Neiman Marcus

Full review
I have read some of the other reviews on Neiman Marcus and was surprised to find that some had bad experiences with the customer service. First of all, I do have to say that many of the products featured in the stores or in the catalogs are not usually available online. So, your selection is more limited. But I have ordered shoes, cosmetics, and clothing online, and have never had a problem. If the item was in stock, my order was always shipped promptly. In the event it was out of stock, I was notified by email and by regular mail that the order was delayed and with an expected delivery date (and in this case, the item arrived only about two days after I would have expected it if it was in stock). I have requested gift wrap at Christmas time, and all of the items did arrive gift boxed. Although, be forewarned that the bows shifted a lot during shipping, and did need to be readjusted if you want them to be perfect.

The site itself is very easy to navigate, with categories by type or designer. Then you can further sort the selection based on size (clothing/shoes) or price. But as mentioned before, you will not find the same selection as you do in the catalog or by going to the brick and mortar store. If you want something specific in a catalog, I recommend calling a local store and asking for it, or using the 1-800 number listed on the website. Another nice feature of their website is the online live help, which is the best I have encountered yet. I was looking at duvet covers (online obviously), but the dimensions weren't listed. Within a few minutes, a very courteous representative, was able to give me the exact dimensions. I haven't been able to get them at all with other online stores live help.

Another nice policy is that you can return your online purchases to their retail stores (NOT OUTLET) if one is in your area. I have had to do this with clothing (once a very sizable amount of clothing purchased online), and they were very nice at the local stores when accepting the return. You will need to go to the customer service office to make your return in the store, though.

Another tip for online shopping with Neiman Marcus is to wait until shipping is free. Very often they have posted right on the site that all orders ship free or that orders over a certain amount (usually $150--which is easy to spend at NM) ship free. If you really want something, sign up for their email alerts and they'll email you when the free shipping offer is in effect. They also sometimes have some gift with purchase beauty offers available online (that aren't available in the stores), sometimes combined with free shipping. I had Chanel Vamp nail polish shipped to me free with a free sample of Chanel mascara and two other luxury brand samples using such an online offer (all for the same price the polish would have cost in the local store, and the polish is almost never in stock there anyway).

If you are buying an expensive item, you may consider signing up for the Neiman Marcus credit card. If you spend more than a certain amount during one year (I think it is around $5000 but don't hold me to that number, please check, as I haven't asked lately--also it goes on a point for dollar spent basis, and some days they offer double points, so it is always safest to call or email and check if it affects your decision to purchase or open a new account) you become an In-Circle member which entitles you to a rewards program (a gift card or gift from a list of items depending on how much you spent that year) for your purchases and some other perks (like free gift wrapping on some items--I think items over $25--but again, don't hold me to the exact number, check with NM). I don't have all the most recent numbers on the In-Circle program, so please check directly with Neiman Marcus if you are interested. But I know if you are making a very sizable purchase, one that qualifies you for In-Circle benefits, they are a nice perk. You can check the site for In-Circle membership and benefits.

Neiman Marcus certainly is a luxury department store (not necessarily your go to store for basic items unless you are independently wealthy), and their online site is no different. It is a place to go for luxury items. Although, I am happy to read the reviews that have found more reasonable gifts there. In my opinion, if you want to send someone a nice gift, and you are going to spend just a certain amount (like $50 even), you can find one at Neiman Marcus. But your selection would be better by going to the store, in my opinion.

There is nothing I hate more when shopping than snobby sales people. And for those who have experienced that kind of service with Neiman Marcus online, I am really surprised. I have experienced some of that in some of their local stores, but not others. And I don't think that is a reflection on the overall management of the company. In general, I have always found this store to have the absolute best customer service (although I have had a very few snotty sales people, but I didn't let them spoil my overall wonderful experience with the store). I was also shocked to see some reviews mention the great service at Nordstroms. I recently made a big purchase there (a bed) and it has been some of the worst customer service I have had (11 phone calls, finally to the regional manager, just to get a receipt for my purchase which hasn't arrived yet). Anyway, I guess the lesson learned here is not to let one experience or one salesperson/customer service rep spoil your impression of an entire company. For me, Neiman Marcus customer service has always been top notch, and I am not one of their billionaire platinum-level customers. But I feel that they treat me no differently (or maybe realistically, not all that much differently).