SmallBizGenius Analysis

Brooks Brothers, a retailer of clothing and accessories, receives mixed reviews regarding its online services and customer support. While some customers praise the quality of in-store experiences and products, many report significant issues with online orders, returns, and customer service responsiveness.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Customer Service

2.0/10

Many reviewers express strong dissatisfaction with Brooks Brothers' customer service, particularly regarding online orders and returns. Customers report unhelpful or unresponsive agents, long wait times, and difficulty resolving issues. For example, several reviewers mention being unable to get refunds for incorrect or undelivered items, and others describe receiving canned responses that don't address their specific problems.

48 reviews mention this

Shipping and Delivery

2.5/10

Numerous reviewers complain about slow, delayed, or incorrect deliveries. Customers report orders arriving weeks late, being shipped to old addresses despite providing correct information, or receiving the wrong items altogether. Several reviewers also mention issues with international shipping, including items being stuck in customs due to Brooks Brothers' failure to accept returns.

25 reviews mention this

Returns and Refunds

2.0/10

A significant number of reviewers report problems with Brooks Brothers' return and refund processes. Customers describe difficulties obtaining refunds for returned items, being charged return fees despite promises of free returns, and encountering restrictive return policies. Some reviewers also mention being offered only store credit instead of refunds, even when the error was on Brooks Brothers' part.

30 reviews mention this

Online Ordering System

2.0/10

Several reviewers criticize Brooks Brothers' online ordering system as outdated and inefficient. Customers report being unable to cancel orders or change payment methods shortly after submission, and some mention bugs in the system that lead to incorrect shipping addresses. This outdated system contributes to a frustrating online shopping experience.

12 reviews mention this

Product Quality

6.0/10

Reviews regarding product quality are mixed. Some customers praise the high quality and durability of Brooks Brothers clothing, particularly items purchased in-store. However, others report issues with poor quality materials, garments falling apart after only a few wears, and inconsistencies in sizing and fit, particularly with online orders.

15 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

High-quality clothing and accessories (in-store) Mentioned 7x
"Always a luxury experience for me, top notch! ... I feel like the clothing is affordable luxury and the customer experience in store and online is great."
Helpful and knowledgeable in-store staff Mentioned 4x
"Donna P helped me and she was absolutely fabulous. She knew how to put outfits together was able to help me bring together great outfits at a great price for me and all the presents I needed!"
Long-lasting and durable products Mentioned 3x
"Buying at BB for over 30 years, suits, shirts, coats, trousers. Great quality, service, delivery, returns and refunds if requested."

Common Complaints

Poor online customer service and responsiveness Mentioned 20x
"OMG - this Company is the WORST for customer service - went to order a $150 shirt - online order did not have care instructions - so I called their customer svc. number - got some person clearly not in the US - a ROOSTER KEPT CROWING IN THE BACKGROUND - when I asked where he was located - told me he was "off shore' - so in between the rooster crows, I asked to be transferred to US - he said he "couldn't do this"."
Frequent shipping delays and errors Mentioned 15x
"What's happened to BB delivery? Ordered on March 10 won't receive (unless there is yet another delay) until March 27th?? 5 star on quality 1 star on delivery"
Difficult and restrictive return/refund process Mentioned 18x
"After three weeks still trying to receive a refund from an online order. This is despite emails to email address on their website, a visit to one of Brook Brothers stores, plus leaving a voicemail...."
Inconsistent product quality, especially online Mentioned 8x
"Wife bought me a coat at brooks brothers and zipper didn’t work from day one, only wore coat one time, I would call that disgusting quality, by whoever makes their coats, will never buy any of they crap again"
Outdated and buggy e-commerce system Mentioned 6x
"Extremely horrible , outdated e-Commerce system. In this era of AI , brooks brothers cannot "cancel" the order or "Change the payment method" after an hour of order submission."

Common Questions About Brooks Brothers

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Brooks Brothers legit and trustworthy?

While Brooks Brothers is a long-standing brand, many recent reviews raise concerns about its online operations and customer service. Some customers report positive experiences with in-store purchases and product quality, but a significant number describe issues with online orders, delayed deliveries, and difficult returns processes. The company's handling of refunds and customer inquiries is a recurring point of criticism, leading some to question the reliability of their online services. Therefore, while the brand itself is legitimate, the online experience appears to be inconsistent and potentially problematic.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Brooks Brothers have good customer service?

Based on the reviews, Brooks Brothers' customer service is a major area of concern for many customers. Numerous reviewers report unhelpful or unresponsive customer service agents, long wait times, and difficulty resolving issues related to online orders and returns. Many customers express frustration with the lack of personalized assistance and the prevalence of canned responses. While some reviewers mention positive experiences with in-store staff, the online customer service is consistently described as inadequate.

Based on 48 reviews

Is Brooks Brothers worth it for small business?

For small businesses, the value of Brooks Brothers is questionable, especially for online purchases. The inconsistent product quality, frequent shipping delays, and problematic customer service make it a risky choice for businesses needing reliable and efficient service. While the brand's reputation for quality clothing might be appealing, the potential for negative experiences outweighs the benefits. Small businesses are better off exploring other retailers with more consistent online operations and responsive customer support.

Based on 30 reviews

What is Brooks Brothers' return policy like?

Brooks Brothers' return policy is often described as restrictive and problematic. Several reviewers report difficulties returning items, being charged return fees despite promises of free returns, and encountering short return windows. Some customers also mention being offered only store credit instead of refunds, even when the error was on Brooks Brothers' part. These issues contribute to a negative customer experience and make the return process a significant pain point for many.

Based on 30 reviews

Why are online orders from Brooks Brothers so problematic?

Online orders from Brooks Brothers appear to be plagued by several issues, including an outdated e-commerce system, frequent shipping delays and errors, and poor customer service. Customers report difficulties canceling orders, changing payment methods, and receiving correct or timely deliveries. The combination of these factors creates a frustrating and unreliable online shopping experience, leading many customers to express dissatisfaction with Brooks Brothers' online operations.

Based on 40 reviews