The onset of the pandemic has created a lot of confusion throughout the #Philippines. The present solutions and response by our government officials to the #virus are dynamic, which is to say, they are always changing from one day to the next.

Many of us have found that it is easier to #shop #online with various selling sites, and have our purchases delivered to avoid the confusion regarding when we are able to safely go outside. Curfews and age restrictions can make it difficult to shop, especially for a #single #mom. But in the end, nobody wants to get scammed by online sellers.

Budol sellers

Unfortunately, it is the mindset of some people to take advantage of others who suffer from natural disasters and health maladies, like typhoons and the virus restrictions. Their greed and dishonesty overrides any ethical or moral behavior they may have learned or that resides muted in their conscience.

Their lust for money by means of deception is rampant on #Lazada, #Shopee, and other selling sites. One wonders when the #DTI will crack down on #budol sellers for the good of the people.

General tips

I've been on Lazada and Shopee for years (as well as other selling websites). I've been scammed, deceived, cheated and disappointed, and even now it occurs from time to time, though rarely. But I have learned from my mistakes.

The first thing I do is search for precisely what I want. I typically don't scroll through the feed so I do not make unnecessary purchases. I also don't play their games, but that's just me. The reason for this is because games are inducements (bait) to get you to buy what you really don't need.

Once I select an item, I closely read all of the details by the seller. If there are few, I am immediately suspicious. The details can be tricky! For example, my German neighbor recently bought some chocolate #Mr #Goodbars off of Lazada, supposedly from the United States. 99 pesos only for 10 pieces! Boy, was he ever surprised to receive very small candies the size of his thumbnail and worth about 25 pesos, if that.

The lesson here is that if something sounds too good to be true, it's because it is. And mind you, most of these items are made in #China, even though they may claim to be from #Korea or the #US. They are what we refer to as #knockoffs or #counterfeits.

Review tips

I then look at the reviews. #Filipinos are pretty good at speaking their mind about a product. If an item is not rated a 4 or a 5, I pass on it. I also look at any pictures or videos that people submit. Here you can get a good idea of the quality, size and actual colors.

My girlfriend ordered some white walking shorts 2 weeks ago and received pink ones. Not good. I wrote a review and gave the seller 1 star and noted that "I won't buy again." This is something we all should do so others are not cheated. It not only helps others but can ruin the seller's rating and over time force him or her to change their ways or go out of business.

Cart tips

After I am satisfied with the item, I place it in my #cart and #click #buy. I then scan it for details. The reason why is that the seller may have a different price once the item is in the cart. Also, use a #voucher to reduce the total price!

I recently went to but a pair of glow in the dark sneakers for my boy. Size 27. The price was like 139 pesos. Okay, cheap, but he wouldn't wear them for long, anyway. I selected size 27 and bam - the price jumped 100 pesos! I deleted it from the cart.

COD or debit card?

I prefer #COD. Here's why. When I open the package and the item is the wrong color, size or whatever, I do not accept it. Simple as that. If you're like me, you have been cheated and are no longer tolerant of scammers.

Review

• Select item

• Check details

• Read reviews/look at buyer pics and videos

• Add to cart

• Check price again

• Use a voucher

• Buy via COD.

• Check item before accepting

Finally, don't forget to leave a review on your purchased items. Post a pic(s) or a short video so you can inform others and weed out #budol sellers.