<p>Has anyone ordered from the online discount company GILT Groupe? I joined about a year ago and have been receiving their emails but never purchased anything until last month. I was not happy with my purchase (handbag). It looks like a good quality knock-off, but not what was shown or described. I knew it would not be returnable but took the chance and ordered - hoping for the best …but sadly disappointed! </p>
<p>Has anyone else ordered from this company . happy or unhappy with your purchase?</p>
<p>I’m registered with them but have never purchased. I didn’t know that things weren’t returnable. I am leery, so thank you for the information. I do know that they were featured on the Today Show…I think…but, yes, I wondered about quality. On the other hand, since they have such a presence if they are selling knockoffs attorneys for the designers would be all over them.</p>
<p>I thought you could return the purchases for store credit? </p>
<p>Anyway, I’m registered with them but just like to browse. They’re apparently launching Gilt Fuse, which will feature slightly cheaper designer brands.</p>
<p>My mother and daughter have both ordered; we all check the site most days. Because they both kept what they bought, I don’t know how returns are handled. According to their website:</p>
<p>Gilt Groupe accepts returns on apparel and footwear for store credit only. Gilt Groupe must receive the merchandise within 14 days from the date the item is shipped to you. Items must be unused, unworn, unwashed and undamaged. In order to facilitate the credit process, please return items in their original packaging, including: hangers, polybags, hang tags on garments, shoe boxes, dust bags, eye glass cases and gift boxes. </p>
<p>Handbags are on the final sale list, along with most other items.</p>
<p>I don’t think the handbag I ordered is actually a knock-off…………it just looks and feels more like a knock-off than a true designer bag. I have two handbags made buy this same designer that I purchased through a regular retail store and this bag from GILT just doesn’t look and feel the same. Even the handbag’s storage bag/pouch is different (somewhat cheesy) than the ones which came with my retail purchased bags.</p>
<p>I hope this make sense – The quality of the bag and the price paid matches what you would get in a retail store, but it is not a designer quality handbag at a bargain price.</p>
<p>I have bought from Gilt - a Kooba bag, Tumi breifcase and suitcase, makeups. I have been very happy with what I have purchases. I am pretty certain they are not knockoffs, and they are not previous season mechandise either. Maybe you should take your bag to a company store to get authenticity checked. If it’s a knock off you could get your money back from credit card company.</p>
<p>If you think that the purse isn’t genuine (and I’m not saying that it isn’t) go to a retail store that carries the brand. Go to the specialist in that brand (or the buyer) and have them examine the purse. Knockoffs are easy, for a specialist, to spot (different hardward, leather, weight etc.) If it is a knockoff contact Giltgroup asap. If they refuse to do anything than you have legal recourse because it is ILLEGAL to sell knockoffs. They coule be liable in all sorts of ways, including criminal. </p>
<p>It is possible that they (GiltGroup) gets legitimate seconds and the dust jacket is just different. It is certainly possible that it is last season merchandise. But do the work now so that you don’t regret it in a few weeks.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about the Gilt business, but I do know handbags. I would be concerned it the hardware etc does not seem right, and I think it would be a good idea to check it out at the retail store for the brand if one is near you. I know that if you buy Coach bags at the outlet stores, the dust bags are not the same as the retail stores. If they say it is genuine, and it is not, then it is fraud as well as trademark violation etc.</p>
<p>I took a look and it says a member must sponsor you and then they proceed to put you on a waitlist. Hopefully it’s easier to get off of than an ivy’s…</p>
<p>It is new - invitation only. My daughter invited me to join, motive was to buy the Kooba bag for her. She got $25 for inviting me and the purchase. Things go on sale at 12pm everyday and their website is always busy at that time. It’s a great gimick.</p>
<p>It’s not that new. I’ve been registered a little over a year. I haven’t heard anything negative about them, nor positive for that matter. A few things that I have been interested in, a Judith Ripka piece sold out before I got online. Again, take the purse to a professional and they will tell you if it is genuine.</p>
<p>I think the analogy to a Coach Outlet bag versus a regular Coach Retail bag is probably right on the mark. At least in the case of the handbag I purchased it probably was a retail reject or legitimate second as ellebud suggested. The feel of the leather, the somewhat odd (funky) color, and the slightly off center lining makes me think any high-end retailer would reject this bag, because it would likely not sell until it hit the 50% off table.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I live in a rural area (6 hour drive), far away from a retailer with this type of designer handbag………so getting a professional’s opinion is not an option. I knew before buying I would not be able to return it. I’m glad others have had better luck and are satisfied with their purchases.</p>
My handbag had also sold out, but I clicked add to waitlist and a few weeks later I got an email saying it was available for purchase. Maybe thats why I got this outlet/reject/second bag .versus the real high-end designer bag.</p>
<p>TuTuTaxi: You can go online to Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. When they have sales on purses, and they do, they can be a terrific buy. I have seen Cole Haan bags in the low $200 range…and you know that they are real. There are higher end purses as well. Although we live within walking distance to the above stores I have found some things online and had them sent, for free. (returns are on you however) </p>
<p>And gosh darn I don’t get a $25 discount on my purchases for recommending them.</p>
<p>I too have been checking out the Gilt sales for nearly a year but haven’t made a purchase. Even at the discounted prices, most items are more than I would spend. Funny, ellebud, it was a Judith Ripka sale that lured me into accepting an invite to join.</p>
<p>OK, can someone explain exactly how this works. I made it off the waiting list in record time! Clearly my excellent stats. There were some great buys on rugs but the ones I liked were sold out. Do these items change daily at noon? Do they have different types of items different days?</p>
<p>oldfort, you made me look up “kooba bag” (on my favorite Shopstyle dot com). I have never heard of them (goodness, I’m such a country bumpkin!), but now I want one (not that I can afford a bag that costs as much as two RT tickets to Maui!)</p>
<p>I was sent an invitation to join GILT Groupe - which basically consisted of selecting a username (email address) and password. Once you have joined you receive a daily email with a link for the items selling that day. The items are listed by designer, with a regular retail price along with the GILT Groupe price. As long as the item is still available you can purchase it. After the supply for an item is depleted the item shows as “SOLD OUT”. You can still select the item and it is put on your waitlist. If more items become available you are sent an email. I have been a member for almost a year but have only made one purchase. Be forewarned, most items are not returnable and the few that are must be returned almost immediately.</p>