10 Tips For Smart Shopping Online

Who doesn’t do online shopping these days, right? The hassle-free experience, the ‘surprise gift’ and the variety of goods we can find at relatively lower price lure us into clicking the checkout button again and again. Some people have had bad experience with online shopping but it still doesn’t stop them from being an online shopper. Here’s a few tips you need to consider before commiting to buy:

1. Pay attention to the shipping cost. Many sellers (especially eBay) often low-balling the publish price but then charge avery high shipping fee to compensate their margin. Don’t forget to also put the custom fee when you shop from overseas.
2. Set the limit. If it’s an auction, write down how much you’re willing to pay and stick to it. Don’t get on a bidding war and you lose sense just because you get away in the competitive aspect of it.
3. Pay attention to the detail. Or as they say it ‘Jangan beli kucing dalam karung’. Make sure you know the material, the complete size measurement and the color acuracy.
4. Check the reputation. If you want to try a new online shop, look for feedback from others. Where else but in Female Daily forum, right? 😀
5. Read all the fine print. Make sure you know the shipping and handling procedures and refund policy.
6. Shop at the convenience of your own home. Don’t shop with your credit card from public Internet or free Wifi cafe. That’s a no no. I know sometime you just can’t wait but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This especially applies especially for high-end designer items.
8. Ensure that the online store is secure. This is important especially if you’re going to be paying with credit cards. The address when you log in should be https instead of just http
9. Give Feedback. Praise them if they take customer service seriously and do give constructive feedback if you think there are areas that they need to improve. Don’t hesitate to give recommendation on your Twitter/Facebook/Blog too. Who knows they might send you a voucher from being their unofficial ambassador? :D.
10. Lastly, don’t just become a consumer but learn how to be on the other side and earn money too. You can learn to sell your stuff in our forum, or if you want to learn a more serious stuff, you can attend workshop such as ShopFair conference and workshop that will be held Friday and Saturday, July 13-14. Learn more about it at its website: http://www.shopfair.net

If you have more tips, do share it them in the comments below :).