Shops and entertainment venues stay open until midnight to the delight of big spenders everywhere. So if you're in Berlin this Spring bring your flexible friend and cut loose; If not, then you'll have to wait until Autumn for a second bite of the Long Shopping Night cherry.
On this regard, there’s a new tendency among young Europeans that is travelling in small groups of 3-5 people. This way of travelling, apart from being safer especially for girls who seem to be the best travellers in terms of kilometres run per year, is also cost-effective. There are many ways we can demonstrate this: from the train tickets that often apply reductions to groups, to museums entrance, up to accommodation and food expenses. If you think about it, many places offer jugs of beer for as cheap as 8-10 euros and you can drink as much as you want for 2-3 euros only.
Not to speak about some ‘pizzerie’ where they cook giant pizzas for up to 6-8 people at ridiculous prices. Then if you look for cutting off the accommodation costs, many young backpackers, students or travellers often opt for private apartments where they can cook their own meal, chill out after a day in the city, guest new friends for a drink, or whatever they wish. We too have often chosen this alternative as prices range from an average of 80-120 euros for a central apartment in an European Capital city.
Take the Berlin example, with less than 80 euros per day, you can rent out studios for 3-4 people. Basically with 25 bucks guys, you can make your day and save a lot! And more and more, apartments owners are renting out their apartments to tourists, not only to residents.
Getting back to our shopping topic, if you are in Berlin the following little suggestions and info may be of some help. KaDeWe is the biggest store of the continent from clothes to food (Tauentzienstr., 21; Shönenberg; ph. +49 (0) 30 21210; U-Bahn Wittenbergplatz) whilst the cheapest one is Wertheim in Charlottenburg district (Kurfürstendamm 231; ph: +49 (0) 30 880030; transport: U-Bahn Kurfürstendamm). Specialized in backpacking gears is the Bannat (Lietzenburger Str.65, Charlottenburg; ph: +49 (0) 30 882 7601) whilst for unceasing readers you should try Dussmann a huge Emporium for books, cds and software right in Mitte (Friedrichstr.90; ph: +49 (0) 30 2025 2400) or East of Eden in the heart of East Berlin.
It’s an international independent second-hand book shop hosting regular events (readings, open stage, exhibitions and live music) in the reading room. You can choose among 10,000 second-hand English language books! (Schreinerstrasse 10, Samariterstr; U-Bahn Samariterst). If you are in the area and still prefer to indulge in small cosy bookshops why not try the “Books in Berlin”?It has a good section for English narrative too and used books in general (Goethestr.69, Charlottenberg; phone number: +49 (0) 30 3131233).
Well we hope this brief introduction to Berlin Shopping fever was quite exhaustive to give you an idea of what you can do and expect while there. So save up some money and let’s meet there!
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
The shopping month in berlin is march
Huge saving on online shopping
Look for secure sites
Almost all e-commerce sites use a secure transaction server that ensures that all data transmitted is encrypted using a 128 bit cipher (browsers like Internet Explorer 7 now support a 256 bit cipher). Look for websites that are using technologies like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) for their online transactions. In addition, most e-commerce sites ensure that they use dynamic pages that expire after a given time period. Make sure you are dealing with a website that is using a trusted payment gateway like authorize.net or ccavenue.com.
It is equally important to shop with e-commerce websites that are safe from hackers, most e-commerce websites have started enrolling with the ‘Hacker Proof’ programme that allows webmasters to have their websites tested for potential security threats. Remember, any webmaster willing to invest time and money for securing their website is serious about his/her business.
Don’t forget shipping costs
You might be getting a great deal on the latest electronic gadget, but always look for a website that is transparent in its dealing. Most e-commerce websites have a transparent procedure that clearly mentions the shipping costs, insurance and handling charges (if any), and any additional charges that might be levied. Before buying anything online, make sure you understand the shipping charges and any additional charges that might be involved.
Ease of use
Although all webmasters work towards making their websites easy to use and free from complications, look for a website that is easy to use. Most websites are compatible with web browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox and Netscape but you should make sure that the e-commerce website you are using does not require any additional plug-ins or add-ons. Excellent examples of easy to use websites are eBay and Amazon, and their success can be attributed to the ease with which internet users can use both websites.
Payment options
Although most e-commerce websites use standard payment gateways, look for an e-commerce website that allows you to make payment using various methods. If you are not comfortable making online payments using credit cards, make sure you can make payments via PayPal. Remember, as a consumer it is always a good idea to be able to make payments the way you want, and a website that does not offer a full slate of payment options may not always meet your approval.
It is equally important that you deal with a website that has been in existence for a long time and has established a reputation for itself. There is no denying that e-commerce websites cannot become reliable and trusted overnight, but you can deal with a website that is safe and secure none the less.
Check the condition of the item being sold
Not all electronics products sold online (like DVDs and CDs) are new. Most e-commerce websites mention the condition of the product being sold clearly and you should make sure you understand the condition of the product before buying anything online. In addition, not all electronics products come with their OEM warranty, make sure your read the product description carefully before making any payments. Remember, that it is your responsibility to understand the condition of the product being sold (as most e-commerce websites clearly mention the condition of the product and the warranty details). If you are not sure about the product you are buying, contact the customer care department for further clarifications. Only buy the product once your queries are answered.
For great online discounts and deals on popular products visit www.savingsshoppingmall.com
Buying Clothing When Shopping
Christmas shopping can be a lot of fun. Spending some time searching for the perfect gift for everyone on your gift list can be a great deal of fun. It is also rewarding when you find and purchase a gift you just know your loved one will treasure. However, there is one aspect of Christmas shopping which seems to be difficult for everyone. It seems when it comes to buying clothing while Christmas shopping, everyone seems to have at least a slight hesitation. There are just so many variables when it comes to clothes shopping that it can be difficult to shop for clothing for those on your gift list. Some of the variables which make Christmas shopping for clothing so difficult include size, color, style and material. This article will take a look at why Christmas shopping for clothing is so difficult and will attempt to offer some insight into how to purchase clothing for others.
The matter of size is one thing that makes Christmas shopping for clothing so difficult. You may have a good idea about what size your friend or family members is but it can be difficult to select the correct size particularly for items such as pants, skirts, dresses or blazers. Items such as sweatshirts in which the fit does not have to be perfectly tailored are easier to shop for but even with these items you still run the risk of selecting a shirt which is too small. A sweatshirt which is too big is considered acceptable as many people where these shirts large as a style but shirts which are too small can be rather uncomfortable and will not likely be worn by the recipient. When Christmas shopping for clothing it is wise to either select casual items or ask the recipient to try on the clothing. This ruins the element of surprise but will help you to select the correct size. You may wish to discuss your intentions to purchase clothing for your friend or family member and ask them if they would prefer to receive a surprise or to participate in the selection process by trying on items before they are purchased.
Selecting colors is another difficult aspect of Christmas shopping for clothing. In general if you know your friend or family members wears a particular color often, it is safe to assume they like this color and enjoy wearing this color. However, even this safe strategy can backfire on you at times. You may decide to purchase an article of clothing in this particular color because you see your friend or family members wearing the color often but you may soon find out they are tired of wearing that particular color and were hoping to receive clothing in other colors to expand their wardrobe. Again you can alleviate this problem by talking to your friend or relative and asking them what colors they would like to wear. This lets them know you are planning to purchase clothing for them for Christmas but does not give away the type of clothing or the style of the clothing.
Perhaps one of the most difficult dilemmas associated with Christmas shopping for clothing is selecting a style which will be appealing to the recipient of the Christmas gift and will look good on the recipient as well. If you are purchasing a gift of clothing for a really close friend or family member you may have a good idea about the style of clothing she likes because you see the clothing she wears on a regular basis but it still can be difficult to pick out items which you know she will like and will be flattering on her in terms of style. Again one of the best ways to deal with this situation is to ask the friend or relative to come shopping with you.
From: Articlegold.com
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Clothing Shopping – The Easy Way
It doesn't help either that I don't like shopping on the high street. It's busy man. Real bustling, noisy, hot and bothered busy on those streets. And once you get into the shops it's even busier, noisier and nastier than outside. Every time I try and buy even a pack of socks more often than not I'll bail out amidst the cacophony of modern 21st Century consumerism and head home for the tranquillity and peacefulness of shopping for clothes online.
Once I even went into a clothes shop to get measured then went home and ordered a pair of jeans online from the same company that measured me, because I just didn't have the time or inclination to queue amongst the melee.
Until I can afford my own personal Bond street tailor the web is my shopping mall when it comes to clothes. Why? Because it means I can, in the comfort of my own home, (importantly) find those clothes I like (you know, without silly slogans on, frilly bits, etc) and browse through without the worry of getting shouldered by some over-zealous mother dragging her screaming kids down the clothing aisle.
Shopping online for clothes is fun and easy. Rather than worrying about getting out of the shop into the fresh air, you are in a conducive environment for making rational decisions, rather than the environment that dictates: 'it's 5 minutes until the store closes, better get something, anything, otherwise it's been a wasted trip to the busy and overcrowded shops.'
All you really need to know is what size you are, and even if something is too big or too small, most online clothes shops have easy to understand and helpful returns policies.
Apart from having to wait a little bit longer to get your clothes that you've bought online – often deliveries will be just the next day – shopping for clothes online is miles more convenient and tons less stressful.
For me it's almost a victory over the clothing products that I dislike, and the shops that stock them. Getting label-less clothing seems like a marathon effort when you're in the high street. There's a kind of perverse monopoly on style. But online there is a garment democracy, because someone somewhere is making and selling the types of clothes you like.
Be it boxer shorts, lingerie, denim jeans or cotton shirts – even organic and fair-trade clothing – I can find them so easily on the web. Given that most online clothes stores are UK based and are easy to reach by telephone or email if you need more information, I am sometimes surprised that I even bother to go to the high street.
Maybe I secretly like being shoved around by irate weekend shoppers; although somehow I doubt it.
Washed Out Shopping On Foot
So when my washing machine packed up and the engineer who came round to fix it said it had had its day and I needed a new one, I had a smile on my face at the prospect where once there would only have been dread.
Having recently got wired up to broadband Internet at home, and having dabbled in a little online shopping already, I knew I could sit in the comfort of my own living-room, in my own time, without hassle, noise or interruption and make a considered, researched and best value choice of a new washing machine. And I did.
Despite all those many and valuable benefits to shopping online rather than joining the masses trawling the shops, there’s an even better benefit. The best bit about shopping online for a new washing machine was the access to real choice. You don’t need to be an expert to quickly realise that most shops sell basically the same products at basically the same prices. Online the world is your oyster.
I sourced the globe for a new or reconditioned washing machine, was able to research manufacturers and the online retailers, read genuine customer feedback and actually learn useful information about the product I intended to buy and the purpose I intended to buy it for.
Basically, being a single woman who does no more than 4 loads of washing a week, consisting of relatively everyday materials, I didn’t need an all singing, all dancing machine that a family would. Sounds obvious, but out in ‘shop’ land you’re being sold a relatively standard product: a one size fits all.
Because online shopping for a washing machine enabled me to access the global marketplace it also afforded me access to a much broader and more niche marketplace. Information, choice, variety, value and guaranteed quality await any online shopper prepared to take the time to find what they are looking for.
That’s the rub. You have to be prepared to put the effort in. But, in reality, it’s effortless: certainly by comparison. A few hours spread out over a day or two, carefully and quietly researching and choosing the most efficient, effective and best value product for your needs over the Internet. Or going to one shopping centre after another and trailing round one huge shop after another as part of a throng in search of a bargain in the hope of finding what you need?
Guide To Thrift Stores Shopping
1. Research for the best places in your neighborhood or within the city that you live in. You need to consider the overall environment to see if you will be comfortable to shop within that area because some people have issues on being seen in these types of stores.
You may check out free classifieds sites where thrift stores post their ads although word of mouth is still the best. Nothing beats getting recommendations from first hand shopping experiences, you can also check out blogs, forum or just ask a friend whose a thrift shopping enthusiast.
2. Allot a specific period of time to shop, the longer the better. Sometimes you even need to go to several thrift shops before finding the great place for you. Just in any shopping trip, you need more than an hour to explore and scrutinize everything the store have to offer.
3. Bring lots of extra patience with you. To find great steals from these stores you need to spend time to go over the items and examine each closely. Most items are used but you have to check out to differentiate the items that have scratches that can be fixed from items that are simply broken. If your buying electronic gadgets make sure to test it out, you don’t want to go home empty handed.
4. Bring cash since most thrift stores are traditional and don’t take checks or credit cards.
5. If you’re out to shop for second hand clothes be sure to wear a tight top, skirt and easily strapped shoes since most store don’t have dressing rooms. Those clothing items will help you try on the items.
For those who are willing to try out shopping in thrift stores, great bargains are definitely in store for you!
By: Mei Galang
Online Shopping - Let Your Pc Shop For You
Online shopping was born in 1990 and is growing stronger day by day. It is known by many names; e-commerce, e-store, webstore or simply online store, online shopping has entered our lives with a vengeance. It represents the shop or company online and brings those products directly to us with full descriptions and visuals. You can shop without leaving home.
Today, a considerable number have access to the internet and most have a credit card. This is in order to help us prevent internet fraud, but also categorises people who are genuine buyers. In the early 1990's, our shopper's were mainly in the educated, higher classes who had access to the net. Today, those barriers are down and everyone has some level of computer knowledge and savvy, meaning that online shopping is available to all.
The introduction of up to date technology of Secure Pay, PayPal, Moneybookers and Internet Banking, everyone is able to buy goods through a secure gateway. For those who are still doubtful about the security aspects of credit online, banks are now providing cards for single transactions. Customers can now keep their original account numbers private, which further increases security.
The technology behind the online shopping varies depending on the type of business and the type of technology used by the company. Some may use Business-to-Business (B2B) and some may use Business to Customer (B2C) type of technology. Today; most of the online stores are using B2C type of technology where the products and services and their description are given on their website, or an online catalogue.
Apart from getting various product descriptions and company information, the users are able to compare the prices from one product to another product, which are all available online. With a good understanding of the product features, and the price comparison, the users can grab the best offer within their budget.
Finally, online users are able to ensure that the online shop will provide security and privacy and that their transaction is secure.
By: articledashboard.com