You have the right to withdraw for 14 days, sales or not.

12. Goodhood

In a word

The offer is vast and varied. For all tastes. Goodhood is the kind of e-shop where you can find more unique, stronger, and more fun pieces . There's no shortage of basics, but if you dig a little, you'll find the nugget that will add some bite to your wardrobe.

The delivery

• The costs vary, around ten euros.
• No deadline specified, but you can plan a good week.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense, the return address being in the United Kingdom.

13. Graduate

In a word

A very urban wardrobe: streetwear, sportswear, but also workwear and some collections drawn from the world of skateboarding. Lots of pieces with ostentatious logos, rarely in good taste, but they will not prevent you from finding safer models.

The delivery

• At your expense, which varies depending on the destination.
• In 24 hours (during working hours), via the carrier DHL.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense too, the return address being in Bordeaux.

An advice

On certain pages, the site mentions a possibility of return within 28 days. The General Terms and Conditions speak of a deadline of 14. So try to stick to it, because it is the latter which are binding.

14. Hand-Eye Supply

In a word

There, I can really sum it up in one word: workwear. But since I don't have the sense of synthesis, here are a few others: work jackets, denim caps, fatigue pants, henleys... In short. If that's your cup of tea, then fuck it.

The delivery

• Free from $150 purchase, below it will be $7.95.
• In 5 to 8 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• They are done at your expense, the address being in the United States.

15.Jinji

In a word

A very nice selection that combines Japanese know-how and American heritage. Jinji is a treasure trove of pieces steeped in history and character. Among others, you will find iconic brands such as Nanamica, The Real McCoy's, Momotaro, Velva Sheen and Warehouse & Co.

The delivery

• €10 regardless of the order amount.
• Delivery is made via Colissimo and shipping is fast, so allow less than 5 working days.

The returns

• Within 15 days.
• At your expense, the address being in Paris.

An advice

If you are in Paris, consider picking up in store which is free. The same goes for your returns: you can bring them back directly to the store.

16. The Exception

In a word

A concept store where you will find some solid brands: Paraboot, ETQ, Buttero, Filson, Eclectic, Barbour, and many others. We come across a lot of good basics. You will also come across pieces of random quality and/or poor taste. But you understand, this is the pact of distributors: to find a quality and well-executed gem, you will have to be patient and look carefully.

The delivery

• Available from €80, below, the costs will vary. Free in the case of delivery to the store in Paris.
• 2 to 3 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days of receipt.
• Shipping is free, and you can also return your items to the Parisian store.

A tip (or two)

• A significant and (too?) rare bonus these days: payment in three installments. Very practical for investing in a durable bag or pair of shoes when your personal cash flow is limited.
• If you are in Paris, you can benefit from same-day delivery by courier, free from €80.

17. The Fresh Ray

In a word

An outdoor selection with a few touches of workwear and streetwear: Patagonia, The North Face, Nike, Stone Island, and Nanamica. On the program, sneakers with a very sharp, functional outerwear, shirts with strong patterns, and t-shirts with imposing logos.

The delivery

• Variable costs depending on the order.
• Delivery is made via DHL with dispatch within 48 hours, so allow 3 to 5 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense. No indication of the return address, which is most likely in France .

18. MatchesFashion

In a word

Welcome to the world of luxury, creative designs, and the promotion of ostentatiousness: Acne Studio, Isabelle Marrant, Gucci, Our Legacy, Moncler, Balenciaga and many others.

The delivery

• 10€ for any order amount.
• In 2 to 3 working days.

The returns

• You have 14 days to make your return request, and a total of 28 days to send the package.
• Free via DHL.

19. Mr Porter

A cool thing: when you log in, the “Porter” at the top is replaced with your last name. I wanted to share this, because it's still classy.

In a word

A very wide selection of clothing and accessories, from entry-level to luxury. There is food and drink. However, try not to get indigestion: everything is not to be taken with your eyes closed. There are still quality basics, attractive strong pieces, and quite a few brands that we appreciate. During sales periods, it is also a good hunting ground.

The delivery

• Free, whatever the amount of your order.
• Received in 3 to 4 working days.

The returns

• Shipping within 28 days from date of receipt.
• Free via collection or UPS relay point.

20. Peggs & Son

In a word

A very good spot to discover brands, find strong pieces, but also to equip yourself with quality basics. The style of the pieces is quite varied. Whatever yours, you should land on your feet. Albam, Drake's, Asahi, SNS Herning, Engineered Garments... there's plenty to do.

The delivery

• Free for purchases over £100, £4.95 for any basket below.
• 5 to 10 business days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• To be returned at your expense to the United Kingdom

21. Royal Cheese

In a word

No burgers here . You are in the temple of workwear. Redwing, Wolverine, Filson, Edwin , GH Bass, Barbour, Universal Works... they're all there. They are waiting for the most lumberjacks among you. For the axe, on the other hand, you will have to equip yourself elsewhere.

The delivery

• 6€ for any basket amount.
• 3 to 5 days.

The returns

• 14 days to return your package
• At your expense, the address being in France

A tip (or two)

If you are in Paris, go directly to return your package to the Marais boutique to avoid return costs.

22. Son of a Stag

In a word

A fine selection of workwear pieces, with quite a few American and Japanese influences. Chambray, henleys, beautiful denim, everything we love. As for brands, you will undoubtedly make many great discoveries there.

Of course, we are never safe from clothing in less good taste. And we still regret the lack of information on the quality of certain products .

The delivery

• No free delivery, they will vary depending on weight and destination.
• 2 to 3 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense, for shipping within the United Kingdom.

An advice

• Order before 2 p.m. to have your order processed the same day.

24. Tate and Yoko

In a word

Welcome to Japan. Finally, on this site, you will also set foot in Canada and the United States, but the essence remains the same: denim, fabrics full of character, and a lot of attention paid to manufacturing methods. of the pieces offered. If you like workwear, indigo, vintage influences or even functional outerwear, go for it. But don't keep your eyes closed: not everything there necessarily exudes good taste.

The delivery

• $18 for all orders. And yes. It's an American e-shop.
• Delivery times vary, but shipping is done in less than 48 hours.

The returns

• No refund, but a credit. As the e-shop is not European, you won't be able to do much there.
• 21 days to return your package from the date of purchase. At your expense. And it leaves for America. So it will cost you dearly.

An advice

If you have the budget, the pieces are worth it. But you have probably deduced it from the conditions above: don't get the wrong size. The adventure of a return doesn't make anyone want it.

25. The Bureau Belfast

In a word

Lots of outerwear and outdoor clothing. Acronym, Nigel Cabourn, Engineered Garments, Visvim... the selection is varied, with quality and functionality as the common focus. We also find techwear there.

The delivery

• £12 for all orders.
• Up to 4 working days

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense, the return address being in the United Kingdom.

26. The Next Door

In a word

A very fashionable streetwear selection focusing above all on trends. Lots of pieces with a strong aesthetic, sometimes too many. So you have to know what you're doing there, but you're not immune to finding a crush there.

The delivery

• 10€.
• 1 to 2 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• At your expense, no precise information on the return address.

27. Urban Outfitters

In a word

The ultimate destination for streetwear and sportswear fans. Columbia, Champion, Fila, Adidas... there is no shortage of iconic brands that have carved out a place for themselves in this universe. You will also find some influences from the world of skateboarding. If you want to know more, we're talking about UO here.

The delivery

• Free from €30, it will cost you €4.90 otherwise.
• Usually between 3 and 5 business days.

The returns

• 30 days from shipment
• At your expense, by post. The address is in the UK so it won't be cheap.

An advice

Returning to the store is possible, in this case it is free with a procedure to follow. Please note, corners in department stores such as Galeries Lafayette are excluded.

28. Wittmore

In a word

The selection is rather limited, but it's a good place to discover new brands. You will find a lot of basics and luggage there. Patagonia, Cuisse de Grenouille and Veja will be there.

The delivery

• Free from $40 purchase, variable costs below this threshold.
• 2 to 3 working days.

The returns

• Within 14 days.
• The return fee is $9.95.

29. Yoox

In a word

Yoox is mainly high-end and luxury. With, sometimes, new creators highlighted.

But if we know Yoox, it is above all because it is a real promotions machine. Discounts everywhere, and lots of end-of-collection clearance, better known as "outlet".

The delivery

• Free from 120€, below, it will be 5€ for standard delivery.
• Within 4 to 6 working days.

The returns

• 100 days from delivery date.
• Free return via UPS (relay point or collection by courier).

An advice

In the world of clearance and “end of collections”, reality is sometimes not as simple as we would like you to believe. If we had to give you advice on this subject, it would be this: don't jump on a product with your eyes closed just because you saw a 4-digit price crossed out next to it.

30. Zalando

In a word

We no longer need to introduce this German online commerce giant with its plethora of offerings. Today, you can find everything there. Really everything. So, like most of the time, it will be up to you to sort out the good from the bad. You will be able to come across some nice pieces from brands like GH Bass, Adidas , Converse, Carhartt WIP, Clarks, or even ETQ.

The delivery

• Free from €24.90 of purchase, below, it will be €3.50 for standard delivery.
• Within 3 to 6 business days.

The returns

• Within 100 days.
• Free return.