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Seyifunmi Ajanaku: Click, Buy & Rock with Ease! My 7 Sure-Fire Tips for an Easy Online Shopping Experience

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I am a serial online shopper! But even at that I still find it difficult when trying to shop online, because there are a whole lot of things to consider – sizing, cuts, material, texture and fit.

I cannot say how many times I have shopped online only to find that when my items arrive, they leave me perplexed and thinking what on earth made me do this?!

I know it is an easy way out for shopping, especially because there is no roaming around and laborious searching through racks of clothes. But is it really worth it in the end? I love a good bargain (I’m not shamed of that), but even when it comes down to which is more convenient – online shopping always seems to be worth it all in the end.

Over time, I have combined my newly found ease of online shopping and locating a good bargain, buried under the guise of “sales”. No, I am not a cheapskate; but I like to think of myself as a ‘smart shopper’. One who would totally buy an expensive piece every now and then, but won’t break the bank for it.

So, if you are a ‘smart shopper’ like me, I have great news for you. I am going to share 7 of my sure-fire go-to tips that will help you out if you’re an online shopping newbie or if you just need ways to make your shopping experience easier.

Here are the steps to take:

1. Identify Your Target

Online Shopping - BellaNaija - July2015
So, there are brands that are known for certain things. If I want creative pieces online I would go to stores like ASOS, Misguided and so forth. I would click on the site link, log into the site and slowly but surely find my way to the sale section or as mostly stated “Deals”, “50/75% Off” etc in bold bright colours or signs flashing; and I am ready to start shopping.

Another great way to easily access a site is to use their mobile app. That always makes things easier because they then simplify the more complex tasks that would seem like rocket science on a laptop.

2. Narrow Down Your Search

Online Shopping - BellaNaija - July2015002 Helping you narrow down your search is the reason why the ‘search’ button, a category list, the price range indicator, sizing indicator etc are placed on the site. This helps make your shopping easier.

So let’s say I am in search of a maxi dress; I can type “maxi dresses” or my preferred key words and click search. This filters my search so it gives me what I am looking for and close/related options.

3. Know Your Size
Not all websites use the same sizing calculator, but the good news is that they have sizing guides on most of them!

The only way to miss your sizing is if you decide to lie to yourself claiming you can comfortably wear a size 6 top, because some other clothing items you own say “6”. The sizing calculator etc are all online measurements so use them to your advantage – never just assume. Do yourself a favor and know your statistics before you embark on online shopping. It makes it so much easier.

4. Zoom & Read Product Descriptions
Use all functions available to you on the merchants website. Those that have video plays are the best as they provide you with an almost live experience of the clothes. You get to see how the clothes fit and move, and get a sense of the fabric before you hit ‘buy’ or ‘add to cart’.

I have been saved many times by videos because the shorts were a little too short or the dress too slouchy.

5. Once You Like It, Bag It
This is very important, because the fashion gods forbid your app or web page crashes mid-search. You might not be able to retrieve what you had made a mental note to buy. Use the shopping cart or basket usually located at the top right corner of the website.

Locate it and just keep interests there till you are ready to checkout. This is also great if you need to narrow down your selections at a later date.

6. Explore the Website

Online Shopping - BellaNaija - July2015001
There are gold mines just waiting to be discovered most times – all these flashing lights are an indication of deals so you may just want to check them out. If you are not fully convinced about a product, give it a few days (except it is really urgent) leave items in the cart or basket and go to sleep. If you wake up certain you want the items then proceed to checkout.

7. Bring My Goods Home

Online Shopping - BellaNaija - July2015003
The best and almost final part is payment. You might be asked to register your card details online or pay on receipt of goods. Opening an account will be great if you would like to track your items and for getting newsletter alerts on great deals, but sometimes you may just want to be a one-time shopper and choose not to open the account.

Just be sure to always keep your password secure and be careful about your bank details being saved. I have never had issues with this though.

And last but not the least, don’t forget to send me a silent thank you for helping you out. 😉

Do you have any online shopping hints you live by? Go ahead and share them with us!

Happy online shopping lovelies.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime/Wavebreakmaker Ltd

Seyifunmi Ajanaku is  a fashion enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with an eye for details with a quirky almost non-conventional sense of style I love to read, write and discuss everything fashion. I'm a strong believer that Fashion is art; art in itself is beautiful. I am dedicated to helping people maintain a great image as they embrace their personal style as I find that this also builds their self confidence in positive ways. I run a lifestyle blog at www.crystalclearwords.com

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