Thanks to Covid, I began shopping for clothes online.  It doesn’t always work out, because what looks good on a size 4 model doesn’t always translate well to a size 14 body.  However, the luxury of shopping from my computer vs. driving to a mall outweighs any negatives.  There’s just one thing I wish they would change.  When I order a garment, I’d like to be told upfront where it’s being produced.  Please tell me it’s coming from China.

What difference does it make, you ask?  After all, 90% of every thing you buy in brick and mortar stores or online comes from China. But here’s the catch.  Sometimes, the garment you buy is not just made in China, it’s being shipped from China.  Usually, if you order a new top, it will be in your mailbox within a week.  Just in time for the picnic or party you’re planning to attend.  But this doesn’t happen if you’re waiting for something that’s being shipped from 3, 586  miles away.

On May 24, I ordered a top from Amazon, hoping to wear it on Memorial Day.  That did not happen.  I was okay with that, thinking I might wear it at a social event the following week.  Nope, still didn’t come.  Meanwhile, I checked on my order and found the price had been reduced to less than half since I placed my order, but I was still paying the full price.  Shrugged my shulders.  Luck of the draw. Just for fun, I checked my tracking order, and that’s when I found that my poor little top was coming all the way from Dongguan, Guandong CN.    China.

Tracking order info:

Thursday, June 1

10:30 AM

Completed customs clearance.

Chicago, US

6:18 AM

Package left the carrier facility.

Sunday, May 28

12:32 AM

Package arrived at a carrier facility.

Dongguan, GUANGDONG CN

Friday, May 26

Carrier picked up the package.

According to Trip Advisor, Dongguan is a pretty touristy place to visit.  “Places to see,  ways to wander, and signature experiences.”

Unfortunately, I will probably never travel to Dongguan CN.  The  only contact I will have is when I receive a top that was apparently produced and mailed from there.  Amazon has now committed to delivering it by this coming Friday June 17.  That may or may not happen. Here’s the catch. What if it doesn’t fit, or I don’t like it?  How long will it take to return?  One thing I know.  I will not be placing a re order.

When I order something online, please tell me it’s coming from China.