We’ve already shown you that 6pm is not a scam, but how about its parent company, Zappos? Is this a legitimate website, or should I shop elsewhere?
Get ready to learn everything you need to know about Zappos Rewards, discount coupons, shipping policies, and product reviews.
1. What Is Zappos and Why Is It So Popular?
Initially founded by Nick Swinmurn in 1999, the company gained prominence when Tony Hsieh and Alfred Lin invested $2 million to expand it.
As one of the first websites to sell shoes online, yearly sales quadrupled by 2001. With Tony Hsieh as the new CEO, the company moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Henderson, Nevada, in 2004.
Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and actress Alison Sweeney arrive at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon benefiting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America on November 17, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Credit: DJDM / WENN / Judy Eddy)
To read more about the company’s rapid growth, we highly recommend Tony Hsieh’s best-selling book ‘Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose’ (available on Amazon).
While only 272 pages long, the motivational story introduces a completely revised approach to thinking about running a business.
The cover of Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, a #1 New York Times bestseller that shares the inspiring story behind Zappos’ customer-first philosophy
Tony Hsieh, the longtime CEO who led Zappos for over 20 years, passed away at the age of 46 on November 27, 2020, from injuries sustained in a house fire in New London, Connecticut.
Zappos founder Tony Hsieh died on November 27, 2020, from complications from burns and smoke inhalation sustained in a house fire
The company shared the following tribute on its Instagram page.
View this post on Instagram
2. Who Owns Zappos? A Look at the Amazon Acquisition
To compete with Zappos, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos created Endless.com in 2006. Focusing exclusively on shoes and accessories, the half-hearted effort did not pay dividends.
Seeing Zappos as a competitive threat, Amazon executives approached Tony Hsieh with the proposition of buying Zappos outright.
On July 22, 2009, Amazon announced that it would buy Zappos for $940 million in a stock and cash deal. The deal was eventually closed in November 2009 for a reported $1.2 billion. Three years later, Amazon closed Endless.com. Since Zappos is a wholly-owned subsidiary, it is not publicly traded.
Other fashion websites owned by Amazon include 6pm and Shopbop. If you prefer, you can shop for Zappos products directly on Amazon.
3. How Fast Does Zappos Deliver? Shipping Options Explained
While all customers get fast and free shipping (4-5 business days), you can easily qualify for free expedited shipping by signing up for Zappos VIP.
You can also enjoy free 1-business-day shipping when you download and order through the Zappos app, available for Kindle, iOS, and Android devices.
4. How Does Zappos VIP Work and Is It Worth Joining?
Similar to Nordstrom Awards, Zappos VIP is a free program that rewards customers for shopping and for writing product reviews. Benefits include reward points and early access to sales.
5. Where Are Zappos’ Headquarters and Can You Visit?
After an extensive $48 million effort to renovate and make significant improvements to the former Las Vegas City Hall building in downtown Las Vegas, Zappos moved its headquarters from Henderson, Nevada, on September 9, 2013.
You can visit the Zappos headquarters by booking a 90-minute guided tour for $20 per person.
6. Can You Really Get a Zappos Coupon Code? Here’s the Truth
While there are many things you can get in life through struggle and perseverance, a Zappos coupon code used to be impossible to find. For many years, the popular retailer prided itself on never issuing a single coupon or discount code.
However, Zappos has recently begun offering occasional promotional codes, providing savvy shoppers with a new way to save on their favorite shoes and accessories.
7. Where Do Zappos Orders Ship From? Fulfillment Center Insights
Zappos operates a massive fulfillment center in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, and continues to utilize Amazon’s extensive warehouse network. In April 2024, Zappos announced the reopening of a 325,000-square-foot fulfillment center and retail outlet at 9101 Minor Lane in Louisville, Kentucky. The company anticipates that the expansion will create more than 100 new jobs over the next two years.
“Zappos is always on the lookout for new ways to evolve and grow, while ensuring the best service and experience for our customers,” said Joe Cano, chief merchandising and marketing officer of Zappos.com. “In achieving those goals, we keep a close ear to our customers’ feedback. They’ve been wanting The Outlet to re-open its doors—and we’re thrilled to be serving them here again!”
8. How to Return Shoes to Zappos: Step-by-Step Guide
Log in to your account by clicking “Sign In / Register”, then click “My Account” and “Account Overview”.
Check the box next to the product(s) you’re returning and follow the instructions. You can return unused items for a full refund within 365 days of the purchase date.
9. Are Zappos VIP Trustworthy? What You Should Know
Anyone can leave a product review on Zappos. Previously, members of the Zappos VIP program could earn 100 reward points per qualified review; however, that incentive program has been discontinued.
Today, VIP members earn a smaller number of points — 5 points per day for logging in and 10 points for reviewing items they have purchased. While the rewards are less substantial than before, it’s still possible that some individuals might attempt to game the system.
Most reviews are likely to be honest, but as with any online retailer, it’s wise to read them with a critical eye.
10. Does Zappos Price Match? Why Pricing Policy Changed
Zappos was founded in 1999 and initially adopted a very aggressive pricing policy to attract new customers to the brand’s new online shoe-buying experience.
Through February 14, 2008, they offered a 110% price match guarantee on all products. The company provided the following reason for the policy change:
Here at Zappos, we want to consider ourselves a unique shopping experience, and therefore do not match our policies to follow industry standards.
We are committed to providing superior customer service, and offering services like free shipping both ways, 365-day unworn return policy, 24/7 customer support, unbeatable selection, and so much more. Zappos is a service company and with this, we hope to grow based on customer loyalty.
While the company no longer guarantees price matching with its competitors, Zappos will refund the difference if the price drops within 10 days of purchasing a pair of shoes or any other item on Zappos. Contact them by chat, phone, or email to get your refund.
For customers who prioritize price, we recommend shopping at competitors like Shoes.com and Nordstrom, which still maintain price-matching policies. Zappos also operates the discount site 6pm that offers shoes and other products at highly discounted prices.
Zappos founder Tony Hsieh and guests arrive at Zappos Couture celebration of 20 years of fashion gallery & auction in support of Las Vegas DRESS FOR SUCCESS at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on April 24, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
In 2016, Zappos briefly introduced a “price promise” promotion on select products during the holiday season, automatically adjusting prices on its website in real-time to match those of its competitors.
While the company no longer offers price matching, if you find a significantly lower price on a competing website, it may be worth letting Zappos know by calling 1-800-927-7671.
In summary, if you want to buy shoes at the lowest possible price, it’s best to avoid shopping at Zappos. However, their customer service is unbeatable. Who else offers customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via phone and social media?
While no longer offering price matching, Zappos is one of the most popular and trusted online shoe retailers. Every week, they get hundreds of new high heels, boots, sneakers, wedges, and sandals for kids, men, and women.