Ever stumbled across an ad from Modlily and thought, “Hmm, that dress is cute and super cheap… but is this too good to be true?” You’re not alone. With more shoppers going online, it’s totally normal to pause before hitting “Add to Cart” — especially with brands that aren’t exactly household names.
Let’s be honest, the internet is packed with sketchy shops these days. And just like the rise in questionable debt calls such as the Bull City Financial Solutions scam, people are becoming more cautious — and rightly so.
What is Modlily
Modlily is an online fashion retailer that caters primarily to women looking for trendy, budget-friendly clothing. They offer everything from swimwear and dresses to tops, bottoms, accessories, and plus-size fashion. The site is known for its eye-catching designs and flashy sales — often advertising up to 70% off on stylish pieces. With their global shipping model and huge catalog, they appeal to fashionistas across the world looking to upgrade their wardrobe without breaking the bank.
At first glance, Modlily seems like the ideal online shopping destination. Slick visuals, wide variety, and unbelievable deals are part of its charm. However, those same things often raise questions: Is Modlily too good to be true? That’s where the investigation into their legitimacy begins.
Modlily Company Background
Modlily is owned by a Chinese e-commerce company and operates under the umbrella of Shanghai Online E-Commerce Co. Ltd., which has connections to other fast-fashion platforms that follow a similar model. The company doesn’t have a physical retail location, which is common for many online clothing outlets based overseas.
Founded in the early 2010s, Modlily emerged alongside a wave of cross-border fashion retailers that targeted American and European consumers. Most of their operations — from customer support to warehousing — are based in China, and they ship directly from overseas warehouses. This business model helps keep prices low but often results in longer shipping times and inconsistent product quality.
Because they’re not a traditional U.S. or EU-based company, some shoppers are cautious due to fewer consumer protection guarantees.
Is Modlily a Legit Company or a Scam
Let’s get straight to the point: Modlily is a legitimate company, but that doesn’t mean it’s without controversy. The company does fulfill orders and ship products, which places it in the “not a scam” category. However, its reputation for poor quality control, sizing inconsistencies, shipping delays, and challenging return processes makes people question its trustworthiness.
A scam implies customers are defrauded or receive nothing after payment — that’s not typically the case with Modlily. What actually happens is more nuanced. Many shoppers do receive what they order, but it often looks very different from the product photo, feels cheap, or doesn’t fit as expected. That disconnect between expectations and reality is why so many are left frustrated.
The takeaway? Modlily is not a scam in the traditional sense, but it’s also not the most reliable place to shop if you’re looking for consistency, high quality, or excellent customer service.
Customer Reviews and Complaints
Reviews of Modlily are a mixed bag — and that’s putting it lightly. Customers report experiences ranging from pleasant surprises to absolute nightmares. Some shoppers are happy with their bargain finds and get exactly what they expect, while others end up with clothes that are too small, poorly stitched, or totally different from the online pictures.
Here’s a snapshot of the most common complaints:
- Long delivery times, sometimes over a month
- Difficult return process, with unclear instructions
- Low-quality materials, especially in swimwear and tops
- Incorrect sizing, even when using their guide
- Unresponsive or slow customer service
In contrast, positive reviews often praise the unique designs, affordable prices, and occasional lucky wins in terms of quality. Customers who manage their expectations — especially regarding shipping time and fabric quality — tend to leave more favorable reviews.
It’s worth noting that many satisfied customers suggest buying one or two pieces first to test the waters before making a larger purchase.
Modlily Trustpilot and BBB Ratings
Let’s talk numbers and sources.
On Trustpilot, Modlily has a rating that fluctuates around 2.5 to 3.5 stars out of 5, based on thousands of reviews. While some people leave glowing feedback, a significant chunk of reviews include words like “scam,” “fraud,” or “rip-off,” often referring to issues like slow refunds or product misrepresentation.
A few themes pop up again and again:
- “Clothes don’t match the picture”
- “Sizing is all over the place”
- “Customer service gave me the runaround”
Meanwhile, on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website — a staple for checking U.S. business credibility — Modlily doesn’t hold an accredited status. They have a C- or lower rating, depending on the period you check, and over 400+ complaints in recent years. Most of the complaints relate to poor refund practices, shipping delays, or unhelpful customer service interactions.
To put it simply, both platforms paint a less-than-glamorous picture of the Modlily experience, especially if you’re expecting hassle-free shopping. Still, some shoppers insist the deals are worth the risk — if you’re careful.
Product Quality at Modlily
Let’s be honest — when you shop online, especially from a budget-friendly retailer like Modlily, product quality is a major concern. One of the most common criticisms Modlily faces is the inconsistency in quality across different items. Some pieces might feel soft, stretchy, and surprisingly decent for the price, while others show up looking like dollar-store knockoffs.
Shoppers often describe the material as thin, see-through, or stiff. The stitching is another big red flag. In many cases, threads hang loose, seams don’t line up, and patterns are printed slightly off-center. Dresses or blouses might look flowy and elegant in the photos but arrive looking boxy or ill-fitted in real life.
So why the hit-or-miss quality? It comes down to the fast-fashion model. Modlily, like many similar retailers, prioritizes quantity over quality. They churn out trendy designs quickly, sourcing from multiple suppliers, which means standards vary dramatically from item to item.
To avoid total disappointment, many shoppers recommend:
- Reading individual product reviews and customer photos
- Ordering one piece to test the waters before committing to more
- Avoiding overly intricate designs (they often arrive poorly executed)
In short, the quality of Modlily products can range from wearable to “what the heck is this?” — so shop carefully.
Modlily Shipping and Delivery Issues
Shipping is another area where Modlily struggles to make the grade. Since most of their items are shipped directly from China, the delivery window is significantly longer than what most Western customers are used to. Modlily typically advertises a shipping time of 8–15 business days, but in reality, some customers report waiting 3 to 6 weeks or even longer.
The long wait isn’t the only issue. Sometimes packages get stuck in customs, get lost, or arrive at the wrong address. And unlike major platforms like Amazon, Modlily doesn’t have lightning-fast tracking systems or reliable courier partnerships. You might get a tracking number that doesn’t update for days — or even weeks.
Some customers also mention that orders arrive in multiple shipments, even when placed together. That adds more confusion and can stretch the wait time even further.
The bottom line? If you’re ordering from Modlily, do not expect Prime-level delivery. This is a “buy and forget” type of order — maybe your clothes will surprise you a month from now, maybe not. Definitely avoid ordering if you’re shopping for a special occasion coming up in less than a month.
Return Policy and Refund Process
Modlily does have a return policy — but executing it is a whole different beast.
Theoretically, they offer a 30-day return window on most products (excluding swimsuits, lingerie, clearance, and final sale items). Sounds fair, right? But many customers report confusing instructions, slow response times, and hefty shipping fees for returns.
Here’s what often happens:
- You submit a return request and wait days to hear back.
- You’re told to email photos of the item before approval.
- The return address is often overseas, so you’re responsible for international shipping, which can cost more than the item itself.
- Refunds take 2–4 weeks — sometimes longer.
In some cases, Modlily may offer you a partial refund or store credit instead of processing the return. While that might work for some, it can feel shady if you’re just trying to get your money back.
So while returns are technically possible, the process is tedious enough that many people just give up — chalking the whole experience up to a loss. If you’re shopping with Modlily, make sure to triple-check the product details before hitting ‘buy’ because getting a refund isn’t a walk in the park.
Modlily Customer Service Experience
Customer service can make or break your experience with any online store. Unfortunately, Modlily’s customer support falls into the “could be much better” category.
Modlily offers support via email, live chat, and a ticketing system. But according to reviews, response times are often slow, and reps don’t always resolve issues efficiently. For many shoppers, the biggest complaint is that support agents give copy-paste responses or ask for the same information multiple times — leading to a frustrating game of email tag.
Some shoppers report being ghosted altogether after submitting return or refund requests. Others are annoyed that Modlily sometimes issues partial refunds instead of full ones, without clearly explaining why.
Here’s a real-world tip: If you must contact support, keep screenshots of your order, tracking, and all communication. It’ll help you escalate the issue if needed, and might get you a faster resolution.
Is it the worst customer service ever? No. But is it anywhere near the standards of trusted Western retailers? Not even close. Patience and persistence are essential if you find yourself needing to deal with Modlily’s support team.
Modlily Clothing Sizing Accuracy
If there’s one thing that confuses almost every shopper on Modlily, it’s sizing.
Clothing sizes at Modlily are wildly inconsistent. A “Medium” in one dress might feel like a Small, while in another item, it could fit like an Extra Large. Even when shoppers use the brand’s official sizing chart, they still end up with pieces that don’t fit quite right — especially in categories like swimwear, fitted dresses, and jackets.
Why the sizing confusion? Because Modlily uses Asian sizing standards, which generally run smaller than U.S. or European sizes. On top of that, different suppliers contribute to the product catalog, so size guides aren’t standardized across all items.
Common complaints include:
- “Runs two sizes small.”
- “Arms too tight, torso too loose.”
- “Length was completely off.”
Some items don’t even have a sizing guide listed — and that’s just asking for disaster.
Here’s what savvy shoppers suggest:
- Always read the product measurements, not just the size label.
- Check the customer review section for real-life insights.
- Size up — sometimes by two sizes, depending on the item type.
If you’re not sure, start small — maybe try buying just one piece in multiple sizes, and use that to gauge your fit for future orders. Sizing roulette isn’t fun, but it’s part of the Modlily experience.
Real vs. Fake Product Photos
One of the most common concerns about Modlily is whether the product photos reflect the actual items received by customers. Let’s break this down:
High-Quality Photos on the Website
Modlily’s website features professional images with appealing models, bright lighting, and stylish backdrops. These photos are designed to look like high-fashion catalog shoots, often showcasing items like boho dresses, beachwear, and chic tops.
Customer-Submitted Images Tell a Different Story
However, many customers report receiving items that don’t match the images. The main issues include:
- Material Discrepancy: Clothing looks smooth and luxurious in photos but arrives in thin, cheap fabric.
- Color Difference: The actual colors can be off – sometimes drastically – compared to what’s advertised.
- Fit and Cut Variations: A dress may look form-fitting on the model but arrive as boxy or poorly tailored.
- Print Quality: Printed designs may be pixelated or blurry, unlike the crisp visuals online.
Are Modlily Photos Fake?
They’re not necessarily “fake” – but they may be heavily edited or show idealized samples that differ from mass-produced stock. In some cases, they may use stock photos from third-party suppliers or modeling agencies.
How to Spot the Difference:
- Read reviews with photos – these offer the most accurate representation.
- Use reverse image search to check if the image is used by other sellers.
- Beware of listings without real customer feedback – that’s often a red flag.
Is Modlily Safe for Online Shopping?
Shopping safety involves several factors: website security, order fulfillment, privacy, and support. Here’s what you need to know about Modlily:
1. Website Security
- Modlily.com uses HTTPS, which encrypts data, so your credit card info isn’t exposed during checkout.
- The checkout process is powered by third-party gateways like PayPal and credit cards – both offer some security.
2. Order Fulfillment
- Shipping can take 2–4 weeks or longer, especially for international orders.
- Some customers report missing items, wrong sizes, or wrong products.
- Tracking is available, but updates may be slow or vague.
3. Customer Support & Return Policy
- Mixed reviews: some users get fast replies, others struggle to get a response.
- The return policy requires customers to pay for return shipping, often to China, which is costly.
- Refunds are issued only after product inspection, which can take weeks.
4. Privacy Concerns
- No major data breaches reported.
- Modlily collects user data like name, email, and payment details – standard for ecommerce, but always read the Privacy Policy.
Verdict: Is It Safe?
Modlily is not a scam, but it’s a low-risk, low-reward shopping experience. It’s safe in terms of cybersecurity, but you might not be happy with the quality or service.
Modlily Pricing and Hidden Costs
Modlily is known for its budget-friendly fashion, but shoppers should be aware of the full picture:
1. Upfront Prices:
- Dresses: $12–$35
- Swimsuits: $10–$30
- Tops: $8–$25
- Bottoms: $12–$28
- Many items are advertised with 70% off or flash deals, which seem too good to be true.
2. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For:
- Shipping Fees: Often not free unless you meet a certain threshold (e.g., $69+).
- Return Shipping: Not covered by Modlily, and since items are shipped from China, returning them can cost more than the product.
- Customs or Duties: International customers (especially in the UK, Canada, or Europe) may face extra import taxes.
- Restocking Fee: Sometimes charged when you return items – typically 15–20% of the order value.
3. Price vs. Quality:
The old adage applies here – you get what you pay for. Many customers feel:
- Quality doesn’t match price, even if it’s cheap.
- “Sale” prices are permanent, so there’s no urgency behind the discounts.
Red Flags That May Suggest a Scam
When shopping online, especially at lesser-known websites like Modlily, it’s important to watch for potential red flags that could indicate you’re dealing with a scam. Here are the warning signs to look out for:
1. Unrealistically Low Prices
- Too Good to Be True: Modlily often advertises heavy discounts, sometimes claiming up to 70% off. While discounts are normal, prices that are far below the market rate for trendy or high-quality items should raise a red flag.
- Comparing Prices: Cross-check similar items on reputable fashion sites (like ASOS or Zara). If Modlily’s prices are suspiciously lower, it’s a sign that the items might not meet the advertised quality.
2. Lack of Transparency in Contact Information
- Missing Physical Address or Customer Service Info: Some users have found that Modlily’s website lacks clear contact information, such as a verifiable physical address or an easily accessible phone number for customer service. Instead, most communication seems to happen via email.
- Limited Customer Support Channels: While email support exists, the response time is often slow, and getting issues resolved may prove difficult. A trustworthy company will have accessible, responsive, and direct communication channels.
3. Poor Website Functionality and Design
- Low-Quality Website Design: A poorly designed website can sometimes signal a scam. Modlily’s website, while functional, is a bit cluttered and lacks the polished, professional look seen in major fashion retailers.
- Unclear Return and Refund Policies: If the return policy is hard to find or overly complicated, it’s a red flag. Some users have reported vague and confusing guidelines, particularly regarding how to return items and get a refund.
4. Customer Reviews and Feedback
- Mixed or Negative Reviews: Searching for customer feedback on external sites, like Trustpilot or SiteJabber, often yields a significant number of negative reviews. Common complaints include long shipping times, wrong items being shipped, and difficulty getting refunds.
- Overly Positive Reviews on Site: A large number of over-the-top positive reviews on the website itself, particularly with vague descriptions or no customer images, might indicate fake reviews.
5. Issues with Refunds and Returns
- Difficulty in Processing Returns: One of the most frequent complaints about Modlily is its return policy. Customers often face trouble when trying to get a refund, with long delays and challenges in getting returns processed. Additionally, the return shipping is often expensive and is the customer’s responsibility.
- Restocking Fees and Return Conditions: Some customers report restocking fees or limitations on returns, which should not be the case with most reputable online stores.
Social Media Presence and Influencer Marketing
1. Modlily’s Social Media Presence
- Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest: Modlily has an active presence on Instagram, where they post fashion items and lookbooks regularly. However, their followers and engagement rates seem relatively modest, with many posts having low interaction compared to other fashion brands.
- Low Interaction on Posts: While they post regularly, the engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) is often low. This can be a warning sign as many scam or borderline scam websites use social media to create a sense of credibility without genuine customer interest.
- Limited User-Generated Content: Compared to top-tier fashion brands, Modlily does not seem to leverage user-generated content (UGC) as much. There are fewer authentic customer photos on their social media pages, which could imply a lack of true consumer loyalty.
2. Influencer Marketing
- Collaborations with Influencers: Modlily occasionally works with micro-influencers or bloggers in the fashion space. However, the influencers they partner with are often lesser-known, and their promotional posts tend to be more sales-driven.
- Influencer Reviews: Many influencers who promote Modlily’s items don’t provide critical reviews or give overly positive feedback, often focusing on the affordable prices rather than discussing the quality or return process.
3. Advertising and Promotions
- Frequent Flash Sales and Discounts: Modlily relies heavily on flash sales or “limited-time offers” to generate urgency. While this is common in e-commerce, such tactics can sometimes be a strategy to push products quickly, even if the products are of questionable quality.
- Influencers’ Discount Codes: Influencers often provide discount codes that work on top of existing discounts, leading some shoppers to feel like they’re getting a “deal.” However, these codes rarely impact the true value of the product they’re buying.
Are There Any Modlily Lawsuits or Legal Issues?
At the time of writing, Modlily has not been publicly involved in any major lawsuits or legal battles. However, there are some potential legal concerns tied to online fashion retailers like Modlily:
1. Consumer Protection Issues
- Deceptive Advertising Laws: Modlily’s aggressive marketing tactics, such as misleading discount claims and poor product representations, could be subject to scrutiny under consumer protection laws in some countries.
- False Advertising: While Modlily does not appear to have faced formal charges of false advertising, the disparity between advertised photos and actual products has prompted many customers to accuse the brand of misleading marketing.
2. Legal Challenges Related to Shipping
- Customs and Import Tax Complaints: International customers often complain about unexpected import duties or taxes upon arrival of their orders, which can be seen as a legal issue in some jurisdictions. However, this is typically disclosed in fine print or not clarified adequately at the point of sale.
3. Class Action or Group Complaints
- While Modlily has yet to face a class-action lawsuit, the abundance of customer complaints related to product quality, delayed shipping, and poor returns processes could potentially lead to a collective legal action in the future, especially if a pattern emerges in consumer grievances.
How to Avoid Fashion Scams Like Modlily (If Applicable)
1. Stick to Well-Known Retailers
- Established fashion retailers like ASOS, Nordstrom, and Zara offer much more reliable shopping experiences. These brands have clear return policies, customer service teams, and trusted reviews.
2. Read Customer Reviews and Do Research
- Before buying from an unknown site like Modlily, always check external review platforms like Trustpilot or SiteJabber for honest customer feedback. If reviews seem overwhelmingly negative, it’s a red flag.
- Search for unfiltered feedback and see what real users say about the product quality and service.
3. Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True
- Scams often use too-good-to-be-true offers to lure in unsuspecting customers. If the price seems much lower than similar items on established websites, it’s worth being cautious.
4. Check for Secure Payment Methods
- Always pay through secure payment gateways like PayPal or credit cards that offer buyer protection.
- Avoid using wire transfers, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency, as they provide no recourse in case something goes wrong.
5. Inspect Return and Refund Policies
- A reputable fashion website will provide clear and generous return policies. Modlily’s vague and complicated return process is a red flag. Avoid shopping from sites with unclear return procedures or hidden fees.
Conclusion
Modlily isn’t for everyone. If you’re okay waiting a bit, possibly dealing with returns, and love budget fashion, it can work for you. But always protect yourself while shopping online — scams (like the Bull City Financial Solutions one) are real, and caution is key.
FAQs
1. Is Modlily a trustworthy brand?
It’s a real company, not a total scam, but it comes with mixed reviews and questionable practices. Proceed with caution.
2. What’s the best way to get a refund from Modlily?
Use PayPal or a credit card. Document everything and contact them ASAP. If they don’t respond, escalate through your payment provider.
3. How long does shipping usually take?
Anywhere from 2–5 weeks. Don’t expect Prime-level shipping.
4. Are their clothes true to size?
Not always. Sizes run small and are inconsistent. Always check the sizing chart and user reviews before buying.
5. Is Bull City Financial Solutions a scam too?
Yes, many people report receiving scam debt collection calls from them. Always verify debts before paying.
