Important tips to remember when purchasing K-Pop merch online
K-Pop fans show their support not only by streaming their favorite artists' music or buying their highly-coveted and much-awaited albums. Some purchase their merchandise which is popular in the K-Pop community.
Filipinos are among the biggest consumers of these products that are making a craze worldwide. Since most are buying them online, some consumers and sellers share their tips in making sure that their transactions are legit and not a scam.
Jovielle Nuqui has bought almost all kinds of K-Pop merch in the last two years.
She believes that research should be on the top of the to-do list in avoiding online K-Pop merch scammers.
“Read their latest reviews or positive feedback from the shop. Ask some friends who are into buying K-Pop merch if they have heard of the shop before,” she tells GMANetwork.com.
Photo source: Jovielle Nuqui
Checking their website and social media pages is also a must.
“Observe their website or social media sites for their ongoing group orders if it's a monthly batch or pre-order basis. The status of every batch is a must. Look for their daily updates of supplier deliveries.”
Yza Kennedy, another buyer of K-Pop and K-Drama merch, said it is helpful to have friends who are also interested in the same products.
“I ask for recommendations from friends who also do buy merch. I actually have 'budol buddies' whom we share insights about sellers and merch.”
Photo source: Yza Kennedy
Another helpful tip is to ask for a photo of the item and proof of the seller's identity.
She shares, “Ask for pictures of the item before you pay, but don't be too demanding. For social media buys, always double-check the seller's identity.
"For me, I really do take my time and scroll throughout their profiles as if I'm an FBI agent trying to check thoroughly. Also, ask for proofs and updates if it's a group order/pre-order.”
Lala Santos is a long-standing buyer of K-Pop merch. She has been collecting her favorite K-Pop idols' products for the last 11 years.
She said that her tip is for buyers to research registered shops and those frequented by fans.
“Buy from registered shops, or at least research on and buy from the shops tried and tested by many fans. Trustworthy shops are popular because of their honest and good quality service.”
Photo source: Lala Santos
Lala admitted that she was once a victim of a scammer and mentioned some more tips to avoid being a victim of online fraud.
“Check different sites/shops just to have an idea of the prices. Don't be swayed by the oddly cheap prices, but don't be fooled into spending on unreasonably overpriced items."
She added, “Join the social media groups of the artist/s you stan and get honest feedback from the members who have transacted with the shop you are thinking of buying from.”
MJ Layugan of Oppa Grandpa Korean Merchandise has been doing the online business of K-Pop merch for a year.
According to him, earning the trust of consumers is important so they will be assured that they have a secure purchase.
“I keep all my social media accounts active. I post updates from time to time and I give them some of my private information to build rapport and earn their trust that I'm a real person behind Oppa Grandpa and they have actual information about me which they can use to file reports.”
Photo source: MJ Layugan of Oppa Grandpa Korean Merchandise
As a business owner, MJ explained that the hashtag of the store with purchase feedback helps in creating a list of loyal clients.
"Through the hashtag #OppaGrandpaFeedback, they can tweet and see all of my customers' reviews. I earn their trust by being a hundred percent transparent with everything that's going on with their orders."
Khuline Portacio & Robelle Joyce Cairo from Eriwol Shop PH are also known for selling K-Pop merch and albums.
The two explained the things consumers should know if they want to make sure they are buying from a legit seller. Khuline and Robelle mentioned not all start-up sellers are considered a no-go zone.
Photo source: Khuline Portacio & Robelle Joyce Cairo of Eriwol Shop PH
“In our own opinion, we don't think this should be considered as a red flag, but buyers should proceed with caution. If it is just a start-up shop, it's possible that they do not have any reviews yet.
"The shop is probably still just waiting for buyers so they can have feedbacks/reviews. If there's no review or feedback yet, try to look for the seller's information so you know who you are transacting with."
However, being cautious of the sellers' purchases is something to watch out for.
“A recently opened shop already taking a huge number of group orders [is a red flag]. New shops are usually cautious about handling too many group orders at once.
"They are just supposed to see how the shop will go during a group order if they did the costing right, etc. since chances are, they might lose a lot of profit if they did the costing wrong. A shop's first to third group order is usually just trial and error.”
The next time you plan on buying a lightstick or a photocard, consider these tips before making a purchase.
Meanwhile, here are some online stores you can check out: