It's Christmas time again. Malls and bazaars are packed with people buying Christmas gifts for their relatives and friends. But now, through the internet, people don't have to leave their houses to shop - they can do it online!
Check Multiply and search for products you might like and there are lots you can find - from dresses, to accessories, even gadgets and food! Sellers post pictures of their products in albums and there, you can browse the wares they're selling. It's like looking at an online catalogue, and you only need to PM (sending private messages) to the seller or post a comment below the picture and wait for the seller's response and negotiate (and sometimes haggle) with them. After the deal is closed, payment and delivery options are discussed. Payment are usually made through deposit at the seller's bank account or through Globe G-Cash. Then delivery may be made either through a private courier or through meet-ups (the seller and the potential buyer would meet up for the delivery and the payment).There are pros and cons though in buying online. As for the pros, you don't need to brave the crowds just to buy the ideal Christmas gifts. You can also easily compare the prices of the goods, as most of online sellers sell the same wares.
There are cons however. Caveat emptor.
You don't personally know the person you're dealing with, and buying online means giving them some of your personal details and even giving them your money in exchange of the product you're supposed to have bought from them. I know of a friend who bought a Mac laptop online, was able to deposit payment (around P50k or more) but after that, the seller just disappeared. It would be difficult for my friend to sue the seller, as she does not know where exactly the seller could be found and he could easily change his phone number.
Also, you can't personally check for defects of the product. Though most sellers allow you to return the product if something's wrong with it (and if ever you can still find them), it would be perfect if you would be able to inspect it before buying it. This especially applies to clothes!
An online store is perfect for small businesses because it's accessible, it doesn't cost that much to promote it, and so far, tax free! Maybe someday I'll put up one.
2 comments:
Naku, I hate to admit it pero nasama rin ako sa phase na yan na nagbenta over multiply.
http://theexcessbaggage.multiply.com
I buy stuff from abroad during our vacations and sell them here. From Havaianas, laptop sleeves anmd what nots.
Usually friends buy from me. But with multiply, anyone sees your goods so better market reach. Funny story kasi one time someone texted me na "sis" daw. I assumed Portian, tapos sobrang random buyer siya. As in nakakahiya. When I met her, I asked her kung kailan siya nag-grad ng law etc tapos yun pala hindi siya Portian. I guess they use "sis" sa text para rin hindi mascare off yung seller at more friendly yung approach.
another attempt in multiply business
http://powermissalettes.multiply.com
My sisters and I started this wedding missallette business over at multiply. Nakakaaliw lang dahil we got one customer per month which kept us busy enough.
Wow sosyal owen! :D
Hay, I bought a bag and a necklace last week from Multiply. The necklace was bigger than I expected but was great nonetheless. The bag though got damaged on the first day so I texted the seller. Buti na lang they're students from Eng'g so they could easily meet up with me and said they'll replace my bag.
Haha and as for the "sis", mejo asiwa nga but apparently it's how girls who shop on multiply call each other. wehehe. :)
Post a Comment