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I have a bit of a love affair with good service. Often, fantastic service can be the tipping point when deciding to purchase something. Or even choosing to pay a little more instead of facing some dour sales assistant at a cheaper outlet.

So what exactly is good service?

Let’s start with a quick backgrounder:

• I love online shopping.
• I like shoes.
• I hate buying shoes online because you can’t be sure about sizing.

What happens when you ask a couple of retailers on sizing?

RE: XXX Sizing Advice

Hi,

I’m wearing Size 37 for the Sock 212 Mary Janes model and Size 36.5 for Yoyo Slingbacks.

If possible, kindly advice me on which size I should be ordering for the Simple Leather Pumps (85 or 100mm).

Thanks! :)

Response #1 from Neiman Marcus

Thank you for contacting Neiman Marcus Online.

We received your request for sizing information.

In order to view our size chart, as well as many helpful measuring tips, please click on the following link:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prodPopUpSizingChart.jhtml

For future reference, a size guide link is located on our assistance page at the bottom of the ‘Shopping Online’ section, as well as on our individual item information pages.

Again, thank you for shopping with Neiman Marcus Online. If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
XXX

Conclusion #1: Useless. Really, I know how to read a sizing chart. I wanted to know about a specific fit, yo!
Rating:

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Response #2 from Saks Fifth Avenue

Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding the XXX Simple Leather Pumps. Due to the closed in heel on this shoe, we recommend that you order the size 37 as you did for the Sock 212 Mary Janes. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Sincerely,

XXX
E-commerce Associate
Saks Direct

Conclusion #2: Impressive! Specific recommendation and reason given.
Rating:

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Response #3 from Net-A-Porter

Thank you for your email.

We love these XXX Simple Leather pumps!

We can confirm that after trying on these pumps, we felt that they ran true to size. Therefore the Italian size you would normally wear should be suitable for you.

However, if you are worried that they may be slightly tight fitting, we would recommend that you go up half a size for extra comfort

We hope this helps! Do let us know if we can be of any further assistance in the future.

Kind regards,

The Product Advisors
www.net-a-porter.com

Conclusion #3: Useful. Advice on model given, but no specific recommendation.
Rating:

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Response #4 from Foot Candy Shoes

XXX normally runs small but this style in particular runs big so of you are between a 36.5 and a 37 I would suggest the 36.5. Let us know if we can help you with anything else.

XXX

Conclusion #4: Impressive! Specific recommendation and reason given.
Rating:

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Okay, I’m surprised I actually took the effort to detail this experience down. Let’s be speedy about the conclusion.

Good web service
=
A speedy, personalised and knowledgeable reply!

P/S I ended up going brick & mortar retail. And erm… My actual size for the model was 36/36.5.
Docked one from Saks for getting it wrong. Foot Candy wins!