With the world quickly moving onto the digital platform, enabling you to buy practically anything and everything, we consult the experts on what you should know before checking out your virtual shopping cart.
1 THE PROS AND CONS
YAY
You’ll have access to a great variety and land amazing bargains – whenever you want to, and from anywhere with an internet connection or mobile data. Plus, you’ll be able to read reviews from other buyers to discern beforehand if a product is worth it.
NAY
Online stores offering fabulous bargains may quickly run out of stock. Not to mention, you won’t be able to get a guarantee on quality until the product is in your hands, and there is a possibility you’ll be sent the wrong size or colour.
2 ARE TAXES INVOLVED?
FIONE (F): “Online, prices are mostly cheaper than conventional stores due to lower operation costs. If you’re shopping from a local seller on a local platform, GST and other taxes will be the same as offline rates. But if you’re shopping from international websites, also known as border eCommerce, the taxes may be lower and you can enjoy duty exemptions for items below RM500 (cost of items inclusive of cost price, insurance, and freight).”
3 SHIPPING FEES
CAROL (C): “Some sellers offer nationwide flat-rate shipping, while others offer two rates for West and East Malaysia. The majority of merchants use Pos Malaysia’s services, but there has been an emergence of other providers such as Easyparcel, ZaptoExpress, and more. International shipping fees will definitely be more expensive – so, group up with your friends to share the cost.”
4 WHAT TO ASK BEFORE YOU COMMIT
Remember that receipts can be photo shopped to confuse customers regarding the authenticity of a product, so make sure you run these questions by the sellers:
This story is from the September 2017 edition of Her World Malaysia.
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This story is from the September 2017 edition of Her World Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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