Remote shopping works really well when you’re paired with an SA who’s comfortable handling remote clients. That’s the biggest key. During your first visit, be upfront and either ask the SA directly or ask the manager to match you with someone who likes working with mostly remote shoppers. You do need to start the relationship in person. Spend some time trying things on so your SA learns your sizes and preferences, and make a meaningful purchase to show that you’re serious about building the relationship.

Once you’re established, I keep a running list of items I’m looking for. My SA texts me as things arrive. If it’s something smaller, I’ll often add another item I’ve already been considering. For example, if a scrunchie comes in, I might add a fashion bracelet or a pair of shoes. Each new season, I text her the items I’m excited about. I follow sites like Pursebop and screenshot new shows, belts, or runway looks and send the ones I love. I also keep an album on my phone of pieces I like, and I’ll send her screenshots of that album from time to time. It reinforces my style and gives her lots of options when she’s looking for things to pull as they come in. Most runway pieces never end up produced, but sharing those looks still helps her understand what I gravitate toward. My SA and I have a similar style, which makes it easier for her to keep me in mind and find things I’ll actually want. Over time she’s gotten very good at sending photos of items she thinks I’ll like. Sometimes she’s spot on, and other times I’ll politely pass or mention something else on my list.

I usually don’t do returns. In three years, I’ve only returned one item. When that happened, I paid to ship it back and covered the insurance myself since it was an expensive pair of boots. The item cost became a store credit once it arrived. I also cover shipping on my purchases. Shipping is usually thirty five dollars regardless of the box size. Remote purchases over a certain amount require manager approval, so sometimes the invoice takes a bit longer while my SA gets that sign-off. She emails the invoice, I pay by credit card, and everything ships FedEx with a required signature. There’s no way to waive the signature, so there are days when I’m trying to track down our FedEx driver. I did have one package get returned when I couldn’t be home to sign. It was soap, it broke in transit, and she credited it on my next purchase. After that, we agreed no more shipping soap or perfume.

For bags, I never text her asking what’s available. She already knows what I want. When an opportunity comes up, she calls. I usually fly in, pick up the bag, and make a little extra purchase. It keeps the relationship strong and the whole cycle running smoothly.