Monday, July 15, 2013

NEW Lazada High Street

“Everything that you’ll surely love is at THE NEW LAZADA HIGH STREET” is the tagline of Lazada’s personal take on magazine inspired features published online.
Lazada claims its fame from its diverse number of products online. But with over 20,000 products to choose from, a person who finishes checking each item out is highly unlikely. And for some Filipinos especially in their late teens and early 20’s, they like to keep it updated and hip as to complement their early stages in their middle ages.
            The term ‘High Street’ probably rings a bell because it is of the same name as the popular go-to spot in Fort Bonifacio. I am not certain if this online feature was inspired by that but nevertheless, both online feature and local landmark exude the freshest and hippest insights in the metro. The items featured in Lazada High Street or as I call it, LZH, are not any different from the items in the category bars.  The items that appear in LZH are just products that fall under the same group or theme that are the most likely to sell because of either its high demand or affordable value. The essentials and best-sellers are grouped accordingly to make it easier for customers to spot it from the big bulk of products Lazada has.
            It’s outstanding how many features they have created since they started this trend. I was browsing the list of categories and gave up after the 25th. I guess they keep around features coming from previous months which are practical considering some people like to stick to one season throughout the year. Some styles never go out of fashion, I guess.
            My favorite online feature is ANIMAL PRINT FASHION since I am very much obsessed with cheetah and zebra prints. But don’t go picturing me like Cruela De Ville or any villain with the same interest. I like print but I know how to keep it on the down low. I just really like statement pieces. It makes me stand out. Something I am in dire need of because of my 5” flat height and skinny built.
            LZH is a great place to check out and probably even a good replacement to magazines when you’re out and about. You can check out the latest goodies in gadgets, fashion, beauty products and many more with your cellphone while waiting in line or getting your toes done.
The categories as of this month of July are as follows:

1.     25 LAPTOPS UNDER P25, 000
2.     TIME is GOLD: GOLD WATCHES  for HIM and HER
3.     HAIR SOLUTIONS
4.     STAR SPORTS KOREA
5.     BACK2BACK URBAN SPORTS       
6.     SPOTTED
7.     ANIMAL PRINT FASHION
8.     SNACKS MADE EASY
9.     WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING VIA BLUETOOTH
10. GOT THAT LOOK
11. EVERYTHING GOES with BLACK
12. WATERPROOF TECH
13. PICTURE PERFECT
14. LED TV DEALS
15. SOLE SEARCH
16. HEALTH EXPRESS
17. PERFECT FORM
18. INKJETS, ALL-IN-ONES & LASER PRINTERS
19. FORM and FUNCTION
20. BACK to SCHOOL ESSENTIALS
21. SKIN WHITENING SECRETS
22. BLOW ME AWAY IN STYLE
23. BACHELOR PAD BASICS
24. QUADCORE SMARTPHONES
25. CAMPUS FASHION

AND A LOT MORE. Check out
http://www.lazada.com.ph/new-lazada-highstreet/#highstreet for a complete list.


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Lazada earns PCI DSS sign of approval


Overconfidence can get you booted out of public-based competition. But overconfidence in shopping does not only endanger your priorities but your finances as well. Not fully being aware about your responsibilities as a shopper can set you back on your finances without even knowing it is happening. Customers especially those involved in online shopping should be resilient when it comes to misleading online stores. If you can’t tell apart a good deal from a rip off, then the only probable explanation to that is that you don’t know. Reading about the products you like and researching about the range it is normally sold for will help a lot on spotting good deals. Don’t be fooled by well-executed websites that seem legit but seem either 1) too good to be true or 2) out of real substance. Prioritize the authenticity of the websites you purchase from to avoid having to run after your seller after. Search for reviews, licenses and other forms of signs that the online shopping website you go to can be trusted. Hearing about previous customer experiences might give you a better idea of how to go about your personal transaction. Yes, online shopping websites are a lot faster but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from the important facts for preemptive measures. Lazada particularly has a stamp of approval from well-renowned security company, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). PCI DSS confirmed the security of the system being used by Lazada through Self-Assessment-Questionaire (SAQ) and PCI DSS Security Scan that were both passed by the said company. The seal endorses the competence of the company to keep certain personal information private and away from the public. It was reassessed last April 12, 2013 and was deemed as compliant to all necessary requirements again. Also, Lazada has harvested hundreds of good reviews by multiple buyers stating their personal experiences with regards to completing all types of transactions. Other websites that lack such seal but have been for performing well are Sulit, Deal Grocer and other celebrity fashion lines exclusively sold online.

                Some online buyers think that resolving to meet ups instead of depositing or paying with their credit cards is smarter. But even meet ups can turn to gory encounters despite said transaction is done in public. No matter how much you crave the item you like, remember how irresponsible it is to set aside safety above everything else. Online sites are not invincible from malicious acts. Since there is less attention on online shops because of the number of shops published each day, some people use this lack of security to their advantage. And though filing a case seems like a practical solution, you have to consider that there are graver problems that need more attention and that the chances of your concern being placed ahead of the rest are highly unlikely. So I suggest you take things to your own hands and control all possible outcomes when making a decision as big as surrendering your money to complete strangers.

Online shopping and its amazing features

Understanding the reality of online shopping isn't difficult. It's as simple as running a quick stop to a store for an errand. It's as basic as shopping goes. But only this time, instead of having to go the store you like, the store comes to you. With a simple wifi connection, you can access anything anywhere in the world at any given time. Online shopping is far from losing its spark. It's only beginning and the beginning is very bright.

Lazada Philippines is an online shopping store that does more than just offer items for sale. They give Filipinos a chance to claim what they think it is they deserve. With a few twists of fate thanks to Lazada's incredible promos, Filipino online buyers can buy items they like for a lower price. Also, they can distribute the worth of all their purchases into installments available depending on the promo set out for a certain promo period. They have given thousands of Fiipinos access to their outstanding collection of over 20,000 items all in high definition. All items are delivered straight to the location of the customer's choice. Certain charges are required with a maimum of P100. Purchases that reach up to a thousand and above are free of charge in shipment. Items are eligible for return with full refund up to 7 days. Items that are screened and approved to be of the negligence of the supplier will be refunded. Products come with 2 year warranties and are promised to be brand new. Promos reach up to 90% depending on the season sales. Daily discounts are provided available to all type of customers. A voucher worth P200 is given to all newsletter subscribers.

These are just some of the amazing features Lazada has flawlessly served to its public. I bought a pair of earphones from them and because it was worth a little over P2,000, its delivery was for free. It even came with an unexpected P300 voucher that I could use during my next purchase. For the record, I have bought from this online store prior to the earphones I just bought. It was under a thousand and even then, I experienced quality service that I am very happy about.

I have to be honest when I say that online shopping has never really been my thing. Robinson's Galleria is right next to my village and since I learned how to drive, I have always found it an excellent past time to go the mall. But as I grew old, it became a lot less exciting and more like a chore. This is huge coming from me who just got her license a year ago. It also made an impact that my mom just installed a new sound system at home. Online shopping just seems more reasonable and not to mention a lot cheaper than those in malls. Sales in malls don't even come close to the amount I get to save when I purchase online. Gas is a simple but an added factor. 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Lazada: A popular online promo worth trying out


I love it when websites come up with the reddest promos that even someone like me who insists that shopping is bad can’t resist it. It’s because the deals are so good that refusing to take part in it would be a lot more well… stupid. Deals up to almost a hundred percent off may seem like it’s too good to be true but it’s actually true. The very recent promo I think a lot of websites incorporated in their monthly sales is the 90% off promo where everyone can order the item and not have to pay a single dime. The order you pass will serve as you online raffle ticket for the draw that will determine the winner at the end of the duration given by the company. I have never won in any of the three websites I joined in including Cashcashpinoy, Lazada Philippines and I forgot the last one.

And you thought I was willing to spend on my uncalled for shopping hatred. The only reason I considered even doing it is because I basically have to pay for 10% of the market price. The only catch is you can’t choose what item you can buy. A featured item for the day, hour or week will be provided for you and if you’re one to try your luck, you can get a chance to win something normally sold for thousands for just a few hundreds unless of course you’re wanting to buy something above 10,000. Maybe then you’d have to pay a little over a thousand as well but what’s a thousand to the many thousands you can save, right?

I would say that the most expensive thing I have bought online so far and it was because I needed it for work is the handy charger I got a few weeks ago. It’s very practical because ever since I upgraded my line to have LTE, my iPhone has been dying like crazy. I’d be lucky to have it working one fourth of the day. And since most of my work are relayed over skype, it’s important for me to be online 24/7. Yes, even when I’m not at work, I’m still working. It was 12% off when I saw it but because Lazada had a promo for all MasterCard holders, I was able to get an additional 10% off over the already discounted price.

Shopping technically isn’t bad but let’s not be in denial when I say that some people blow it out of proportion making it impossible for them to hold themselves back when a sale comes out. I’m all for the ‘I worked hard I deserve this’ cause but you’d think since they know how much effort was put into a few hundreds that they’d know how to save up. Unless I’m hundreds of thousands up from my normal monthly expenses, I just can’t imagine myself splurging on the most outrageous things like a flat screen tv or a car. I don’t even think loaning is such a good idea. I mean, since when was buying something you still can’t afford a smart idea?

Monday, July 1, 2013

Setting standards for quality online shopping experience


There's nothing wrong with having expectations especially if it's your money on the line. I have been shopping online for a very long time already and each time I make sure I'm confident about the websites I buy from. You can never be too over confident because it only takes one strike of bad luck to ruin your streak. I have a friend who tried out this sketchy online site that sold 'legitimate' New York Knicks caps. I don't how people tell exactly when a cap's authentic but based on what he saw on Facebook, it seemed that way. He deposited the money to the seller's bank account and in return, he got a fake class A replica. He didn't have the phone number of the seller since they stayed connected through chat. He messaged the guy repeatedly after and never got a reply. All his messages on the shop's page were subject for approval so he could never expose the shop for being a fraud. All he could do was share the page and label it as bull****. He reported it but the shop eventually got removed on its own. Moral of the story? It doesn't mean the website seems legit that it actually is. There are two key notes we can learn from my friend's impulsiveness. First is assess the website fully and be sure that you have control over what happens. Depositing in full and not having anything to hold on to as a form of security from the seller should be enough to make you question the integrity of the transaction. If I were you, I'd suggest you buy from Facebook pages whose owners you have direct contact to. The safest way is still sticking to professional sites that are registered under the Department of Trade and Industry of course.  

Companies like Lazada and Zalora are both wide distributors of over 20, 000 products from different brands. They are registered under DTI and have a seal of approval from PCI-DSS which implies that both have already gone through the legal procedures of being deemed safe. Cash on delivery is also preferrable because this way you can check out the product the moment it gets delivered before paying in full. Items that malfunction or do not follow the descriptions posted on the website get a free pass and are allowed to return their orders that are still in mint condition. It's not impossible to find a website that carries the majority of wht you personally like. It's all a matter of finding the right one because out of the millions or maybe even billions of online shops published today, a percentage of that are bound to be a match for you. Set some standards for yourself because the point of online sites is to make your shopping indulgence convenient. If all it does is worry you or piss you off then it's hardly doing its job, is it? I think it would be then safe to say that you should go find another.