Disappointing product: Aigner Watch purchased at Singapore Airlines Kris Shop

Last November 10 to 11, I took a Singapore Airlines flight from Adelaide to Manila. On this trip, I bought an inflight duty free item for myself as those are the few times where I get the chance to shop.

One of the items I bought was an Aigner watch that has a complimentary keychain. It was a nice watch and I liked its horseshoe design. Early this morning, I dropped the watch from my bed as I woke up and was surprised when I looked at my watch and saw that one of the numbers fell out of its place.

I find this item to be extremely disappointing as I only get to wear timepieces now whenever I am in Manila. While in Adelaide, twice to three times a week only as those are the days when I can go out.

Finding an item also sold on a duty-free catalogue of a prestigious airline - which is Singapore Airlines - I expected more. As this is the first time I ever encountered a not so durable product did I realized that I couldn't recall a warranty card that went along with the watch I purchased. (although I usually wear items like this right away and leave the packaging behind to avoid any discussion at Customs.) The KrisShop website neither has archive of products sold in its catalog in the past. (no file history found either in Wayback Machine)

Having this replaced would require me now to get in touch with them after I get to find its original receipt or request a copy from the credit card company. Another would be the process of returning the damaged product, shipping it, and if I'm lucky, get a replacement. But then again, there will be taxes in relation to that.

As a lessons learned, I will not buy a valuable timepiece and jewelry item again inflight.

(I gave Singapore Airlines a a heads-up after making this post and glad that they responded proactively.)

Reggie Bundang: Expanding RegaloService Offerings in 2008

RegaloService was probably the newest e-commerce player in late 2006. In less than a year, the site won two awards, the best gift site in the 1st DigitalFilipino.com Web Awards and winner in the ADOC ICT Awards.

Reggie Bundang's story in starting the site remains an inspiration for any woman who would like to achieve a balance, start their own business at home, pursuing one's dream, succeed, while taking care of family at the same time.

Her interest in shopping, reading, surfing, coupled with her background on online banking, business, and product development made her decide to pursue starting an online retailing business, RegaloService.

With minimal capital, she relied on her network of friends to get started. She also had to deal with challenges such as building credibility with her suppliers, finding the look and feel with her website that aptly represents what she wants, and getting a slice of the market. Help from partners, suppliers, and friends from all over were valuable along the way.

In the last W3O forum, I still remember what Reggie shared, knowing what you want, being professional and understanding in one's dealings, and building relationships were vital to success.

For 2008, Reggie plans to expand her service offerings in RegaloService.

Joan Piñon: Turning full time entrepreneur in 2008

Joan Piñon, an I.T. professor, entrepreneur, and blogger, shared her story sometime ago in this blog on how she started her hobby sweets baking site, My Little Baker. It was not an easy task and there way many factors to consider like the website design, among others.

Her hard work paid off. 2006 and 2007 was a great for Joan. As she mentioned in the enclosed video, she made a lot of contacts and friends in the industry. For 2008, she also plans to do her baking business full-time.



Joan is a testimony that a passionate and determined person can indeed take their share of the Web and make something great out of it.