Hey there pudding friends!
Wow, my first review of 2016! Unfortunately, this is going to be my first ever review that's more bad than good, but I thought it was important to publish it so that you puddings can be aware.
So a few weeks ago, I made my very first order from
Dolls Kill, which I was super excited about, because I've had a wishlist growing on their site for a very long time. Dolls Kill is an online store where you can get some amazing pieces of clothing, accessories, and anything else under the fashion umbrella. They stock a range of brands like Iron Fist, Tokidoki, Jeffree Star, and even LA Japan!
When a backpack that I've wanted for ages was marked down during their new years sale, I finally decided it was time for me to start tackling that wishlist. Unfortunately, I didn't end up getting the bag that I had been dreaming about. When it finally arrived, I immediately noticed several flaws. There were loose threads all over the straps, strange red and black stains, and worst of all, a big cut on the
inside of the bag. I was really disappointed, because I was so excited to have a cute new backpack to show off to the world, and instead I got this damaged thing that I'm not very proud of.
Anyways, let's get on with the review, and you pudding cups can decide for yourselves!
(my favourite dolls kill model wearing all pink!)
The Store: 8/10
Dolls Kill have sales pretty much all the time, and if you spend over $100 (USD), you get free shipping! They stock almost all of my favourite brands, and use their own models to show off their stock, so you know that it's legit. One of my favourite things is that they always have a massive clearance section, where you'll find a lot of good stuff marked down. My favourite thing about them is their massive range of brands.
Pricing: 5/10
At first glance, the prices on Dolls Kill seem reasonable, due to the fact that the products are mostly from expensive brands. However, I have managed to find some of the exact same items they stock for much cheaper prices on other websites - so always make sure to shop around before you buy.
As for my case: the Australian dollar is doing really badly at the moment, so even on sale, after conversion and shipping, this backpack cost me just over $60. I wouldn't usually spend that kind of money on something so simple, but I happened to be doing well money-wise the week that the sale came one, so I decided to treat myself. I only wish that what I actually got in the mail today was worth the $60.
Shipping: 5/10
Processing time was super quick, and once my order was confirmed, I got an update saying my package was due to arrive on the 13th of January. That's only 9 days after I placed my order, which is pretty sweet. Unfortunately, my package arrived one day short of a week
after it's due date. When my package didn't arrive on the 13th, I went to the tracker, which told me that it had arrived at the warehouse to be shipped
to Australia. I then had to wait almost another week before I saw my package. If they meant the due date was the date it was due to be
shipped, that's pretty damn misleading. And if they really did mean that my package was due to arrive on the 13th, well they failed that pretty hard. Neither answers are particularly pleasing. The only positive aspect of the shipping was that the tracker Dolls Kill provided was really detailed - it gave me almost daily updates on exactly where my package was, and why it was there. It was this feature that gave me reassurance that my package wasn't lost when it hadn't showed up on its due date.
Quality: 4/10
When I opened the package, I instantly noticed a bunch of flaws in the bag. The biggest and most obvious flaw was a big gash on the inside of the bag, as if something stored inside the bag had cut it - which is strange, seeing as it was supposed to be new. There were also a bunch of loose threads on the straps of the bag. I always expect some loose threads when I buy something, as it's just something that happens, but they were
everywhere, which made me think this bag isn't going to last very long if this is it's unused state. The final straw was the black and red smudges all over the bag. I managed to wipe the black smudges off of the pink straps (although I have no idea what they were), but there are massive red stains all over the stitching that just wont budge. For the prices Dolls Kill charge, I assumed that they would run quality checks on the things they ship out - I think after spending $60 on a backpack, I deserve to be guaranteed a good product. So yeah, that put a bit of a downer on things.
(gash on inside // loose threads // red stains)
Customer Service: 6/10
So obviously, I'm not happy with the bag. I didn't know what their policy is on damages, but I emailed them anyway, just letting them know what had happened. I got a response within 12 hours and they immediately offered to replace the bag, provided that I mail my damaged one back to them. They even sent me a shipping label so I wouldn't have to pay twice. They took care of everything so well, I immediately forgave them - clearly this neglect of a quality check was not the norm. However, it kind of all went down hill from here. I went to the post office and turns out, they gave me a shipping label I couldn't use. They knew I was in Australia, and they gave me a label for FedEx. I emailed them again, and told them the people at the post office couldn't use that label - and it's a good thing I didn't end up sending it back because Dolls Kills response was to tell me that the backpack is out of stock.
... are you
kidding me?
This really upset me, because I feel like once we agreed that I would send the bag back to get a replacement, they
maybe should have.. I don't know.. set one aside for me and not sell them
all?
They said they could refund me whatever money I spend on shipping through Australia post so I can still send the bag back, and to replace it, I could get an item of similar value - or, I could keep the bag and get store credit worth 30% of the bag (which ended up being just over $9). I really didn't know what to do, because I still really wanted the bag, I just wanted it to look good. I didn't want something else, but I did want my moneys worth. After some thinking, I decided to cut my losses and keep the bag. Yes, it's damaged, but at least I can still have it, rather than get something that I didn't want to begin with.
So yeah, how's that for customer service? I was served by Lauren, who was really polite and handled things well. I don't know the exact chain of command at Dolls Kill HQ, but I'm assuming the girls responsible for responding to complaints aren't the ones in charge of inventory, so I don't blame her for what happened. However, I can't say that I'm happy with how things turned out. To send me such a damaged product, and then not even hold up your end of the bargain?? Poor game, Dolls Kill.
(at least I still look cute)
So yeah, out of the three main factors I consider when it comes to online shopping - price, shipping and quality - Dolls Kill pretty much failed. Don't get me wrong, the backpack is adorable, I just wish it was in the condition that I paid for. I feel strange saying such negative things, but if you're wanting a good quality product, I don't recommend Dolls Kill. I really feel like I got ripped off.
Despite my bad experience, I haven't totally ruled out buying from them again in the future - I just think that next time, I'll wait for when the item is a lot cheaper, and I will know not to expect the quality to be that great.
What do you puddings think? Am I being too harsh? Let me know your experiences with Dolls Kill! Am I just one unfortunate customer, or am I right to have lost faith? You know where to find me~
