(click on pictures to enlarge)
1. Homepage
When you first enter, you will be greeted by a very lovely and aesthetically pleasing homepage. 
The background design, colours, layout and font is enough to attract me to further explore the site. Just by looking at this, one is able to know the product that this website sells. Also, you do not see it here but the pictures actually change (animation) but it does not require any plug-ins to install that may deter visitors from further exploring the site. There are links that provide easy navigation to different parts of the site at the top and bottom of the page, as well as a search bar at the top right-hand corner.
Rating: 5/5
2. Authenticity
There is a "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page so that doubtful visitors can contact the owners of this website should they have any queries.
However, it is a reliable site since it is a big company and many people have bought from them before.
However, it is a reliable site since it is a big company and many people have bought from them before.
Rating: 4/5
(no other forms of authenticity verification)
(no other forms of authenticity verification)
3. Accessibility
Signing up is necessary if one wants to purchase anything from the site, as well as adding items to their "wishlist", which will be explained later. To sign up only takes less than a minute, where only my e-mail address and a password is required.
The site is only available in English, probably due to the fact that the site only ships to USA, Canada and the UK. However, it does not take into account that there is a French-speaking area of Canada, where the people may be more comfortable with the French language.
The site is only available in English, probably due to the fact that the site only ships to USA, Canada and the UK. However, it does not take into account that there is a French-speaking area of Canada, where the people may be more comfortable with the French language.
Rating: 4/5
(lack of other languages)
(lack of other languages)
4. Navigation & Design
On every page, there are links that can immediately bring you directly to another category within the site. These links are placed in a neat manner and it is not hard to find. Sub-links can also be found under the main links, e.g. under apparel: tops, bottoms, tunics, skirts, etc.
If you are lazy to browse through the different categories one by one, just go to the search bar and type in the keyword of the item you are searching for! A search for "dress" resulted in this:
The search results are even grouped into different sections of department, category, colour, prices and sizes! That's how well-organised this site is. It also states how many items are found in each description of each section. Navigation through the website itself is pretty straightforward and flawless, I could go through it with my eyes closed. (Not really, but you get my point! haha.)
As mentioned earlier, the background is very artistic. I think it goes well with its name of “Free People” – it depicts freedom to express yourself.
If you are lazy to browse through the different categories one by one, just go to the search bar and type in the keyword of the item you are searching for! A search for "dress" resulted in this:
The search results are even grouped into different sections of department, category, colour, prices and sizes! That's how well-organised this site is. It also states how many items are found in each description of each section. Navigation through the website itself is pretty straightforward and flawless, I could go through it with my eyes closed. (Not really, but you get my point! haha.)
As mentioned earlier, the background is very artistic. I think it goes well with its name of “Free People” – it depicts freedom to express yourself.
Rating: 5/5
5. Content
Categories on the site include: What’s New, Trends, Apparels, Accessories, Intimates, Shoes, “We The Free”, Outfits, Shop Catalog.
Under trends, I can look at current and seasonal trends as laid out by Free People and get inspired on creating my own styles. Under outfits, I am able to view an entire outfit designed by the people at Free People if I do not know how to pair different clothings with shoes and other accesories.
Unique Features
Products are arranged in a way that pictures are on the left, while their descriptions are on the right. I find this a hassle because I would have to match what I see to the words on the right. I find it easier if each of the descriptions were put together with each picture.
If you do not have time to click on the product to see the detailed description, you can just click on "images | availabilty" under the descriptions.
If I want to tell my friends about the item, I can click on the "email a friend" link. Last but not least, I can add the item to my wishlist! This would bring me to this page:
This is where every single item I would want to buy is "bookmarked" into this page. Others are also able to view my wishlist if I allow the function.
Under trends, I can look at current and seasonal trends as laid out by Free People and get inspired on creating my own styles. Under outfits, I am able to view an entire outfit designed by the people at Free People if I do not know how to pair different clothings with shoes and other accesories.
Unique Features
Products are arranged in a way that pictures are on the left, while their descriptions are on the right. I find this a hassle because I would have to match what I see to the words on the right. I find it easier if each of the descriptions were put together with each picture.
If you do not have time to click on the product to see the detailed description, you can just click on "images | availabilty" under the descriptions.
When clicking on "images", a pop-up will appear so you can see the different views of the item.
When clicking on "availability", you can see information on stock availability and detailed information on when new stock comes in. (This earns plus points! especially for impatient people like me.)
If you have time to see more of the item, clicking on its picture will bring you to this page:
If you have time to see more of the item, clicking on its picture will bring you to this page:
I like the fact that there are alot of things that you can do here. Firstly, a short description of the product is given, together with some fabric information. There is also a size measurement for easy estimation of my size. I can view other similar items. There are also links to the other products that the model in the picture is wearing. I can even read reviews and see the ratings for the product from other people who have bought it.
If I want to tell my friends about the item, I can click on the "email a friend" link. Last but not least, I can add the item to my wishlist! This would bring me to this page:
Rating: 4.5/5
(placement of pictures and descriptions a hassle)
(placement of pictures and descriptions a hassle)
6. Forms of Payment
There are many ways of paying for your purchases, mostly through cards. Payment through PayPal and cheque is not available.
There are many ways of paying for your purchases, mostly through cards. Payment through PayPal and cheque is not available.
Rating: 3.5/5
(absence of PayPal and cheque)
(absence of PayPal and cheque)
7. Security
Security when making purchases is highly important and as such, Free People has employed security measures to prevent any identity thefts.
Rating: 4/5
(there is only one way of technology that contributes to the security of the site)
(there is only one way of technology that contributes to the security of the site)
8. Redress
"Free People will gladly accept unworn, unwashed or defective merchandise for return or exchange within 30 days from the shipping date." This is very useful when doing online shopping when one may buy the wrong size. There is even free shipping if a customer wants to exchange their purchased item with another of the same item in a different size or colour.
Rating: 4/5
Overall Rating
I would give this site a 4.5/5 as I did not find or encounter much difficulties while browsing through this site, and would definitely recommend it to others! (Provided you don't mind the pretty hefty price tags! =D hehe.)
I would give this site a 4.5/5 as I did not find or encounter much difficulties while browsing through this site, and would definitely recommend it to others! (Provided you don't mind the pretty hefty price tags! =D hehe.)
Print screens credits to freepeople.com
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