Isn’t it ironic when advertising peeps are the ones who get duped by that flashy poster with a huge bold copy that reads ‘SALE?’
Isn’t it ironic when those who write copy buys into an unbelievable and unrealistic deals but fails to read the no returns policy?
Yeah, that is right! We are talking about you. Or at least a some of you who retail therapies their OT stress away but get roped into buying that pile of junk aka our never-to-be-used, will-probably-never-fit-me dress.
We are here to tell you that you are not alone. Its time to avoid the clutter and use our advertising skills to protect us from bad budols. Let our mistakes be your lesson and be a shopper that is sablay-free.
Lesson no. 1: Look at the stars, look at those ones and twos.
“May five stars naman. And the photo said it should be as long as my sofa but the carpet I ordered turned out to be as long a mouse pad! I was blinded by its super low price. Budol pala. The horror.” – Shopaholic Writer.
Haven’t you ever heard of influencers? There’s even microinfluencers now and those peeps can put in a good word for your brand, real or not, if they get compensated. Getting five stars from one is not 100% proof of you being the best. Online shopping means your not physically seeing or feeling the item so better scan it like a CM and check out all the reviews.
The golden rule before carting is not to check the flashy top comments but the worst, most honest reviews. Peek at their stores lowest stars or ratings and see what went wrong for those ones who shopped before you. Make yourself aware of what could go wrong and see if your credit swipe is worth the risk.
Lesson no. 2: Batteries and common sense sold separately.
“I ordered this Ikea-ish drawer for my home office but it turns out you had to assemble it on your own. It only came in parts and the worst part? ‘Di rin kasama mga screw. So kinailangan ko pa ulit mag-order para mabuo!”- A Disappointed Art Director.
Not reading the product description but getting surprised by the product fails is like approving the execution without a big idea to back it up. Be like your CD and learn to read descriptions. Most online retailers write out what you get under the product photos as mandated by platforms. Do not forget to check it. The copy might be witty but you be out of your wits trying to solve a shopping fail.
Lesson 3: Better not get charged if your only get ‘experience.’
“Ordered and paid for the aircon online but it never came. Thought it was legit and the price was pretty good but not too good. I was even going to meet the seller in person for pick up. Okay na sana, except they never showed up and their account suddenly disappeared. My money. ☹”- Budoled Boss
If no finished worked and incomplete deliverables mean no signed CE, then no proof of item legitimacy and proper billing should mean no pay. That’s what CODs are for. With online markets and digital banking being the most common way to shop nowadays, fake stores become as common as fake news so better be as strict as your AE and check, check, check! Your hard-earned OT pay should be handled with as much care as you put into your clients’ ad materials.
Lesson 4: Note your sources, give your purchases some context.
“This can’t be just me. I am sure others, especially girls, have experienced this. More than the actual size check which country it is from when you are buying clothes online. Asian small and American small are completely different. The skirt I bought can fit my shih tzu.” – Small AE
Where an item is made can direct how it will turn out so make sure to check for context. In the digital age, your shopping may not be the same and that is most especially true with clothes. There is no fitting here and window shopping through your online browser is just not the same. But having context in your purchase helps you determine where and what you buy. Study your past performances in purchasing clothes and shop like a strategic planner. Check the label, see if there are sources, see how that source typically performs for you and scan the reviews before the check out.
Lesson 5: In shopping and shipping, walang ‘FOREVER.’
“I was willing to wait for my orders because I knew it came from overseas so naturally it would take longer but when it took 2 months for me to get word, I started to panic. Called the courier and found out my package was misplaced and ended up in Boracay. Buti pa box ko nakapag-beach na. #NaOL” – The Played Producer.
Last but not the least, lets get you to tracking your orders like a traffic mans the timelines. The item may have already been made and your order might already be shipped but land and sea and the situation of the countries where your orders maybe passing through may affect how and when that package gets to you– if it even does at all. The shopping experience is never complete unless you have gotten through all the way to the unboxing and experiencing. Message the seller for timings, follow up when you need to, and hopefully it turns out well.
Our normal now may not be normal at all but rewarding yourself must be a staple no matter what. Reward yourself when you feel you deserve it (post big pitches, and after long and tiring overtime weeks) but remember to put your ad skills into good use so that your budols can make you happy ever after or at least until the next sale. Happy Shopping!
