12 Things To Consider When You Shop Online

I have always been skeptical when it comes to shopping online. I am afraid I might get a wrong or defective item just like what I saw on some facebook posts.

Lately, I saw countless ads of online shopping sales. I think I can take advantage of those for buying Christmas gifts. Besides, I don't feel like strolling in crowded malls these days.

Before giving you any tips, I would like to share my personal experience in shopping online through Lazada. They have this 12.12 SALE in which most of the items are 50% up off.

Fortunately, I was able to find good items which eventually landed on my online cart. But boy, I was scrolling for more than three hours just to find perfect items!

Didn't know shopping online was that stressful especially if you are just lurking around without having any specific products on mind.

My initial plan was to pay upon delivery but there's this promo which lets you get a 12% bonus for cashing in. I think I will be able to save more if I grab this opportunity.

Besides, cashing in is not a problem for me. I can just transfer funds through online banking.

Now here's the problem.

When a friend saw my post about my thoughts to shop online, she said I would get pretty much cheaper deals on Shopee than in Lazada.

True enough, when I searched for the same items in Shopee, I found out that some items are indeed waaaay cheaper than those in Lazada.

So instead of checking them out, I looked for other sellers of the same product in Lazada. Unfortunately, I was not able to search exactly the same items so I had to make the decision to look for other products instead.

I just felt like I was betrayed with the prices.

When I did some price comparisons from other online shops, I noticed that some of the sellers in Lazada bloated the original prices so the SALE PRICES are just within their normal prices. Very deceiving indeed.

Take this Iponaryo book for example:

The original price of this in bookstores is P150. The seller marked the original price as P450 and made a 50% discount to make it P225. I am part of facebook groups where sellers of this book flock. Boy, I could even get this for P129 in those fb groups!

I looked for other items as well and to my surprise, most of the "ON SALE" items are actually overpriced!

So instead of having discounts, you are actually paying for items more than their original cost, not to mention the shipping fee you have to pay for (if there's any).

I was very disappointed especially after knowing that most of the items I added to my cart are overpriced. But I am left with no choice but to do some purchase. I believe there's no way for me to get back the money I cash-ined either.

What I did was I tried looking for other items. After verifying that the price is actually on SALE, I decided to check the items out. The good thing is the shipping fee is FREE already.

I just checked out a while ago. The delivery period is still on Dec 17-Jan 3 since the seller is cross-border (international seller). Thus, the shipping is expected to be delayed. No problem. I can wait.

Perhaps I will make a separate post after receiving the items.

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Bear the following tips in mind when you shop online

Here, let me give you tips before tapping that "Check out" button. This is not for first-time online shoppers only. Long-time online shoppers can learn from the following tips as well:

1. Pay attention to reviews

If you have found a good item, try to check for the product reviews. See how reliable the service of the seller through checking his ratings. You have to check clients' comments and feedbacks as well when it comes to products' quality. As much as possible, look for reviews with pictures on them.

2. Beware of overpricing

I would like to stress this one out. Just because you see that the item is on crazy sale, doesn't mean it is really on SALE!

As what I've said earlier, I found out that most of the items on SALE have original prices which are heavily bloated. Be vigilant. Search for the original prices online before falling on "SALE tag tricks".

3. Compare prices in different platforms

You don't have to stick with one online shopping platform alone. Try to check and compare prices with other platforms as well.

4. Pay attention to details

Read item descriptions especially those with measurements. You might get boots that would just fit to a doll. I saw one post like this in facebook before.

5. Consider the item's location

Shipping costs may vary depending on the item's location. If the place is far from you, the shipping may be costly. Item's location may also affect the delivery period.

6. Look for free shipping

Try to check whether there are some sellers of the same item who offer FREE shipping. This will greatly give you some savings.

7. Be specific with your shipping address

In checking out, you have to be very specific with your shipping address. As much as possible, note some trademarks near your place.

I highly recommend getting your items shipped to your workplace so you can check the items upon delivery yourself.

8. Make sure to read and understand policies and procedures

This is one of the most important things you should consider for this will protect your rights as a consumer. Always remember to read the policies before placing an order.

If there's none, ask for it! Ask for the warranty coverage and the return policies should you receive incorrect or damaged items.

9. Choose COD (Cash on delivery)

It is much better to pay upon delivery. It will definitely save you from the hassle of cashing in. Aside from that, you have the option not to pay for the item if you found it wrong or defective.

10. Check the items upon delivery

You can check the items before receiving them and you have the right not to accept wrong or defective items. Just be sure to open the items in front of the courier.

11. Look for alternatives

You don't have to look far when buying things online. You can visit facebook marketplace, facebook groups, and even your friend's facebook timeline! You may find better deals there than those in online shops.

12. Do not check out what you cannot afford to pay

As online shoppers, try to be responsible for the things you buy as well. If you ran out of cash, you might go into debt or play hide and seek with the courier.

Imagine the stresses the seller and the courier have to bear if no one receives the items. Apart from this, you will more likely to be banned for good for being a bogus buyer.

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Do you have any other online shopping tips in mind? Did you have good or bad shopping online experience? Consider sharing it below.

Credits: Featured photo icons are designed by Freepik.

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