Friday, August 22, 2008

J.Crew's Website Is Down & Back Up Again

As Anonymous at 4:56PM (in the "Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?" post) pointed out, the website is down again. :(

I noticed it went down but saw the site back up, but I guess that was temporary because it went back down and is still down (as of 5:38PM). To keep things positive, maybe they are updating the site with new arrivals and putting up the latest catalog to view. :)

Update (as of 5:46PM): For some reason the J.Crew website seems to work perfectly for me in an Internet Explorer browser. However, if I try opening the JCrew.com site in Firefox, I still get that "be back soon..." memo. Maybe that will be the case for some of you as well.

Update (as of 6PM): Site seems to be back up and running for me (in both IE & Firefox browsers).

What do you think about the website still having some "issues"? When do you predict the website will be close to trouble free?

43 comments:

  1. This has happened so much now that it's actually funny!!

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  2. Raj: I know what you mean! :) You could almost turn their website into a drinking game. ;)

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  3. Not down for me. But not updated either.

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  4. Alexis: And I think you need to change your question from "When do you predict the website will be close to trouble free?" to "When do you predict the website will go down again?" ;-) lol

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  5. The website isn't down for me, and hasn't been down at ANY point today, either. Weird that some people can get on and some can't. There isn't any update, but it's still working...I don't have the be back soon sign.

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  6. So strange! Mine isn't down either...

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  7. FFM & OTHERS : If you click on categories, it says "unable to process request..." The start page works for me but that's it.

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  8. OT - However, I was just looking at the Jackie cardigan in new colors. I wear a large for extra roominess with button downs. Several colors are backordered until 12-18-08!?!

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  9. Bizarre is all I have to say about their website. Now (6PM) the site works fine for me in both internet browsers (IE & Firefox).

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  10. I can still click on all categories, add items to my cart, and checkout...but I'm not going to. ;)

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  11. the website is working for me also...too bad i don't trust it enough to order anything :0. i still can't wait for the new stuff though! i really hope they update it soon...like in the next 20 min. i'd like to check out the new stuff in peace...while my son's still napping !! ;)

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  12. The site has been working for me all day.

    They are having major issues with their website, I think it is going to be awhile yet before the bugs are going to get worked out.

    Alexis: update on my shipment fiasco from last night, I received someone's parcel with my invoice in the box), after being proactive on my part, Fedex never showed up to pick up the parcel, I called spoke to a great CS. and 2 supervisors, I complained that I never got a call back from CS informing me that Fedex cannot pick up the parcel in Canada, I shipped the parcel back to them tonight, JCrew reimbursed shipping charges on my cc. Case solved, what a mess. Thanks WANDA & DON.

    Sorry to go on about this, my point is the website is still in a mess, there are lost parcels, inappropriate charges. SHOPPER BEWARE!

    Happy Shopping this weekend. I am jealous that I cannot get to a store 4.5 hrs away.

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  13. Mine works now, too. Now I'm sure that the J. Crew site is POSSESSED!!!

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  14. They're still having issues which can be ulcer-inducing. I have been stalking this particular pair of shoes in the sale section, have ordered them twice, had the order canceled twice. The sales rep. who put the order in for me yesterday said there was one pair left, and she'd cross her fingers for me. She gave me the 30% off sale plus my teacher discount. They were off the site yesterday, and I laughed devilishly, circling my hands in ecstasy knowing they were on the way.
    I should have known better. I had the cancellation e-mail in my box this morning, and to add insult, the stinking shoes are back on the site. Ugh!!
    Should I even bother trying again?
    If they are still there tomorrow, I may give it a go.

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  15. The site came back for me after I reset my computer...
    Per Alexis' post, no new items coming up on my computer. It's funny, I think I did receive the new Fall catalog but it was so similar to my earlier one in July, I think I recycled it!

    I did receive my order from jcrew.com with my sale items from the 30% sale and everything looked fine. Whew! (sigh of relief...). I can't get over how I paid $9 for a shirt that was once $48 (featherweight cotton pleated top). This reminds me to wait for the Lucille jacket...

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  16. the main page works but not when i click on the categories.

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  17. ccbmum: I hope they update the site with new arrivals and the new catalog soon too! It's too bad they don't time the catalog release with the website.

    Anonymous at 6:12 PM: I am so happy to hear that the random order situation was resolved. :) (Although waiting for FedEx, who never showed up, was probably a pain.)

    Anonymous at 6:15 PM: I know- I feel like the site is possessed too. I clear my cache (& internet files) often, so it was not like that "be back soon.." image was stored on my computer. Just weird how it didn't work for me, yet did for so many others.

    JaneK: You really have a gift for writing! I loved the "laughed devilishly, circling my hands in ecstasy" line!!! :)

    Anonymous at 6:44 PM: I am sorry about getting hopes up about new arrivals. I was hoping to see some new items as well. Congrats on getting the cotton pleated top for $9- that is an incredible price! :)

    Lora: I am sorry to hear the site is working 100% for you either. Does it work in another internet browser than the one you are using?

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  18. I haven't had trouble today, and it looks like there might be a few new things in the new arrivals section (either that, or I haven't been paying very close attention). Nothing exciting, but I think there are a couple new sweaters, tees, a bag, and some shoes?

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  19. Maybe the site has not been updated because it cannot handle the increased volume on the website? with Back to School, fall coming etc.

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  20. I ordered a peacoat yesterday and was really surprised to see it on my doorstep today, that's the fastest I've received orders from them yet

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  21. It is so frustrating to have my orders cancelled and yet still see these items on the site. Since I have the teacher's discount, do they hope to sell these to others at a higher price? JCrew, it's cheap & bad karma to do this to your loyal customers.

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  22. Anon at 7:31 PM: That is a really good point. :)

    Mischa: That is fantastic delivery time for J.Crew orders!!! Congrats on the new peacoat too. :)

    Marie: I totally agree with you about feeling frustrated over an order being canceled only to see it on the website for sale the next day. That has happened to me many times before the website upgrade too. I don't understand it sometimes.

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  23. Alexis, no worries and please don't apologize - you are just helping the rest of us! :)

    I called a few (JCrew) stores today in my area, hoping to find a Lucille jacket to try and I spoke to the nicest SA...I told her about my opinion on the website issues and she fully agreed - apparently, her store is dealing with the upshot of irate internet customer. She encouraged me to keep sending comments through the website.

    I hope you don't mind, Alexis, but I told her a little about your blog here and she was intrigued. She said she really wanted to read what jcrew customer opinions were. I am always encouraged by young "go-getters" (especially in sales, which was my past life), so I told her to check your blog here out. I know that we have been pretty blunt about some of our experiences, but I think only good can come out of a store SA seeing our side of the story. I hope that's ok! :S

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  24. I can see the site fine on Safari but on Firefox it says "be back soon".

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  25. Strange...the website has been working for me all day and I use Safari.

    anon at 7:44pm: The store in Pasadena, CA has the Lucille if you're looking for it. I'm not sure what your situation is, but good luck anyway.

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  26. It seems to be working now at about 5pm, PDT.

    I must say that, in spite of the website challenges - and I've certainly had some with my late summer orders - I've been fortunate to get some excellent service from JCrew staff. This reaffirms my faith in the brand and I will continue to shop at JCrew, but will probably visit the B&M's for a while until the site is fully functional. I hope that the site is fully functional before we get well into the Fall season.

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  27. OK, I'll come out of anonymity LOL!

    Thanks, aly, I'm actually in OR and I was just trying to avoid the whole web ordering ordeal. What I *should* do is go into the store, take my best "guess" as to my size, order one or two sizes from the red phone and at least save on shipping. Now if I could get a PS, *other* than the one who helped me last season, I would be all set (with the 20% discount too!)....

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  28. Hello all, quick question: the florentine print...is that navy or black? I received the florentine print sweater today and love it, I just can't decide whether the color is a very dark navy or black! Thanks in advance for any help in color determination. ;)

    P.S. Love the blog Alexis. You have another addict here.

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  29. Audrey: It sounds like you got the right idea. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

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  30. Hi! Just wanted to share that I went to Jcrew today and had my appointment with my PS. Tried on a few things: Fiona Herringbone in red, Ecole Jacket in velvet, tweed, and herringbone, Marcella Blouse, Tartine Cardigan, a Tunic sweater similar to the Dream shirred tunic sweater, the corduroy skirt, the new elizabeth...

    Almost everything ran big on me. I guess I'm starting to think that I really need P0. Then I asked my PS why Jcrew wouldn't include a petite department just like BR. He totally agreed and told me that it'd be a wonderful idea to write to Jcrew about it. I think I might just consider doing it!

    However, I still left the store with a few items. Just like others have mentioned, the new Elizabeth is lovely in person. I ended up buying the rhubarb and gray. I also purchased the tartine cardigan in chocolate, and they ordered the Marcella blouse for me in ivory.

    They weren't able to give me the teacher's discount on top of the 20%. I was a bit disappointed at that. Was anyone able to combine the 20% shopping with a PS AND their educator's discount? Just curious.

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  31. ny0311: when I shopped last weekend, I was told that I couldn't combine the 20% and the 15%. They weren't allowed. But, I could have the 15% with the extra 40% (at that time). However, they thought they could give the 10% (opening a cc) with the 20%. It's strange how the rules change - the sa's aren't ever sure what can be used and when, they usually have to check with the manager! Maybe they think they'd lose money allowing both discounts, but I would have bought more had I been allowed to use both.

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  32. The site works for me, but no new sales items. I've noticed that lots of sale items are showing up full price in fall colors, similar to the problems of the early days of the website upgrade. Happily, I haven't seen any $null. It's just a little frustrating to drill down to the detail on a sale item only to find out that it is not on sale.

    I was fairly lucky with my recent order though, capri sandals and a short sleeve cashmere tee. It all arrived before I was able to use the tracking number to track the package.

    I've been less lucky with the PS, though. My online guy barely returns email, taking days to respond.

    So I guess it has been a mixed experience all around.

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  33. ps, I got the solid airy knotted blouse in the red color, which is lovely. But I don't have the broad shoulders to fit it, and so the sleeves kept dropping off. That one is going back.

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  34. Math Teacher: I know, the PS was not sure whether he was allowed to combine and had to ask the manager as well. I love the items I purchased, but I'll wait a few days and see how I feel. If I don't completely love them, I'll just bring them back. However, I know I would have kept them if they had given me the ed. discount. (I know, I'm so picky and weird!)

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  35. I just got the Sept. catalog--I'm a little disappointed--doesn't seem to be a lot of new stuff. I also wish the dern site would update because sometimes you can't see things as well in the catalog (ie, shirts under sweaters, etc.) And, sometimes the site has stuff the catalog doesn't. Unless I'm missing something, the catalog doesn't have that cute patent tote that the store has.

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  36. ny0311: Did you get the ivory Marcella to go under the chocolate Tartine? Just wondering. Also, I too have the Elizabeth in Rhubarb isn't it stunning? Enjoy!

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  37. Another new catalog another order. The funny bit is everything I ordered was already online and not 'new'.

    I ordered the knit tie in navy, regular fit essential chinos in dark khaki, English leather plaque belt in black, the washed wool tartan scarf in Bailey tartan and some fun looking boxers.

    I also reordered the sweater in the look book. It's the argyle v neck in heathered wool. As the cotton cricket sweater sold out quickly I'm betting this one will too. And the cotton sweater is great. It's the one in the photo next to my post.

    With the website up to its usual trick I emailed my PS and she got the order together for me, much more reliable this way.

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  38. jcrew guy in canada: You have such a FABULOUS sense of style! I love everything you purchased...especially the Argyle v-neck! I have the same *PS* by the way, and I agree that she is *FAB*, as well! ;)

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  39. Jcrewjunkie: YES! How did you know?! I know...ivory under chocolate is not the most creative idea out there! However, I loved the combination - style, color, texture, collar, etc. Had it not been for the Marcella Blouse, I would have pass on the Tartine!

    My store didn't have the buttercup color on the Tartine. I was really interested in that color as well.

    Oh, yes, the new Elizabeth in Rhubarb is PRETTY! Did you get one as well? How do you plan to wear it? I know FFM mentioned it is really cute under the Honey Glaze. My PS suggested wearing it under navy, which I found interesting too.

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  40. Hi, New to site & I stumbled upon it after finally not buying and getting utterly fed up with this new system. Problem is, I have had wonderful service from J. Crew until the new site was launched. I probably have had to contact them over 20 times in August alone. I have had about 10 items dropped and almost as many in limbo or had a problem with. I spend a rather large amount in a year online (no local stores) between my husband and I. At first I got only generic replies or responses online that really showed me the rep did not even really read or understand my issues. I finally found a rep that I get a timely reply too, however, I still cannot hide the fact that I have an items that I have "hanging" as he put it after 2 reps tried to ship. Its been horrible to think not only did I waste hours at work trying to get items or recover my lost items or overcharges, but that I am still dealing with this after almost 2 months. Again, I really don't think its fair that I guestimate that I have been overcharged on shipping, sale items, unapplied coupons over $300 since July. And then have Visa charges hanging on my account for an item I never got and is in stock but told to ask to be put on a waitlist? Crazy. Even more angry is that I hear of gift cards being given out. All I got was a coupon that I should have been able to apply posted to my card due to glitch. Not really compensating me for anything. So, I ask for advice, who do I need to contact to get my numerous issues addressed? At this point I just want what I ordered and or have on my Visa bill! Its just bad business that I have not even been offered some sort of coupon or free shipping or something considering my order history this year alone. I am being very patient and courteous too, maybe that is the problem, I am being too understanding. I am at my wits end, as a loyal, VERY GOOD customer, I think I deserve better than "gee, we have some glitches in our system". Any advice is very, very welcome!!!!! Great site by the way.

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  41. anon @3:10: You should either call CS and ask to speak to a supervisor in Support Services, or send an email to Mickey Drexler himself, explaining all the issues you have had over the last 2 months.

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  42. Unfortunately you have to start demanding to speak to person higher than a supervisor on the floor. I had a very unfortunate incident this week and that is what I did, it eventually it got resolved with 48 hrs.

    I got compensated for being honest, but it was small. No gift cards, no free shipping, and I saved them money.

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  43. Anonymous at 3:10 PM: I can totally understand why you are frustrated with your order situation. My advice is similar to that of FabulousFloridaMommy and Anon at 4:02PM. Call during the week and during the day (you get the best, most empowered CS then). (Also, when you call, choose option number 2 to speak to a CS.) If the CS can't help you, politely ask to speak to a manager. They should be able to get you one. If they don't, just remain polite but firm, that you would like to speak to a manager. The manager has the most authority to help you from the CS team. Hopefully this all helps. Good luck with your orders! :)

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)