The Real Deal: Zulily Fragrances And Their Authenticity

Zulily is an online retailer that offers fashion products, home decor, toys, and more. They offer a wide range of products, including fragrances, and are known for their discounted prices. However, there have been mixed reviews regarding the authenticity of the fragrances sold on Zulily, with some customers claiming that they received fake or counterfeit perfumes.

When purchasing fragrances from Zulily, it is essential to do your research beforehand. Some customers have reported receiving authentic perfumes, while others have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of their purchases. It is advisable to buy from brands you are familiar with and to be cautious if the prices seem too good to be true.

Zulily's business model

Zulily is an online retailer that was founded in 2009 by Mark Vadon and Darrell Cavens. The company launched in 2010 and gained momentum through early-morning email alerts and exclusive flash sales. Zulily's business model is centred around its flash sales, where deals last only 72 hours and offer deep discounts on children's apparel, toys, and home goods. This "just-in-time" inventory approach means that products are only purchased from vendors after customer orders are placed, minimising costs but extending delivery times.

Zulily invites customers to window shop within specific categories, find a great sale, and then be inspired to purchase something. The flash sales create a sense of scarcity that encourages purchases, and Zulily further limits the amount of inventory available for each sale. With limited time and inventory, customers are incentivised to buy now instead of waiting. Zulily's success lies in its ability to offer boutique products that are differentiated and fluid, creating a fun and exciting shopping experience.

The company's unique distribution model sets it apart from other e-commerce sites. Unlike competitors that prioritise fast delivery, Zulily's model involves having suppliers ship items directly to the company to be sorted and delivered, rather than warehousing items ahead of time. This approach can result in longer wait times for customers but helps to keep costs low.

Customer reviews of Zulily fragrances

On the other hand, some customers have defended Zulily, arguing that it is a legitimate source for bigger name perfumes. One reviewer compared Zulily to clearance stores like TJ Maxx, suggesting that it is a legitimate clearance vehicle for vendors and manufacturers.

In addition to the authenticity concerns, some customers have also complained about the quality of the perfumes, with one reviewer stating that the perfume they received was of very low quality and may not have been a genuine product.

It is worth noting that Zulily offers a wide range of products beyond fragrances, and customer reviews of these products are also mixed. While some customers have expressed satisfaction with their purchases, others have complained about issues such as delayed shipping, incorrect sizing, and poor customer service.

Customer service experiences

Some customers have expressed concerns about long shipping times, which can take anywhere from two to six weeks due to Zulily's business model of ordering items from vendors after receiving customer purchases. There is a paid "rocket" shipping option for faster delivery, but even this can take a few weeks.

Regarding product authenticity, most items on Zulily are authentic, but some customers have questioned whether certain products, especially perfumes, are counterfeit. However, others have defended Zulily, claiming that it operates similarly to clearance vehicles for vendors/manufacturers, like TJ Maxx, and that they have never received unauthentic products from bigger-name brands.

Zulily's return policy has also been a point of contention, with some customers unhappy about only being able to receive Zulily credit for returns rather than full refunds. Additionally, there have been mixed reviews about product quality, with some customers reporting receiving poor-quality clothing items.

Overall, customer service experiences with Zulily seem to be mixed, with some customers praising the deals and discounts offered, while others express frustration over shipping times, return policies, and product quality.

Comparison to other retailers

Zulily is an online retailer that offers a wide range of products, including fragrances. The company offers steep discounts on its products by placing large orders and passing the savings on to customers. They also offer a price-match promise, matching or beating the prices of other top retailers.

Compared to other retailers, Zulily's prices are generally competitive and sometimes even cheaper. One customer reported that the prices are "normally just a tad higher than other gray-market sites, but they do have some good deals and unique bottles." Another customer commented that they "have never got anything unauthentic when it comes to bigger names."

Zulily's shipping can take a few weeks, but some customers feel it is worth the wait for the deals offered. The website also offers consolidated shipping, where customers only pay one shipping fee for multiple items purchased on the same day, even if they make separate transactions.

In terms of customer service, Zulily has received mixed reviews. Some customers have reported issues with returns, refunds, and non-delivery of items. However, others have praised the helpfulness of the staff and their overall shopping experience.

Overall, Zulily appears to be a legitimate source for fragrances, with some customers vouching for the authenticity of the products. The company's competitive pricing and unique deals make it a popular choice for some, while others may prefer the faster shipping and more reliable customer service offered by other retailers.

Advice for shopping on Zulily

Zulily is an online retail platform offering curated selections of products at heavily discounted prices. The platform specializes in time-sensitive sales, known as flash sales, that provide unique items for the whole family, including home decor, gifts, clothing, and beauty products.

Getting Started

Zulily's website is user-friendly, with categories like women's fashion, home goods, and children's items. You can browse without signing in, but an account is required to make a purchase. Creating an account allows you to save payment details for faster checkout and receive personalized recommendations.

Understanding Zulily's Sales Model

Zulily's sales events are time-limited, typically lasting 72 hours, encouraging quick decision-making. This format allows them to offer discounts of up to 70% on various products. They work directly with vendors to keep prices low and offer exclusive deals on items that may be hard to find elsewhere.

Shopping Smart

• Set alerts: Enable email or app notifications to stay updated on sales for your favorite brands or products.
• Utilize the waitlist: If an item sells out, join the waitlist to get notified if it becomes available again.
• Compare prices: While Zulily offers discounts, check prices elsewhere to ensure you're getting the best deal.
• Research reviews: Read reviews for products to understand quality and sizing, especially for apparel and footwear.

Returns and Refunds

Zulily uses a "Smart-Pay" credit system for returns, meaning your refund is often issued as store credit rather than cash. Not all products are eligible for returns, so be sure to review the return policy on individual items before purchasing.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Experience

• Set a budget: With so many deals, it's easy to overspend. Plan ahead and stick to your budget.
• Filter and sort: Use the filtering options to narrow down your search by size, price range, or category.
• Check for coupons: Zulily occasionally offers additional discounts or free shipping codes.
• Explore daily deals: Make it a habit to check the site daily for fresh sales and new arrivals.

Frequently asked questions