J. Crew vs. eBay – Store Wars Rd. 1

STORE WARS: J. Crew vs. eBay

Starting March 13th and running through April 2nd, Dappered.com is hosting a bracket based tournament with the purpose of eventually crowning the all around Affordable Men’s Style Retail Champ for 2012.  For a full introduction see this post.  The bracket on the right will be updated as the tournament progresses.  Click on it for the full size.  Make a case for your preferred competitor in the comments section, but don’t forget to vote at the bottom of each match up.  On with today’s showdown:
.

Strengths:  Much like Banana Republic, J. Crew is a brand that if you wore nothing but their clothes 24/7, 365, you’d look much better than most.  From t-shirts to tuxes, they cover it.  Their Ludlow Fit suiting and blazers.  Outerwear of all types.  The “in good company” selections.  Their extra 30% off sale codes/events.  Students and Teachers get 15% off full priced items, in-store, with a valid school ID.

Weaknesses:  On average, they’re more expensive than their main competition, and they sometimes command an eyebrow-raisingly-high markup just by putting their weight behind an item.  Lapels on the Ludlow are a little trim for some.  Ties are rarely more than 2.5″ wide.  The in-house upgraded brand “Wallace and Barnes,” which has different stuff, which might be more durable(?), for a higher price.  Lots of “imported” and “made in China.”  They’re an industry leader with confidence, but some of their product descriptions can come across as borderline arrogant.  Their “free shipping at $150” promotions are priced laughably high.

Strengths: Known as “The World’s Online Marketplace.”  And this just in… the world is a big place.  Prices can be outrageously low for quality goods.  So if your local thrift stores keep leaving you disappointed, eBay might have you covered, and then some.  It’s one of the places that guys who love heritage brands and old-world craftsmanship go to for steals.  Ebay is as much of a skill as it is a website.  If you’re good at eBay, then you’re probably wondering why it wasn’t seeded much, much higher.  But if you’re not, then it shouldn’t even be in the tournament. If you want to play the game, and you get good at the game, you can outfit yourself for incredibly cheap with high quality, unique stuff.

Weaknesses: You have to keep an eye on things and keep dropping in.  If you’re the “I just buy something when I need it” type, maybe not the best place to look.  You probably have a good idea of your shoe size in a certain brand, but it’s harder to tell how that vintage Italian suit is going to fit once it gets to your door.  Ebay continues to do their best to keep buyers protected, but buyer beware.  Check those shipping charges, and if returns aren’t accepted?  Eesh.  Some guys would just rather buy new, or when going used, head to a thrift store.

Your votes determine who goes on to the next round. Cast your ballot below.  Voting ends at midnight ET.
UPDATE:  Despite having very vocal supporters, eBay goes down.
.