Fashion Post. Online shopping.

There was a time that I got so engrossed with online shopping... well I think I still am! But now that I've experienced online shopping more often, I encountered some ways to make it easier, budget friendly, and hassle free.

I've been using Ebay since time immemorial. However, I found that there are just so much stuffs on the site, that I got to check out other things that I basically don't even need. As a newbie then, I tend to be a joy bidder and then ended up either asking the seller to pretty please let me off the hook or just pay for the item I bid for. Don't get me wrong, Ebay is shopping heaven or even Divisoria for that matter. You can bid and buy new or pre-loved items. An array of items flood the site! However, if fashion is your cuppa tea then you might get bored checking out every single item under clothing/ accessories/ shoes/ bags since not all sellers aim to please the eye. Some sellers really just want to sell their items as soon as possible, whether or not they give justice to your visual preferences.

Moving on... As networking sites evolved, I found that online sellers also gravitated towards them. It started with Multiply. Then Facebook. And then Instagram. Girls (well, most of them) are born easily distracted with cute, shiny, and nice looking stuffs. Whether these are items they need, if the item is the current fad or even just looks trendy, they'll give it a thought. And I am one of most girls. I love visual stimulation. This is why I click "like" and then go back to those pictures of the items I want and then decide super hard whether to buy or not.

So, if you're new in online buying, here are some tips.

1. Set your limits --- unless you have a budget of a million, then go ahead and buy buy buy! But if you're thrifty but trendy, stay attuned to those online sellers that offer cheaper items of the same kind you like. Since I use mostly Instagram, I make sure to note the common selling price of the item I want and then compare. 
2. Decide whether to buy ONE item or to buy in BULK. This is how it usually goes for me, I buy in bulk! Why? After setting a budget (well, kind of, since I tend to SOMETIMES overspend...) I go to my usual online sellers, visit their accounts / sites, pick out the things I need (want!), contact the sellers to buy items together. If I buy just one item, the shipping fee is fixed, for example 60 pesos in Metro Manila. But in bulk, unless hindered by the weight, you can all join them in one bag and still pay the same. Also, if I really bought a lot of items from one seller, I ask her to give me a freebie (kapal ng mukha lang talaga!) or make it a whole number payment (i.e. total of 2376 pesos, to 2300 na lang). 
3. Clarify details. Is the item new or pre-loved? Maybe the item's cheap for all the wrong reasons. Don't be scared to ask the seller why the item is priced that way and if it is authentic (especially for branded items) or not. Also, note whether the items are already "on-hand", meaning ready to ship. If it's "pre-order", the item will be shipped on a certain date and some sellers would ask for a reservation fee. 
4. Read the seller's terms and conditions. Some sellers prefer certain payment and delivery methods. Some would allow meet up. Some sellers ship using certain courier services, on specified days during the week. For items #3 and #4, If you don't dwell on this, a scenario like this might happen: you might think that your item has not be delivered well in fact, it was a pre-order item to be delivered on a specified date. 
5. Decide how to pay. Mobile banking or Bank deposit? I usually pay via bank deposit. This way, I can make sure that the sellers are legitimate, especially if their name is broadcasted in their site for everyone to see, you can compare it with their bank details. What sellers usually do, they
6. Most importantly, make sure to leave your shipping details - your name, contact number, complete address for shipping, AND GET THE TRACKING NUMBER and COURIER service for your package. Getting the tracking number ensures that you have a package that will be directed to your door. Online, you can easily access the courier service website and track your package. 

I hope I got my point across that online shopping is not just fancy to the eyes. It is not even cheap. And it is not even safe at all times. So just make sure to be guided and vigilant when it comes to shopping matters.