This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclosure statement here.
I’ve posted some of my favourite SHEIN finds on Instagram only to be met with loads of questions regarding how to order. We placed our first order about a year ago, and it’s been a learning curve since then. Between Holly and I, we’ve placed enough orders now to know what we’re doing (and save the most money possible!).
Here are my best tips on how to order from SHEIN in Canada!
There seems to be a lot of questions regarding SHEIN orders in Canada. Most of the questions I get are about how to save the most money and how to know what size you are. I know it can be intimidating to place an order, but it’s easy when you know what you’re doing.
Here’s what I’ve learned from placing so many SHEIN orders!
1. Measure your Body, and then check product measurements, photos, and reviews
Sizing from SHEIN tends to be different than local stores, and also varies by item. There is a lot of guessing when it comes to SHEIN sizing and fit, but there are a few things you can do to make sure you make an educated guess. Measure your body! There is a size guide located on each individual item sold, and I’ve found these measurements to be very accurate. Compare your own measurements to those listed for each item of clothing – don’t assume all shirts are the same, because they aren’t!
Reviews (especially the ones with photos) are also a lifesaver. For each item on SHEIN, you can sort to see reviews that include a photo and even specifically your size. More times than not, the reviews will answer any questions you might have. SHEIN gives points incentives for people to leave reviews, so most items will have plenty of feedback from real shoppers with similar body types to yours. I can almost always find someone else with my body type. It’s really helpful!
2. Check return eligibility
The SHEIN return process is extremely easy (more about the entire return process is below!), but you must pay attention to the return policy before you order. Each individual item lists a return policy. Most clothing, home decor, shoes, and bags are returnable within 45 days. Swimsuits, undergarments, and jewelry are NOT returnable. Be cautious of this as you buy. I’ve seen far too many people buy swimsuits not realizing they can’t be returned!
3. Always use a coupon (the more you spend, the more you save)
Something I truly love about SHEIN is their prices, but did you know you can always find coupons to get your total even lower? The more you spend, the more you can save.
On your profile screen, there is a “coupons” section. It seems that normally, there are 10%, 15%, and 20% off coupons available depending on how much you spend. It is always more cost effective to order more and return what you don’t need. SHEIN doesn’t deduct the coupon value if you return items like some stores do. If you hit the order threshold to get 20% off, but return most of your items, you still get 20% off the items you keep.
4. Purchase gift cards for yourself (and save $!)
This is my all time favourite SHEIN trick. I definitely acknowledge that not everyone has funds to pre-purchase gift cards and make large orders, but if you do, you will save money overall.
On your profile screen, select “gift card”. You will see that SHEIN actually discounts their gift card purchases – you can purchase a $90 gift card for $84, a $130 gift card for $118, a $200 gift card for $180, etc. The cool thing is that they will allow you to purchase a gift card at this discounted rate, send it to yourself, and then load it back onto your own account to use. You can also stack coupons with giftcards.
- Example: I want to place a $200 order. I will purchase a $200 gift card for $180 (saving myself $20), send it to myself, and redeem it onto my account. When I check out, I will apply a 20% coupon (saving myself another $40) and pay with gift card. My original order of $200 now works out to be $140 (and I still have extra on my gift card!).
There are many, many ways to manipulate this system to work for your order. Just be sure to note that any returns made on orders paid for by giftcard will go right back onto the giftcard for future use.
5. Always choose standard shipping to avoid paying duty
This is very, very important and the #1 mistake I see people make. When you “check out” SHEIN will ask you if you would like your order to ship by either “Standard Shipping” or “Express Shipping”. ALWAYS choose “Standard Shipping”. It seems many people don’t read the disclaimer that if you choose “Express Shipping”, you may have to pay customs fees.
I have had several people tell me they had to pay duty, and every single time it’s been because they chose express shipping. I have ordered 10+ times with “Standard Shipping” and never had to pay any fees. So again, always choose Standard Shipping!
6. Collect and redeem points
SHEIN has an amazing points program. You can collect points from ordering, reviewing (the more details you include, the more points!), adding photos to reviews, and checking in to the app daily. As pictured below, you can open the app and “go check in” daily to build your points.
Not only are adding detailed reviews with photos helpful to other buyers, you can save a little extra on future orders. Eeach point is equal to 1 cent USD that you can redeem the next time you purchase. I currently have 569 points, meaning I can redeem $5.69 USD off my next order.
How does the return process work?
Along with questions regarding how to order from SHEIN in Canada, I get a ton of questions regarding returns. The SHEIN return process is extremely easy and smooth. Here are the steps to take:
- After trying on each item, make sure you place it back in the correct bag. SHEIN bags have barcodes that need to coordinate for returns.
- Once you decide what you would like to return, locate your order on the app/website and choose “return item”. From here, you can choose which items to send back.
- You will then be asked to choose how you will send back your items and how you wish to receive the refund.
- I suggest always refunding to your original payment method
- Returns are free (at least the first time on each order), so you will always want to select prepaid label over shipping yourself
- Upon choosing a prepaid label, SHEIN will email you a return label. You will print this label, attached it to a box (either the original, or your own box is fine!) and drop it off. I’ve done returns through both Canada Post and UPS. Which method they allow you to use depends how many items (aka how much weight) you’re sending back.
- After dropping off your package, you can track the process in the app. SHEIN will also email you when they recieve your goods, and email you again after they’ve checked everything and your money has been refunded. For me, the entire process takes 3-4 days.
Things to note:
- Be sure to check which of your items are returnable and how long you have to return (in most cases, it’s 45 days). In the past, there was a $9 return fee (one return shipping label, no matter how many items), but since recently the first return is free. Things change all the time, so make sure to check!
- Your return will be processed much faster than your order was received. SHEIN returns get sent to Markham, Ontario. Living in Southern Ontario, it takes them about 2 days to receive, check, and refund my account.
