REVIEW: SGshop - Singapore Most Reliable and Cost Effective Taobao Agent

Ordering from Taobao hashad always seemed like an impossible task to me. Even though I underwent 14 years of Mandarin classes and sat for 3 major exams, my command of the language leaves a lot to be desired (Big sorry to all my 老师s!). BUT Taobao is THE place to go for affordable clothings... Actually, everything! That website has got everything that you need or want and it is a pretty big shame if language is your only barrier to them.

BUT BUT then, the Internet is brilliant and the people behind it, even more so. Introducing... *drum rolls* SGshop, an agent for several Chinese websites! And of course, one of them is Taobao. :D

I had the opportunity to give SGshop a try (Thank you Nicole from Street Directory!), so let me take you through the ordering process and show you just how easy, quick and fuss-free it is!

This is how SGshop's website looks like. You will first need to create an account (Just click on 'Register' on the bar at the top.). This takes only a couple of minutes. And then, the shopping begins. :D

There are 6 steps altogether:

• Step 1: SHOP and pick your itemitems (Who am I kidding.) from various Chinese websites.
• Step 2: Tell SGshop the URL of each item and submit your order.
• Step 3: Bid some moolah goodbye (But it is for the 'greater good'. *nods*).
• Step 4: SGshop deals with all the Chinese characters *shudders* while you sit back and chill.
• Step 5: Bid a litte more moolah goodbye (Just a little more!) for shipping and delivery charges.
• Step 6: Wait for SGshop to deliver your items right to your doorstep!

Step 1: SHOP and pick your item(s) from various Chinese websites.
Hop on over to Taobao and search for your items. Unfortunately, we can't escape the Chinese characters here but there is a thing called Google Translate (Thank you, Google.). Alternatively, just run a search on Taobao hauls on Google (My heart is yours.) and you should be able to find some links. :D

After spending hours picking your items and then, a few more hours re-picking them, copy the URL of each item's page.

Step 2: Tell SGshop the URL of each item and submit your order.
Head back to SGshop's website and paste the URL at the top. A pop-up window will appear where you can fill in the details of your item, like the colour, the size etc.

Once you have filled in all your items, proceed to 'Place Order'.

You get to choose how you want your items to be shipped, at various charges.

Step 3: Bid some moolah goodbye (But it is for the 'greater good'. *nods*).
For me, cash was topped up earlier so the amount was deducted from my SGshop account. You can make payment using ATM Transfer, Internet Banking or Paypal/ Credit Card.

Step 4: SGshop deals with all the Chinese characters *shudders* while you sit back and chill.
Once your payment has been verified, SGshop will go ahead and do the ordering for you. You can check the status of your items under the 'My Orders' tab. :D

Step 5: Bid a litte more moolah goodbye (Just a little more!) for shipping and delivery charges.
When your items have arrived at SGshop's warehouse, a SMS will be sent to notify you. If your items are out of stock, a SMS will also be sent. Proceed to SGshop eagerly, select your preferred delivery method and make payment for additional charges.

Step 6: Wait for SGshop to deliver your loot right to your doorstep!
On the day of the delivery, the delivery man will send you a SMS to check if you are home within a certain time frame. Besides home delivery, you can also choose to collect your items at MRT Stations during certain timings or collect them personally from SGshop's warehouse.

from here.

from here.

If you scrutinize the photos above, I had initially ordered a sweater but that went out of stock so I got another bag instead. I can't exactly remember how long the entire process took, because I waited for both items to arrive, but I think each took less than 3 days to reach SGshop's warehouse? The bags were packed splendidly and came in pristine conditions (No scratches, rough edges or anything like that!).

Overall, it was a really good experience shopping with SGshop. The convenience, the simplicity of the entire process and the fact that I didn't have to decipher complicated-looking symbols... I give it two thumbs up and I would definitely be using SGshop again to get my Taobao stuff. :D

P.S.: From December 1st to January 15th, SGshop will be providing free service fee. Do head on over to their website here to learn more about what SGshop can offer you. Happy shopping! :D

EVENT: Official Launch of Guardian Plus

November marked the official launch of Guardian Plus in Takashimaya Shopping Centre. The cutting-edge flagship store provides shoppers an experience like no other. There are over 20, 000 health and beauty products and the place is decked out with the latest technology gizmos to help you with your needs.

The best thing of all is that Guardian Plus won't be just another drugstore with the same ol' brands. They are bringing in new brands and one of which is the highly anticipated Boots. The No7, Botanics, Mark Hill and Champneys ranges are all available at Guardian Plus.

And being ever thoughtful, there is also a dedicated team of 4 in-house pharmacist-trained specialists; a pharmacist, a nutritionist, a health advisor and a beauty advisor. They provide consultations for a nominal fee in a private area. Basic screenings are also conducted.

I have dropped by the place a couple of times (And bought a couple of items... Heh.). The Guardian staff were all incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and ever ready to help. It was a really nice shopping experience for me. I was also delighted to see beauty kits that I spotted on ASOS.com and the prices were actually quite alright. However, I thought the Revlon styling tools were priced much higher but they could be from the premium ranges? Anyhow, it's still good to see new brands and products being brought in. (:

Guardian Plus is located at #B2-15/23 of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, right beside Singtel. (:

SPOTTED: SK-II’s Beauty Boutique Launch at Robinsons Orchard

Tomorrow, on November 29th, is the launch of SK-II's latest beauty boutique at the newly opened Robinsons Orchard. The launch, which officially begins at 7pm, will be graced by celebrities George Young and Desmond Tan so fans of these dashing young men, see you there!

Or if you happen to be in town, do drop by and learn more about the boutique and perhaps get your skin evaluated by the Magic Ring as well? :D

P.S.: From 10am to 5pm tomorrow, spend $290 on SK-II products and you get a chance to guess which SK-II Festive Coffrets George and Desmond will pick for their loved ones. The answers will be revealed at 6.45pm and if you made the correct guesses, you might walk away with a full-sized SK-II product!