Why We’re Often Sold Out (and How to Score the Products You Want)
July 09, 2016
The Foster pant. The Tory dress. The Deneuve top. Seemingly simple products, but when you go to buy them, they always seem to be sold out in your size. What’s the deal?!
Fair question. First and foremost: We hear you, and we know it’s frustrating to be unable to buy the product you want, in your size, when you want it. Here are the reasons why our inventory levels fluctuate (and a few tips on how to score our most in-demand products).
Our business model is unique. In a world of reckless fast fashion, we practice “intentional retail.”
Can we let you in on an industry secret? Brands that offer discount after discount are not actually giving you a deal. They artificially inflate their prices with the intention of slashing them later; and they often over-produce in a way that is wasteful (and environmentally irresponsible), knowing they can offload product by putting it “on sale.” At MM.LaFleur, we don’t play this game. Because we’re direct-to-consumer, we cut out middlemen and price our products fairly from the get-go. We rarely discount, and we only produce what we expect to sell (and what we’re proud to sell).
We’re perfectionists when it comes to product development.
At MM, we’re abnormally meticulous during the research-and-development phase. Whereas many brands do between one and three fittings before they finalize a design, we’ve been known to do 20. Our Foster pant, for instance, was fit 18 times on many different body types before we were happy with it.
We introduce new products in limited runs so that we can gather feedback and iterate if necessary.
To us, the launch of a new product is the beginning of a conversation with our customer. We typically produce a small number at first so that we can test how a new design is received. With hotly anticipated products, this can lead to an immediate sell-out. If the product is a hit, we usually make more. If it’s not perfect but has potential, we improve the design and try again.
Customers play a crucial role in the evolution of our products.
We take our customers’ opinions incredibly seriously. Ever wonder why our current Sarah dress is called the Sarah 6.0? It’s been subtly tweaked six times based on valuable input from customers.
In short, we’re listening. If you love something, hate something, or want more of something, we want to know so that we can respond. In the meantime, here’s what you can do to get your hands on the products you love.
1. If you have your eye on something, buy it. Don’t wait.
This is especially true for brand new styles. If a product is wildly popular, we may produce another run—but that’s never guaranteed. So if you fall in love at first sight, move fast. You can always return the item if it doesn’t work out.
2. Same goes for colors.
There are certain styles we will always carry (the Etsuko, the Noho, the Sant Ambroeus), but we switch up our colors each season. If you love lilac or paprika, make sure to get them before they’re gone.
3. The wait list is your friend.
If a piece you want is sold out, join the wait list. When these lists grow, that’s a signal to us that people want more of something—and we will respond. When we’re restocked, we’ll alert you so that you’ll get first crack at buying it.
4. Talk to your stylist.
Your MM stylist is your greatest ally when it comes to tracking down hard-to-find products or zeroing in on available styles in your size. Tell her what you’re looking for. If a sold-out item comes back into stock, she might be able to hold it for you. If it’s gone for good, she can recommend a similar product you’ll love just as much. And if it seems like your size is continually sold out, she can help guide you towards products that reflect your personal style and are currently available in your size.
Finally, please know that we are on your side. We’re here to connect you to the products you love most—whether that means tracking down an Eleanor in midnight blue in a size 12, or making a whole new batch of Winfreys to meet demand. Questions? Comments? Email your stylist or contact us at bonjour@mmlafleur.com. We’re always down to chat.
