Interview Specials #8: Runway Diva – true blue shopaholics

Introduction to Runaway Diva…

Runway Diva was founded in December 2007. The founders were true blue shopaholics with a desire to own everything that they saw on their shopping expeditions, both in physical stores or in the online world, their parents encouraged them to start a blogshop to curb their shopping desires, at the same time to educate them on the value of money and the hardship involved in running a business and dealing with others.

Challenges encountered…

Runaway Diva shared four difficulties they encountered during their initial start-up:

- Blogshop Visibility

The biggest obstacle was certainly getting others to find out about their website and what they were offering to them. To counter, they started a series of advertising strategies to increase their exposure, by getting well known bloggers to blog about them, and also via some of the more popular livejournal communities.

- Customer’s Trust

Gaining the trust of consumers was also an issue so they had to rely very much on word of mouth by customers to keep them going.

- Uniqueness

They also had to consider how they could differentiate their site from other established blogshops.

- Proper System Operation

They had to think of a proper system of operation so that they could keep track of all purchases made by customers and also having to continuously devise ways to further increase their efficiency or improving the quality of their photos and products.

Preventive Measures…

Runaway Diva used their previous experience as online shoppers to guide their course of action. They believe that shoppers want to come to a website with a simple, clean layout, where navigation is fairly easy, and ordering is a breeze. That was why they chose to use livejournal as our blogshop host. Stating their email clearly on the website is another way to ensure customers that they can be contactable should any problem arise. Also, they place tremendous effort in trying to get the best photos of their products, to ensure that they are as close to the actual item as possible. That way, customers would know that what they see is what they can expect to be receiving. Descriptions are also as detailed as possible so customers know more about the material of the item, and whether the measurements are suitable for them. They believe that customers want their shopping experience to be fuss-free, they try to foresee any potential problems that might occur during the entire process and attempt to minimize their possible occurrence. Stamping their return address on the back of all parcels in case of returned mail. They are using Twitter as a platform for customers who would like to be updated on their daily activities.

Reliable, responsible, and delivers as promised…

According to Runaway Diva, safe blogshop would be one which is reliable, responsible, and delivers as promised. When customers do not receive their items on time or when parcels go missing, be there to assure them and assist them in tracking their parcels back. If there are any defects with products, be prompt in taking the action required to resolve the issue. Always ensuring that customers are able to shop with a sense of security and at ease, knowing that they can turn to the owners whenever help is needed would be paramount to the entire shopping experience.

Things to look out for in online shopping…

According to RWD, Shoppers should take note of feedback regarding the blogshop, in terms of quality of products, efficiency, or after sales service. They would also need to take note of the terms and conditions stated by blogshops so that they are clear of any policies pertaining to them. We also strongly encourage customers to opt for registered mailing as many blogshops are not liable for lost normal mail. With registered parcels you will be given a individual tracking code that allows you to track your parcel along every stage of the mailing process. Always keep records of any transaction so that you can refer to it if there is a need.

Runaway Diva founders would like to say some words to budding entrepreneurs…

As the market is really saturated now, it is best to have a site name that is striking and yet easy to memorize. Following which they need to know which is their specific target group so that they are able to cater to their needs. Having a distinguishing feature is also important towards building up a brand name as that would ultimately be the element which people will remember you by.

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SafeBlogShopper would like to say a big thank you to blogshop owners who responded to our interview request and gave their best in putting all these interviews a great success.

Feel free to drop us any comments if you have anything to say.

Disclaimer:

- All images are screen shot from Runaway Diva
– Most of the content in this interview are contributed by Runaway Diva.