Online: Shopping and socializing

no fury like a female business journalist spammed?

But some of my friendsturned-sellers/product-promoters insist that stuff sold through social media is more reliable because it is recommended by friends. Some of my non-weishang friends are ever willing to buy, buy, buy.

To be sure, the internet has changed our lives. And now, e-commerce and social networks are growing millionaires as if they were mushrooms. Opportunities and success, it appears, are chasing those who dare to be active, those who set out to discover and those who dare to fail.

So, in my spare time, I get a bit enthusiastic and try to find their fascinating, inspirational stories by buying overseas products. I buy them through cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Ymatou, Xiaohongshu (Red) and Tmall International. I think their quality is guaranteed.

I also seek some daigou with high rankings, good reputation, user comments and many followers on their Taobao stores. I see online retailers are fiercely competitive. Their delivery speed and after-sales service are factors that influence my online shopping.

Among the products that catch my fancy most are handbags, cosmetics and clothes. E-commerce is a fascinating place because you can compare the prices on different websites and e-stores, and chat with store clerks before making a final decision.

These days, I seldom buy clothes at brick-and-mortar stores unless they are offering deep discounts.

As I see it, the rapid growth of online shopping is a challenge to the traditional retail industry. Improved shopping experiences, reasonable prices and application of high-tech appear to be the future trend.

Who knows, my cousin may well branch out to a physical jewelry store next. I wish her well. And I hope I’d get a deep discount at any such store.