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The shopping holidays – the opening shot.
The routine of online consumption has become an integral part of our lives. And when is the peak? We are just getting there. And if you are not familiar with online consumerism – don’t worry, it’s simple. And if it wasn’t simple, it just wasn’t.
I am writing this mini-guide for those who are not familiar with online consumerism and in order to save you a lot of money (and mistakes).
First of all – open diaries and write down:
9-10.11 Shopping IL – lots of discounts on websites and stores in Israel.
11.11 Chinese Singles Day – crazy discounts on sites such as AliExpress.
26.11 Black Friday – the shopping holiday most associated with Americans.
28.11 Cyber Monday – another American sales day.
So how to avoid the most common mistake in online consumerism?
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The most common mistake is wandering – avoid it!
I’ve already seen it all – the use of buzzwords such as the word “exclusively with us”, “the cheapest ever” and other grandiose headlines that will probably make you buy something you didn’t need at all, therefore – avoid a shopping trip for which there is no need and if you have already started the journey – then do it In the right way – you can join (for free of course) on Facebook the consumer community “Buy Buy – “Buy Buy and enjoy the biggest discounts in Israel and in the world through equal coupons that sometimes cut the prices even by 80 percent!!
Where should I order from?
All the answers are correct – there is really no formula for where is the most profitable and where is the cheapest, prices rise and fall at any given moment due to demand, supply, exchange rates, availability, shipping prices, taxes, technological innovation, competition and a wide variety of other factors that affect the market. However, we should know what we are purchasing and whether the product really suits us. We will illustrate with several examples:
First example: If I purchase an electrical product from an American website, there is a high probability that the product is suitable for an electrical voltage of 110 volts (about half of Israel’s) and if we connect it to electricity in Israel, the product will simply burn at that moment or worse, explode in our hand.
Second example: If I purchase a product that requires a “complementary” product in order to work like a smart electrical switch that connects to the “master” (server) to operate and I don’t have the server – the product will not be able to work.
Third example: Measurements – I found the shoe I like – what fun! But what is my size? In the USA the sizes are measured according to the US, in the UK according to the UK and in Europe according to the size numbers as in Israel – it is important to know exactly what my size is before I order and if it is also possible to measure the same model in Israel – it is desirable and even recommended.
There are a wide variety of other examples, you can always consult about the purchases you plan to make in the Buy Buy consumer group.
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Paying tax – a bit fed up?
You must have heard the word tax in the context of online shopping. So where does it meet us the most? You guessed it, in orders from abroad.
As a general rule – every order over $75 (no matter how many items in the order) is required to pay taxes of at least 17%, why “at least”, because sometimes the shipping companies add other fees such as a clerk’s fee, handling fee and other fees on the order, I have already come across products that cost 75 $ and required the payment of $30 in taxes – and unfortunately, once you receive a notification about the payment of taxes, you will probably have to pay them in order to receive the product.
Leading websites in the world such as various Amazon websites know how to collect the taxes in advance even at the time of ordering (assuming the product is sent directly from Amazon warehouses), so that you will not have to deal with additional payments in Israel, but nevertheless – there are products for which you will be required to obtain additional approvals such as lasers, drones, products with certain frequencies etc…if you are not sure, stop, consult and then make a decision.
In conclusion – online shopping is fun, it’s easy, it’s accessible, it’s an experience but still – it’s “just” online shopping, do it with a smile, wisely and patiently.
And we will finish with the ten commandments for online shopping…
You won’t buy – on dubious sites with no reputation and no possibility of secure payment.
Yes, compare – Price! Always compare, prices go up and down every few seconds due to changes in currency rates and dozens of other variables.
I am responsible – Have you bought a certain product and then regretted it? Any site (in Israel) may charge you a cancellation fee of 5% or NIS 100 (whichever is lower) according to a distance selling transaction.
Know what you are buying – So many similar models exist for almost every product online – choose carefully the model that meets your needs.
You will not run away – from the tax authorities. In products valued over $75 we are required to pay taxes. VAT, customs, import fees, etc. There are websites (like Amazon USA) that will require the tax in advance and thus save you the headache and cost calculation.
*Applies to products shipped directly from Amazon warehouses, on each product page it is indicated who the seller is and who the sender is.
you will not cut – We received a product and we are not satisfied with it? This is not a reason to write negative reviews about the seller. If the product is exactly as described and the seller from whom we purchased met the terms of the deal, then why damage it? Every opinion we write reaches tens of thousands of people who read it, it’s not just us and the seller with four eyes, keep in mind.
don’t wait – Every stock is limited, every coupon is limited – and missing a deal you’ve been waiting for is a shame!
Warranty is not a mistake – If warranty is important to you, read the fine print and, if you can, then also the regulations. You will discover a lot of small letters there that you didn’t know existed.
Double and low – Multiplying coupons and a drop in the currency rate is a winning combination, don’t forget that on websites from abroad the payment is usually in the local currency of that website and if we have a discount coupon – even better!
Don’t wander off – In vain on the net !!! Surfing the net will make you buy things you simply don’t need. Come focused!
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