Photobook Malaysia review

Honestly speaking, I'm one of many people who got hooked to discount and deals website like Groupon, Everyday and Ilovediscount; just to name a few.

Hence, when I first bought this deal for a photobook last year, I was intrigued and wondered how it would work. In a nutshell, it is very simply to select and drag your images then tweak it a little in the photobook software to compose your photobook. (Will review the software the next time)

However, be careful when it comes to "dateline to redeem coupon" period as their servers and customer service will be overloaded. Who can blame them? But it is scary to purchasers like me who keeps on wondering if the order goes through, it the file got uploaded and if they are ever going to get their book.

Here's my review of redeeming it last minute.


26.2.12:Made an order. (Given a PBOXXXXXXX)
28.2.12: Took the effort to drive and send a CD with my files directly to Photobook office since server was too slow to upload.
2.3.12: Called Photobook and was told the order encountered error but they have received my files. I had to submit a replacement order
3.3.12: Made a new order to replace the old order. Got a new order no:  PBOXXXXXXX.
Called Photobook office on 3 Feb 2012 to confirm my order and that everything is in order. (They confirmed receiving my CD files). Reminded that I opted for self-collect. Was told it is possible and I would be refunded RM15 for delivery in cash upon self-collect.

From 5 March onwards, no calls to Photobook office or support was available since no one picked up the calls.

5.3.12: Received email from Photobook stating I have not uploaded my file.
5.3.12: Send email explaining my situation
6.3.12: Received email to upload file again.
6.3.12: Send email explaining the whole situation and that I have directly given the files in person. I also reminded that I have requested a pick-up option as stated in the groupon I bought.
6.3.12: Reply that have received my CD copy of files and all is in order. Hazwan from Photobook support confirmed all in order and I would be informed for self-collect.
10.3.12: Query on status of book. No reply.
14.3.12: 2nd Request to upload file
20.3.12: Finally replied that my file is corrupted and I had to upload again.  Why does it take so long to inform so? Are the files misplaced ?
21.3.12: Uploaded my file through photobook
26.3.12: Received email saying my order is being sent.
26.3.12: Send query requested self pick-up as mentioned earlier.
27.3.12: Received my photobook. Good condition and satisfied with product but dislike  the long process. Thank God! I was not in a hurry. 

It took 1 month for my book to arrive.... I was very patient and understanding with their "overload" and didn't complain. But why did they have to lie to me and just posted my book without the self-collect option? I wrote back this exact review to them and no calls or apologies obtained from them.

It is so sad to find a useful online photobook book but I hate "CRAPPY CUSTOMER SERVICES"!!! Yes, we are Malaysians and we are in a "developing country" but we always get this kind of service from our own kind. Bad customer service is expected in Malaysia unless you're foreigner-looking - "kwai loh" only.

Arghh... Anyway, scenario over and as I have another book to redeem; I remind myself to redeem 1 month earlier and hope I do not encounter this kind of problem again. If that is so, I guess I'll have to try with all the new numerous photobook companies popping out here and there and forgo Photobook Malaysia.

Cutesy Stuff: Baby Booties

My friends have reached another stage of life: motherhood. Their facebook profile pictures are of their little ones.

Hence, baby gifts shopping is also part of my routine.

I watch out for cute personal stuff and of course - useful ones.

I've been buying handmade crocheted baby booties from a nice seller in lowyat.net "raven" and reviewed before.

Now another seller has caught my eyes with her creation but it's pricey! No one has bought from her yet and I'm also apprehensive to spend so much on it.

So here are some eye candies of her cute creative creations. Wish I can concentrate and make my own.. lol

Cute right? ;)

Online coupons review

Guess what, I've tried some of the promo coupons available online. At first, I was skeptical about these so-called bargains at 50%-70% off.

Then, I started one.. and the rest is history. But a note of caution, despite the description given by some of the promo - sometimes they do not seem like what it seems. Will share some of my experiences with you all.

A recap on my May 2011 - Coupon purchases. (to date, I've tried www.groupsmore.com and www.dealmates.com.my)

1. [58% Off] RM50 for RM120 worth of Shoes at The Cobbler. Free delivery
 The Cobbler shoes (First time buying shoes online but was attracted by the reasonable price and the ability to exchange the shoes for the right size if it does not fit)
Will share with you the duration and experience of exchanging the shoe size.

*Positive review*

2. [50% Off] Barbecue Meat Platter + Salad for up to 4 people from Craft Brews for RM69 instead of RM138.05 (Only RM17.25 per person). Non-Halal
A big fan of ribs and this promo seems too good to be true! :) Plus the fact that Craft Brews rave that they have a variety of "home-brewed" (in Singapore) to try out. Not really a beer fan but it's a good deal and good reason to meet friends.

• 2 types of pork back ribs and 2 quarter chicken.
• Salad, potato wedges and corn on the cob.
• Well-reviewed.
• Signature Craft-brewed beers available.
• Happy hours from Mon to Sat 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Sun 6.00pm – closing.

*Positive Review*

  3. [78% Off] 10” X 13” Large Personalised Hardcover Fotobook for RM80 instead of RM369
50-page 10” X 13” full colour hardcover photo book.
Customized design.
Durable binding and dust jacket.
Photos printed on matte art paper.
Ready within 7 working days.
Photoscape design software with pictorial guide.

Haven't utilised yet but think it's a bargain. Only downside - have to find a Mac to use the Iphoto to make the Photobook or drive to their outlet to do it there. (Not too friendly to PC users!)


3. [90% off] 3-hour hands-on Makeup Workshop at Celmonze Aesthetic Academy worth RM480.

• Learn to use makeup to define your features.
• Makeup tools and cosmetics provided.
• Small classes for personal attention.
• Classes conducted in English or Mandarin.

 Decided to join a friend for this class for fun but was severely disappointed based on the highlighted red terms. "Makeup tools" was provided all right.. read my review to find out about my disappointment. It's similar to being told I was attending a baking class but it turned out as a demo (Lucky guy... I was too busy to blog about that "class" I attended that I don't feel like getting upset all over again.)

*Negative Review*

4. RM99 for Almost 3 Hours of Bliss in KL City. Aromatherapy Massage + Ultimate Renewal Facial Treatment + Paraffin Hand Treatment at MURAD by Beauty Chemistry (Worth RM390).For Both Men & Women

Aromatherapy Massage (1 hour)
Ultimate Renewal Facial Treatment (1.5 hours)
Paraffin Hand Treatment (20 minutes)

Haven't had a facial in ages since the skin specialist I visited told me to finish my course of Roaccutane first before I allow my commodones to be pressed out, etc. 

*Mediocre review*

*****

I've bought a few more others which will only blog after I utilize to review about my experience.

This one promo is so worth-while I have to share it here first (another meat lover's promo!)

BAR B Q PLAZA 50% Off Supreme Beef Set or Supreme Pork Set (Set For 2 -3 Pax)

Mmmmm....

Bags bags Galore: Chic&Sleek Eco Bags

I've been looking for A3 sized bags to put my A3 sized documents and lo behold, Miu decides to promote stuff online for shopaholics again... grrr.. :p

Chic&Sleek Eco Canvas Tote

Based on Miu's description of how she started making this bag... I assumed the expensive bags her hubby mentioned could be the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" (by Anya Hindmarch) which is a canvas tote bag sold for a few hundred Ringgit here.

“Our aim with this project has been to use our influence to make it fashionable not to use plastic bags. ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ was designed to be a stylish, practical, reusable bag that would raise awareness of this issue and spark debate. We feel that we have achieved this aim beyond our wildest dreams. For more information about where the bags was made etc, please see our website." (Anya Hindmarch)

Hence. when I saw these bags... wow... I am quite impressed. These are a few that that caught my eye. Actually, personally for casual use, I like the bright pink of Paris Rendevous but since I'm getting one for work to carry all my documents and drawings, I would like to get something like the Lovers which is in monochrome coloured. Simple and adorable horses. I wonder if she does customisation?

Dear Santa Miu, can I have a bag for carrying my heavy submission drawings and documents?? :p I've been looking high and low for a nice sturdy bag to carry my drawings besides using Ikea bag.. lol

 

 

Chic & Sleek Eco Canvas Totes RM68
Size: 44 x 30 x 15 (L x H x W)   (Fits A3 size documents!! Yipeee!!)
Material: 100% Canvas with Cotton Checkered Lining

Chic & Sleek Eco Canvas Totes RM58
(for files, laptops, smaller in size)
36.5 x 27.5 x 6cm (L x H x W)
Material: 100% Canvas with Cotton Checkered Lining 

Free Shipping only in the Klang Valley for Max 2 pcs. First come first serve, while stocks last, from now 22/12/10 until 31/01/11. To place an order for your very own chic and sleek eco canvas totes e-mail Leen at chicandsleek@yahoo.com!

For readers of plusizekitten.com - you can use the promotion voucher as stated in her website for RM5 discount and free shipping.

Shopping Temptation: Loving Minerals' Birthday Promo

Despite my earlier post about sales... I'm tempted to commit Error no. 1.
I suddenly feel like getting more makeup brushes.

Loving Minerals is celebrating their 2nd year anniversary with some promotion for their products.

I've bought some items online before: angled kabuki brush (loving it as a traveling blush brush and contouring brush) and Loving sample kit at RM30. (I've finished the blusher sample and love the miniature containers which is good for traveling). I did not get the baby kabuki then.

My weakness was make up brushes which I've stopped buying for sometime. Mind you, I'm still using the blush brush, powder brush, eyebrow brush and occasionally the eyeliner brush.

Handy Kabuki
Hence, the promotion for Handy Kabuki at RM30 (previously RM39) is tempting me... Should I?? I really love their brushes... soft.. small.. handy! ;) So far - the previous brush I bought has not shed that much hair and is still nice to use!

Baby Kabuki
2nd item would be the baby kabuki at RM18 (previously RM25). I've bought a Maybelline minerals set before which comes with a baby kabuki but the bristle was too loose and it shed a little. Since then, I've managed to give it away and I haven't really tried minerals foundation anymore. Should I get this little cutie to finish up the remaining minerals foundation sample I have? Arghhh..

In fact, as an after thought, I remember buying a kabuki brush from ELF but misplaced it during moving places. Sniff.. Oh well.. 

Or... should I let the promotion lapse and forget about this urge? Hmmmm.... wonder what will the outcome be? Lol...  Somebody tie my little fingers from clicking "add to cart"? Lol

10 Rules to follow during a “Shopping Diet”

Potential new resolutions to help you keep to your "Shopping Diet":

1. Do not bring out any cash when you go out
2. Do not bring out any credit card when you go out
3. Do not go to shopping malls
4. Do not go to sales
5. Do not go out – period
6. Do not browse online shopping website / blogshops/ garage sales
7. Do not go online
8. Do not read warehouse sales blogs or bargain blogs
9. Do not earn money – no money, no spending power
10. Bring your other half along to your shopping outings with the complete mandate to disallow you to buy anything

Well? Sounds impossible? I’ve tried no. 3 but then I turn to no. 6 so there goes my money. (To think I wanted to sell my junk – but I bought more stuff online instead! Ha! I’ve learned to pre-order from US sprees too… oh no!)

Yesterday, I tried no. 1 and no. 2 because bf says we’re going to FRIM to check out the canopy walk. (will blog about this later). I happily surrendered my IC and driver’s license to him; thinking it’ll be easier not bringing anything.

Alas, he had the desire to look for something in Midvalley Megamall after brunch. Coincidentally it is the last day and “special hours” for HSBC cardholders to shop with 20X points. He hates going Midvalley because we take more than half hour to find a car park the last few times we went there.

Earn up to 20X Reward Points when you swipe your HSBC Credit Card at participating merchants of MidValley Megamall, The Gardens Mall and Gurney Plaza from 26 November 2009 till 3 January 2010.

I spotted a pair of Mary Janes shoes which was 50% off. I spotted some other sales which I didn’t even bother walking in to take a look. I tried a few tops and dresses which I might have bought if I had the cash/card.

In the end, I only bought a necessity I need which I had to borrow $$ from bf. (On the other hand – I guess it can be considered as a gift from him. Haha)

Hence, I survived a day without really shopping… Pat myself on my back - reluctantly!!

Online Shopping Review: Acmamall.com

I’ve read some negative reviews(Malaysia Crunch & Pin's Malaysia Online Biz) on the delivery of this online store, Acmamall.com but I wanted to get a book which is not sold here. Hence, I took the challenge to try out personally shopping from acmamall.com

I first read about this store from the book forum: LYN Literary Lounge.

1st Order
I actually attempted to order from them in August but I couldn't use my credit card to pay for it. I had to registered my credit card with the bank for online shopping first. (First time buying with credit card... creeepyyy!!)

Weird enough, no one tries to contact you via email or phone to enquire about this pending transaction which stills appear in my order history after months. I checked my credit card company to ensure the transaction did not go through too.

It was so convenient to buy online with credit card once you have tried. My advice is to avoid shopping with credit card online unless you really have to!

2nd Order
My second attempt was on 13 November 2009. This time I was lucky because they were doing a free delivery promotion and the credit card 35% discount was available too. I controlled the urge to buy more books as I wanted to test out their services first and decided on 2 books.

Transaction history (based on the website order details which you have to log in personally to check)

13 Nov (Friday) - Ordered online through website
15 Nov (Sunday) - Processing (Authorised by Credit Card company)
26 Nov (Thursday) - Packing
30 Nov (Monday )- Delivered

I received my package on my door step on the 2 December 2009 (Wednesday). The courier service used was Securexpress.inx. The books were plastic wrapped and packed in a brown cardboard package as shown below.

It took roughly 2 and a half weeks from the moment I clicked the order button on the website to receive the book. The website states delivery for books take 5-14 business days for Malaysia.

Hence, yes, they have delivered the books on time but as some other reviews might point out - it is quite slow. But since I have read the reviews and anticipted it, I didn't really felt the "lateness". I just needed to make sure the books arrived.

I was reading somewhere that this online store operates by drop shipping from overseas. Hence, the longer duration for delivery and lack of feedback from any parties.

My personal advice:
- Do try this when there's a 35% discount off and the items are not available on the shelves in your local bookstores.
- Do try if you're not in a hurry to get the books.

The book I got was a novel to complete my collection of Judith Mcnaught books (which after I ordered online - I realised finally MPH.online was carrying that particular book). The 2nd book is a Christmas present which will probably never make it to our shelves so I'm happy with my purchase. (image of the book blurred for obvious reasons since it's not Christmas yet!)

Till then, I hope my friend will love the book! :)

Earring Organiser – Part 2

Here’s a Christmas gift idea for you all! You still have time to order it and get it delivered directly to your house!

I’ve been eyeing this kind of earring stand for almost a year. It's because you can put quite a lot of earrings and rotate it around (like browsing in shops) to pick the one you like!

Normally, these stands are used by the accessories shop selling earring. However, some kind soul-cum-business women/men out there have started selling the stands directly to consumers.

So far, I’ve noticed this seller in lowyat.net is selling a wide array. I’ve bought a butterfly earring stand for my friend’s birthday gift. Hope you like your gift, Alina! :) We even enhanced the "butterfly" theme by buying her additional items: butterfly earrings and butterfly bracelet!

This is the chronological event of the transaction:
20 Nov - Paid item to seller
23 Nov - Seller posted item
24 Nov - Received item

I find the process efficiently done after payment and speedy delivery with the courier service. However, be clear when you place your orders. I couldn't really order with the chinese characters as I've never learn Mandarin.
Back to the earring stands - My personal concern initially was the material it was made of. I wondered if it would create some sort of reaction to the earrings. Hence, I’ve asked some of the earlier buyers who assured me that their earrings are still fine.

Next, I didn’t have any flat surface left to display my earrings – let alone this stand. Lastly, I was worried about dust on my earrings and the moisture.

Hence, I’ve still stored my earrings in the colourful pillboxes I’ve blogged about earlier.

However, I still wish I have the space to put such lovely-looking-earrings stands because it’s way more convenient to pick and chose your earrings in front of a mirror! (unlike pillboxes which require you to open it up). It’s beauty versus functionality!

*Note: Pictures are taken from the thread selling the item. I do not get a commission for promoting the seller's thread. Just wanted to share my gift ideas here and I noticed the price is reasonable*