Tutorial: Online Shopping in Korea from Canada-Basics
With the Hallyu wave, it's impossible to miss out on the current trends in Korea. Whether you're a K-Pop/Kdrama fan, or a K-Beauty enthusiast, or just someone who likes Korean street style, there must have been a moment where you thought to yourself:
In South Korea (and many other places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan), they provide buying services. Once you start using it, you can't really turn back. Online shopping is addictive...
What it is:
Buying service companies (or in some cases, Instagram business accounts) are essentially people who can help you shop locally and have it shipped to you at a cost. With their help, you can shop online (NAVER blogs too!) or even have them visit the physical stores( albeit at a slightly higher cost, depending on the business).
How do I know which one to choose from?
Well, based on my previous experience, the two sites that I'd recommend: Koreanbuddy and AVECKO. I think both their systems are organized and easy to understand. They offer customized shopping service so you can get whatever you want (as long as you can give them a URL). And they both have friendly staff to follow-up your orders and responding to your questions (in English) within the next few days. They'll let you choose the shipping option you'd like to pay for (and confirm the shipping cost with you) and give you a tracking number after your order has been processed :) High efficiency and good quality customer service.
**However, there are some differences between the two and I'll compare the two in the next post :)
Of course, one would argue that sites such as Ebay, Amazon, Gmarket or Yesstyle works too.
Now, I'm not going to deny that.
But from my point of view:
1. There's always a chance of getting counterfeits from those websites(no finger-pointing here)... Wouldn't be worth it, would it? You worked hard/ saved money to buy something, but you don't end up getting what you paid for?
2. Seller can quote you on shipping charges that are ridiculously high (Paying a shipping cost higher than the product itself? Yep, speaking from a painful experience...)
3. Sometimes you might not even be able to track the package---which can be VERY frustrating because you're kept in the dark. No tracking number = beginning of sleepless nights before the package arrives (or worse, when it never arrives!!)
p.s. This is why you HAVE to read the seller's ratings carefully when you shop on eBay or similar websites!
Here's a brief little guide on how to use their services:
(especially if you live overseas and know nothing about the Korean language)
I wish I could go to Korea right now!
 |
| Incheon Airport at Night (taken in May 2016) |
In South Korea (and many other places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan), they provide buying services. Once you start using it, you can't really turn back. Online shopping is addictive...
 |
| Store in Garosugil (May 2016) |
What it is:
Buying service companies (or in some cases, Instagram business accounts) are essentially people who can help you shop locally and have it shipped to you at a cost. With their help, you can shop online (NAVER blogs too!) or even have them visit the physical stores( albeit at a slightly higher cost, depending on the business).
 |
| Shinsaegae Duty Free Zone (Incheon Airport Departure): Gentle Monster Display (May 2016) |
How do I know which one to choose from?
Well, based on my previous experience, the two sites that I'd recommend: Koreanbuddy and AVECKO. I think both their systems are organized and easy to understand. They offer customized shopping service so you can get whatever you want (as long as you can give them a URL). And they both have friendly staff to follow-up your orders and responding to your questions (in English) within the next few days. They'll let you choose the shipping option you'd like to pay for (and confirm the shipping cost with you) and give you a tracking number after your order has been processed :) High efficiency and good quality customer service.
**However, there are some differences between the two and I'll compare the two in the next post :)
Of course, one would argue that sites such as Ebay, Amazon, Gmarket or Yesstyle works too.
Now, I'm not going to deny that.
But from my point of view:
1. There's always a chance of getting counterfeits from those websites(no finger-pointing here)... Wouldn't be worth it, would it? You worked hard/ saved money to buy something, but you don't end up getting what you paid for?
2. Seller can quote you on shipping charges that are ridiculously high (Paying a shipping cost higher than the product itself? Yep, speaking from a painful experience...)
3. Sometimes you might not even be able to track the package---which can be VERY frustrating because you're kept in the dark. No tracking number = beginning of sleepless nights before the package arrives (or worse, when it never arrives!!)
p.s. This is why you HAVE to read the seller's ratings carefully when you shop on eBay or similar websites!
Here's a brief little guide on how to use their services:
(especially if you live overseas and know nothing about the Korean language)
1. Find the buying service company that you'd like to use
--- Koreanbuddy/ AVECKO depending on your needs
--- You might want to create an account with your email (if you're planning to do more shopping)
2. Read their step-by-step guide on how to use their website
3. Send them a buying request
4. Ask them any questions (if you have any) or tell them if you have any special requests
--- email/ message link on their website
5. Confirm the amount you are paying
6. Pay with Paypal
7. Keep the tracking number that they give you and stay updated on your parcel :)
(I'll post an infographic later---when I'm done with my exams)
Hope you'd find this useful:) Please feel free to leave me a comment too!
All the stuff at our online stores is of very good quality.
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