Why only a Facebook page and not a website?
We used to have a website, but we don’t use it anymore because Facebook is good enough. All the information is on there already: clients can see the pictures and the prices, then they can call or Facebook me directly, negotiate the price and ask for more details. Plus it’s easier to get new fans. People tell their friends, and their friends tell their friends, and so on.
What do most people purchase on Facebook?
Jewelry, normally. It works better if the customer has bought before and knows their size. Our evening dresses are harder to sell online because people want to try them on first. Our dress prices are not that cheap either, so the fit has to be perfect. But it does mean that they can browse our products without having to come to the store.
What do customers expect when they talk to you through Facebook?
People can leave comments and questions on pictures and we can respond. They expect us to reply in one or two days so we have to be timely. It’s more interactive and personal than an external website. They can know that the owner of the Facebook page is me, the designer, and that I am talking to them directly.
Kay’s new vintage jewelry shop opens at Terminal 21 (BTS Asoke) this month.
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The goods: Homemade breads: white, sourdough, whole wheat and rye. Some unusual options include the Cuban shallot boule (B145) and the cranberry dark rye sourdough (B160). They also do pantry-stocking items like six-ounce jars of all-natural nut butters like peanut and cashew, a range of pickles and exciting flavors of cream cheese like red pepper, basil and almond (B125 for six ounces). Exact offerings change every week, with new products often introduced.
The seller: Started by a financial consultant, the operation initially worked out of a residential kitchen. But the folks behind Urban Pantry have finally gotten big enough to rent out their own industrial space to keep up with demand: their weekly offerings tend to sell out within a couple of days so order quick.
The deal:
1. “Like” them on Facebook (here) to keep up with with what new products they’re doing and when they become available.
2. Email them to receive their weekly pricelists and product descriptions and to place your order.
3. They’ll write you back to confirm and set up a delivery. There’s usually a small delivery fee.
4. Pay on delivery.
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Central Online Shopping is simply Central’s version of, say, the Bloomingdale’s or Neiman Marcus websites, but with a slightly edgier interface. Easy features let you scroll through a mix of merchandise as displayed in Central stores, ranging from fashion and accessories to beauty and household products, as well as labels like Muji, Fit Flop or even Vivian Westwood. Free shipping for purchases over B2,500 every Monday (so far). Do pay attention to the sale section, where you might get a set of bed linen for less than B1,500 or a pair of leather shoes for less than B1,000.
Mods (M Online Department Store, by The Mall Group: Paragon, Emporium, etc.) is an online-specialty store and a community site for fashion lovers. While Mods displays thousands of products in several categories, from fashion to electronic devices, you can also stay up to date on the latest design news and products at the Café de Mods section, with its a blog, lookbook and video clips. Again, watch the “sale” section where you might find Playhound pants or Hokuto shirts for discounted prices you can’t get in stores.
Central has a wider selection but Mods is definitely edgier and gets our vote. The Mall wins!
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