Shopping online for women’s designer clothes is a breeze. The progression of the online shopping experience means that I can quietly shop away from the comfort of my own home. But why is one online store so much better than another? Let’s take a look at the factors that distinguish the best women’s designer clothing outlets from the mediocre.

1. Choice

You want as many of the top designers to be featured at your online store as possible. This way it’s really easy to compare and contrast different items. Also as many stores do free shipping when you spend over a certain amount. You don’t want to have to shop at 4 different sites just to create your one new look.

2. New collections

Some sites will be quicker at delivering designer’s new collections than others. If you’re after your new designs as soon as they get released (and don’t mind paying that premium), then this is going to be important for you.

3. Price and promotions

Compare a few different websites to see how they compare on some staple items. Certain jeans and tops will be carried in a bunch of stores. Check out the price differentials. Also see who has what on sale and what specific promotions are running.

4. Shipping

Preferably your shipping costs should nil. You’ll typically have to spend over a certain amount (say a hundred bucks) to get this, but beware stores with high shipping charges. This is especially important if you live in Hawaii, Alaska or overseas so please check the small print before buying. Specialist talks

5. Returns and exchanges

So the only downside to shopping online is that you can’t try it on beforehand. Obviously the positives far outweigh the negatives in shopping online for designer goods, but you want the returns policy to be as clear and hassle free as possible, just in case you do need to send it back. Look at who needs to pay for shipping too.

6. User friendly website

There is nothing more frustrating than knowing what you want to buy and then trying to buy it from a website that drives you insane. It’s as if the store has that new dress tight in it’s clutches there’s no way on earth that you are going to pry it out of its fingers.

7. Added value

Finally, some of you like to see a touch of “added value” on your online designer store. Content that takes it over and above just being a store. Good examples of added value are look books, reports on what celebrity is wearing this designer’s clothes, style blogs etc.