Customers should find it easier to navigate the site. The header and footer provide intuitive links to products, pages, and posts. The standard search box tool, also found in the header, links to the new product search page. Powered by a more robust search engine than under the old design, this page allows customers to refine their search and sort by category, price, or alphabetically. Results can be seen by list view or grid view. Alternatively, customers can search the categorized product gallery which is presented in a slideshow layout.
Individual product pages have been expanded. Through product tabs, customers can readily access general info like payment options, shipping policies, etc. without having to click to another page on the site. Product ratings, savings, and pricing changes are also noted. From the beginning, the product's condition, flaws, comparative pricing, and occasional fun facts have been included in the descriptions. This practice will continue until further notice.
The shopping cart has now been configured to accept discounts and promotional codes. Under the old design, customers had to send an order by email to receive an electronic invoice before they could receive discounted pricing. This multi-step process worked for some customers but was, understandably, frustrating to others. Now, the send order option is only needed to "make an offer" on products or arrange payment by cashier check or money order.
When the thrift store's merchandise was first offered online, most of the items were leftover from monthly yard sales. Local pickup was the primary delivery method; cash was the primary payment method. In essence, BJ's Closet Online served as a catalog. Over time, there has been a shift. Domestic shipping is now the primary delivery option probably because of the low introductory promotional $6 flat rate shipping rate, which has been extended until further notice. Major credit cards and PayPal are the primary payment methods.
Thank you for your patience as the older inventory is updated to the new format. Prices will be reduced on many items to make room for the new inventory which is scheduled to be added in mid-October, just in time for the holiday season. Also planned is a new section for deals from BJ's Closet Online Thrift Store's sponsors and partners.
If you encounter any problems when you visit this site, please contact me.
