// testing, testing.

Muji's Online Store

Muji, a Japanese retail company has always intrigued me with their minimalist style of design with their products. They now have an online store for consumers in the US and ships to all 50 states, including the outer islands. If you live in New York City, you are lucky to have four different store locations to shop at!

Muji carries a big variety of products from interior decor, stationary, electronics, etc. Products are simple and plain, without logos plastered all over. It is one of my favorite places to shop when I’m on vacation in Taiwan.

Check out Muji’s online store here!

Being fairly new to Twitter, I had totally underestimated on how handy and useful it can be.Twitter isn’t just a good way to share random thought, BrightKite your location, share photos of what you are eating, get instant feedback, etc. Twitter has become a solution for companies to provide quicker customer service, and a more personalized communication portal for consumers.

While on the search for a new pair of Vans Classics, I had the chance of coming in contact with Tony Hsieh (@zappos). He contacted me via DM when I expressed that I wasn’t able to find a pair of shoes in my size…..

I was shocked and happy at the same time. Just 10 days later, I was wearing them.

Last week at CES, Truphone announced its latest intergration of Skype into their software got me really excited! I expressed my excitement and disappointment with Truphone in the past. Less than 12 hours later, @Truphone replied my tweet….

A simple message like that made a consumer like me, a happy customer. It is a good feeling to be helped without having to dial a 1-800 number. So no more long holds on the phone, or being transferred to different departments for 30 minutes and still not having your problem solved.

Amazon's My Account section.

Amazon.com has alway been my choice for online shopping. Despite the fact that it is already an established company, I feel that I need to point out the things that heightens my shopping experience there.

Here are some reasons off the top of my head:

1. Reviews, reviews, reviews! - Amazon customers are the most dedicated bunch of product reviewers. I have always found this to be one of the biggest reasons that bring me back to the store. Whenever I am in the market to look for a new piece of gadget or a new book to read, the Amazon reviews have rarely let me down.
   

   Amazon Mobile

2. Ease of browsing – Online shopping has become a habit for me. I almost have no trouble finding the products I want browsing through the categories. For example when I am looking for a new external hard drive, I don’t usually have a specific item in mind. I compare the brands, prices, and product ratings. With the choice of viewing by ‘Bestselling’ items, I am usually able to find what I need.
3. My Account – Earlier this year, Amazon did a facelift on the My Account page for users. The layout was made simpler, and it has more of a form to it. The links stayed more or less the same, but refreshing the look was much needed and a smart move on Amazon’s part.
4. FREE Super Saver Shipping – This is pretty self explanatory. And I’ve almost never had to pay for shipping! It is definitely a plus when you are buying a bulking item.
5. Wishlist – This is the only wishlist that I take seriously and share with friends. I am always updating items on there since they’ve allowed products from other websites to be added (Universal Wishlist).
6. Amazon iPhone App – Though this is fairly new to my Amazon shopping experience, I’ve already put in two orders for my Christmas shopping! I have turned off the Mobile 1-Click Ordering, because it really does what it says and I have accidently put in a couple of things while browsing on the iPhone. Being able to track my shipment status of my orders is my favorite part about this app. Not needing to open a link through Safari is the best part! The iPhone app is easy to use when you know the specific item you want to buy, I wouldn’t really recommend it for mindless browsing.

With all that said, all my Christmas shopping was done through Amazon this year. It is my go-to place on the Internet for electronics, books, DVDs, another other non-brand specific things. I vouch for their prices when I talk to people about online shopping.

All in all, Amazon.com has my vote.