Yesterday, I received a made-to-order crochet top from a new client online, and she requested a color that I don't have. I instantly said yes to her color preference, remembering the 10.10 Sale on Shopee the next day, which offered free delivery (though it isn't truly free, but merely a discounted one).
When I wake up this morning, I immediately open the Shopee App, search for the color yarn that I need, click the add to cart button and look for additional items that the shop has to offer so that everything will be shipped together. But only items that I know I will be needing on my crochet online business. After checking my shopping cart, and adding the free shipping vouchers, I clicked on the check out and just wait for the shop or seller to ship my order.
I've been doing this for over a year now so I am confident with what to expect. But every now and then I always check the other seller's price for comparison to save a penny.
I also tried ordering hooks online through Shopee but the seller is from Indonesia. I was hesitant to order at first because the hook seemed a little pricey compared to my regular steel hooks, which cost less than fifty pesos. But I was relieved when it finally arrived. I immediately tried the tulip crochet hook and just like the most of the crocheter had described, it easily glides as you crochet. At that point, I was overjoyed and satisfied with my purchase.
I've come across some of the worst products while purchasing online, for example, not being able to obtain the exact size or color of a dress, incomplete orders, and low-quality products such as aloe vera moisturizer. I didn't make complaints about the quality or the change of color or size because it would be a waste of time. The important is I did receive it complete. However, I made contact with the seller who had delivered me incomplete orders. She replied, to be fair, but to get the refund, I need to go through a lot of process which I find inconvenient and potentially be just a waste of time, so I chose to let it slide.
When placing a purchase online, there are several pros and cons to consider. The pros are that it is extremely accessible, simple, and convenient, and you may be able to take advantage of promotions such as free shipping, cashbacks, or the coins that are awarded to you if you visit Shopee on a regular basis and try to play their games such as Shopee Bubble, Shopee Candy, Shopee Farm, Shopee Claw, Shopee Catch, Shopee Shake, Spin and Win, and Guess It Right. When you click the coin reward on the home screen, you'll find all of the games. And if you're wondering if I tested it out, the answer is yes!
As I have personally observed, one of the disadvantages of online purchasing is that the goods you order may not fulfill your exact expectations. The other issue is that you won't be able to get it right away because it will have to travel a long distance. And if you have problems about the products, returning them or requesting a refund would take more time.
Even with the disadvantages that I was aware of, I would still choose to shop online. Why? Because it's both addictive and reassuring at the same time. The photos are so appealing that they make you want to buy something even if you don't truly need it. I can truly say that budol (both the good and the bad kind) is rampant online. We must be vigilant on our purchases and likewise have control and discipline on what we buy online. As much as possible, buy only what you truly need. It's easy to get lost in the "Add to Cart" route.
Shopping on the internet is like giving yourself a present. Instead of a gorgeous wrapping and ribbons, the present was mostly coated with black plastics and tapes. It's funny, but every time I open that strange-looking gift, I get excited. Lol
A timid person who loves to stay alone in the corner doing her crochet thingy. She accepts made-to-order projects of anything related to crochet.
To order, feel free to message me through my FB Page: https://m.facebook.com/crochetterscollection/ and Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/crochetterscollection