50%-70% OFF: RM50 Rakuten Cash Voucher for RM20

I like cash vouchers, don't you? Just don't be too restrictive with your offers, business owners.

At first, I find it silly that Rakuten should offer a cash voucher deal on Groupon when they are having sales. Why? You can't use these cash vouchers on sale items.

On second thoughts, they probably do this on purpose.

Now it's 50% off on ALL Rakuten items!

It's useful, come to think of it.

Are you a book lover? Now you can get Amy Tan's bestselling 'The Joy Luck Club' at RM17.45 after 50% off. (I'm just illustrating here so don't knock me off by saying you've read it ages ago. Me too. Only I didn't read the parts in the middle.) You can filter by the author. Smart.

(Don't you love getting books half off when they always give 10% to 15% off. Don't tell me otherwise.)

Fiction carries the most books. At over 100. Children's books come next at 75 books.

I think I got carried away. Here's why:

1. This voucher comes in denominations of RM50 each so you can only use it for a product that is at least RM55. (Filter on the left sidebar for items ranging RM55 to the limit you'd spend.)
2. You can only use 1 Groupon/product.
3. You can use it to cover shipping cost. (But I don't see how this matter, considering the above two restrictions.)

 I love how you can drill down, and down some more.

However, there's room for improvement:

1. Let us 'add to wishlist' without having to click through the product.
2. Give us the option to browse through100 items at a time.
3. Why are the images so lo-res?
4. Let the filters we set (number of items and relevance/lowest price, etc.) remain even though we click to a different category, until we change it ourselves.

Take note from Zalora!

And other shopping portals can take note from Rakuten. Run a 50% - 70% off voucher deal on Groupon!



* Maybe I'm wrong. But I believe this is the first time an online shopping portal is running a cash voucher deal. I love how deal sites force merchants to think more innovatively and competitively!

55% OFF: Ceutical Face Ampoule (10 Vials/Box * 2 Boxes) for RM48

The Deal

From Groupon:

Ministry of Health-approved cosmetic products.

Five ampoule choices that reduce eye pouches, reduce blackheads, regulate sebum secretion and pH balance, regulate oil glands, or brighten complexion.

This works out to RM2.40/Vial.

Expires in Sep 2014. Sounds like a great deal!

Copy the Bridal Store's makeup artist 

You know what the bridal store charges for 1 box of 10 vials, ten years ago? RM130. That works out to RM13/Vial! (There may be different varieties of ampoules leading to varying prices; you tell me.) They didn't sell ampoules per se. They inform you that you can add-on this to your package at a discount of at least 50% (I'm talking about the ampoules of course).

The makeup artist uses this as a face primer prior to applying powder/foundation on your face. It makes a visible difference. It's the difference from course to smooth. I know it's ironic but powder applies easier and stays better on a smoother surface.

How to Use Ampoules

Oh, you're supposed to use up the 3ml vial in 3 days to avoid contamination because you can't really close it back. (But you already know this if you are a beauty junkie.) It's disposable. I suppose keeping it in the fridge will help.

Your next question is, how often to apply ampoule on your face? Not everyday. Maybe 3 times a week; the equivalent of 1 vial. Monitor your skin condition and respond accordingly.

Donate to the Victims of Typhoon Haiyan for RM10 / RM25 / RM50

The first time I chanced on donation group buys was on a deal site other than Groupon. I was pleasantly surprised and thought it a good idea.

Well, Groupon has finally caught up and so far, over 3,000 Groupons are sold and counting!



* 17/11 Update: Over 5,000 vouchers sold!
* 22/11 Update: Over 8,000 vouchers sold!

50% OFF: RM100 Cash Voucher for 'Australian Wagyu & Premium Rib-Eye Steak' at S Kitchen for RM50

It's a cash voucher deal but here are the restrictions, verbatim:

"Minimum order of 200g for Australian wagyu 7 is required."
In other words, you need to buy 2 vouchers at RM100 altogether.

"Limit 2 Groupons per receipt."

"Min. 2 days prior booking required. Bookings subject to availability."

Can anyone feedback if the steaks come exactly as pictured on Groupon?