Brandalley - somebody please explain it to me

[PacificDogwood]

Feeling really dense here...

I registered with Brandalley a few days ago and I just don't understand how it works (not the 'chose your item, go to checkout, pay for it' bit): things seems to only be on for a day or 3 and then disappear . I don't mean sold out, but just gone.

Being of a dithering deliberating disposition, I find this most disconcerting.

Also, would I need to check the site every day as it keeps changing?? I do have a life, you know.

Anybody using Brandalley and liking it? Thank for any experiences.

Is it too late for fashion gurus??

Probably , 'tis too late for me anyway

Hi, I used this once for Xmas, wouldn't use again. Really bad customer service, only replied to one email and it wasn't even in English. I had a problem with something received but nothing I can do about it.

You order from them, they then order from the 'shop' / 'designer' then they deliver. My Xmas order was paid for November gauranteed for Xmas but delivered second week of Jan. I've had to refund of postage , nothing. Will never use them again.

Sorry, NO refund of postage (bloody iPad!)

Oh dear, that sounds truly rubbish, Choca .

I have ordered several items from Brandalley and have been happy with all my purchases.

I bought a Gold Guess necklace which was 50% cheaper than instore. Also bought a lovely jersey dress, bolero, fold up pumps, special offer for photo keyrings, cosmetics and haircare.

The only criticism I have is that delivery times are awful and best not to order if you want something in a hurry. I've waited up to 2 months for delivery. They did keep me updated by email though.

to be fair I expect the Christmas problem was to do with the snow etc etc. Brand Alley is like all of those designer discount places: you make your order and they give you a date when they despatch - quite often it isn't immediate. Sometimes it is though! Depends where the items come from. It's not like using a normal site.

they will send you an email each morning to let you know what's on sale that day. You can find really big discounts - and nice things. I bought a pair of 7 for all mankinds for about thirty pounds last year. The thing is, it's expensive to buy on spec. They don't have free returns unless something is faulty, so it's probably only worth buying something if you already know your size. (and don't mind waiting)

There's another site like that, but they tend to ship faster and they have better customer service: www.cocosa.com

I've used them, and secret sales, in the past for bits and bobs and been happy with what I actually received. I got a lovely Johm Smedley jumper for 1/3 of the price.

I expect delivery to be really slow although they do say that things are delivered after the sale has finished completely - weeks after you order normally.

I have ordered things to find that when my parcel arrives they were not in it (not charged though) due to lack of stock.

I don't think I'll carry on using the site as it's quite time consuming searching for random things.

Thank you, all

faustina, I am now on the cocosa waiting list - unless you had an invite code you wish to share?? Sorry, cheeky request, but you don't ask, you don't get . The site looks v good, so thanks for even pointing me in the right direction.

I get the impression that Brandalley is more suitable to somebody with time to look at the site every day, good at making quick decisions and patience - I don't really tick any of those boxes...

I was considering some designery sunglasses... and the whole sale is gone - I am Too Slow.

for somebody

Oooh, I love a good bargain, well done, Reality. Think of all the deals you can get on baby stuff .

Tight, moi?? Nonononono, I just like to stick up a finger or two to the industrial-capitalist complex yet still waft around in designer gear.

Or summat

pacific - the sales at cocosa also only last for a few days - I hope you realise that? In fact they open at midday and you need to be there then if you want something specific. It is a bit of a bunfight like that, but often worth it. They had VW anglomania last week. You can see them in preview the day before, so you can check out if it's going to be worth sitting by your computer the next day.

Let me know if you still want an invitation after all that and I'll PM you one

I love Brand Alley.
I have had some lovely designer swim wear for less than £10.

I got a Whistles silk dress for £20 and I got 4 level 4 shock absorber bras for £6 each.

My Jigsaw blck wool jacket was £30.

I accept that there is normally a couple of weeks delay so I just buy what I fancy and wait!

I have had some great bargains on Brand Alley: Asics trainers, Pumas for my son, Dolce Gabbana knickers, shock absorber bras. You just have to accept the long delivery times.

Another fan Cocosa. I was lucky to sign up when they first started. V good cutomer service and choice of brands.

There is a site called Achica based on Cocosa which sells household stuff and children's clothes.

I also joined Cocosa and Secret sales. Cocosa have some great items, but I have logged on directly when a sale opens, yet most of the stock has sold out. Also their delivery costs are expensive £6.75 or something and you have to pay for each separate sale delivery cost. I've not purchased anything yet, but like logging on everyday to see what's on offer.

I also like Overstocked.com. I bought a nice Nine West coat there. Unfortunately the delivery costs are extortionate, can be more expensive than actual purchase. This is because items are being shipped from U.S.

Pacific, have set you a message about Cocosa

Had an email from BrandAlley this morning-Uggs classic short and tall on sale typical prices = short classics £110 down from £170. Gutted I bought my daughter's at full price a month ago.

I'm in, I'm in - thank you so much, Penguin!

Lots of shiny, lovely, preciousssss things

Off to browse

Thank you also for all the other site - never heard of them... I so obviously do not have my hand at the pulse of retail/fashion

Oh, and thank you for your offer too, faustina

I have just de registered (fingers crossed) with brand Alley. Yes I have been happy with the few bits I've ordered but they have taken until the last day advised to arrive. One item has never come, I was sent an email letting me know there was a delay but no follow up after. I tried to cancel it and another order a couple of days ago and was told they could only cancel one order at a time but he would cancel the second item the day after, yesterday. I only had one email for one cancellation so I called again this evening, it hadn't been cancelled. They take the money from your account within the first few days and considering I have spent almost £500 over the last couple of months with only a beautiful cardigan to show for it I feel very let down and poor! I really haven't had a problem getting through to them but with Christmas creeping up I think they are best avoided

I've used them twice. Once for an Orla Keily bag that when it turned up was clearly fake (I worked near their Covent Garden shop so was able to check it). Sent it back and eventually (ages) got a refund. I rashly bought a jacket the other week and man alive it's like a 5 week delivery. So eff knows where that is coming from. Defo won't be using them again and have unsubscribed off their list. Am not big on designer gear but just likes those two items. But they've lost my business now.

I got an Aspiga beaded pouch bag for 30 quid (110 on Aspiga) for my holiday on Brandalley. Very pleased with it.