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ASOS vs The Iconic: Where should you spend your hard-earned $$$?
We compare ASOS and THE ICONIC, two of the biggest online fashion retailers, against each other to find out where you should shop.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
ASOS was one of the first and biggest online stores in the high street space. It was lauded as a new standard in shopping offering great prices and a convenient online experience to customers around the world. In 2013, it was reported that almost four jumbo jets of ASOS clothing were making their way to Australia each week. ASOS could do no wrong.
Then, along came THE ICONIC - a new player in the world of online. Launched in 2011, THE ICONIC made a splash into the Australian market offering customers the ability to shop thousands of much-loved brands in the one place.
There are a whole bunch of other big shopping sites available to consumers like (Missguided and Boohoo, for a start) but for Australian customers, two of the best are undoubtedly ASOS and THE ICONIC.
So, which online fashion site should you be spending your hard earned dollar at?
Get the facts about ASOS
- Launched: June 2000
- What is it? A UK based online fashion retailer stocking hundreds brands of clothing, footwear and beauty.
- Who owns it? UK multi-millionaire Nick Robertson
- How much does it make? Sales for the financial year ending August 31, 2013 were £753.8 million.
Get the facts about The Iconic
- Launched: November 2011
- What is it? A Sydney based online fashion retailer stocking dozens of Australian and international designers.
- Who owns it? German group Rocket Internet
- How much does it make? Accounts for August 2011 to December 2012 show a revenue of $30.6 million but a loss of $44.7 million.
Is it cheaper to buy clothes from ASOS or THE ICONIC?
Both ASOS and THE ICONIC stock a range of brands, some which are affordable and some which are a little more luxurious.
As THE ICONIC and ASOS are required to adhere to zonal pricing by certain brands. Zonal pricing or geographical pricing often sees the prices of items increase as shipping distances increase or alternatively zonal pricing can see costs decrease to fall in line the prices expected by a certain international market.
This is why occasionally you will see a price difference on the same items. For example, the Finders Keepers dress below has a price of originally $189.95 (now on sale for $132.97) at THE ICONIC and $177.00 at ASOS.
If you want to be sure you are getting the best price, it is worth checking both sites before committing to your purchase. It is also worth looking to see if either ASOS or THE ICONIC are running any sales to increase your chances of getting the best price.
Which store has the biggest range of items, ASOS or THE ICONIC?
Both online retailers stock mens and women fashion. Both stock clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, plus size items, swimwear and gifts with thousands of items from hundred of brands. So where do they differ?
THE ICONIC has a dedicated sport section where you can pick up quality exercise gear including bras, shoes, and accessories. While ASOS also stocks brands such as Adidas or Nike, you have to hunt a little harder for the workout clothes.
As an Australian site, THE ICONIC has a more extensive selection of Australian brands and high-end Australian designers, comparatively ASOS offers more international brands.
ASOS leads the way when it comes to beauty. THE ICONIC does not have a skincare or beauty products section, whereas ASOS stocks a very extensive range of makeup, skincare, haircare and body products.
Another tick for ASOS is the ASOS Marketplace, which offers individual the ability to buy and sell pre-loved and vintage items. There is no section on THE ICONIC to purchase vintage items.
In essence, both stores have an impressive range of products but each store has it's own specialties.
Which one has the fastest delivery time?
For most Australians THE ICONIC will have faster shipping times. THE ICONIC offers free overnight shipping (for orders over $50) to those in Sydney and Melbourne metro areas. A three hour shipping service is also available for $14.95.
ASOS has a lower free shipping threshold of $40 so it's easier to get your order shipped for free. Orders from ASOS are delivered within five business days for metro areas and seven business days for regional areas. ASOS also offers free 3-4 day express shipping if you spend over $125.
For orders under the free shipping threshold, ASOS charges $5 and THE ICONIC charges $7.95. You can view both the ASOS shipping policy and THE ICONIC shipping policy
Which one has the best returns policy?
THE ICONIC offers free returns on eligible items. You can even opt to get a full cash refund or a 110% store credit. Not bad.
Good news for ASOS shoppers! The store has just introduced free returns for Australian customers. Eligible items must be returned within 28 days of receiving your order.
Coupon codes and sales for ASOS and THE ICONIC
Here you go! Use them well.
ASOS
Up to 80% off 1,000's of sale items
Enjoy up to 80% off big brands including Puma, Calvin Klein, Love Moschino and more at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
THE ICONIC
25% off buyers' picks
Save 25% when you spend $75 on selected styles from Staple Superior, Quay Australia, Levi's and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
THE ICONIC
Exclusive
$20 off your first order
Enjoy $20 off your first order over $99 at THE ICONIC. Redeemable once per customer. T&Cs apply.
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Exclusive
Coupon code ends
ASOS
Up to 80% off sale
Discover 100's of styles from all your favourite brands including ASOS DESIGN, Nike, Vans and more at . While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
30% off swim styles
Enjoy 30% off selected styles from Gucci, Seafolly, Speedo and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
THE ICONIC
10% off THE ICONIC exclusives
Use the code to enjoy 10% off selected styles from Atmos & Here, Atmos & Here Curvy, Dazie, Spurr, Double Oak Mills and Staple Superior at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
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Coupon code ends
THE ICONIC
40% off: The Designer Edit
Score 40% off selected designer styles from Kenzo, The Marc Jacobs, See By Chloé and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
Up to 60% off sale + new styles added
Enjoy up to 60% off selected styles from top brands including Diesel, Fitbit, Wittner and more at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
30-50% off: Kidswear Sale
Shop 30-50% off kids' selected styles from Rock Your Kid, DC Shoes, adidas Performance and more at THE ICONIC. New styles added. T&Cs apply.
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ASOS
Up to 50% off dresses, shoes and more
Valid on selected styles from Nike, ASOS DESIGN, adidas Originals and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
Up to 30% off your orders
Buy 2, save 20% or buy 3 and save 30% off your orders. Valid on selected styles only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
$25 off orders over $75
Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
30% off swimwear
Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
30-day FREE returns
Enjoy FREE returns for 30 days with THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
15% student discount
Students can get 15% off at THE ICONIC. Simply register and verify your student status with UNiDAYS. T&Cs apply.
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ASOS
FREE standard shipping on orders over $100
Receive FREE standard shipping when you spend over $100 at ASOS. T&Cs apply.
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ASOS
FREE unlimited express shipping for $39 a year
Sign up to Premier Delivery Australia for FREE unlimited express shipping and free returns with no minimum order value. Only $39 a year at ASOS. T&Cs apply.
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ASOS
FREE returns for all orders within Australia
Free returns available for all orders within Australia. Includes fully tracked ParcelPoint drop off and drop offs to Australia Post or Australia Post post box.
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ASOS
FREE express shipping within New Zealand
Get a FREE express shipping within New Zealand with this code when you order over NZ $125 at ASOS. T&Cs apply.
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ASOS
10% off student discount + more perks
Students can get 10% off any purchase and enjoy more perks at ASOS. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
FREE standard shipping on orders over $50
Enjoy FREE standard shipping when you spend $50 or more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
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THE ICONIC
$20 voucher when you sign up
Sign up to THE ICONIC News for your $20 voucher. T&Cs apply.
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Popular ASOS coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Dec 2020 | $20 off your first order | FIN**** |
| 28 Dec 2020 | 10% off THE ICONIC exclusives | AFF**** |
| 28 Dec 2020 | FREE express shipping within New Zealand | NZE**** |
| 18 Jan 2021 | Up to 80% off 1,000's of sale items | ******** |
| 12 Jan 2021 | 25% off buyers' picks | ******** |
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Ask an Expert
Hi there, where should I shop online when I have a long torso. I’m 5 foot 9. I can’t ever wear jumpsuits without getting camel toe!
Hi Nina,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
I understand the struggle in looking for cloths that fit. There are a lot of online selling platforms that offer these types of cloths like Amazon and eBay. Just indicate in the search box on their website the size of the clothing you are looking for to better filter the search. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Yes why is it so hard to order on the sites Asos, it really sucks
Hi Orlando,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
Sorry to hear about your issue with ASOS website. You can report this directly to ASOS’ customer service by going to their website. They also have a chat support and they are very responsive to messages.
Cheers,
Joel
Hi Guys I’m wondering if the Adidas clothes frm ASOS & Iconic are the same quality as buying in shop? I ask this because I’ve ordered several items and have hardly worn em and two-three items look as though I’ve had em for at least a yr! One Adidas top has a really worn look and a pair of Adidas pants too! I hand wash em to prolong the life. But atm I’m wearing new clothes but they jst dnt look new,,,third time I’ve worn these pants and their looking pretty shabby. I’ve spent soo mch money updating my sports wear for winter and I’m hoping the other items dnt look like this.
Regards 👍
Hi Belinda,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Both ASOS and The ICONIC has different manufacturers and suppliers which includes some of the known brands like Adidas, Abercrombie and Fitch, Boohoo, Calvin and Klein and many more. You may visit each of their website to confirm the legitimacy of their products.
A gentle reminder that we do not represent any of the companies that we feature in our pages.
You may ask ASOS and The ICONIC regarding the retailers that they have as well as a proper material care for the items that you will purchase.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us again if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash