The Good and Bad of Online Shopping Spree

Online spreeing is a collective shopping method in which groups of consumers, through platforms such as forums and blogs, come together to make bulk purchases from similar online merchants. By combining their purchases, the base handling and shipping charge is shared, thus saving on costs.

All about online spree:

- The attractive thing about online sprees is you get to purchase exclusive stuff that’s not sold in local departmental stores.

- In terms of pricing, its slightly cheaper but be prepared to wait for quite awhile to receive your items, sometimes even up to 2/3 months.

- We can get nice and unique items without having to bump into someone on the street with similar designs.

- Be careful on who you spree with and the hidden cost behind online shopping. Always ask for an invoice that is, shipping charges and all. The organizer should have it.

- Hidden cost: it might be free shipping but only example within US, but not outside. Prepared to pay more than you think. Some company goes by weight of purchases/ size of clothes for packaging.

- For clothes, find out the type of cut i.e sizing runs small/big. It’s not universal sizing. If unsure of sizing, buy an alternative that is cheaper first in case sizing is wrong.

Things you can bear in mind when planning to take part in an online spree:

- Too good to be true

If it is for branded goods that are purportedly heavily discounted, be wary. Ask your questions but if you start getting evasive answers, stay away.

- Reputation Check

Check the reputation of the spree organizer. Most online forums have a way of checking the authenticity or veracity of a particular organizer. If the positive comments outweigh the negative comments, then they might be more trustworthy. If many people have reported good experiences with them, then it’s usually safer. It’s doesn’t mean that they won’t turn coat, but the odds are less.

- Organizers’ Service

Sometimes an order gets messed up or a wrong product is received. Check feedback to see how the organizer dealt with the problem. If you have someone that takes a very aggressive stance, I’d stay away too. But that’s me.

- Check how organized the organizer

Did they send out their items quickly? Did they send a confirmation that they have received your payment? Did they let you know the products have been received and when you should expect to receive your items? These are something an organized person would do so see if there are complaints along these lines. Be wary of someone who fails to communicate because it might mean they have disappeared off the face of the earth with your money.

With reference to: Squidoo, Shoppinglifestyle, Bjreview