Nways today's topic is about deals, vouchers & coupons.As we all know that Deals are the biggest current trend in Malaysia.Everytime we click on FB; there is always a Interesting deal everyday that some might call it a "Good bargain". Deals can be in many forms, some of em including buy 1 for 2 vouchers, 60-80% item discount, dining offers, travel + hotels, beauty therapies & many more by the newly rising dot.com companies such as Groupon, Milkadeal & Mydeal.com. These deals are now are widely advertised in Facebook and various sites targeting young people, yuppies like us and also non-working mums.
The good part? The good thing from deals like this; we might get a good bargain, discounts and even shopping at our convenience in a click of a mouse. Items (buy 1 for 2) and massive 80% deals we can never get by going to those stores and even purchasing gifts for others or even taking up a new hobby such as golfing, shooting & water sports etc
The danger? Not reading the Fine Print + Conditions attached to it. Moreover if fail to monitor, they can be hazard to our expenditure and credit cards statements. As these lil bargains are quite addictive and if one has no control - you may end up being a addicted to them just like shopholics.
You see, these deals are most like any other deals you may get in stores or during mega sales. The unique part is purchasing online and the discounts offers within the given time-frame. These deals comes in both ways. Not only it served as a convenience to customers, they're also helping to promote vendor's advertising & sales. So its also like a marketing branding strategy too. So we as consumers gotta to protect ourselves too.
The following are some insider tips for those of you keen on being a sucker for deals. (this can also apply for online shopoholics)
1. Read properly what the Deal OFFERS. 'The Highlights"
Read again if you dont understand. Do ask if you still dont understand. Why? Some deals comprises lots of items (4-5 items altogether); find out what are these items individually about & estimate how much they cost. The bulk-items-in-one sale sometimes do confuse consumers and most of the time consumers dont know what are the items included and what they're really worth.
2.Most Importantly: Read the FINE PRINT & CONDITIONS.
Before purchase; MUST find out
i) when's the expiry date (last day of use) how long is the deal?
ii) when the deal starts?
iii) how many times can use?
iv) hows the booking arrangement?
v) location to redeem
vi) condition of purchase?
vii) is it transferable? refundable?
vii) Other limitations?
Samples Fine Print &Conditions:
If the deal is about travel & hotel accommodation: Read the fine print of the hotel rates, taxes + services charges and available booking dates. Also take note of the unavailability for bookings such as public holidays & weekends. And if the deal is about dining; find out the courses included and the special offers. Also be careful of additional charges such as Wastage charges, additional fees, extra incur fees etc etc
3. Read carefully the ADS WORDING on deals.
This is tricky cos some advertisers put attractive wordings to make the deals look appealing. And if consumers did not read properly; they might end up disappointed when the items offered becomes not available or out-of-stock.
Eg: Vendors may include 4-5 items in One Deal with Condition (subject to availability/while stock lasts). Find out how many items available for the deal & what are the possibility it can go unavailable.
-A customer told us that they previously booked an adventure deal that includes 4 items. And to their surprise; on the time of their use, one of the item offered were faulty & cannot be use!
4. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.
Very important to know the venue of the deal so that consumers may plan in advance before getting there. Some vendors are located away from the city or in the middle of traffic congested area. Whereas some deals offers has only pickup points. Make sure to read properly the location condition and the limitation time frame given. Allow ample time to find location prior appointment to avoid late arrivals.
5. Study their REFERENCE (WEBPAGE).
With the advance technology these days, websites and pages (eg facebook) seems to be a good check of the reference and vendor credibility. It is wise of consumers to do research & read reviews of others customers feedbacks & experiences about these vendors. It is important especially if the vendor was previously unknown or less popular or location wise too far from consumer range. At least consumers know what to expect before hand.
6. Deal makers ACustomer Service.
In the event of the unsatisfying result from the usage of the deals, consumers must ensure their deal makers allow consumer feedbacks and further assistance. Read fine prints & conditions if deal is transferable or refundable. Also read the fine print regarding accidents & mishaps. We found a deal (using weapon) imdemnifies the vendors from accidents & mishaps. Research + history check on the vendors would be must if you are going for risk- life danger activities. Shit do happen!
7.EXPIRY DATE -
Although we already emphasize above to read the fine print; but again we need to stress out the deal expiry date and the how long is the deal. Some consumers tend to purchase months in advance and tend to forget them until the very last minute or not remember at all.To avoid missing-out and forgetfulness of the purchase; call up the vendors immediately after purchasing to make bookings/appointment. Dont forget to mark your calender once confirmed!
8.CREDIT CHECK
Although purchasing on a mouse click is so convenient & tempting for us, consumers are advised to monitor their bank and credit balance to avoid to be further in debt. Dont easily succumb to deals if your have high credit balances. Cos small amounts always accumulate!. Always use the Need vs Want concept. Best to not purchase if you dont need it. And best time to purchase is when the cash is already in hand.
=)
Expires Aug 30, 2011
Redemption begins May 16, 2011.
Limit 1 per person. May buy many as gifts.
Not valid on Tuesdays and public holidays.
3 days prior reservation required.
Last date for reservation Aug 29, 2011.
Valid for first-time customers only.
Redeemable at Store XXX only
- Unlimited purchase of vouchers but limited only to one redemption per person per time
- Halal certified restaurant
- e-Vouchers are transferable
- e-Vouchers are non refundable and non exchangeable for cash or for other promotions
- No replacement for expired e-vouchers will be given
- e-Voucher is to be redeemed from 17th May 2011 to 31st August 2011
- 1 day prior reservation is required, please call XXXX
- Wastage will be charged RM5 per 100 gram
- Printed e-voucher is to be presented upon redemption for verification purposes
- e-Voucher is redeemable daily (Monday to Saturday) from 6:00 PM until 12AM. (closed on Sundays)
If the deal is about travel & hotel accommodation: Read the fine print of the hotel rates, taxes + services charges and available booking dates. Also take note of the unavailability for bookings such as public holidays & weekends. And if the deal is about dining; find out the courses included and the special offers. Also be careful of additional charges such as Wastage charges, additional fees, extra incur fees etc etc
3. Read carefully the ADS WORDING on deals.
This is tricky cos some advertisers put attractive wordings to make the deals look appealing. And if consumers did not read properly; they might end up disappointed when the items offered becomes not available or out-of-stock.
Eg: Vendors may include 4-5 items in One Deal with Condition (subject to availability/while stock lasts). Find out how many items available for the deal & what are the possibility it can go unavailable.
-A customer told us that they previously booked an adventure deal that includes 4 items. And to their surprise; on the time of their use, one of the item offered were faulty & cannot be use!
4. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.
Very important to know the venue of the deal so that consumers may plan in advance before getting there. Some vendors are located away from the city or in the middle of traffic congested area. Whereas some deals offers has only pickup points. Make sure to read properly the location condition and the limitation time frame given. Allow ample time to find location prior appointment to avoid late arrivals.
5. Study their REFERENCE (WEBPAGE).
With the advance technology these days, websites and pages (eg facebook) seems to be a good check of the reference and vendor credibility. It is wise of consumers to do research & read reviews of others customers feedbacks & experiences about these vendors. It is important especially if the vendor was previously unknown or less popular or location wise too far from consumer range. At least consumers know what to expect before hand.
6. Deal makers ACustomer Service.
In the event of the unsatisfying result from the usage of the deals, consumers must ensure their deal makers allow consumer feedbacks and further assistance. Read fine prints & conditions if deal is transferable or refundable. Also read the fine print regarding accidents & mishaps. We found a deal (using weapon) imdemnifies the vendors from accidents & mishaps. Research + history check on the vendors would be must if you are going for risk- life danger activities. Shit do happen!7.EXPIRY DATE -
Although we already emphasize above to read the fine print; but again we need to stress out the deal expiry date and the how long is the deal. Some consumers tend to purchase months in advance and tend to forget them until the very last minute or not remember at all.To avoid missing-out and forgetfulness of the purchase; call up the vendors immediately after purchasing to make bookings/appointment. Dont forget to mark your calender once confirmed!
8.CREDIT CHECK
=)
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