WHAT'S THE NEW FAV IN HOME DECORATING

You see it almost everywhere and in almost any interior and exterior design - wrought-iron decor. Yes, they are so very in today with ordinary home makers and professional home interior decorators alike.

And why not? Wrought iron decor always evokes old elegance and speaks of much treasured family traditions and values. It has its roots from medieval crests of honor that nobilities displayed on their doors as symbols of their social and historical stature - all perpetuated in iron.

Centuries later, wrought iron art finds its niche in interior, garden and lawn decorating. Wrought iron products like weather vanes, door plaques, over the door plaques, welcome signs, plant stands, iron trellises and plant hooks are popularly used to add beauty and distinct personality to gardens, patios, backyards, porches or outdoor areas.

And they are so easy to maintain. Durable in rain or shine, these decorative wrought iron art pieces. So look around, my dear shopper. Go iron....

Shopping Smart for Girls' Must Haves

With the growing concerns about the economy, it is becoming more difficult to stick to what is necessary to maintain our lifestyles. What can a girl do with ever growing costs of beauty products for instance?

Ever heard of unboxed signature perfumes or even testers? These are smart buys compared to the boxed and fancy packaged versions. Okay, here's the secret. . .

Unboxed items are a great way to save . . . believe it or not! Unboxed perfumes for instance are the same as their unboxed counterparts. They are 100% original, fresh and authentic. The only difference is they come without the fancy packaging.

Why are they unboxed? Sometimes, boxes can be damaged, torn or misshaped in transit - from the distributing warehouse to the retail shops. Retail shops buy these at less their usual wholesale costs and these retail shops then sell them at lesser prices, thus passing on the savings to you, their customers.

It is a win - win situation, so there. Unless you are giving these perfumes as gifts to people other than yourselves, why would you want to pay for boxes that you will discard and trash eventually in the first place?

Another smart shopping tip from shopdrops.com - that little neighborhod shop in cyberspace that you just love to visit!

Online Shoppers and Fraudulent Card Transactions

WE realize and are quite happy with that, that you prefer shopping online to battling it out at the malls for the following reasons:
--- fighting the traffic jam while driving to the malls
--- getting stressed out just looking for a parking space
--- walking around in search of products can be sooo tiring
--- walking around some more, this time carrying your sometimes multiple heavy "shopping bags" (this is when you physically DROP in the classic "shop until you drop story"
--- higher costs of products (brick & mortal stores raise their costs to cover higher rent and utilities and manpower)

Yes . . . Online Shopper - we are pleased that you prefer shopping online from home for reasons that were previously discussed.

True, we now have a high number of online merchants who use the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Encryption on their check out pages (Reminder: Remember to look up at the address bar from your PC for that "S" after "http" during check-out to verify whether you are on a secure page at check-out or not). BUT YOU still have got to help us ascertain that your order is legitimate and authorized by you!

This is important - Leave us your VALID, working telephone numbers and your primary e-mail addresses at check-out. Our intention is neither to spam you nor sell your contact information to a third party. That is a myth. WE simply want to call you and be able to vertify with you WHENEVER we get those little red flags of warning when we process your credit card. Identity and authorization verification from the person whose name is on the card is NECESSARY especially for orders that ship to addresses OTHER than the billing address.

The identity thieves always want to ship their loot to an address other than the billing address for obvious reasons. We are not saying that all orders that ship to addresses other than the billing address are fraudelent. BUT when the online merchant literally gets those red flags as sales are processed, IT IS TIME TO CALL THE CREDIT CARD HOLDER and ask whether he or she indeed placed that order.

At SHOPDROPS.COM, we have our Yahoo risk tools enabled all the time(Address Validation System (AVS) and Card Verification Value (CVV) included) so that whenever we get an incorrect address or a wrong zip code or CVV mismatch, we get alerted to do our verification steps.

While there is no guarantee of safety on the web, you can minimize online privacy or security problems by using websites you know and trust. Try to use sites you've used previously or that are recommended by trusted friends or family. One thing is sure --- there are many safe sites out there that you can trust.

THE ELEGANT COUCH POTATO

Newest "Gadget" for the Elegant Couch Potato is here straight from New Zealand!

Yes, here's a classy and elegant way to watch that favorite tv show - a cushioned lap tray. The lap tray is a cushioned tray that molds itself to the knees to provide a convenient and stable surface for letter-writing, laptop use, meals and hobbies. They are designed with function in mind. Perfect for the couch potato heroes and heroines as well as bed-ridden and wheel-chair-bound.

Constructed of the highest quality hardboard, this stylish and functional lap tray has a heat and stain resistant and easy clean surface. Simply wipe with damp cloth and it's ready for the next tray service. Its cushion is covered with hard-wearing fabric in dark brown or dark gold. Fabric covering is 80% polyester and 20% cotton. Cushion is filled with flame-retardant beads. Available in nine designs, each lap tray is delivered in a poly-bag with removable protective corners. What more can our couch potato ask for?

Go get one today! Don't be a couch potato without a lap tray! Time to upgrade to the Elegant Couch Potato!

The ShopDrops.Com Story

Once upon a time, an idea came to me - why don't I create an online store? A little imp whispered in my ear and reminded me of the millions of online stores out there and how it would be almost impossible for my idea of a store to stand out. Well, a good little fairy whispered in my other ear that it was just a matter of giving a store more soul, more personality, more sincerity, better quality goods and most of all the best customer service there is, for people to come and visit it because they love it. The more I thought of what I can make my store to be, the better the idea looked. Again, I asked myself, what if I inject into my virtual store all the qualities that those lovely little shops in my old childhood neighborhood that I used to so love to visit, will it stand out from the gazillion big and small stores on the web? The good ittle fairy shouted YES! YES! YES! And I said to myself with my chin up, "Right . . . WHY NOT?"

True, I just so love shopping in small shops. Small shops are so very like home - cozy, much tended, much cared for, much loved. Before shopdrops.com came along, I was inspired by the love, care and hard work that small shopkeepers gave to their little shops. And so, using the valuable lessons from the original shopkeepers of neighborhood shops and my insatiable need to shop online, I fashioned shopdrops.com into this small virtual shop that it is today. Everyday, as I put up my virtual items on the shelves, I try new ways of doing things - arrange the shelves, change my shop decor, prepare a pot of steaming coffee (with the help of html) - in the hope of making this shop more welcoming, cozy and serene for visitors who drop in and browse among the delightful items that I have carefully selected and laid out for them.

The idea of an online store finds its roots from my love of shopping on line. Shopping on line is a breeze. You can do it anytime and within the comfort of your home. You do not have to drive to the mall and fight traffic and get tired looking for a space to park. It is just so easy and safe with the right store!

And so, www.shopdrops.com was born on October 4, 2004. The rest is history and this story ended happily for me. And here I am today, the shopkeeper of a little shop in the cyberworld - shopdrops.com, the little shop in the neighborhood that people do love to visit!

Countdown to the Gift-Giving Season Begins . . .

Well . . . the countdown begins. It is barely 84 days before the holidays. That really means you have at least 80 days to do all your shopping, decorating and gift-wrapping. Yes, I know - that sounds like so many many days. But you and I know that days have wings and before you know, the malls will be full of shoppers.

Do not forget that there is the comfort and safety of shopping on line. It is amazing how cheaper and easier it is to do your shopping online. I do not have to mention the TIME and EFFORT you save from shopping on line.

In fact, according to almost all my neighbors, and co-workers (both male and female) - online shopping is safer and easier than braving the malls. And you know what I mean.

Hey, this is the new way of life and we have to embrace it and be savvy about it.

By the way, watch out for new product lines at my shop, WWW.SHOPDROPS.COM - "that little neighborhood shop that you just love to visit". You will find all the quality gifts you want to buy for your friends and loved ones. Keep in touch and we will keep you informed.

Listen to this professional buyer/shopper. Do your homework. Make your list now and do not forget to include people who help you make your life easier - the poolman, the gardener, the baby-sitter, the cleaning lady, the postman, your neighbor who takes your kids to school . . . and the list goes om . . . Till then.
Shop safe. Shop smart.

Discount Coupon Central

Well, this shopkeeper is giving out discount coupons to all our loyal patrons. . . Please take advantage of these discounts as they really bring the dollars down at check-out. You will be surprised at how much you can save in time

You can likewise request discount from online stores other than SHOPDROPS.COM. Just complete their contact forms and send them a note so that you can use that coupon with your next purchase from them.

Look for coupons that possibly DO NOT EXPIRE. These are the genuinely good ones. That way you do not have to be pressured to buy just so to use it.

Also, beware of instant coupons ---- some may just be given to lure you to shop for products that have been marked-up previously to balance the discount given. These discount coupons do not really help. They are just marketing ploys to get you to buy certain products now.

Keyword is, choose your e-store well. There's a lot of well-meaning online shops out there . . . When you do find them, add them to your favorites.

Till the next shopping tip, web shoppers! Get your discount coupons from shopdrops.com's contact form.

New Products At Shopdrops.Com

Well, you should start shopping for Christmas now. There are so many discount coupons that are floating out there that you can use against your purchases. Do the rounds of the online shops and get as many coupons as possible.

Look for coupons that do not expire or that you can apply to any purchase - any, and that means there is no minimum $$$ value for your purchase.

Take it from me, do your shopping now while costs are still low. Around Christmas, prices of items are upped because of the demand factor - not to mention the "rush".

And by the way, watch out for coupon give-aways at my online store. They are real and you will find that some kind do not expire and do not require a mininum.

Until the next session. Be happy. Keep shopping! And please ----- ALWAYS SHOP SMART!

Giant E-stores vs Small Shops

Do not be so easily impressed by big-name online stores . And do not think that small online stores offer less in quality of goods and customer service. You will be surprised how big online stores can sometimes be less personal in their dealings with their customers. It is only logical that they do business the way they do. They get more customers and so business is done briskly. Small online stores are more eager to inject a personal touch to their business dealings as they have more time to spend on an order. This is not surprising. Small online shops have less money to spend on advertising and search engines. - thus they are not as easily found in the web, unlike their giant counterparts. Putting it bluntly, they get a lesser number of customers. Therefore, a new customer is always treated like gold by the small online shop, because such customers come like manna from heaven.

Now let me talk a little bit about how I manage my small shop, ShopDrops.Com. My online shop will always be a small shop. I prefer it that way. Sour grapes? Maybe so. But as I do all the work myself, I really cannot afford to manage a bigger shop. Besides, I find it more satisfying to be my own boss and my own worker. All I know is, when you do come to shop, I give your transaction my priority attention. Your visit alone (minus a consummated sale) gives me such pleasure. Each return visit that you make gets me closer to the reward of serving your shopping needs. And when you finally make that purchase, I instantly feel connected and committed to you. And I do go and fulfill your order happily just like that.

What's Safest: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, or Checks?

I have been researching on respected and trustworthy sources on this issue. Which indeed is the safest way of paying your purchases online? Should you by your credit card. debit card, send cash or check?

For a good answer I turn again to my favorite authority - http://www.privacyrights.org/ - a non-profit consumer information and advocacy organization.

What I learned I pass it to you. Accordingly to my source, the credit card is still the safest way to shop on the Internet. Here's why:

1. Should anything go wrong with the transaction, you are covered by the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act. This means that you can dispute charges made on your credit card and you can withhold payments as well, during such dispute.
2. If the credit investigation determines that your credit card was used without your authorization, you will be responsible only for the first $50.00 in charges and rarely will you be asked to pay such charge.
3. Shopping by check or money order leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud and does not give you any protection should you encounter problems with the order/transaction.
4. Debit cards likewise exposes your bank account to thieves and a checking account can be wiped out in minutes. A debit card or a check card or an ATM card is NOT A TRUE CREDIT CARD and therefore does not give you any protection in case of problems with your online purchase.

Recommendations:

1. Dedicate one credit card for online payments alone. This will make it easier to detect wrongful credit charges.
2. Check your credit card bills carefully after purchasing online. Make sure there are no charges for purchases you did not make. Should you find one, contact the credit card company immediately and file a dispute claim.
3. Try to limit your online shopping to sites that you have bought from before and which you have not experienced any suspicious transactions with.

Customer Service Support

Believe it or not, a good customer support is one of the most important feature of an online retail or service site. A customer should be able to contact a person at the virtual store like the shopkeeper . Store access may be a telephone number or a contact form (direct links to e-mails are nowadays shunned by online retailers because of the aggressive and fraudulent harvesting of e-mail addresses by web spammers). After an order is placed, a customer should still be able to get in touch with a store person (not an auto responder) to assure such customer that a responsible contact is still well within reach ( afterall, such customer did leave some very private information) at that store.

A customer should be able to correct an order, a ship to address, or any omission that was made on an order - at least within 24 hours after an order is placed. In fact, a customer should still have the option to cancel for as long as the order has not shipped. Usually, an order is processed within 72 hrs after an authorization to charge has been given, depending on the availability and location of the item. Within those 72 hours, the customer must be given an easy access to the shopkeeper or to latest status of an order.

The bottom line really is how fast are inquiries or attempts to contact a store responded to by an online store? Contact forms or telephone numbers serve no purpose if there is no one at the other end to listen and readily answer or respond to such customer communication.

To my readers and online shoppers ------ here is something to remember: "a good, honest and responsible online customer support is a priceless commodity in the web ". Remember that next time you shop online. You will never feel alone, lost or abandoned in the web mall if a good, responsible and knowledgeable customer support is within easy reach.

I know the feeling of anxiety that a customer experiences in situations where an online store cannot be contacted after an order is placed - no telephone, no way of contact, no customer support. In other cases, telephones may ring only to be answered by recorded messages; e-mail inquiries are responded by auto-responders - not live people. Those scenarios can be nerve-wracking and one would get that sinking feeling that there is no one behind the online store you just placed an order with. Do not, from the get-g0, even get into such a situation. Look for a contact form and test how fast you get an answer before placing that order and leaving all your private information with that store. Dial that telephone number and see for yourself if there is a live voice beyond that number. You may be surprised at what you will discover.

But please - this is not a rule. In all fairness, there are online stores out there that may not respond to inquiries fast enough and still those who may not respond at all. But they do deliver your goods on time and your private information safe and uncompromised. But those are the exceptions and certainly harder to find.

Personally, however, I, as an online shopper myself, would like to be able to ask and get an answer and run after a store if I need to. And that, my readers, is a good feeling to have when you shop online or offline, for that matter.

Privacy and Security Policies

Have you read the Web Site's Privacy and Security Policies?

I suggest you do before placing that order!

Every reputable e-commerce web site offers information about how it processes your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled “Privacy Policy.” You can find out if the merchant intends to share your information with a third party or affiliate company. Do they require these companies to refrain from marketing to their customers? If not, you can expect to receive “spam” (unsolicited e-mail) and even mail or phone solicitations from these companies.
You can also learn what type of information is gathered by the web site, and how it is — or is not — shared with others. The online merchant’s data security practices are also often explained in the Privacy Policy, or perhaps a separate Security Policy.

However, remember that a strong privacy policy and/or membership in a web-seal program don’t guarantee that the web merchant will protect your privacy for all time. Policies can change. Given all of these uncertainties, you will want to think about the sensitivity of the data that is being compiled about you when you shop online. We cannot prescribe the best approach to take. Each consumer has a different interpretation of what is considered “sensitive.”

Here are the do's and do'nts to keep in mind before you place that order:

1. Do not give our your Social Security Number. It is never a requirement for placing an order at an e-commerce web site. There is no need for the merchant to ask for it. Giving out your Social Security number could lead to having your identity stolen. (See PRC Fact Sheet 17, "Coping with Identity Theft," www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17-it.htm.)
2. Disclose ONLY the bare facts when you place an order online. When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you. They may ask questions about your leisure lifestyle or annual income. This information is used to target you for marketing purposes. It can lead to "spam" or even direct mail and telephone solicitations.
3. Don't answer any question you feel is not required to process your order. Often, the web site will mark which questions need to be answered with an asterisk (*). Should a company require information such as social security number, bank account number, financial statements or monthly income or anything else that you are not comfortable sharing, leave the site and find a different company for the product you seek.

DO NOT SAY YOU WERE NOT WARNED! SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP BUT ALWAYS SHOP SMART!

Are you shopping at a trustworthy online store?

What do you know about the online store you are dealing with?

You can eliminate the risks in shopping online by shopping with online stores that you or someone you know already shopped with before. How long has this store been on business online? If the company is unfamiliar or unknown, do your homework before buying their products. If you decide however, to buy something anyway, start out with an inexpensive order to learn if the company is trustworthy.

Indicators of reliable online companies :

1. They publish their physical business address and at least one phone number, either customer service or an order line. These are usually found in their "About Us" or "Company Info" pages.
2. Call the phone number to make sure that it is a legitimate working number. Ask how the merchant handles returned merchandise and complaints. Find out if it offers full refunds or only store credits. Ask questions . Find aswers.
3. You can also research a company in Internet yellow pages or local searches provided by most major Search Engines like Yahoo, Google and MSN. Perhaps friends or family members who live in the city listed can verify the validity of the company. Remember, anyone can create a web site.

I hope you'lll practice what you have just read. It takes some practice to shop safely! Go shop and shop happy!

Source: www.privacyrights.org

How can you tell if a web site is secure?

• On line shopping advisories always advise the online shopper to shop only from secure websites. But how can you tell if a web site is secure?
  
  Today's safe shopping lesson for the day from this shopkeeper is how to spot a secure web e-commerce site. Our readings from realiable e-commerce gurus, the likes of Privacy Rights Clearinghouse gave us the following information on the subject.
  
  A secure e-commerce site uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.
  
  You can tell when you are dealing with a secure web site in several ways :
• First, if you look at the top of your screen where the web site address is displayed, you should see https://. The "s" that is displayed after "http" indicates that web site is secure. Often, you do not see the "s" until you actually move to the order page on the web site.
• Another way to determine if a web site is secure is to look for a closed padlock displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site.
• The third symbol that indicates you are on a secure site is an unbroken key.
  
  Of course, transmitting your data over secure channels is of little value to you if the merchant stores the data unscrambled. You should try to find out if the merchant stores the data in encrypted form. If a hacker is able to intrude, it cannot obtain your credit data and other personal information. Be sure to read the merchant's privacy and security policies to learn how it safeguards your personal data on its computers. And that will be the next lesson in our mission to help you shop on line safely.
  
  Bye for now, and I will see you next time. Should you have questions, just post an inquiry and I will try to get back to you as fast as I can. Ta ta!

Safe Online Shopping

While online shopping is a breeze because the factors that typically makes shopping at the mall difficult and physically strenuous are absent, i.e. lack of parking, walking from store to store, traffic congestion inside the mall, carrying and transporting your shopped goods, too many distractions . . . online shopping has its own litany of pains:

• A customer may not receive the ordered items or the received items mat be different from how these items were described.
• Ordered items may arrive late or past beyond the estimated time of arrival.
• E-mail addresses or telephone numbers may be sold to third parties.
• Personal or financial information may be compromised.
• Proliferation of e-mail scams from "phishers" who cloak their messages with the personality of trusted and honest retailers or legitimate institutions.

What can the online shopper do to protect himself/herself from becoming a victim of online predators?

This blogger and shopkeeper of a little online shop will discuss in parts the things an online shopper must remember when shopping online. These guidelines I have compiled from research and readings from legitimate sources and authorities on safe and legal trading practices in cyberspace. By giving you information and tips on safe e-shopping, I hope to be able to contribute to the number of confident online shoppers, thus contributing to the growth of small online retailers and business operators like myself. I believe like so many others, that online shopping's share of unpleasantness (if I may call it that) is still outweighed by the pains of shopping at the mall.

So, my dear readers, whereever you are. . . watch for these little tips on safe online shopping . . . coming in parts to Shoppers' Blog.

And just like that

The holidays are over. The Christmas tree is gone with all its lights and glitters. Gifts are stored, displayed, used and/or returned. We at shopdrops.com are proud that we did not get a single return from our customers.

And so it is now 2007. New trends, new fashion styles, new products will soon be offered at brick and mortar as well as online stores. The first big shopping season of the new year is Valentine's Day of course. Love-people, heart-people, people-head-over-heels in love are starting to browse for love-filled gifts like chocolates, perfumes and colognes, love candles and anything that makes the target person smile and feel loved and cherished.

To our regular online shoppers - choose well: the productas well as the store you entrust to deliver your love. Check the store's return and shipping policies. You do not want your Valentine gift to come after Valentine's Day for instance. That will surely be a point less from your score.

I am looking forward to processing orders for Valentine's Day. Best sellers so far are perfumes for women and colognes for men. Aromatic Love Candles are also popular as well as jewelries and fashion accessories.

And the classic heart opener for women at dinner time? Flowers, flowers, flowers . . . I personally prefer large, very red roses that come in dozens. And for men? Nothing beats a sweet, demure and heart-felt kiss!

Shopping for the Holidays

It's about 32 days to Christmas and most of us have yet to come up with Santa's List. Malls will be surely packed and most people would go for an easier way to shop - via cyberstores. And why not?

It is so easy to shop from online stores. You have at you fingertips all the good stuff that online stores pre-select to sell in their stores. With just a click of a mouse, you can virtually shop hop from one store to another and make a tour of countless stores that are open everyday, 24-hours in all parts of the globe.

Whichever way you want to shop, you must remember to apply a little strategy to your shopping task. It is always best to come up with a list, categorized accordingly (age, gender, wish) AND stick to it! Do remember to shop from trustworthy stores that can deliver the goods on the day they say they would.

There is an even easier way out! Have you tried a PERSONAL SHOPPER? A reliable personal shopper is the best thing next to Santa Claus. She (most likely, she is female) will suffer the shopping ordeal for you and enjoy it, too.

Well, let me know of what you know about holiday shopping. Do leave your posts of wisdom as early as possible.

Contact Links

Contact links are convenient ways to leave your comments at requests and inquiries shopdrops.com or any website you visit and spend time in. Just click on the link, fill out the form and submit. Normally, the customer care of a site will get back to you within 24 hours.

Leaving a comment or inquiry will help you decide before a purchase if you have questions about an item you would like to order. You can make this a rule of thumb before you finalize an order with an online store that you are buying from for the first time.

Always ask when in doubt. This will save you and the online store time, money and effort.

Complaint Department, am I?

I have been getting inquiries and complaints from people who shop from stores other than mine. Their complaints are almost always "unfulfilled orders". I have been patient with them telling them that no, www.shopdrops.com is not in anyway, affiliated with the store/s they placed their orders with. I am a Yahoo store and I guess shoppers somehow come across my contact form and they decide that I have connection to other stores, especially the ones they placed orders with.

These shoppers should always keep a copy of their confirmed order so that they know where to go for inquiries and order tracking when the need arises.

At any rate, I have opened an unofficial complaint department at the link below. I will try to help anyone recover or expedite their unfulfilled orders. Note the highlight on the words "I will try". There are no guarantees but at least, you have an alternate recourse. I will help - I must as well, since I am getting all these unsolicited requests for help.

http://shopcitytalk.conforums3.com/index.cgi?board=Shopper&action=display&num=1140969721

And Why Not?

Now is the time to try a home business. Ask yourself what you are most interested in and start there. Capitalize on what is available - your talents, your own material resources - nothing expensive, nothing extra ordinary - just things that are readily available to you NOW. Do some research. Ask friends. Ask people you know who are in home business. Browse the internet. Inquire existing e-commerce sites how they started, how they are doing, where they are going and how much it took them to be where they are now.Relax . . . You can do it . . . Think about it. Then act on it!