Shopping Time

The Joy of Buying Online

Hi guys. Christmas is just around the corner. Have you bought all the presents you need to buy? If not, probably it's time to get some from the store. But be extra careful of pickpockets since there are many of them working now since all the shopping malls are packed with shoppers.

For those who likes to shop online (like me nowadays), perhaps you would like to share some experiences.

As for my experience, the many reason I prefer to shop online

1. I can check out all the prices before deciding where to buy. Some seller are offering bargains on their products. And no one to show me their "Black Face" if I decided not to buy from them. 
2. I can check the differences between brands, review and other information on the internet while I browse online. I am not going to walk and surf while doing a retail shopping right? 
3. Convenient. I can shop anytime I like with just a few clicks and the transaction done.  
4. It's safe. It's true that we heard a lot of Online Frauds. Online Scams, Item received different from the one ordered, Items not received, Missing items and etc. All these prevents people to buy online. But ask those who frequently buys online. How many of them actually experience it? Not me. As long as you take precautions measure, you can minimise the risk. Read my upcoming blog on how to shop safely.
5. More options on payment. Bank Transfer / Paypal / Credit Cards. You name it. Although I prefer using paypal or bank transfer. Never feel comfortable disclosing my credit card details.

Above are some of the main reasons I shop online. Oh... and one more thing but this is quite personal feeling, I like it when I bought something and anxiously waiting for it reach me. Trust me, it's really some different experiences. Especially when you buy something new. You will blog about it, facebooking about it and talks about it. And when the moment you received the parcel, you impatiently sign and quickly open it. This is something I never felt when buying from a retail store. Try it. And while blogging, I am waiting for my pre-ordered Google Nexus 4 from USA!!! I have been waiting for almost 3 weeks and it's driving me nuts!!! Haha..

Things that I bought online so far

1. Branded Bags
2. Mobile Phones
3. Mobile Phone Accessories
4. Tablets
5. Power Bank
6. Kindle E-Reader
7. Clock
8. Name Cards
9. Movie tickets
10. Books
11. And many more......

Some of the items I bought Online and just around me now

Some sites I frequently window shop / shops. ( Those listed are frequently visited/shopped, they did not pay me to advertise, yet)

Mobile Phone Accessories

Apparels and Cheap Bags

Branded Stuff

Branded Bags

Apple Devices - The Cheapest in Town

Occasionally I also get some of the stuff from Lowyat forums. But buying from forums you need extra precaution as most sellers are freelance. Some pricing are too good to be true. So make sure you get as much info before bank in your money.

Share if you have more websites which you frequently shops. Just leave a comment below.

Just to Share - Buying New Mobile Phones -

Been away from my blog for the past few days due to personal holidays. During that period, I went shopping in KL and visited some Mobile Phone Shops. Unlike KK, most shops do allows potential buyers to "test drive" the phone before buying. But what happen if that customer did not buy? Of Cos the repack the phone into its original position in the box waiting for new buyer.

Today would like to share my view on buying a new mobile phone. I think festive season is coming and some of us already starting to shop around for a new phone.

Guides on Buying New Phones

1. Insists on getting an unopened sealed set. Why? You can be assured that NO ONE actually used the phone before, whether its for demo purpose (test drive) or just to take photos so that seller can put it up for online sales or marketing purposes or worse, its a refurbished unit. Do keep in mind, as long as the original seal is tempered, that phone should considered a USED PHONE! 
2. Insists on getting an Original Unit, not an AP set. Why? While an AP set are selling slightly cheaper than the original set, most people will find it troublesome when you need to claim for warranty. My experiences told me that the 3rd party service centre will look for reason to void your warranty. e.g. telling you that your sweat penetrated the phone and damaged the board, which means its exposed to water and therefore not covered by warranty! Or they will tell you that they fix it but it will no longer under warranty since there are modifications to the phone, although your phone is only 3 days old when send for service! So my advise is, pay the extra cents to get the original manufacturer warranty. Anything happens, just bring it to any service centre in the country for warranty claims... No QUESTION asked!
3. Insists on opening the box yourself. This affects nothing but since you are paying for the phone, why should you let someone who is not paying having the privileges to open it?! Leave the excitement to yourself! I noticed this happens a lot of times especially if you are buying from Telcos. The staff tends to "help" you to open the phone for warranty registration. (Hello... i pay for it and I think I deserve to open it myself, ok?)

Guides on Buying a Used Phones

1. Make sure that person you are buying from are trustworthy, someone you know or at least do ask around those who bought from him before. You do not want your hard earned $$$ to cheated, right? 
2. Try to arrange for COD (cash on Delivery) whenever possible but always arrange in a crowded place so if anything happens, there are people who can help.
3. Make sure the phone is not a stolen item. Be more alert on those are selling extremely cheap as it might be a stolen item. (in Malaysia, even buying a stolen item is an offence). Ask for the proof of purchase from the seller. Note: those selling only the phones without any accessories (charger in particular), be extra careful with these people. 
4. During the arrangement for meet-up, remember to remind the seller to charge the phone so that you will have enough battery life to examine the phone. Most used set do not come with warranty, so if you are not able to check on the phone during the transaction, who will be at loss? You decide.

Above are some of my thoughts, some experienced buyer mights have even more thoughts. Please share so everyone will able to learn something. 

You might be paying for these…. 

BUT

These might be what you actually get!!