3: Blogshopping101 (from a shopaholic's perspective)

Ever visited a blogshop before? What is a blogshop? It is actually an online website created by one or more people who do retail businesses online. So that basically means that shoppers like you and me skip all the downsides of retail shopping (e.g the crowds, the dreadful transportation we have to go through to get to that particular shop) and get to buy our desired products to our convenience. How cool is that? I believe you guys out there would have visited blogshops at least once right? Let me share with you guys what happens when you blogshop online (to the benefit of those who do not have prior experience to online retail therapy sessions).

1) You visit random blogshops, and preferably ones that you have patronised before or heard recommendations from your friends. Well, lets take a look at one blogshop that I always frequent.

www.tracyeinny.com.sg (one of the blogshops that is a recipient of the successful entrepreneur awards). On a side note, that huge "storewide 20% sale" banner is very very VERY distracting.

As online shops usually have this factor of anonymity that hinders the level of credibility between the relationship of the shopper and the seller, credentials such as awards or recommendations from previous buyers do help to increase the level of credibility. Based on past experiences, I can safely say it is quite safe to do online shopping and usually, I get the products that I ordered (in a good condition as well). However, even so, blogshops always has that risk of being cheated by the seller. Why? You wouldn't know the sellers' personal details, so how are you going to chase back for your money if he/she refuses to reply your emails? Think smart. So the safest advice that I can give would be to ask the seller as much questions as you possibly can before you make your order and then your payment.

2) You trust your instincts when you browse through columns of available products. If your instincts are usually wrong, never try blogshopping please.

As you can see from the picture above, these websites can only offer you a few pictures of their products, and that also means you can only trust your instincts, whether or not it looks good on you and vice versa. Those who need to try and test the products before purchasing them should not be advised to blogshop. This is the downside of internet shopping. You may end up buying more than you need to, and things that actually may not even suit you. Trust me, everything on online stores seems perfect. I am a shopaholic, I know. At times like this, shopping at regular retail stores seems to be a better choice. An interesting note that i find is that most blogshops import clothes that are of free sizing, so what happens to those who are plus sized? Something worth to ponder?

And then..

3) you submit an order form

4) Make online payment via credit card

5) get your goods delivered to your house

ALL OF THESE WITHOUT MOVING AN INCH OUT OF YOUR HOUSE. COOL OR WHAT? (: