Dear Online Shopping Virgins,

(From an online seller's point of view)

1. Never purchase an item from a seller who ONLY accepts payments via G-Cash. Scammers are known for this. Yes, you can still settle payments via G-Cash. However, you need to make sure that the said seller ALSO accepts bank deposits and money transfers (as these have tougher policies in checking the receiver's identity) for settling payments.

2. In inquiring for an item's details (unit price, dimensions, shipping fee, how to order, etc.) send the seller a PRIVATE MESSAGE.There is a big possibility that the seller might not notice your inquiry among the hundred other inquiries. And it can be pretty annoying for others who were also tagged in the same photo.

3. Know that paying through money transfer agencies will cost you more. Money transfer fees can be a bit pricey especially if you'd send a relatively bigger amount. Bank deposits, those that don't charge another P50 for interbranch transactions, will spare you from added expenses.

4. In deciding to purchase an item, don't forget to include the shipping fee. Unless, the seller's making the sf free!

5. If an online shop has policies or FAQs page, read it before asking endless questions. Please spare the seller's time from answering your queries which are clearly explained already. Reading it beforehand, will save you time as well.

6. Make sure the photos are the onlineshop's, unless otherwise specified. Pixelated pictures may be copied pictures from someone else's page. Another thing scammers do.

7.  Having a "SOLD ITEMS album" and an "airway bill album" do not guarantee the onlineshop is for real. These photos may have been stolen from a certified seller only. And in online shopping, don't buy on impulse. This is one of the reasons why others get scammed. Explore the seller's albums, the info page, the wall (for some notes from other clients) FIRST.

8. Settle your payment ON or before the agreed date. The item you didnt pay for on time would have been given to a more responsible buyer.

9. After making the payment, inform the seller your COMPLETE payment details, especially for money trasfer transactions (complete name, address, correct money control number and the works).

10. Once shipped, ask for the tracking number from the seller. Sit back, relax, and wait for your item. Once the package's delivered, open it, enjoy, and online shop some more! haha!

Xoxo,
Just Another Online Seller and Shopper :))