FAQ
Merchandise & Shopping
What kinds of things can Handled shop for me?
Handled focuses on apparel, accessories, home gifts and related items and services. We help you build your wardrobe with pieces that you will love, that work for your life and your needs. We can also help you find gifts for your friends, family and professional contacts. We handle the shopping process from front to back, including browsing, buying, delivering and related services such as alterations.
Is there anything Handled won’t shop for me?
Categories outside of our domain include groceries, beauty products, and lingerie. For any other items, please discuss with your Handler.
Can I browse your merchandise?
We are currently working on a feature that lets you browse our edit for inspiration. We’ll notify all Handler account holders as soon as this feature is ready. You can also sign up for our newsletter to be among the first to learn about such exciting developments.
Can I see my item before I buy it? How do I know if it will fit?
One of the best things about Handled is that your Handler knows your sizes, measurements and how you like things to fit you. It’s one of the reasons Handled is so much better than shopping on your own. From your first consultation, we keep all of your information in your Style Preferences and update it as needed, so we can always choose the items that are most likely to work for you.
When you create a task, you always have the option to request photos of the items your Handler finds for you before they complete the purchase, so you can see exactly what you’re getting before it arrives. We want your items to fit perfectly, so your Handler can come to you for fittings and arrange for alterations if needed.
Pricing & Payment
How much does Handled cost?
Our base transaction fee is 20% of the value of your purchase, before taxes. There is a minimum fee of $20 per task. The more you shop with us, the lower your transaction (and minimum) fee becomes. Your Handler can give you more specifics on how your fees will decrease over time.
What does my Handled fee include?
Fees include the costs of consulting, styling, shopping, picking up items, organizing delivery and Handling returns. Everything from the moment you communicate your desires to you Handler, to the time that such desires are fulfilled, is included in your Handled fee.
What other services do you offer?
We offer additional services to help make your shopping experience complete. These include closet visits, styling, alterations, spring cleaning, arranging hair and makeup, and themed gift wrapping. Please speak with your Handler if you’re interested in these or any other shopping-related service. We’re happy to work with you on anything you need to make your Handled experience complete.
How do you factor in my regional taxes?
The prices of the items themselves are subject to local government taxes, but Handled fees are calculated based on the original price of the item(s) before taxes are added in. Fees are subject to local taxes.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards.
What sort of VIP/loyalty programs do you offer?
We are currently developing a VIP program to reward our higher-volume clients. If you have any ideas about what kinds of benefits you would like to see, we’d appreciate your input. Please send your thoughts to , and we will certainly factor in your feedback. The best way to stay up to date on our progress with the VIP program and everything else Handled is to subscribe to our newsletter here.
Does Handled have promotions and sales?
One of the advantages of working with Handled is that we have an inside track with our retailers and partners, and we leverage those relationships to make sure you get the lowest available pricing at any point in time. We’re always looking to get you the best deal possible on whatever it is you want.
What if I need to cancel my in-person (including wardrobe consultation, in-person shopping experience, or styling) appointment? Is there a cancellation fee?
We completely understand that sometimes time just gets away and you need to cancel your appointment. No worries! Please make sure that you give us 24 hours notice. Please note that if you cancel within the 24hours then there will be a $60 + tax cancellation fee charged to your card on file.
Handlers & Availability
Why does Handled charge a service fee? Other online retailers don’t.
Most online stores offer a low-touch, one-size-fits-all shopping experience confined to the Internet. You need to know what you’re looking for, and the delivery options are limited. Working with our Handlers is a much more full-service process. We don’t just focus on one site or store—we scour the market (online and brick-and-mortar) to find you the best products available at any point in time. Our Handling fee covers our style expertise and time spent shopping, as well as any logistics required to get you the items where and when you want them. All of this saves you money because you don’t have to spend time researching and comparing products and running around shopping and returning. Everyone knows time is money.
I always end up buying products from the same store or product line. Can I just go there directly to buy?
Besides saving you time, Handled’s role is to make sure that you always have access to the goods that best meet your needs. We know the shopping scene inside and out, so we can offer suggestions you may never have dreamed of yourself. Naturally, you’ll have your favorite sources and styles. It’s our job to keep track of that too, so we can make sure you always get the perfect thing.
How do I refer a friend to Handled or to my Handler? Is there an incentive?
We love referrals and we make it easy to get your friends on board. Just your friend’s information to your Handler and we’ll reach out. Or, your friend can email your Handler directly and mention your name. We’ll update your profile with the referral and include a special gift with your next task.
Alterations
Can Handled have my items altered?
Once you provide your measurements to your Handler, they can take care of basic alterations to lengths of sleeve or hem length. All other custom alterations will be performed via a fit consultation at a verified tailor near you, with the charges added to your order. Please speak with your Handler or email us at if you have any questions about alterations.
Please be advised, any modifications to merchandise are final sale, subject to Terms of Service
.What happens if I’m not happy with my alterations?
Alterations should be considered carefully as they are a final sale. We only work with tailors whose work is impeccable, but in the rare case of error, Handled will take care of the adjustments for you. We will first consult our product and design expert to remedy the situation, and if the item cannot be salvaged, we will replace it and carry out the necessary alterations properly. You will still receive the item in time for the task completion date.
Our Handlers
How do you choose your Handlers?
Each of our Handlers is someone we have interviewed, shopped with personally and believe to be of the utmost value to our clients. We also conduct ongoing reviews of all of our Handlers and listen to your feedback to ensure we are offering the highest caliber shoppers and style experts available.
My Handler isn't available and I'm not comfortable having someone else Handle my task.
We’re happy to hear you love your Handler. We do our absolute best to match you with your preferred Handler for every task, but sometimes it’s just not possible. In those cases, you can email us at and we will get back to you the same day to personally Handle your task. We promise the service will be just as excellent as it would be with your favorite Handler.
Can I shop in person with my Handler?
We understand that you might want to meet with your Handler to get the full-on personal shopping experience. Please work with your Handler to schedule shopping time, and note that additional fees may apply.
What if I don't vibe with my Handler or I'd just like to try someone else?
You can change your Handler at any time. Just email us at , tell us who you’d like to work with, and we’ll make it happen. If you don’t have a specific person in mind, tell us what you’re looking for in a Handler and we’ll find someone perfect for your current needs.
What if I don't like the items my Handler is selecting for me?
Our ultimate goal is your complete satisfaction, which is why we build in lots of opportunities for you to let us know how to make you happy.
When you sign up with Handled, your first consultation is a great opportunity to let your Handler know what you like and also what you’d never want to see in your closet or home. We keep all of that precious information in your Style Preferences, so you’re a lot more likely to end up with things you love.
When you create a task, you can offer specific feedback by choosing the option to receive photos of your items before your Handler purchases them, greatly reducing the likelihood that you’ll receive items you don’t like.
Occasionally, an item we select for you just won’t work out. It’s no problem, because we Handle the return process too. This is another opportunity for you to let us know why you’re not completely happy, so we can learn more about you and your preferences and refine our ability to shop for you successfully in the future. We keep track of all the feedback you give us in your Style Preferences, so we’re constantly improving our ability to make the perfect purchases for you.
Can I spend time with my Handler socially?
Sorry, we cannot provide you with your Handler’s personal information.
My Handler no longer works for Handled. What now?
Not to worry. All of our Handlers are excellent, so we’ll find you another one you love. Contact us to be matched up with someone amazing.
Returns & Exchanges
How does it work with returns?
Returns are an important part of the shopping process and something we Handle seamlessly. We do our best to find you the perfect item every time, but we understand that minds and circumstances change. All items purchased through Handled are returnable within 30 days (unless otherwise noted by the Handler), so long as the original tags are attached and the item is in its original, unworn condition. Refunds will be processed in the original form of payment. Items that have had major alterations are non-returnable (a simple button or hem is usually okay, but please speak to your Handler for specific cases).
If you do decide to return an item, we’ll do what we can to get you something you want to keep forever. Let us know if we can get you more options, or arrange for alterations that will make your purchase right for you. If we absolutely cannot find the right item for you, we’ll take the item back, refund the money and also pay you $50 for your trouble.
If you’re really not loving the options you’re seeing, we encourage you to contact our Support team () and give us the opportunity to make it right for you.
Can I exchange my item for another size?
Of course. Your Handler can always help you with that sort of thing.
Delivery & Shipping
Why is my task taking so long?
We always deliver your items according to the timeline that you include when you create a task. If you need to change the delivery requirements please contact your Handler or email .
What methods do you use to ship or deliver?
It depends on the task completion date you provide us when you create a task. We utilize the appropriate options to get your item(s) to you on time, including standard mail or courier, car couriers and eco-friendly bike couriers. If you have a specific delivery method preference, please let your Handler know when you create a task.
How can I track my order?
You will receive an email confirming your task details and timelines once you’ve created your task. If you need more specific information, or have additional questions about a task, email us at and we’ll get back to you soon.
Your Security
Is my financial information secure?
As your trusted shopping concierge, your security and privacy are of the utmost importance to us. We leverage Stripe to process payments, and benefit from their top-tier security protocol.
For more information, see the Stripe privacy policy.
Is my personal information and data safe with Handled?
Absolutely. We understand that, in order to serve you effectively, we need to ask you to share and store personal information with us. We take this responsibility very seriously.
Your user information is stored within a MySQL database, where passwords are saved in encrypted format by DreamFactory. Your connection to the Handled web site is secured using SSL encryption, so the information exchanged cannot be snooped on by outsiders.
For more information, see our privacy policy.