How to shop online

There are no queues, rude store staff or crowds. Granted you can’t try on your selections but follow me and I’ll run you through the tips and tricks of online trading.

 

I can tell you are skeptical, so for the admittedly cautious, the easiest way to get your head around the business of online shopping is to start small. Test out the system by buying something that has little buyer’s remorse or risk. For your first buy try a handbag or a pair of earrings. 

 

Accessories are a great way to feel out the framework because a pair of earrings or a handbag only comes in one size, so you can’t really go wrong. 

 

I love this electric blue studded messenger bag from Mr. Price. It’s R89.99 and can be delivered to you before Friday! 

 

All you have to do is sign up and in a few simple clicks you’re ready to roll. I can hear you screeching, “but I don’t want to sign up because they going to send me a million pesky email advertisements and call me at inconvenient times, yada, yada, yada”.

 

I hear you sister, and I promise they won’t because it’s actually against the law. They will ask if you would like to receive their newsletter and or updates in the sign up process and you can simply say “No”, and that’s that. 

 

They also don’t ask for any of your banking details in the sign up process either. You will only be asked to enter your payment details once you have chosen your item, added them to your "Wish List" and are ready to "Check- Out". 

 

That’s common practice with retail sites but each site does have different delivery and payment options. Most sites accept credit and debit cards. Zando and Style 36 even accept cash on delivery. I would try that arrangement out ASAP with these must have red pointy heels on Zando.

 

Besides stocking a mirage of different local and international brands Zando and Style 36 also offer free delivery in South Africa, which is uber cool.

 

Style 36 have just launched a home décor section now which goes to show that online shopping in South Africa is growing as a business substantially. 

 

If you’re still worried about how things are going to fit each website has a size chart so you can compare your bust or hip size against their sizes. They have garment care information and all offer fairly standard refund policies.  You’ll be surprised how easy it is, because once you’ve brought your purchase online there’s automatically a paper trail so following up your order or getting a refund has never been so easy.

 

Next time you can’t get out the office on your lunch break, be sure to make yourself a cuppa and browse through the season’s must haves from your desk. 

 

Trust me, you’ll thank me right about December when you’ve done all your Christmas shopping with a few simple clicks.

 

It’s a pleasure x