online shopping Archives | Page 9 of 14

Best Places To Buy Affordable Bags In Singapore

English model Poppy Delevingne once said:

“I’m more of a handbag girl; my guilty pleasure is bags. I don’t even have a clue how many I own.”

Like Poppy, many Singaporeans have an undeniable fondness for bags. A bag is a statement piece not only because it blends your outfit together but also because it often sheds a light to your personality. With its importance and functionality, you may wonder about the best places to find reasonably priced bags.

Wonder no more as this list has you covered!

FOR EVERYDAY BAGS

Any person with a tight budget would know that one of the best places to shop at Orchard Road for standout ensemble is the Far East Plaza. With about 6 floors, this building is filled with bargain deals for just about anything you can wear! So for everyday bags priced as low as S$15, focus on the shops at levels 1-3.

FOR PERSONALIZED BAGS

If you like adding a personal touch to your bags then, you will love what GSEWS has to offer. GSEWS’ bags are handmade by a local self-taught crafter whose pricing strategy is set according to the materials and time spent while making each item. This is such a fair trade because you can customize a unique design based on your preference in colors, fabrics, and add-ons. Limited customization slots are up for reservation every 4th Sunday of the month.

Image Credits: https://carousell.com/gsews/

Image Credits: carousell.com/gsews

However, if you want to purchase the ready-made items, prices start at S$8.

FOR WORKPLACE BAGS

ZALORA Singapore comes to my mind whenever I think of workplace suitable bags that create a balance between shape, function, and affordability. Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell bags, accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women.

Here, I found a well-structured tote bag for S$34.90 as well as an adorable set of Cosmetic Bags for only S$10. Who does not need these organizational convenience at work?

Image Credits: www.zalora.sg

As for, I recommend the Medium Size Messenger Bag for S$16.10 and the Canvas Laptop Carrier for S$14.90 only.

BONUS: FOR LUXURY BAGS

Luxury bags are not exactly affordable however, you can still find some reasonably priced items if you know where to look. With prices that are over 80% lower than the retail price, how can you resist an online bargain deal? Consider these shops:

a. www.reebonz.com.sg: Reebonz offers the widest range for both new and pre-loved designer bags, wallets, and watches. From Chanel, YSL, to Louis Vuitton bags – they have it all!

b. www.brandsfever.com: Getting a great bag deal at the Brands Fever’s flash sale is like hitting the jackpot. But you have to be a site member to indulge all its benefits.

c. www.madammilan.com.sg: Madam Milan not only has an online shop but also physical boutiques in Far East Plaza, Raffles Place MRT, Tanjong Pagar MRT, and Star Vista. They offer prime selections of designer labels islandwide.

Image Credits: facebook.com/madammilansg

Image Credits: www.fb.com/madammilansg

4 Ways To Save Big On School Supplies

I can still remember the time when my mother distributed school supplies to me and my other siblings. It was a rush that I get every time I fill my bag with new stationery items. But, behind that joyful rush is a mother that just spent her hard-earned cash on supplies!

This is why it is important to save as much as you can while shopping. Start by setting aside extra cash each week before the school starts. Then, follow these 4 tips:

1. KIDS MATTER

Children play a huge role on what goes inside your basket. If you have the option to leave your child at home with a family member or a babysitter then, do so. Going on a shopping trip alone will ensure that you do not have to give in to what your kids wants. Furthermore, you would save a lot more in your bill.

2. KNOW WHAT TO BUY

Come prepared to avoid getting overwhelmed with the abundance of school supplies available. Make a shopping list that is in lined with your budget and stick with it. If you are shopping for more than one kid then, organize the list by making a column for each. And, if the school provided a list of mandatory school supplies then, it will give you an opportunity to save money beforehand.

3. SHOP ONLINE

Be patient and purchase online. There are many retailers that offer promotions and clearance sales on their own website. Also, you get to save on gas or transportation fee. Lionstationery.com.sg and Evergreen.com.sg are the two stationery websites you can visit.

4. QUALITY OVER PRICE

If you are only focused with the cost, you will end up replacing a bunch of items in the near future. Save more in the long run by buying quality items that you think your children will overuse for the whole school year such as backpacks and binders. Moreover, some of these excellent quality items can last for the next school year.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

This is why you must buy supplies that have basic colors to stay on trend!

Sources: 1 & 2

8 Telltale Signs That You Are Seriously Devoted To Online Shopping

Almost every human soul on Earth loves shopping! Who does not appreciate the rush they get while picking the perfect outfit? Then, a few decades down the road came the Internet. Marrying these two resulted to the growth of E-commerce and online shopping, especially in Singapore.

In 2014, a website called Flipit found that 50% of E-commerce traffic in Singapore came from the mobile devices. The accessibility to efficient Internet connection in our country led more and more people to shift their buying power online. With famed websites such as Zalora, Qoo10, Taobao, Lazada, and Rakuten, there has been an ongoing debate whether traditional physical stores are losing their appeal.

Previous Paypal research showed that the size of Singapore’s online shopping market reached S$1.1 billion in 2010 and it is forecasted to hit S$4.4 billion by this year. The elevated power of E-commerce has two sides namely: positive and negative. Positively, it brings convenience as it can save one’s money and time. Negatively, it brings susceptibility to serious devotion and addiction.

On that note, here are the 8 Telltale Signs That You Are Seriously Devoted To Online Shopping:

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

1. If you open your bag or purse, you will see a bunch of deposit slips from different online shops.

2. Most of the time, you would have an open tab in your browser with a full shopping cart waiting for you to pursue your purchase.

3. Every minute of your free time in home and work is spent scrolling through Instagram, Carousell, and other online retailers.

4. Your daily routine will not be complete without doing rounds of browses through your favorite online shops to see their new arrivals and sale items.

5. You receive packages via mail that you forgot you once ordered.

6. You get uncomfortable and anxious when you think about shopping in physical stores.

7. Your heart races when you read an email announcing that the online ship has an ongoing sale.

8. You bought the same thing twice by accident.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

If more than 5 signs apply to you, perhaps you should re-consider your online shopping habits along with the other 1.2 million Singaporean online shoppers (i.e., above the age of 18 years old only) out there!

Source: 1, 2, & 3

4 Most Fashionable Shopping Places Fit For The Student’s Budget

Polytechnic and University students are generally not required to wear uniforms. Although, that does not mean that you come to school with slippers, singlets, and miniskirts. You still have to look fashionable, poised, and appropriate at all times. Looking for shops that are friendly to a student’s budget may be tough but not if you know where to shop. Start with this list…

1. FAR EAST PLAZA

Any student with a tight budget would know that one of the best places to shop at Orchard Road for standout ensemble is the Far East Plaza. With about 6 floors, this building is filled with bargain deals for just about anything you can wear! From shoes, to tops, and even manipedis – Far East Plaza has it all for you.

My favorite shop for clothes is the BlogShopping at level 1 because it combines various famed online shops in one (physical) store. SetApart, WonderStellar, VogueAvenue, and Love x Theory are just some of the brands they carry. The prices for their clothes range from S$19-30.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/BlogShopping/214479001950446?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

While for shoes, I recommend Covet and Plain Jane shoes at level 1. They offer stylish shoes for as low as S$10.

2. *SCAPE

This list will not be complete without mentioning *Scape Underground. *Scape Underground is filled with online or blogshops that sell their items at the cheapest prices. Unique accessories for as low as S$5 – can be found here. If you are lucky, you can chance upon ELF or NYX cosmetics that retails for as low as S$3. Nonetheless, inexpensive yet cool phone cases will always be available there.

3. ZALORA

Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women. If you are a student who loves to be decked out in flashy bling then, you are in lock. ZALORA is currently having up to 50% off on their items so; their rings and ear studs can be purchased for as low as S$2-3!

4. THE EDITOR’S MARKET

Probably one of the most fashion forward shops with prices ranging from S$20-50, The Editor’s Market is minimalist, hip, and chic. Certainly, it perfectly exudes the youthful vibe! Whenever I am here, it is impossible to not find something I like.

The catch is: if you purchase two or more items, you get to save even higher! So, if you are planning to purchase here, it is best to grab a trusted friend along to guide you and lower down your total receipt. Their stores are located at Cathay Cineleisure and Orchard Central.

Image Credits: facebook.com/theeditorsmarket

A Safer Way to Shop Online

You can’t deny that shopping is one of Singapore’s favourite pastimes. With online retail giants setting up basecamp on our shores including the likes of Zalora, Lazada and Rakuten among others, consumers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the goods and services we can purchase from the comfort of our own homes.

But are you aware of the security risks involved when using your credit or debit card to shop online?

Getting the facts

Singapore’s online shopping industry is projected to reach US$3.45 billion in 2015. While this is only a tiny fraction of the US$525 billion for the entire Asia Pacific region, the average Singaporean spends around US$1,800 annually. The yearly increase in online spending is also a healthy sign of the rapidly growing popularity of e-commerce in Singapore.

However, in tandem with the meteoric rise of online shopping in Asia over the last few years, authorities have also reported a surge in online scams and credit card fraud. Last year, the Monetary Authority of Singapore claimed that businesses lost an estimated US$1.6 billion due to cybercrimes, a marginal sum when compared to the global losses of over US$400 billion.

But it has never happened to me before.. so I’m safe, right?

Well, not exactly. Do you know whether the website you are buying from is compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)? Have you ever let a website save your credit card information for the sake of convenience and a faster checkout?

In 2014, less than a third (28.6%) of online merchants managed to remain fully PCI compliant less than a year after getting their certification. This means that even though a website’s security may have been validated before, this doesn’t mean their current business processes or newly adopted systems are PCI compliant.

One of the largest global online retailers, eBay, fell victim to a security breach last year when a handful of their employee accounts were compromised and used to gain access to their customer database. Just last month, Google found a vulnerability in the Android operating system that allows hackers to access the phone’s data remotely via a multimedia message.

With the rise in cybercrime, consumers need to find a way to protect themselves when shopping online.

Preventing online fraud

You can take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of fraud, but there is only one guaranteed way to prevent it – that is to stop using your credit or debit card to shop online altogether. Sounds impossible? Well, there are many other methods you can pay for goods online that don’t necessarily require you to use your credit card.

MatchMove Pay is one such solution that lets consumers shop online using a virtual MasterCard or American Express® Virtual Pay prepaid card. The concept of a prepaid credit card is commonplace in the USA but seldom talked about here in Singapore. MatchMove Pay takes it one step further by enabling anyone to get their own virtual prepaid card online or on mobile instantly.

How does it work?

Consumers top-up their MatchMove card only when they have something to buy. This can be done via secured top-up channels including the ATM, your bank’s online banking website and others. After adding funds, simply use the prepaid card to checkout your online purchases. It’s safer than a debit card because it is not linked to your bank account and works just like any credit card.

So even if a hacker manages to gain access to your MatchMove card details, they wouldn’t be able to use it without any funds. What’s more, MatchMove provides an additional layer of security through a dynamic card verification code (CVC) feature which generates a unique code every time you checkout a purchase.

There are also other benefits for using MatchMove Pay including monthly cash rebates of up to 50%, attractive lifestyle and travel offers, and a soon-to-be-launched loyalty rewards programme.

Is MatchMove reliable?

The company is invested in by Japan’s third largest credit card issuer, Credit Saison, an affiliate of the Mizuho Financial Group. MatchMove is also an official card issuer for MasterCard and American Express® and work closely with these financial institution to ensure the customer’s lifestyle needs and security are well taken care of. But don’t just take our word for it, find out what MatchMove users have to say:

Register Now to Receive Free $5 Credit!

Signup for a free MatchMove MasterCard wallet by clicking on this link to receive a $5 credit in your account. Limited to the first 100 Money Digest readers who register before 31 August 2015. All eligible signups will receive the $5 credit directly into your MatchMove wallet account by 7 September 2015.

(This article is brought to you by MatchMove Singapore)

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