Information About Bluefly
Bluefly, Inc. is an online retail and
accessories company that offers a variety of high-end designer brands
at greatly discounted prices. The company offers more than 50,000 styles
for sale each year. The categories of items offered include men's
apparel, women's apparel, and accessories. Kids' products are also
available, which allows parents to purchase needed items at the same
place. Items are available for up to 75% off of their retail value,
which is great for those who love to own the finest apparel and
accessories.
The Bluefly.com website was launched in
September of 1998. It was one of the first companies to sell apparel
online in a manner appealing to the most sophisticated customers. Kein
Siff and six others founded the company and built it within months of
its conception. The company is incorporated in Delaware, and its
executive offices are located in New York. Partnerships the company made
in the early years with AOL and MSN helped the company become the
largest site offering fashion-related items at a discount. They also offer a large range of
Bluefly coupons for even more savings.
Bluefly's Business Strategy
Bluefly's
strategy involves offering designer brands and current fashion trends
at great values. The company sells the same type of merchandise that is
sold in luxury stores at much higher costs. The selection and
presentation of merchandise is better than what is offered at discount
stores or malls. Products are added frequently, which gives consumers a
reason to visit the site often. Loyal customers love to see which new
items have been added since the last time they visited.
The
company uses the Internet as the primary way to support their business
strategy. The Internet is used to communicate with customers. Direct
marketing principles are also used to optimize sales. Loyal customers
are offered early access to new products and receive exclusive offers.
The
company can update their product selection when needed without having
to worry about printing catalogs. This is an advantage they have over
businesses that offer products only through catalogs. Their website
offers personalized shopping opportunities that allow customers to
search for products that they want and need. Suppliers are able to
liquidate their end-of-season items and overstock merchandise in a way
that does not hurt their brands.
Personal Shoppers at Bluefly
Personal
shoppers are available at Bluefly to help customers. This is something
that sets them apart from other companies. Potential customers can chat
with a personal shopper without a charge. They are available Monday
through Friday. Orders made can be shipped to more than 29 countries in
the world, including Hong Kong, Panama, United Arab Emirates, United
States, and Canada.
Product Merchandising
The
company gets products directly from designers and from other indirect
sources. The items that celebrities wear play a part in the items the
company makes available to consumers. Bluefly.com offers products from
more than 300 designers. They have great vendor relationships due to the
amount of resources they have used to establish the website as a
high-end environment.
Bluefly ensures that their items are
displayed in a manner that is attractive. Product information is easy to
understand. The company gives great customer service and makes sure all
of their business dealings are channeled toward making the company
better for designers and customers.
Fulfillment Of Orders
Orders
are transmitted to a warehouse and fulfillment center after they are
placed. Items are picked and shipped directly to the customer who
ordered them. This type of arrangement ensures that orders are packed
correctly. Inventory is updated on a real-time basis. Therefore, only
items that are truly available are shown. This is a real convenience for
shoppers who do not want to have to worry about placing an order and
then finding out that items they wanted are not available. Most orders
are shipped out within one business day, even during peak times of the
year. Many companies are not able to do this at any time of the year.
Bluefly Customer Service
Customer
service is available via e-mail, chat, and telephone. Representatives
are available every day of the week. Returns are generally allowed for
any reason within 60 days of purchase. This is a very generous return
policy. Customers do not have to worry about what to do with items that
did not fit or were not exactly what they expected. A help center is
available on the website, and it answers a lot of questions that
customers may have when they are interested in placing an order.
Competition
The
online apparel market is growing quickly. Competition in the field
comes from store-based retailers who are expanding to the Internet,
well-established Internet-based companies, and new Internet companies.
Designer brands that sell directly to the public online are also
competitors. Bluefly believes merchandise selection, price, web site
features, and delivery performance will allow them to excel in the
industry.
The apparel and e-commerce markets are cyclical in
nature. Unfavorable conditions in the economy have had a big impact on
retailers. Declines cause consumers to spend less on nonessential items.
This can affect Bluefly's sales and cash flow. Improvements in the
economy could hamper the company's ability to acquire the needed amount
of inventory.
Reasons To Visit Bluefly.com
Bluefly.com
is a great website where people who are into fashion or those who want
to gain more fashion knowledge can go to see designs from the hottest
designers. The selection of products available is vast, and the customer
service offered is second to none. The website is designed to allow
visitors to find what they are looking for quickly. The website is clean
and attractive. Inventory is updated on a regular basis. Repeat
customers can receive special promotions, which allow them to save money
on their future orders. Some of the designers featured on the site
include Cole Haan, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Prada, and Christian Louboutin.
It is virtually impossible to find items from so many high-end designers
for sale on the same website. Prices are discounted heavily, which
allows consumers to spend less money on the designers they love.
