Guide to Online Shopping ♥ (Part 1)

I'm sure online shopping is not unfamiliar to you guys right? Right? Only me? Meh... (Just proven my own point as my junior just told me that she "Nv buy things only see" meh...) Well, online shopping is indeed getting more and more popular (I hope) recently with it being more convenient for those lazy bums who are just to lazy to even get up and go outside to shop, or just don't have the time to. As for me, I do most of my shopping online... Argh... Yes, I am that lonely person online... Just kidding... Right? Right? Heh. 

Well, seeing that online shopping is the trend nowadays, let me introduce a website which I do most of my shopping on (Note: I'm not affiliated with any of these sellers/websites... blah blah blah) Without a further a do, let me introduce GMARKET/ Qoo10! 

Most people may think that online shopping may be risky and what not, but Gmarket/Qoo10 (arrgh such a mouthful, I'll just refer to it as Gmarket) is pretty reliable, believe it or not, although there is a certain risk behind it. However, there are things called reviews in Gmarket that can let you know if the seller/ product is worth a try. If the seller has mainly positive feedback about delivery (how long the delivery takes/ courier service standard) and packaging quality (aka how they wrap up your stuff), he/she is probably reliable and doesn't throw your stuff in a random plastic bag and ship it to you in 1 month only for you to find out that the measly plastic bag has been torn and your stuff inside has been ripped to shreds (I doubt there is really such an example in real life. I. think... Right?  Heh.. hope not :X) 

Jokes aside, my experience online has been surprisingly pleasant, and uckily I have not met any irresponsible buyers YET. Yes, but I know they are out there, lurking in the shadows... *shivers* Anyway, let me just share with you some stuff I bought online, and what to look out for each category :D Note: The pictures I'm using aren't the real products themselves. 

• Phone Accessories

www.geekalerts.com

szmaiphone.en.made-in-china.com (SHO PRETTY)

Phone Accessories are pretty "safe" to buy as they are smaller in size and easier to deliver, so there is not much to worry about as it will arrive safely in your mailbox :) Just make sure that the seller has a good record, and that the other buyers were not constantly complaining about any defects on the products. Just follow these rules and you are pretty much good to go! :)

• Consumable Products

zenkimchi.com

snacks-most-delicious.tumblr.com

This is the section you will have to watch out for! Consumables are probably the most dangerous items to buy online as you never know what you will be eating or what to expect if your seller does not write any specific details of the product.

1. Always look for the expiry date. If there is no expiry date, better not take the risk.
2. Always look at the reviews other buyers give after receiving their products. Do they like it? Hate it? If they have negative feedback, its a no for you too :3
3. Lastly, if you are really interested in trying the product even if there a few negative feedbacks and a few positive ones and you are torn between both, I suggest for you to buy one item first, so you can judge for yourself if you like it or not and if you like it, buy another! (This also applies to other items like clothes and accessories as well)

Hope you learnt something about how to take precautions when online shopping and I hope you will use this knowledge in the future when shopping online to prevent any bad experiences from happening to you! I will post part 2 soon so wait for it patiently ~ :)