Weird questions?

[Buckman]

I wanted to buy OH an off the peg cost for Christmas. I found a nice coat, submitted her regular coat size and paid for it on Sunday just past. Delivery was 3- 5 days. I then got back and email with the invoice etc and numerous questions as follows;

If you don’t have a tape measure or if this is a surprise gift please provide as much of the below sizing information as possible.
(1) Usual size in jackets / tops (please advise if this varies):
(2) Height approximately:
(3) Weight approximately
(4) (i) Men - Shirt Collar size (if known):
(4) (ii) Women - bra size (if known):
(5) Trouser size (waist and leg) – please advise if this varies:
(6) (i) Is the individual wider, the same width, or narrower in their tummy area when compared to their chest:
(6) ii) Women - Is the individual wider, the same width, or narrower in their hip area when compared to their bust.
(7) If tummy / stomach is same width as or wider than chest please provide measurement over clothes (do NOT add extra space) – please do not guess:
(8) Preferred Fit - Fitted, Semi-Fitted, Comfort or Loose:

I was a bit taken aback for an off the peg question as not sure why hip area, weight etc is needed, but complied. I then got a phone call asking for further details like armpit to armpit measurements etc. I was then informed that delivery would be next day i.e. today. I informed them that we would not be at home for the whole day. They said they would phone back as needed the other measurements.

In the meantime SIL who we were visiting today phoned to state that she had picked up a bug from the hospital where she had been visiting her daughter and was rather ill. I phone the back coat company with more measurements and state that we will be at home today. I then get told that they no longer have that colour of coat in stock, but will be getting them back in over the weekend for delivery on Christmas eve, but they offer the same coat in a much darker colour and can be delivered Thursday. The colour is unsuitable so reject the offer.

Told they would phone me back which they did and tell me that they can now deliver on the Monday. They ask me for some more measurements at which point I gave up and requested a refund back to my card as it was supposed to be an off the peg item. I have bought coats previously Online and have never been subjected to such questioning.

Although they have a good rating on Trustpilot and it seems they want to keep on top of things, strangely the phone calls were from a mobile phone. Their website shows an address in one town, but the number associated with the company is in a different town that has a different dialling code as it is in a different district?

 

[borderbilly]

Come on name and shame.

 

[JTQ]

Might be no more than protecting themselves from excessive numbers of returns, I understand this with ladies clothes is quite a big and costly issue?

Looked at more positively, the detail might help the gift receiver get something that at least fit wise appeals.

 

[Buckman]

Come on name and shame.

Not allowed on the this forum.

 

[otherclive]

I wanted to buy OH an off the peg cost for Christmas. I found a nice coat, submitted her regular coat size and paid for it on Sunday just past. Delivery was 3- 5 days. I then got back and email with the invoice etc and numerous questions as follows;

If you don’t have a tape measure or if this is a surprise gift please provide as much of the below sizing information as possible.
(1) Usual size in jackets / tops (please advise if this varies):
(2) Height approximately:
(3) Weight approximately
(4) (i) Men - Shirt Collar size (if known):
(4) (ii) Women - bra size (if known):
(5) Trouser size (waist and leg) – please advise if this varies:
(6) (i) Is the individual wider, the same width, or narrower in their tummy area when compared to their chest:
(6) ii) Women - Is the individual wider, the same width, or narrower in their hip area when compared to their bust.
(7) If tummy / stomach is same width as or wider than chest please provide measurement over clothes (do NOT add extra space) – please do not guess:
(8) Preferred Fit - Fitted, Semi-Fitted, Comfort or Loose:

I was a bit taken aback for an off the peg question as not sure why hip area, weight etc is needed, but complied. I then got a phone call asking for further details like armpit to armpit measurements etc. I was then informed that delivery would be next day i.e. today. I informed them that we would not be at home for the whole day. They said they would phone back as needed the other measurements.

In the meantime SIL who we were visiting today phoned to state that she had picked up a bug from the hospital where she had been visiting her daughter and was rather ill. I phone the back coat company with more measurements and state that we will be at home today. I then get told that they no longer have that colour of coat in stock, but will be getting them back in over the weekend for delivery on Christmas eve, but they offer the same coat in a much darker colour and can be delivered Thursday. The colour is unsuitable so reject the offer.

Told they would phone me back which they did and tell me that they can now deliver on the Monday. They ask me for some more measurements at which point I gave up and requested a refund back to my card as it was supposed to be an off the peg item. I have bought coats previously Online and have never been subjected to such questioning.

Although they have a good rating on Trustpilot and it seems they want to keep on top of things, strangely the phone calls were from a mobile phone. Their website shows an address in one town, but the number associated with the company is in a different town that has a different dialling code as it is in a different district?

Might be easier to by a burka that’s guaranteed to fit 😱

 

[Buckman]

Might be no more than protecting themselves from excessive numbers of returns, I understand this with ladies clothes is quite a big and costly issue?

Looked at more positively, the detail might help the gift receiver get something that at least fit wise appeals.

If custom made I can understand, but off the peg? The warehouse address is within 15 miles of our residence and the dialing code area less than 10 miles.

 

[Buckman]

Might be easier to by a burka that’s guaranteed to fit 😱

Decided slippers are an easier bet! Maybe after Christmas I can take her to a shop to buy a genuine 100% sheepskin coat. OH has been hinting for years, but I have been putting it off.

 

[otherclive]

I got rid of a nice sheepskin three quarter jacket as it was too warm given we don’t seem to get the frosty winters these days. A Gortex is more appropriate.

 

[Mel]

Never had this, and like you would be suspicious. Being shorter than average, buying off the peg clothes on line isn’t straightforward, but some sites offer something called Truefit in which you put in a few measurements ( nowhere near as many as those requested from you), and tell them which size from well known suppliers ( eg Marks, Next, EWM etc.) you usually buy. It then generates a likely size to order. That is the most I have ever done.
Mel

 

[Buckman]

I got rid of a nice sheepskin three quarter jacket as it was too warm given we don’t seem to get the frosty winters these days. A Gortex is more appropriate.

My thoughts also, but if it makes OH happy that is all that counts. I won't be pushing it after Christmas. LOL!

 

[RogerL]

Never had this, and like you would be suspicious. Being shorter than average, buying off the peg clothes on line isn’t straightforward, but some sites offer something called Truefit in which you put in a few measurements ( nowhere near as many as those requested from you), and tell them which size from well known suppliers ( eg Marks, Next, EWM etc.) you usually buy. It then generates a likely size to order. That is the most I have ever done.
Mel

Since so much of the clothing sold in the UK is made in China or elsewhere in Asia, it may be an attempt to counter the issue that much of that clothing uses Asian sizes which are significantly smaller than European/British sizes - I noticed recently when searching for a heated gilet that some of the sellers included very detailed sizing and getting the right size for SWMBO and I would have meant buying sizes very different to our normal size requirement.

 

[Buckman]

Since so much of the clothing sold in the UK is made in China or elsewhere in Asia, it may be an attempt to counter the issue that much of that clothing uses Asian sizes which are significantly smaller than European/British sizes - I noticed recently when searching for a heated gilet that some of the sellers included very detailed sizing and getting the right size for SWMBO and I would have meant buying sizes very different to our normal size requirement.

Apparently the coats and jackets are made in either the UK or Turkey and not the Far east? The coat I chose was supposed to be British made somewhere in Somerset?

 

[otherclive]

Apparently the coats and jackets are made in either the UK or Turkey and not the Far east? The coat I chose was supposed to be British made somewhere in Somerset?

Glastonbury used to be the centre of excellence for sheepskin jacket, boots, gloves etc. With Moorlands being a very well recognised manufacturer and they had retail outlets in the town. But that business closed a good while back and the listed factory is now a residential development. Turkish ones should be good as it can get very cold in winter……..but not much rain though.

 

[Jcloughie]

It seems that they wish to give a more personal service, but somewhat over the top.

I don’t think there is necessarily a problem with using a mobile phone. These days, with unlimited calls, and working from home. When I was at work over 10 years ago, I would use my mobile when out the office or needing to catch someone in the evening.

If the coat is a surprise, I wondered how you managed to obtain the measurements surreptitiously.


John

 

[Buckman]

I must admit that the company have been very good at dealing with the issue although very conflicting information and requirements. I emailed a request for a refund this morning and got another conflicting response a follows;

Thank you for your e-mail we can cancel the order for the Eloise – Sheepskin Duffle Coat, this was due to be dispatched today for you in the colour you ordered. The Sheepskin Duffle Coat is very much for winter wear. The card transaction will be in a pending status, so we can cancel and remove it.

Strange that yesterday it was not in stock and could not be dispatched until after the weekend? Otherwise pleased with the outcome as was getting a bit concerned.

 

[Buckman]

If the coat is a surprise, I wondered how you managed to obtain the measurements surreptitiously.
John

Used my detective skills and I waited until OH took the dog out for a walk and then checked her previous purchases for sizes. Height was a judgement call. Bathroom scales have a memory of previous weight so that was not an issue. LOL!

 

[borderbilly]

Apparently the coats and jackets are made in either the UK or Turkey and not the Far east? The coat I chose was supposed to be British made somewhere in Somerset?

I once got a 🐫 hair coat from Turkey, 2 big lumps in the back.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Almost sounds like this company is using AI to take orders and answer customers queries.

 

[Buckman]

Almost sounds like this company is using AI to take orders and answer customers queries.

I used Google earth to check the location of their HQ and it is a private residence although the address states Unit xx, "named" Estate, town. We are very familiar with the area. Seems to be a home spun business sourcing goods and reselling. As said weirdly the different dialing code for the area? Used my CC so hopefully no issues with refund.

 

[otherclive]

Used my detective skills and I waited until OH took the dog out for a walk and then checked her previous purchases for sizes. Height was a judgement call. Bathroom scales have a memory of previous weight so that was not an issue. LOL!

My wife would hoist those in the bin. She even wipes her monthly BP reading on completion to stop me seeing it.

 

[Hutch]

I used Google earth to check the location of their HQ and it is a private residence although the address states Unit xx, "named" Estate, town. We are very familiar with the area. Seems to be a home spun business sourcing goods and reselling. As said weirdly the different dialing code for the area? Used my CC so hopefully no issues with refund.

Their website states unit 15 is for admin only they have 3 warehouses, elsewhere.

 

[Buckman]

Their website states unit 15 is for admin only they have 3 warehouses, elsewhere.

That is correct however I am wondering if they are really warehouses or just storage units? Not that it worries me as supposed to be getting a refund, I don't understand why the different dialing code which is for another town about 30 miles away?

I am looking at another British Sheepskin company in Somerset and also Celtic, but Celtic seem to be very expensive although they do have a "shop".

 

[Sam Vimes]

I've used Celtic before. Good stuff but not cheap.

 

[borderbilly]

I've used Celtic before. Good stuff but not cheap.

Is that the one's that are green and white hoops? 🤔

 

[Beachball]

I've used Celtic before. Good stuff but not cheap.

I would agree with you quality cost .