Not about sales but about shopping

Shopping in Vietnam

I just got back from Vietnam last week and it was a gastronomic and shopping fest. At the rate I was eating I probably need to consider weight loss pills at some point in time before I balloon up hehe… But nope, I’m going to persevere and try to work it off the hard way :P

That said, here are 3 tips I have for shopping in Vietnam especially in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):-

  • Bargain - the traders are now quite smart. The old rule of 70% discount no longer applies for big purchases. Its more like 50-60% now or they won’t bother to call you back because they know there will be others who will pay for it. For small items e.g. embroidered items you can still try to bargain it to a palatable level.
  • Use Vietnam Dong - I’ve found that when I choose to pay in VND I get a better price. It might be due to the high exchange rate at this time between the RM-USD which is the other accepted currency in Vietnam. So, I ask for prices in VND and work from there.
  • Don’t shop at the first store you see - in many cases, the most prominent store will be the most expensive store. I prefer to go deep into the labyrinth of the Ben Tanh market or to a store on a side road – I get the same item I want for a smaller price.

Hope this helps!

March 18, 2009 | Filed Under Tips, Travel | Leave a Comment 

When shopping can be a little home business

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Picture by: garethjmsaunders

I’ve recently had a friend in the USA shop online for me. It was for a bunch of stuff and brands I can’t get here in Malaysia and something I’ve been wanting for a long time. I was lucky that she was lovely enough to do it all for me without charging me extra like some others have. :)

Some Malaysians living overseas have turned from doing friends a favour by shopping for them, to a small business opportunity where they buy certain items and then sell them on to their friends or online for a profit. I personally know of someone who has been doing this for years and turning a small profit as she goes along, without having to declare anything. For a housewife, she’s doing pretty well! I can’t say its a bad thing, to be honest. Heaven knows, there are so many things I want from other countries which I can’t get here, and if the mark up is within my budget, I don’t mind paying.

Because there is a return policy on goods overseas, I have also seen people who buy certain items (especially branded goods) on sale and then sell them on. While we might not get it at the exact sale price, it can still be markedly cheaper than buying it on sale or at retail in Malaysia.

For all the legitimate entrepreneurs out there, I take my hats off to you. If you want to buy such items off online sites, do be careful that you are paying for the real thing. And if you are, relish your bargain purchase!

December 10, 2008 | Filed Under Shopping hazards, Tips | Leave a Comment 

Cheap window dressing for the office

When I was doing up our new office, we had a bit of a problem with the windows. The windows we had were high and I was not for curtains because of maintenance. The usual alternative is of course venetian blinds.

However, when I went to enquire about making these venetian blinds, the cost floored me. Having to work on a tight budget, I was at a bit of a loss until my eyes fell on bamboo blinds. Bamboo blinds for the office?

Why not!? And why not indeed!

The blinds I found were ready made and only needed to be drilled into the wall to be hung. The length was just right, and it gave the office a nice feel which is unlike the usual clinical look of offices. Also, it is rather sheer so it let it quite a lot of natural light yet keeps out the sun’s glare.

So, the next time you are thinking of a cheaper option for office windows, think outside the box and try bamboo blinds. It does make a difference!

December 2, 2008 | Filed Under Household, Tips | Leave a Comment 

Some Christmas gift ideas


By Sister72

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? We are entering the month of December which means the Christmas shopping season is hotting up! Its not too late to take a little time to give some thoughts to the gifts you are giving people.

All too often I myself have been guilty of giving gifts I bought at the last minute and then find that the recipient does not enjoy it or its not for them.

So, here are some practical gifts you can consider for the people in your lives:-

  • membership to a wine of the month club – They’ll receive a bottle of wine every month so they get gifts the whole year round!
  • gift certificates or vouchers for a book store – I like this for children to inculcate the love of reading. Look in MPH or Borders or Kinokuniya
  • Puzzles for kids because it helps them think while playing
  • Luxury food hampers – for friends or family who enjoy their food

Alternatively you could buy a cake of the month membership and use it to send cakes all year round to your friends! I didn’t even know this existed.

I always start my shopping early to make sure I pick up some good deals along the whole year. This way, I make sure some thought goes into my gifts and that I have the time to pick them up at good prices. After all, I’m sure my recipient would also appreciate the fact that I didn’t have to break my bank to get it for them! :)

November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Tips | 2 Comments 

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