New free marketplace in India: What are you missing out on?

india banner

With so many shopping websites popping left, right and centre, apart from being spoilt for choice as a buyer, what comes to mind is how much easier it has become if you simply want to sell something.

This idea of setting up a small business, without any investment in building a physical store or even a website of your own, is very appealing. This is what ezebee.com gives you. It provides you with a platform to start a small shop on their website. 

eng-indian2

The best part is that the basic version of ezebee.com is free. As from the website itself – “Users are able to open an unlimited amount of Shops, add infinite products to their shops, and best of all, there are no commission fees for transactions completed through ezebee”. Other than this, they also have a premium version where you get priority as a seller.

For more details about how both the versions work, how ezebee.com earns money or anything else, you can also check out the FAQ section of their website ezebee.com.

What I liked most about this website was that no matter which part of the world you are in, just type in the city in which you want to look for stuff and you will get city-specific results.

The other thing that sealed the deal for me was that there is no end to what all one can find here. Check for example this vintage chair that I came across while random browsing.

vintage

Tell me, would you ever be able to find something like this in any of the regular brand shops? ezebee.com shops will take you to numerous such things because anybody can build anything (product or service) and sell it. 🙂 So, it is more likely to find unique things.

The site also has a good design and layout. A clean, white base with everything placed on it in tiles, kind of like Pinterest, one of my favorite ways of displaying things.

What also stands out is how ezebee is giving access to European market (where it was founded) to the small businesses that use its marketplace in India.

I think the idea of having such a marketplace, especially for both goods & services, is quite helpful for small businesses, as they cannot afford to invest a lot, take too many risks or build an elaborate strategy. On top of that, if they had opened a physical store, they would have had access to only their local market, unlike here where they get access to many foreign markets too.

So, if you are someone who is good at making handmade earrings or soaps, or even want to tell people about your cooking skills & have cooking classes, join ezebee right now and sell your forte.

281fcc_75e4 (1)

Oh, and, these are just examples. You can sell all kinds of diverse things on this free marketplace, so go and take a look 🙂

Rains and bargains | When LimeRoad meets monsoon

Okay, how psychic is this? I have mentioned on the blog about LimeRoad & had planned a post in my head long back about the online places I like to shop from, with LimeRoad in my mind. Finally, there is a blog festival organized by them and I am going to be a part of it. Some of you may remember that I mentioned them and I had a very good experience shopping with them. The fact that they are called ‘LimeRoad’ (I mean how cool is that!) and I received the product in a lime and grey colored compact packaging is only an added bonus.

I wanted to be a part of their first ever blog fest because I get to do a super fun thing to be a part of it! Pick some of my favorite monsoon-themed products from their website for this post! Yes, simply that. Now who doesn’t like window shipping? 😀

Before I begin, I should mention that mostly when I shop online, I try sticking to known brands because then you know what kind of quality to expect. However, since LimeRoad stocks up on some really fun things from lesser known brands, I am going to pick things that I love and are reasonable enough from even unknown brands!

Let the fun begin!

6 7

1. My highlight of the rainy season has to be pakoras (Indian fried snacks), especially since I am not in love with monsoons otherwise. For most of us, the tea and pakoras combination spells heaven. Hence, a Moroccan-themed plate to serve your pakoras in and same theme cups to pour your tea! Why Moroccan theme? Simply because I love the Moroccan designs like these ones!

8

2. While we are at the topic of tea & pakoras, why not pick a vintage, kitschy, beyond beautiful kettle for your tea? Of course, only if you can afford it, since this one ain’t cheap but look at that!!

1

3. Most clichéd statement, but monsoons = flip-flops. Especially, if you can get your hands at such cute ones. Click on the picture and you will know that it’s not pricey as hell either.

2

4. I am not very fond of anklets but I know for some of you, that and flip-flops together spell beauty. See if this delicate one floats your boat.

3

5. I thought I have used way too many totes in my life to be bored with them but this one reminds me of the havelis in my paternal hometown, Churu, Rajasthan. They look exactly like this picture and hence, I feel very drawn to this bag!

4

6. There are few things in this world that are as perfect as a midi skirt (at least as far as I am concerned). Midi skirts for monsoons? How perfect is that? They won’t get dirty as they don’t touch the ground and, oh my God, can we just stay put for a moment and appreciate this beauty? 🙂

5

7. It’s a little too pricey for my liking but look at how comfortable, delicate and feminine this looks! Just the color of clouds. Dress in this during monsoons and look like one of ’em clouds!

So, anyone who wants to gift me anything from the above list is free to do so. 😀 Oh, and, I would love to know what all you liked from their website. Do share that in the comments, one of the most fun things for me is knowing what others are buying or want to buy. Did that creep you out? 😀

Also, more importantly, you can create scrapbooks on LimeRoad for different looks. Check the below one for example created by someone.

9

That’s all. Thanks for giving this a read! 🙂

Disclaimer: All pictures are taken from Limeroad.com. I don’t claim ownership.

Life Instagram-ed #13

First things first, I got honored with the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award’ by Jen @ The Haute Mommy Handbook. So very happy that she thought of me for awarding this. 🙂

Now I don’t think anyone missed having Life Instagram-ed posts around, but I missed writing these. 😀 The reason you are seeing less of these and Street Style posts is that my phone has broken down and I used to use my phone camera. Today, I really wanted to do this, so I used my mom’s phone, used Insta through laptop, basically went at great lengths to get my Instagram feed here. Finally, here you go from what you last saw in Life Instagram-ed #12:

IMG_20141101_180232

1. What do you think this is? No guessing game, I can’t wait to tell you. It’s a fabric piece from Shanker Market, Connaught Place when I was roaming there with one of my best friends while she selected some fabric for her sister’s marriage and I drowned in the gorgeousness. If you are even a tiny bit into getting your clothes stitched, this market is a must visit place. Though let me warn you it’s not exactly cheap. Still, must visit!

IMG_20141102_125716

2. This is from the Gurpurab celebrations in the area where I live. It’s a Sikh festival for the birth of the first Guru. Notice how coordinated everyone looks cleaning the road ahead for their Holy Book to arrive. It’s funny how faith can bind or break us. 🙂

IMG_20141102_130229

3. From the same procession, you see the ‘Panj Pyare’. Honestly, I never knew about what they signify even though I have seen them/heard about them since childhood. Having used Google, here’s what they are: While I did know the literal translation ‘The 5 beloved ones’ (I know this much Punjabi), they represent the first five men who were initiated into the Khalsa (the emodiment of the Guru) in the Sikh ceremony of initiation by their 10th Guru.

IMG_20141102_130324

3. The Holy Book of the Sikhs – Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

Capture

4. Aah, this. :’) This is that side head-gear that you usually see Muslim women wearing commonly known as ‘Passa’ or ‘Jhoomar’. I really wanted to have own since a long time. I think this one is so very pretty and is as not pricey either. I got this for INR 800. The only problem is that it is very heavy, so doesn’t stay put in my thin hair. I imagined myself looking beautiful when I wore this to a friend’s wedding recently, but it was coming off every 5 seconds due to my thin hair!!

If you live in Delhi and want to buy this, let me know and I’ll be happy to share the shop details.

1

5. When you have Nachos but no dip and no inclination to make any, you gather whichever vegetables are there in the kitchen and preferably chopped already. 🙂

IMG_20150101_184223

6. This one is special. One of my good friends from the blogging world, Krupa from Ishtyle Awhile, sent these earrings as a gift when I won a fun quiz on her blog. This is the first time I have ever won in a contest like this, you know, and the personal note was a cherry on the cake!

IMG_20150101_192750

7. This one is really, really important. If you are into baking at all, you should definitely try this recipe of Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls. Trust me, if I can do this, anyone can because I always face issues while baking in our microwave. I cannot stress on how badly I want you to try this recipe for it’s easy, tasty and satiates the craving for baking breads to some extent. Please do make this! I have made this thrice, the first time following the exact recipe, the second time replacing all-purpose flour (maida) with wheat flour and the third time adding paneer bhurji (cottage cheese dish) as a filling. So if you have anything to ask when you try the original recipe, feel free to ask. 🙂 Only thing to keep in mind is that you must have a convection mode in your microwave for any baking and if you use gas cook-top for baking, then I won’t be able to suggest the tweaks for this recipe as I don’t know about that. [Bhakti, this is the recipe we talked about].

Pheww! I typed this post twice as I lost the draft. 😀 That’s pretty much it. 🙂

Take care & keep smiling 🙂

Philippines Haul & Merry Christmas!

DSC_9449

Merry Christmas y’all! 😀 I hope all of us have a wonderful year ahead. 🙂 And here’s to what I shopped in Philippines. I think I have mentioned previously that I wanted to buy gifts for many of my cousins. Although, honestly, at the end of it all, I feel there’s no need to put in so much thought because people do not value it all that much. Put thoughts only for people who understand your efforts. Buy gifts for everyone else the same way that most people do when visiting abroad. That way you get to cover more people as well. Overall, I was not impressed with my method, I wish I had bought gifts for more people even if they were regular things like chocolates etc. I think I blabbered too much, just do what you feel like because that’s what I did. 😀 After all, it’s not a life-altering decision. For more Philippines’ posts, go here, here, here and here. Here’s what all I bought 😀 :

DSC_9327

This Charles & Keith Wallet for my mom. My favorite from the trip.

Some sports socks for a cousin. I don't know why I thought of that, stop judging.

Some sports socks for a cousin. I don’t know why I thought of that, stop judging.

DSC_9453

Now pretty notebooks are wonderful gifts, tell me if you disagree (or if you want to punch me in the face 😀 )

A bag for my maasi (aunt)

A bag for my maasi (aunt)

A handcream from Etude House

A handcream from Etude House

A face mask that I got for free for shopping at Etude House :D

A face mask that I got for free for shopping at Etude House 😀

A face wash from Etude House

A face wash from Etude House

Some Marks & Spencer shower gels

Some Marks & Spencer shower gels

These bellies were so cheap. I got a blue pair for myself as well. The best part was that they were named after ice-cream flavors as per the color of the shoe. See that tag around the shoe that says Vanilla?

These bellies were so cheap. I got a blue pair for myself as well. The best part was that they were named after ice-cream flavors as per the color of the shoe. See that tag around the shoe that says Vanilla?

DSC_9323

A dress for one of my favorite cousins.

Apart from these, I also got three tourist kinds tee shirts from the Bangkok airport, a souvenir for home, 2 more pairs of shoes for myself and some funky socks from Topman. I also got this kid’s toy from a stationary shop for a friend. 😀 I don’t have pictures of these but I wanted to mention them anyway. That’s all, let me know if you like the stuff. 🙂 Merry Chirstmas again! *-*

Shopping Haul and Website Review: Jabong.com

IMG_20141115_1659290101

A site this popular doesn’t really need an introduction. If you are into online shopping, chances are you have shopped at least once at Jabong. 🙂 Still, I think I should totally share my recent experience of shopping with them. I have previously shopped from Jabong a lot of times and I have always had a satisfactory experience. I think the main reason that makes Jabong stand out in the online shopping world is the sheer variety that they have in terms of brands, it is seriously applaud-worthy. There are obviously more things to love (and some things that I would want to see improved as a customer) but all that after I have shown you what I bought. 😀 IMG_20141115_165430575

So, I and my brother were planning to buy a sweatshirt for him and, at the perfect opportunity, Jabong offered me a gift voucher to shop at their website and review it. We scrolled through the products to buy the kind of sweatshirt that he wanted. Navigating through the website, selecting the product, viewing your shopping cart and checking out after paying the money is a cakewalk with Jabong. Any first timer can easily do it and to have an experience of what I am talking about, you can check their website here. Our order arrived after 2 days of placing it and since we had bought the sweatshirt of a rather unknown brand, we were glad to see that it was of great quality. The package was securely wrapped as well. We were happy. 🙂 IMG_20141115_165929010IMG_20141115_165806817

To sum up my experience, here’s what I think of Jabong.com:

What I like:

  • Huge selection of domestic and international brands, when I say huge I mean HUGE. The number of foreign apparel brands which are otherwise  not available easily in India keeps increasing on Jabong – Dorothy Perkins, New Look, River Island – you name it. Also, the presence of other popular brands like Aldo, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, CK Jeans is ever increasing.
  • Honestly, there was this one thing I liked more on another website (Myntra) that they showed the discounted price of a product while you were only looking at the product, Jabong used to show it only after you had put the product in the cart. Jabong has changed it and now they also show the discounted price while you are only looking at the product. This is one of my favorite features.
  • Easy to navigate website. You can browse through products by applying various filters like brands, colors, price range and what not.
  • Jabong is very good at building relationships (yes, it is an important point). They have a great bloggers’ network and they are also quite concerned towards their customers. A friend of mine who is a huge shopaholic regularly buys stuff from Jabong. Therefore, Jabong acknowledged her as a premium customer and gifted her with a voucher to shop. Yes, it is funny 😀 but it also says that they value their customers.
  • Since we have previously shopped from Jabong, we have experienced that they have an easy returns policy. You just need to contact the customer care and they will come to pick the stuff up and return your money as Jabong credits which you can get transferred to your bank account as well. You did not see the transferring to bank part coming, did you? 😀
  • Fast and safe delivery, tracking of the package is quite simple.
Putting Customer Care contact right on the package is great!

Putting Customer Care contact right on the package is great!

What I would like to see differently:

  • Cash on delivery is not free. Although this doesn’t matter much to me, since I hardly use Cash on Delivery on reliable websites but I am pretty sure this is the most preferred method of shopping for a lot of customers.
  • Ok, this really isn’t specific to Jabong, it concerns all e-commerce websites. The thing is that while they are the best places to shop for brands, they are not that helpful when it comes to local or unknown brands, you know the kind of products like earrings, ballerinas that you can find in street markets. Those products are not priced as cheap as they are in some of the local markets. For example, the sweatshirt that we bought was from an unknown brand and luckily it was of great quality but that might not be the case every time. The solution for websites would be to either price their local brands’ stuff competitively or stock only known brands so that customers are sure of what they are buying. The solution for customers would be to not invest a lot of money in something that they are not very familiar with.

Overall, this experience of mine with Jabong and previous experiences as well have been good and I would continue shopping with them.

IMG_20141115_170009581

PS: If this post gave you some craving to shop immediately, you should totally have a look at the offers Jabong is giving during GOSF (Great Online Shopping Festival). Also, like I mentioned that they are great with building relationships, the 2015 Jabong Online Fashion Week (JOFW) is about to begin and if you are a model, designer, stylist or photographer, you should definitely consider registering yourselves. For further details, check the website for JOFW. For more details, write to: Simron Sharma simron.sharma@jabong.com, Arijeet Rana – arijeet.rana@jabong.com

Disclaimer: Gift voucher provided by Jabong.com, but all opinion is honest and unbiased.

Shopnineteen Haul & Website Review

1

I wanted to try something out from Nineteen since forever. They manufacture their own stuff and are based out of India. As per their website, they have been in the business of export for a while but I think they started selling on Nineteen since around an year back (just checked – 2012) . I wanted to buy something from them, mostly because they manufacture their own stuff and they are not shady overpriced. Since the time they launched, I keep browsing their website every now and then. The best part is that their designs are very different, the worst part is that not all designs are good different. However, sift through the clothes on their website and you will definitely like many things.

Here’s what I bought (followed by what I think of them). Oh, I am so sorry for not mentioning the packaging. Look at that!!! Wonderfully packaged stuff which made me feel really, really happy. Now that’s what we call putting your heart in the business and knowing how to make your customers happy. Believe you me, not only does the packaging look good, the stuff actually was very well packaged in separate paper wrappers (and those paper wrappers were worth skipping a heart beat!).

DSC_9463

DSC_9462

I bought three tops in their buy-any 3 things-for-999 offer. The first one is a red-colored polyester blouse and I bought it for work. It is really beautiful and works great for office.DSC_9468

The second top was this lavender and white color crop top which is really beautiful but I am not comfortable doing crop tops (more like my parents aren’t 😛 ), still I liked it a lot. I bought it believing that I would find some high-waist skirt or pants in my wardrobe to wear this with. So far, zero success. I might just pair it with a sari in the coming wedding season to let go of the guilt. Believe me, I am a very sensible shopper, this is my one ‘brainless’ purchase in a long time.

DSC_9467

The third thing is this top in bubblegum pink color. I basically bought it because I don’t remember owning this color ever. Sorry for the weird picture. You can check it out here. This top is so very soft!!!

DSC_9466

Lastly, here’s what I think of the website:

What I liked:

  1. The best part for me is that everything is exactly how it looks on the website. All 3 things that I bought look exactly same as the website in reality. In fact, when I saw the bubblegum pink top on their website, I felt that the material is a little cling-ey, when I tried the top at home, it was exactly that. 🙂 So, the website gives a fair idea of what you are buying.
  2. They put a huge effort in making your shopping experience good. The stuff was very nicely packaged (as you can see) and it put a big smile on my face. Their customer service is amazing because I talked to them on phone as my order wasn’t getting placed. In fact, even the emails that they send about dispatch and other details are so quirky and attention-grabbing just like their packaging. 
  3. It is all their in-house manufacturing, which is something that attracts me.
  4. The stuff is not shady overpriced like many other websites.
  5. Huge collection to choose from.

What I didn’t like:

  1. Like I mentioned, they have unique designs but not necessarily in a good way. Most of their stuff is towards the bohemian side, I really, really hope that they come up with some classy designs next or other designs as well like we see on those Chinese wholesale websites.
  2. Although in this department, they are much better than their counterparts, I still hope that they start pricing their clothes even better or increase the quality of the material that is used. 🙂

Overall, I had a lovely experience and I would love to shop from them again if I come across any new designs that I like. 🙂