Singapore - How to buy and sell safely online

Online shopping is a hot trend but is it everyone’s ideal way to shop?

THESE days, window shopping is no longer just about looking at window displays but LCD screens. You don't need a pair of comfortable shoes to trawl the shops, just a notebook or tablet.

Welcome to the world of speed shopping where every transaction is just a click away.

Virtual shopping used to be an exclusively eBay domain but with online businesses rapidly evolving, the choices have become massive.

"Since I've had my twins, it's inconvenient for me to go out but with so many online stores, I can shop while cooking for them!" says Rohana Jalil, 27, mother of two.

EVERYONE CAN SELL

With Blogger and Facebook, everyone can set up his or her own shop and that means business opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Online business can be financially rewarding. Some owners even quit their jobs to focus on their businesses. Estee Chong, co-owner of Whitesoot, is very passionate about fashion. "My boyfriend, Bryan Lim, and I saw the opportunity when online shopping became popular, so we started Whitesoot."

Previously, Lim and Chong were a financial analyst and a marketing executive respectively. Online businesses benefit both sellers and customers. Shop owners do not have to go through the legal hassle of setting up a business and it is also not location specific.

"Having a virtual store means you're reaching out to an unlimited market, not just the people in your location," says Vivy Yusof who is currently eyeing the Indonesian market as part of her online venture Fashion Valet's business expansion.

On the other hand, customers save a lot of time and energy through online shopping. In addition to customers browsing at their own convenience and in comfort, online shops are technically open 24 hours a day.

EASY DOES IT

Browsing online is easy. "I have no time to spend hours at the mall looking for the right design and colour but I can easily specify my search with a click on the Internet," says banker Joanne Tan.

The best part is not having to walk around with heavy shopping bags but having them delivered to our doorsteps. Law student Subana Keris, 21, finds online shopping more convenient. "There is no need to drive, park, walk to the store or queue to pay. "Plus, there is the added security of not having to walk around with bundles of cash. The shipping costs cancels out the cost of petrol, toll and parking tickets. And don't forget the heavy traffic."

NOT JUST CLOTHES

Online business platforms are dominated by, but not limited to fashion lines. They are slowly expanding to include fragrance, gadget accessories, DIY products, textiles, or even made-to-order foodstuff such as festive cookies and cakes. Items sold online range from fresh-from-the-factory goods to secondhand items in excellent condition.

The online community is so large now it even has its own networks where members can connect and advertise. Online shop review blogs such as www.yourshoppingkaki.blogspot.com and shoppers-network.blogspot.com are recognised by online shoppers and being reviewed by them is like getting the Superbrands Malaysia's choice stamp.

OLD SCHOOL

Online shopping, admittedly, takes away the novelty of conventional shopping. Arina Azhar, 20, an engineering student believes that seeing is believing. "If I'm going to pay for it, I want to be sure an item fits me well and online shopping cannot offer that." The quality time we would otherwise spend with our families is also lost through online shopping. "My mother used to pick out my clothes when we go on a shopping spree but we hardly do that anymore," says business student Shella Stepanie, 20. There's also the possibility of getting conned by scheming opportunists, so think before you click!

Tips for virtual shoppers

1. Check for credibility. This can be done via customers' testimonials and feedback. Before making a payment, ensure that the seller has a valid contact person and number.

2. Ask for measurements (for clothing items). As most online shops do not adopt an exchange policy and fitting is not possible, ask for the exact measurements instead of the size.

3. Details, details, details. Always ask for every detail you want to know. This is important to avoid impulse purchases and regrets in the future. You can't touch or feel the item. The colours, models, materials and sizes may look different than on the screen.

4. Double-check the authenticity. This is for purchases of branded items, new or pre-loved. Be careful to not fall victim to Grade A imitation products when they claim to be authentic.

5. Request for postal tracking number. This is to ensure that your purchase is really on its way when the vendor says so. It's also for you to track the movement of your parcel.

6. Do not overspend. Youngsters especially, tend to get carried away with online shopping. Remember, do not spend money you don't have.

7. Be wary. Never, under any circumstance, divulge your personal information, such as your bank account password to anyone.

Tengku Sofiah Aishah,

New Straits Times

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