7/05/2013

Decalgirl (Online Shop, USA)

Decalgirl is an American online shop that sells skins for almost every possible gadget in the market, and cases for smart-phones. The business started as a couple's home-business in 2003 and has become a millionaire business with 25 staff members. You will understand their success when you visit Decalgirl.  

Decalgirl's website is simple and very functional. You will find easy searching for your gadget, zooming the artwork on display, and getting answers regarding ordering and shipping. I love the variety of artwork they have, and the fact that all the items are available for all gadgets, which is not the case in other decal online shops. Most importantly, you can upload your own photos and artwork, and customise the gadget of your choice. You can choose mate or glossy finish. The only downside I can mention is the lack of a search box based on tags or keywords, which would be handy if you are looking for, say, cars, sports, mermaids, or a specific theme or motif you want for your gadget.

Decalgirl's prices are very similar to the ones you find elsewhere online. Shipping prices for Australia are quite expensive: about 10 dollars for standard post, which can take up to two working weeks; upgraded postal varieties are around 30 bucks. These are ridiculous prices for an almost-weightless product, and only worth paying if you order a bunch of things or you cannot find your item elsewhere. Matte and glossy finish are charged at the same price, though. 

After paying and placing your order, you will receive an email with the details of your order and a link to their order status page where you can check, yes!, the state your order before shipping. The shipping of your order can take up to three days; then, you will receive an email with a tracking link.

Registration is easy. Use your existing Facebook, Twitter or Google Account, and you will be able to save your favourite pieces of artwork, make your wish list and save your personal projects. You can create your own profile, save your payment details, and receive the Decalgirl's newsletter if you want.

I love the skin I chose for my kindle. Decalgirl was the only place I found this image, so I put up with the shipping costs. I got my order in 17 working days, and the product was identical in colour and detail to the one in the photo in their website. The decal is great regarding colours and quality of the material used.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
I am very happy with the service provided by Decalgirl, but they absolutely need to make things easier for overseas customers. What about reducing the shipping fees if you purchase more than one item? What about covering themselves the shipping costs if you choose standard shipping? What about offering a better post option for the same price?