As a rather active blogger, i have been approached quite a number of times for sponsorship and frequently, it was a direct rejection as i don't see the point of mincing my words just because i am getting something free.
I would rather pay money and write an honest review! This principle doesn't sit well with many sponsors and i was therefore not expecting a reply from NoQ store when the marketing team sent me an email late last month which i replied in accordance to my 'standard' policy.
Imagine my surprise when the above email was delivered to my singnet mailbox! If there's anything i would appreciate from merchants, it's their confidence and acceptance that sponsorship comes with no strings attached.
Online shopping is no stranger to me although this would make it the first time i am shopping for books on the world wide web! With over 14 million titles to choose from, i was a tad frustrated when the search function didn't appear to be intuitive. Things got smoother after a few more tries; indicate the "search filter", input the key words and then select the category to streamline your search!
I have always lamented that iPhone has destroyed my love for reading and i spend most of my free time nowadays watching videos and playing mobile games (my recent obsession was Minions Rush)! It took me a while and i finally decided on a 'practical' book; David Busch's Nikon D7100 Guide to Digital SLR Photography!
Before i click the "checkout" button, i thought it would be necessary to compare the pricing of the guidebook with other local online stores! NoQ's pricing was S$40.00 (with GST) while Kinokuniya was offering it for S$44.14! Delivery for Kino was also chargeable for orders below S$50!
Order was placed shortly after. As you can see from the print screen, the sponsorship granted to me was a S$30.00 discount that i could offset with any purchase (besides books, NoQ also sells stationery, diaries, calendars, reading accessories etc)!
The only thing i could not quite understand is why GST isn't included in the initial price shown to interested buyers. It can be irritating when i assume the price is XXX and the final bill comes with an additional 7%!
Delivery took around two weeks; fifteen days in my case. Why so long?!?!?!?! I have the answer actually; most products are not physically kept in Singapore and could come as far as United States / United Kingdom!
Do note that there is an option to top-up S$1 an item to gift wrap and attach the present with a card (small one i presume). Since the guidebook is for myself, i am already quite happy to see it being double wrapped.
Why was it so thick!?!?!?!?!
Whatever the case, i sure hope this guide would provide me with more insight on the uses of my Nikon D7100. As i mentioned before, i am a lazy photographer and have always preferred the "auto" or "program" mode. Let's keep our fingers crossed that i would be able to advance to the "next" level.
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Website
Readers' Privilege!
Some of the products are already discounted but all of you would get a much better deal; an additional 15% discount for ALLproducts in NoQ store! Yes, you read it right; store-wide! Just remember to input the promotion code CAVIN before you click "place order"!
So what are you waiting for?! Have a fun time shopping at http://www.noqstore.asia/! Do keep in mind that promotion would end on 31 October 2014!
Additional Information
Up to 50% discount on books; free delivery in Singapore for orders above S$25; numerous payment modes which include credit cards, paypal and even eNets!