Tips on buying online

Some tips that might be handy when buying online!

#1
Check out any delivery charges excluded from the price tag

In Singapore, Singpost services will be used to deliver an item to the customer. Typically it will cost from $1 to $1.50 per piece of clothing ordered. You should always check out the Singpost website for the rates of postage.

#2
Make sure you inform the seller if you want to track postage of your item and check the additional cost that comes with it

Singpost charges $2.24 for registered article. Some sellers may charge more than $2.24 as they deem it an additional service to walk over to the post office. So please make sure you are ok with what they are charging.
If you do not want to opt for registered article, in the event that the mail gets lost, 100% of the time seller bears no responsibility because the mailing is lost by the mail handler (which is another company) and not the seller.

#3
Check the currency of the price stated

If the currency stated is not your local currency, goto any currency converter website (just google search, and you'll get a few links) and get an estimated cost of the item in your local currency.
As currency rates changes day by day, you will need to buffer in some differences and also your credit card charges for non-local currency transactions.

#4
Check if the seller is registered to perform trade in the country

Any registered business in Singapore will have their own registration number. This number is issued by ACRA (Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority). It is generally safer to deal with a business that is registered compared to a seller who does not register with the authorities, unless the seller is somebody you know.

#5
Request actual photos on the items you intend to buy

Some sellers post photos of the items on pretty models (especially for apparel) and sophisticated photo shop has been done. These pictures are normally given to them by the supplier. Always request actual photos of the items you intend to buy.

#6
Ask questions about the item you intend to buy

Besides refering to the seller's size chart, always request for detail measurements of each item you intend to buy. This is because for any 2 person of the same size, their shoulder width, arm width, chest width..etc.. might be very different. So requesting for additional information helps you to decide if the item does fit. If the item might be slightly bigger, try and buffer some alteration cost in, and decide if it is worth buying. If you suspect the item might be too small or too big beyond alteration, do not purchase it unless you are ok with selling it on eBay :)

#7
Most importantly, enjoy the process of shopping online :D