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Zulily

Zulily

Overall Rating

2.0

171 Customer Reviews

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Summary

Zulily provides daily deals on a wide variety of brands in categories such as clothing, toys, housewares, and school supplies, with claimed discounts of up to 70% off.

Pros

  • New merchandise offered daily
  • Price matches Amazon and Walmart.com
  • Lower prices than many retailers for popular brands

Cons

  • Slow shipping time
  • Refunds only provided as store credit
  • Must pay $8.99 restocking fee for returns
  • Item quality is questionable

Zulily Review: Is This a Good Way to Shop or Just Hype?

By Lydia Noyes

Updated on: Feb 3, 2020

Sometimes while shopping online, you’ll stumble upon prices that seem to beat all others. Can these deals be believed, or are they only offered by retailers using subtle tricks to part you from your money?

Zulily is an online retailer that operates on a flash sale model and claims to offer lower prices than you can find elsewhere.

The company specializes in women’s fashion, home décor, kids’ clothing and more. It sells both popular brands and products not sold anywhere else and claims to make it easier to buy high-quality gear at low costs.

And, if you find the same item listed elsewhere for a lower price, Zulily promises to match it.

Should you switch your online shopping over to Zulily? Learn from our analysis on whether we think that’s a good idea.

How Does Zulily Work?

Zulily works similarly to most online retailers. You can browse the site’s full inventory or search by new arrivals or sale items. Some of the brands represented on the site include Ralph Lauren, prAna, Brooks, PUR Cosmetics, Gaiam, Cuisinart, Apple (refurbished electronics), and more.

Every day, Zulily offers a different batch of products for sale. You can browse these items separately or look through the company’s full inventory.

But unlike other retailers, Zulily doesn’t technically own the products it lists for sale. Instead, the company makes bulk orders with its suppliers after their sales events end and then ships those items directly to you.

This purportedly keeps Zulily’s costs per unit low so that you pay less per item, though you might have to wait longer for shipping than with other eCommerce sites.

Price Match, Shipping, and Returns

Zulily offers a price match guarantee for Amazon and Walmart.com, which means that it will match or beat the pricing for any item you find on those sites.

To qualify, you can submit a price match request from either of these sites within 24 hours of your Zulily purchase.

In most cases, Zulily shipping will range from $5.99–$10.99 per order, depending on how many items you purchased. The company often runs promotions for free or reduced shipping costs. For example, once you place an order on the site, you can often receive free shipping for any additional orders made before 11:59 pm PT that same day.

Due to the company’s bulk shipping system, expect to wait ten days or longer for your order to ship. Some items are marked with a red rocket ship, which means that they can ship out within 1–3 days after ordering.

If you aren’t happy with a Zulily purchase, you have 30 days to submit a return request. Once accepted, you’ll receive a prepaid shipping label that can be used to send it back to the company. Note that an $8.95 shipping fee applies to all return requests of one to five items and that all remaining money from your order becomes store credit.

To qualify for returns, all items must be in like-new condition with original packaging and tags attached.

Not all Zulily items are eligible for returns. This includes swimwear, intimate apparel, furniture, some electronics, and more. You can check an item’s eligibility for returns by looking at its product details page or by going to the “My Orders” page.

Does Zulily Offer Good Deals?

Will you save money on Zulily compared to other retailers? To find out, we searched for pricing information for several popular Zulily items on other eCommerce sites to see how they compared.

Item Zulily Amazon Walmart Target
Brooks Ricochet Running Shoe $59.99 $74.99–$114.96 $79.99 NA
prAna Momento Sports Bra $24.99 $58.99 $44.99–$59 NA
Gaiam Sapphire Feather Yoga Mat $17.94 $17.95 $24.50 $21.49
Refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 $249.79 $299 $189.99 $199
Ralph Lauren Boys Polo Shirt $19.99 $24.69 $29.48 NA

As this chart shows, Zulily beats the pricing for other retailers for some, but not all products. All the apparel items we looked at were significantly cheaper from Zulily, though these savings weren’t matched for fitness equipment or electronics.

However, Zulily’s price guarantee means that you might be able to contest the cost of these higher-priced items and get the same savings if you order off the site.

Overall, our price comparison lends credibility to Zulily’s claims that they offer some of the best prices online for many items. Keep in mind though that shipping costs may make up most of the difference. Amazon orders ship free with Prime or once you spend more than $25, and Walmart and Target both offer in-store pickup.

In contrast, Zulily shipping costs will range from $5.99–$10.99 per order for most purchases.

Analysis of Customer Reviews

There are more than 150 customer reviews for Zulily on HighYa, and they average 2.1 stars. Just over a quarter of shoppers said they would recommend Zulily to their friends—here’s a closer look at what they said:

Bad Return Policy

One common complaint against Zulily centers around its refund policies. Some customers shared that they received broken or badly damaged electronics and that the company reused to replace them or refund their money.

One shopper was told to contact the brand that manufactured the watch the bought off Zulily directly, only to then be told that it wouldn’t honor warranties for items purchased from Zulily.

In most cases, though, shoppers were upset with Zulily’s $8.95 restocking fee and the fact that they couldn’t get the money returned to their credit card after a return. A few users shared that they used up their entire refund on restocking fees because they kept buying new items and then returning them because of quality concerns.

Slow Delivery Times

Many Zulily users complained that their items took a long time to arrive. Some wrote that they waited over 2.5 weeks to get confirmation that their order was ever shipped, while others had clothing come weeks later than promised, which meant they weren’t able to wear it for the special events that they had bought it for.

In a few cases, customers wrote that they paid for items that never ended up arriving at all.

Poor Product Quality

For many Zulily shoppers, poor item quality made them want to stay away from the company. Some wrote that the clothing wasn’t true to size or that it was made from cheap materials that didn’t survive the washing machine.

Great Shopping Experiences

Despite these dour reviews, many Zulily customers had a great experience with the site. Some wrote that it was their go-to platform for online shopping and that they rarely had a bad order.

Many of these same reviewers noted that they always had pleasant experiences with customer service and that any problems they had were quickly fixed.

Key Takeaways

Zulily offers cheap clothing and home goods, but you might pay for this low pricetag in other ways, including slow shipping time, questionable quality, and stingy return policy.

Customer reviews show it’s best to shop with Zulily when you’re confident you won’t want to return your purchase.

The Bottom Line

Zulily’s flash deals on a wide range of merchandise seem tempting, but customer reviews indicate that these bargains are often too good to be true.

Beyond the pricey shipping fees and slow delivery time, you’re also at risk of ending up with items that don’t match your quality expectations and aren’t cost-effective to return.

If you do shop on Zulily, our advice is to stick with well-known brands and products you know you won’t want to return.

For example, the site offers great deals on shoes, kids’ clothes, and exercise equipment. We suggested only buying apparel from Zulily if you’ve purchased the same brand before so you already know the quality and your sizing information.

Overall, Zulily offers some great deals, but the site isn’t without some risk. So long as you don’t mind waiting for shipping and are willing to commit to your purchases, you should come out ahead.

Customer Reviews

2.0 Stars out of 171 Reviews
5 Star:16% 4 Star:6% 3 Star:2% 2 Star:9% 1 Star:64%
25% Recommend This Company
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Posted on Jun 14, 2023

Obligated to keep stuff, even the ones you didn't order

By Milagro V., Maryland, Verified Reviewer

The customer service is crap and they force you and refill things that you didn't even order just by putting it in the basket. And they double everything for you to make their sales, and they don't mind leaving your card. And the employees do not have the capacity to resolve a simple situation. They charged me money ($522.48) for things that I did not choose, and when I made the claim, they say that you cannot return them when, I did not even receive what I ordered. And they double-charged me for everything.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Unprofessional customer service

Prices are high

Posted on Jan 22, 2023

Pros and cons listed here are accurate!

By Crystal A., Ogden, UT, Verified Reviewer

I came here to say exactly what your summary lists as the pros and cons.

Great variety of things on the website and decent prices but with that comes with questionable quality of certain items. Shipping is slow as molasses. By the time I receive my goods, I forgot what I ordered.

Returns are easy but they charge a return fee and you only get back store credit. I try not to use this site unless it's for something I am really in no rush to receive....like weeks and weeks to get some items.

Also, their product descriptions are often lacking. I find myself googling items in interested in just to find better descriptions and specifications.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Variety of goods

Competitive prices

Easy returns

Extremely slow shipping

Return fees are pricey

Quality is questionable

Product descriptions are lacking

Posted on Aug 13, 2022

Mostly happy with purchases

By Sandra V. , Monroe, MI

I have been mostly happy with my purchases, especially clothing and name-brand shoes. I've had a couple of shoe returns but knew ahead I would need to take credit.

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Can buy name brand items at cheaper prices.

Customer service is polite and helpful.

Owned by QVC, whom I know and trust.

Length of time for deliveries.

Sizing not always accurate.

Shipping is high.

Posted on Aug 11, 2022

Zulily review

By Joyce W. , New York City, NY

Poor-fitting items and poor quality. You pay shipping both ways so not worth returning items. I’m done with them.

Cannot recommend to friends.

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Attractive offerings.

Poor quality merchandise.

Poor sizing.

Shipping costs.

Posted on Jul 9, 2022

Beware of pricing inconsistencies!

By C H. , California

As a loyal and prolific Zulily customer for several years, I am devastated by the company’s recent seismic change from generous customer accommodation to order-at-your-own risk. Yesterday, I ordered a pair of sneakers from Zulily, then found the identical item offered on the app at a lower price. Having read all the hype about its best price and price match policies, I requested an adjustment. I was shocked when Zulily Customer Service curtly responded that it has shifted its focus from “instant price competitiveness and toward increasing the variety and selection of products...”. The email concluded by stressing that Zulily’s goal is to “surprise and delight” its customers. I don’t know about you, but I do not delight in paying a higher price simply because I happened to order on Wednesday instead of Thursday. I feel betrayed and, until Zulily once again stands behind its pricing, can no longer recommend this company.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Good prices

Wide selection of merchandise

Some unique products

Pricing inconsistencies

No longer price matching

Posted on Feb 24, 2022

Terrible returns and service

By Kaye M., Colorado, Verified Reviewer

It was good at first, but I bought some things I hated. I don't wear polyester. I returned one that I paid $14.99 for and got a $2.75 credit. When I called they said yes, that's how it works.

Then since I've been paying off a credit card and not spending they say, "not spending, we are cutting credit to a third of what it was." They are just a worthless company.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Returns

Reverse credit lie

Terrible customer service

Posted on Oct 5, 2021

Zero stars, inferior product quality, cheap China crap

By Giage K., Oakland, CA, Verified Reviewer

Lies. The products that Zulily sells are factory seconds, defects, irregulars, mislabeled/inaccurate product descriptions, duds, and or flop products that do not sell in departments store. Zulily does not disclose this information. Zulily is willing and knowingly sells the inferior products as top-quality products. Their goal is to offload all the inferior products they can on unsuspecting customers as close to full price as they can.

I bought a 2" mattress cover, which showed up as a thin, not even 1/5 inch thick mattress cover that slides and does not stay on or stay put. I let it "fluff up" and air out due to the horrid smell of the product. At no point on the entire mattress cover did it measure 2".

Zulily wanted to charge me an unreasonable return fee, almost what I paid for the product. This is how Zulily gets paid for their crap products, it charges an outrageous return shipping and restocking fee to discourage any product return.

This company is criminal, unethical, liars, and they sell crap products. Their return policy and fees are unreasonable.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Lies, product descriptions do not match product

Fraudulent return policy, unreasonable charges

Very long shipping times

Poor quality products and shipping packaging

Rude customer service

Return shipping and restocking fees cost more than the product

Factory seconds, irregulars, defective products, poor quality

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Jun 24, 2021

No product, no refund

By Marie W., Atlanta, GA, Verified Reviewer

I placed and paid for a coat in December. I got several emails that the order would ship shortly. They continued to offer the coat for sale while claiming it was back-ordered. It is now the end of June and no coat. The latest email informed me that I must pay shipping for the return! How can I return something I have not received? SCAM ALERT. It is now six months since I paid them. I can provide copies of many emails from them. Scam, thief, lying alert!

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Lying

Thief

Scam

unAmerican

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Dec 21, 2020

Don't order from them

By Brittany P., Rhode Island, Verified Reviewer

Do not order from this company. Customer service is not transparent and purposely leads you to spend more money on their website. I ordered a comforter set, but accidentally selected the wrong color. I emailed customer service within minutes asking to please switch to the color I wanted. I was given a BS reason why this wasn't possible because it's actually being shipped from a different vendor so it's out of their hands...then why is it on your website? If you aren't in contact with your vendors that's probably a big sign something's wrong. Was it completely impossible to reach out to the vendor to switch a color? The order wasn't processed for an entire week. In the meantime, I was told to place another order for the color I did want, await the return of the first order, and then I could be given instructions for how to return. When I finally get the instructions, there is not only a return fee, I have to cover shipping and handling, and they only offer a store credit. Forget this company, why the heck are you making it such a hassle to return something?

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Poor customer service

Exploitative return policy

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 21, 2020

Returns to China

By Sharon M., St. Louis, MO, Verified Reviewer

I ordered 3 items:

1. Socks were exactly as expected and I kept them.

2. Tall socks were not the intense coloring shown, but acceptable and I kept them.

3. Sweater, which was NOT anything that I ordered, was ugly, their coral was an umber red. To return it they said they would give a 25% discount to keep it or I have to ship it at MY EXPENSE to China!

I will never ever buy from them again.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Selection is amazing

Pricing is amazing

Bait and switch for quality

Having to return item to China

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Jul 5, 2020

Incorrectly sized shoes from well-known brand

By Carol Z., Las Vegas, NV, Verified Reviewer

Recently I got notification from a Zulily email that they were having a flash sale on Eileen Fisher, a brand that is well-known for its quality. I did not hesitate and purchased a pair of sandals at a fraction of their original price. Unfortunately, when I received them and tried them on, the sizing was way off. I could barely get them on my feet, as the shoes were both very narrow and very short in length. Are these "mistakes" that Eileen Fisher couldn't sell? I returned them weeks ago and am still waiting for a confirmation of receipt. I have no idea when I will finally get my credit and I am not too happy to have to purchase from them again in order to use that credit.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Questionable quality

Return policy

Wait time for credit

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