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What Is Shop Cider?
Shop Cider is a Hong Kong-based fast-fashion brand that has gained significant popularity among the Gen Z demographic. It offers distinctive styles at remarkably affordable prices. The brand went viral on TikTok a few years ago and has been growing ever since. Cider's primary marketing strategy is social media, projected to have over four million followers on Instagram by 2023. Customers can shop by mood, such as 'cute', 'dreamy', or 'grunge'.
Pros
- Offers trendy, unique styles.
- Affordable price range.
- Provides detailed sizing guides.
- Some customers are satisfied with the quality of the clothes.
- Customer service is generally responsive and helpful.
- Offers a good selection of stylish, on-trend pieces in plus sizes.
Cons
- Shipping issues have been reported.
- Has a strict return policy.
- Transparency regarding labor policies is lacking.
- Not considered a sustainable or ethical brand despite claims.
Is Shop Cider Legit?
Yes, Cider is a legitimate clothing brand that delivers products as advertised. They do not engage in fraudulent activities such as taking your money without delivering, sending counterfeit clothes, or intentionally delaying your orders. It's important to note that while Cider is a Hong Kong-based brand, its headquarters is in Los Angeles, California. According to customers, Cider’s packages are shipped from Guangzhou, China. Their website reveals that Cider’s suppliers are located in various cities in China, including Hangzhou, Dongguan, and Guangzhou.
We recommend using PayPal or one-time virtual cards when shopping with these types of retailers to protect your credit card information.
Is Shop Cider Ethical/Sustainable?
Cider claims to have sustainability efforts, but they are not enough to make the brand ethical or sustainable. Cider's sustainability claims are mainly focused on reducing waste and carbon footprint. Cider claims to have a "smart fashion" model that only produces what customers want, which means they produce less waste than traditional retail fashion companies. However, Cider's impact on the environment is very poor, and it uses few lower-impact materials, producing clothes overwhelmingly made from harmful fabrics like virgin polyester and spandex. Cider does not publish sufficient relevant information about its labor policies to give a higher rating, and transparency is key in a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. Additionally, Cider is a fast fashion brand that believes in replicating runway trends and quick production of large volumes of clothes, and unethical practices and the negative environmental impact of fast fashion are already causing destruction on the entire planet. While Cider claims to have a "responsible supply chain," it is just another example of contemporary direct-to-consumer clothing brands proving how successful the fast fashion business model can be.
Shop Cider Overall Review
★★★★☆ 4 stars
Cider is an online clothing retailer known for its unique, trendy styles with a touch of Euphoria High School vibe. The brand offers quality products at affordable prices, with most customers expressing satisfaction with their purchases. However, there have been some complaints about the quality of some items. Cider provides detailed sizing guides and carries a great selection of stylish, on-trend pieces in plus sizes. The brand's customer service is generally responsive and helpful, but there have been some complaints about shipping issues and a strict return policy. Overall, Cider is a good choice for those looking for unique, affordable fashion, but customers should be aware of potential shipping and return issues.
Shop Cider Quality Review
★★★☆☆ 3 stars
Many customers appreciated the good quality of Cider's clothing, with no instances of tearing, ripping, or see-through material used in the items they bought. Some items even look better in person than in advertisements. However, there were also several customers who complained about the poor quality of the products, with uneven straps and improperly sewn fabric. You need to heed the care instructions provided, as some clothes may fray after washing. Overall, most customers are very satisfied with the quality of the clothes.
We appreciate that Cider provides detailed fabric pictures for each piece. Perhaps due to cost-saving measures, not all of Cider’s clothing has photos of models wearing them, which means sometimes you need to use a bit of imagination.
Shop Cider Sizing Review
★★★★☆ 4 stars
Some customers find it difficult to convert Cider’s size to US size. Actually, you can do so automatically by choosing the US size to display. For your convenience, we also include Cider’s size chart. You should notice that Cider’s size XL is equivalent to a USA size 10, while Cider’s size 0XL is equivalent to a USA size 12/14. Remember that accurate body measurements are essential for a good fit.
Sizes run true for most customers. It’s great that Cider provides sizing details for each garment, which helps customers make an informed choice. The brand carries a great selection of stylish, on-trend pieces in plus sizes.
It’s also good to see that some customers provided their body measurements in the reviews, and you can also find the size they bought so that you can make a more accurate decision on sizing.
Shop Cider Style Review
★★★★★ 5 stars
Cider offers unique styles that are not commonly seen elsewhere. They offer trendy and stylish clothing with a touch of a Euphoria High School vibe. Their range includes plain and basic options as well as pieces with ruffles, cutouts, prints, and textures. Cider is inspired by the vibrance and diversity of street fashion. They have collections tailored to specific styles, such as "feeling dreamy" or "feeling free".
Customers appreciate the variety of aesthetics and designs, including retro, vintage, and modern. Cider caters to niche trends not available in other brands. They also frequently add new styles. Some customers love Cider as it’s a popular choice for K-pop concert outfits.
Shop Cider Price Review
★★★★☆ 4 stars
We collect the average prices of Cider’s clothing.
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Tops | $8-28 |
| Dresses | $20-40 |
| Bottoms | $20-36 |
| Jumpsuits & Rompers | $24-42 |
| Outerwear | $28-78 |
Cider offers incredibly affordable prices for its products. The brand is able to maintain such low prices due to its pre-order model of inventory, which Cider refers to as "smart fashion". They adjust production in real-time based on customer feedback and data, producing less waste than traditional retail fashion brands.
Shop Cider Shipping Review
★★☆☆☆ 2 stars
Customers have found out that Cider is based in Guangzhou, China, which is why shipping to the United States often takes weeks. Standard shipping at Cider usually takes 7-12 business days with a flat rate charge of US$4.99, while express shipping takes 4-8 business days with a flat rate charge of US$15.99. The total delivery estimates are estimated after adding the 1-3 business days warehouse processing time.
All numbers above only apply to in-stock items. For pre-order items, please refer to the estimated date provided on the product’s description page. And it's not recommended to choose express shipping for pre-order.
The good news is that Cider has improved its shipping time over the years. For some pre-order items, delivery is usually within a week. However, some customers have experienced issues with shipping, with orders not being shipped out, not arriving, or being returned to sender before leaving China.
Shop Cider Returns & Refunds Review
★★☆☆☆ 2 stars
Cider allows their customers a maximum of 14 days from receiving all purchased items in the same order to submit the return request. This return period is much shorter than most clothing brands. Also, you must mail out your return package within 7 days of submitting your return request. The original shipping cost (if any) is non-refundable, in most cases. One good thing is that if items do not fit, Cider offers a credit option instead of having to ship them back.
Many customers complain the return policy is too strict and only 14 days. Also, returns outside the US are extremely difficult and expensive.
Shop Cider Customer Service Review
★★★★☆ 4 stars
Cider’s customer service is highly praised by many customers for being responsive, helpful, and available 24/7. They are willing to go the extra mile to resolve issues, such as splitting shipments for out-of-stock items. Cider's app is user-friendly and functions well.
However, some customers reported that Cider did not provide adequate assistance or understanding of customer issues. A customer who had their order lost was asked to wait for 5-7 days for the company to locate it. Overall, Cider's customer service is helpful and prioritizes resolving issues.
Shop Cider Bestseller Reviews
We picked five bestsellers including a top, a pair of trousers, a dress, a skirt, and a pair of slippers, in order to give you an overall review of Cider’s clothing and shoes.
Ruched Off-shoulder Short Sleeve Top Review
This half-off-shoulder top is made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, very comfortable and a little bit stretchy. It’s perfect for daily or traveling wear. The curves on the fabric can bring out your shoulder, neck, and waistlines. Many customers described it as "really elegant".
Price: $16
Belted Pleated Wide Leg Trousers Review
This pair of trousers is designed to be wide and long, in a simple style. It’s made of 100% polyamide, thin and light, perfect for summer. This pair of trousers is suitable for office ladies. The belt makes it possible to fit everyone. As it’s of oversized design, we recommend you choose tight and slim tops for a balanced overall look.
One tip for wearing trousers of light colors and thin fabrics: avoid color underwear, instead, choose those ones in your skin color.
Price: $32
Square Neck Rosette Check Split Mini Dress Review
This cute Barbiecore dress can light up your closet. The flower is fastened on by a pin and can easily be taken off or put on another item, where you can show your taste and innovation. Most customers thought the dress was of high quality, however, one customer reported a huge hole in the back of the dress. Still, the style and color always win.
Price: $30
Sequin Middle Waist Mini Skirt Review
This mini skirt can definitely make you stand out at every party. It’s as shiny as the tail of a mermaid. Many customers mentioned that the skirt was much more comfortable than they expected it to be. Some customers felt that the waist was a little too big. You can go for your regular size if you want a low-waisted skirt that allows you to move around freely without feeling restricted. Otherwise, you should consider sizing down if you want a tight fit.
Price: $26
Double Band Buckle Slippers Review
Your summer is not complete without a pair of buckle slippers. They are classical and can handle any casual occasion — school, work, sports. As customers said, Cider’s buckle slippers were cheap alternatives for Birkenstocks. You can get a pair of as same comfortable slippers for less than one-third of the price. Unlike other buckle slippers, Cider’s ones dry quickly and go right back to their original color after getting wet.
Price: $25
What Customers Are Saying
Cider earns an average rating of 4 stars from more than 4700 reviews on Trustpilot, and a rating of 3.75 stars on sitejabber. The speed of Cider’s replying to negative reviews, which is less than 24 hours, really shocks us, compared to other brands. It usually takes them a week to reply. We can see that Cider is very responsive and attentive to customers.
Summary of positive reviews
- Customers appreciate the good quality, trendy style, and durability of Cider's clothing.
- Sizing is accurate and detailed for each garment.
- Prices are reasonable and affordable, matching the quality of the items.
- Shipping is fast and the cost is not too high.
- Returns are relatively simple with a credit option available if items do not fit.
- Cider's customer service is helpful and prioritizes resolving issues.
Summary of negative reviews
- Some customers found the clothes to be of poor quality fabric and badly cut.
- The company's strict 14-day return policy and complicated return process were problematic for many customers.
- Packages can take a long time to arrive, with some customers not receiving their orders at all.
- Customer service is slow and unhelpful, with some customers accusing the company of being a scam.
- There were issues with incorrect sizing and mismatched sizes in orders.
Who Shop Cider Is For?
Cider is targeted towards the younger generation, particularly Gen Z women who like trendy and stylish clothing at affordable prices. However, the brand's unique styles can appeal to a wider audience. The brand offers a variety of styles to suit different moods and preferences. It is a suitable choice for people looking for more affordable and sustainable fashion options.
Where To Buy Shop Cider
You can purchase Cider clothing on their official website.
Shop Cider Alternatives
Shein
Shein is an online fast fashion retailer that produces thousands of garments and accessories at a rapid pace. Shein's accessories land at the lowest price point at an average of $6.56, while outerwear remains under $20.
Forever 21
Forever 21 is a fashion retailer of women's, men's, and kids clothing and accessories. The brand operates over 790 stores selling men’s and women’s clothing throughout the world. Its prices are generally considered to be low to mid-range. For example, women's tops start at $12.99.
Zara
Zara is a Spanish company founded in 1975 that focuses on fast fashion, with over 2,200 stores across 88 countries. Zara's aesthetic is more edgy, chic, and professional, and it strives to develop and put out new products in just a couple of weeks’ time in order to keep up with fashion trends. Zara's pricing strategy varies depending on the product, but the average price point for apparel is $54.13.
Madewell
Madewell is a clothing brand that sells jeans, clothing, shoes, and bags for women and men. They are known for their high-quality denim, which includes skinny jeans, curvy jeans, and vintage-inspired styles. The average price of Madewell jeans is around $100 or more.
How To Contact Shop Cider
You can contact Cider via email at [email protected] and they have promised to reply within 1 business day. Or you can send them a DM with your issues on IG / FB at @shopcider / @cidergang. For convenience, if you have a problem with your orders, please provide your order details, including the order number and registered email, so they can locate your purchase in their system promptly.
Shop Cider Promotions & Discounts
Cider occasionally offers sales and discounts on their products. However, popular items sell out quickly during these sales periods, so you really need to keep an eye on them. Moreover, Cider offers free standard shipping in the US on orders over $39. The brand also offers a 15% student discount.
We recommend you use the Cider app which offers multiple offers and discounts. Users stand a chance to score bonus points for signing in and shopping with Cider. They can also win exclusive gifts if they are members of the Cider app.
