3) Product Information



Ralph Lauren provides a description panel for every piece of clothes sold online. The description panel gives information on the garment's fabric make-up, washing instructions (care & maintenance is an important factor to consider when buying clothes) and a brief write-up on the design and how the zips and seams are incorporated into the apparel. The available colours and sizes for the apparel are also indicated.

Sidetracking a little on the features that shares the same page as the product info:

"Add to shopping bag" feature allows customers to add any clothes that they may have interest in into a virtual shopping basket. Upon checking out of the website, they can easily view the items that they want to purchase.

The "You may also like..." feature allows customers to view other clothes that has a similar style as the one chosen. The feature suggests matching accessories that complements the chosen apparel. This gives customers a holistic shopping experience alike a real setting in a shop where a sales women picks out other clothes that she thinks you might like according to your style.

If customers happen to see any clothes that strikes their fancy, they can click the "Wish List" button to add the item into the list and e-mail it to friends and family. A feature worth mentioning especially when your birthday is around the corner!!





The size guide allows customers to identify the correct and exact size to buy according to their body measurements (chest, waist & hips). The fit guide on the other hand, teaches customers how to take their body measurements correctly so that they can select clothes with the right size that fits them well.



The "Alternate View" feature allows customers to view the chosen apparel at different angles. Customers will not only get to see the front view of the model but also the back. This replicates the situation a fitting room where customers try on clothes and look at themselves in the mirror from different perspectives before making purchases. The picture can be zoomed in to view intricate details of the garment too.

The down side: Side views cannot be seen. It will be good if they have a feature that allows a 360 degree view of the model.


Courtesy of Levis
Click Here

Viewing of clothes can also be made MORE INTERACTIVE by adding a "Dress-room" feature that allows customers to mix ad match clothes and accessories. This adds towards a more VISUAL shopping experience.


Courtesy of ASOS

The website could also add in a "Washing Symbols" panel to inform customers about the significance of the different symbols on their garment so that they can take proper care and maintenance of it.

Ratings: 3/5


4) Modes of Payment



Customers can make payments through many modes like Credit Cards, Charge Cards, Master & Visa Cards and PayPal - allows transactions to be made easily through the internet. THe website even offers other forms of payment like online gift certificates, Ralph Lauren gift cards & Credit Card gift cards.

However, the different modes of payment are not indicated on the main page. Customer have to go to the FAQ page in order to find out the different payment methods.
Thumbs down for that!

Ratings: 4/5


5) Shipment/Delivery



Clothes and accessories are shipped out of the warehouse within 2 days upon receipt of order. Depending on the shipping rates paid by customers, clothes will be delivered between 2-7 days. All in all, customers should receive their clothes within 2 weeks from the date of purchase - reasonable waiting time considering the fact that the clothes are shipped from US.

Clothes are shipped via a renown freight company - Fedex (They LIVE TO DELIVER!) Customers need not worry that the items bought will be lost in mail.



If customers would like to know the whereabouts of their order, they can use the "Tracking Order" feature. Brilliant indeed for anxious customers!

Ratings: 5/5


6) Customer Service



A webpage is dedicated to provide assistance to customers. It lists all the possible information a customer might need when shopping online. This makes shopping easy and convenient!



The website gives consumers the right to feedback and seek redress through avenues like e-mail, feedback forms or simply by calling their hotlines. However, the downside of the hotline is that it is NOT toll-free. Customers will have to fork out a hefty sum on phone calls if they have many things to seek redress on. =(




If any purchase is not up to expectations, customers can return or exchange the merchandise in a FUSS-FREE manner. A postage-paid return label is provided and the package can be conveniently mailed back to US.
Frown-no-more at unsatisfactory goods! =)

Ratings: 4/5


7) Privacy & Security Features



"A privacy policy is important in letting customers know the details of what personal information is collected, how the personal information may be used, the persons to whom the personal information may be disclosed, the security measures taken to protect the personal information, and wheher the website uses cookis or web bugs." (Wikipedia, 2007)



The website LACKS security features (e.g. Hacker Safe/VeriSign) that help protect users from hackers or fraud.

Ratings: 3/5


8) Other Features Worth Mentioning

Create your own collection






Customers can customize their Polo Tees by adding a monogram of their choice and selecting the preferred colour. This gives customers the personal space to mix and match details that they like so as to cater to their own desires. On top of that, customization of clothes applies not only to tees for men and women but also for babies and children.

Ralph Lauren TV



Users can access style tips, videos, lifestyle articles, exclusive celebrity interviews and special insights into the different collections

Mobile Shopping (NEW!!)


Mobile shopping gives high-end tech savvy customers the ability to shop using their mobile phones. Access codes will be posted in print ads, direct mails and in-store window promotions and shoppers need to scan the codes using their phone. The codes will automatically direct shoppers to the Ralph Lauren website where they can start shopping. Whee...

Click here to read more

Ratings: 5/5


Overall Conclusion

Total Score: 34/40