I have been an avid Carousell user for a while now--an app developed in Singapore which allows you to buy and sell new/used items on an online platform, which has extended to include all sorts of things from clothes, furniture, pets, cars, houses, collector's items, homemade crafts and baked goods, to services (including boyfriends for rent, apparently.) It's a great way to shop; you feel misleadingly good about yourself as an eco-friendly bargain hunter. There's a whole community out there and as with every community, there's the good, the bad, and the just plain ridiculous. Here are some of the highlights of my Carousell experience, mainly the types of Carousellers (or buyers, for that matter) it's your good fortune to meet: Mysterious Meetups "I'll be wearing a red polo and black jeans." Within five minutes I realized half of Singapore's population wore red polos and black jeans. (Insert brand of choice) "Inspired" I learnt this term when I realized there was a stark difference between the Nike sports top I thought I had ordered and the quite honest (honest because it was that obvious) imitation one I received. There are good inspirations and bad ones, of course. I'm all for cheaper options, but it is good to be aware that inspiration and the ideal aren't the same thing. The Master of the Blurb "Adorable teddy bear, perfect as a gift for that special woman in your life! Your girlfriend will love this sweet and cuddly, fluffy plush toy with a soft satin bow and felt paw pads. Just the way to say I Love You. Yours for the special price of ___" These people obviously are the sort that write the blurbs for flower catalogues. I mean, have you seen how much they can write about a single rose arrangement? You get an essay on love, the meaning of love, the importance of simplicity and sincerity in love, and a psychic representation of your feelings. I guess that's what we pay for when we plunk down the $50 for that single rose. Hyper-hashtagging "basic#minimalist#autumn#winter#spring#summer#cute#pretty#elegant#formal#casual#minimalist#embroidery#boho#tribal#aztec #tropical#floral#fashion#stylish#denim#lace#distressed#streetstyle#ulzzang#korean#nike#adidas#H&M#CottonOn#Forever21 #longsleeves#shortsleeves#highlow#sleeveless#sheer#bodycon " By this time I've forgotten what you were selling already. Also, your item comes out on every single search I make, whether I'm looking for leather shoes for my brother, a Star Wars costume, cute socks, or a prom dress. Feedback Carouseller (girl, don't wory) who texted me after the meetup: omg i promise im not creepy but I think ur really pretty HAHA anyways do u mind exchanging feedbacks? I thought about this for a while and realized I was probably now unspokenly bound to give positive feedback. There are dues to pay. The Overly Affectionate That Carouseller which keeps calling you 'dear,' managing to insert one in every text message. Harmless, yes, but I have to confess my eyebrows go up every time this happens. Like, ahem, who said I was your dear? *bristles* Google is my Best Friend The Carouseller who uses stock pics. I'm afraid I get very suspicious whenever I see listings which only feature stock photos taken from Taobao etc. Is there something you're hiding from me? We need to talk. This is not working out. I think we should break up. The Awkward. Just. Very. I once listed a top I was selling, and added in the description, "Reason for selling: perfect condition, nothing wrong, I just don't think it suits my skin colour as I'm quite tan." Lo and behold, a potential buyer messaged me: "Can I have a picture of your skin colour?" !!!!!!!!!!! |
the process of appreciating life
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