New Shipping Details.

NO! No! It's not my fault that I didn't post the promised announcement regarding the new shipping details yesterday. The day just went by too fast! And before the thought fully registered in my mind, it's already Tuesday. T___T"


NEW SHIPPING DETAILS:
(Effective June 10, 2009)

1. SCHEDULE. Shipping every other day has finally become a stressful task for us, especially now that college is over and our time together has comparatively diminished because of the other commitments we are compelled to do. Yes, we are still managing the shop as one - Ate Mooch is still able to squeeze in a few meet-ups to her work, Cring retouches the items that need a few repairs before putting them up for sale, while I am left with transacting with the clients, processing their orders and packing them one by one. ALONE. That explains why a good number of our packages are shipped past the schedules we have formerly specified. I apologize for that, but please understand that we take great pride in the way we pack our products, and we refuse to look for alternatives. Effective immediately, there will be no more fixed delivery schedules. Upon confirmation of your complete payments, please allow us a maximum of 2 business days before we ship your items. This way, processing and packaging them will not be too stressful anymore, and we will be even able to make a much better quality control of the items. Tracking numbers will be sent to your mobile phones soon after, and if there will be any delays, trust that you will be informed promptly. Upon request, snapshots of your orders prior to shipping will be posted here for your assurance.


2. COURIERS. Our customers will now be given the privilege to choose which courier they would prefer to handle their packages. In view of Air21's sloppy deliveries lately, we have decided to rely on 2GO's elite service quality and reinstate Xend Express.

• 2GO Express. Their rates are notably more expensive than most couriers, but we've selected them for a reason - much like other online shops. First, they have the most updated online tracking site out there - you don't need to wait a day before your tracking number is validated. Second, they offer same-day deliveries. Third, their pouches are pink - perfect for "Curls & Twirls"! xD But above all, they do not have any history of losing any packages they hold for shipping. Provincial buyers should definitely take note of this. If you want to have your orders be genuinely secured AND have the money to shoulder the expenses, choose 2GO. It's worth it anyway.

• Xend Express (for Metro Manila only). We've had problems with their pick-ups before. Either Cring and Ate Mooch's house is invisible to the naked eyes or the pick-up guy is simply directionally-challenged. We choose the latter, because the house. Is. Just. RIGHT. Over. THERE. How they would continue to pass by it and tell us over the phone afterwards that there was no one home to surrender the packages still bewilders us, and yet, after vowing that we would avoid Xend like a plague based from the horrible experiences we've had, in the end, we humbly return - like the prodigal son - er, daughters. Why, you ask? For one thing, their shipping charges are arguably the cheapest around, and we know most buyers would prefer them despite everything because they do not like to pay too much for "additional costs". More importantly, the packages will be picked up from a different address, and this time, hopefully, they can find it.

*** Why not use LBC?
LBC's rates are expensive, but frankly, uncalled for. Have you seen the way they handle your packages? Normally, upon handing out your package, the person behind the counter would simply put it in a pouch, seal it, insert the waybill receipt to the attached plastic and place it in a basket along with the other packages. However, the person behind LBC's counter would feel up the package by juggling it in his hands, hurl it rushly to the counter before him, feel it up some more - by then, you could already see creases on your delicately wrapped package - before inserting it in the pouch. After sealing it, he would flip it over, put the address sticker, give the poor package one last look before tossing its battered figure to the basket. On our case, he even missed the basket and it landed roughly on the floor; he had to call his co-worker to pick it up and put it in the basket for him. We could only stare dumbfoundedly at what happened, and when he charged us P130 for a small pouch, weighing so much less than 0.5 kg - they're rubber-made flower rings, for Pete's sake! -, no declared value, and bound to Muntinlupa ONLY, we realized that if such brutality is already evident over the counter, how much more if the packages were delivered to the cargo house? Surely, LBC's handling service sucks so bad that charging for it will only be waaaaay immoral, but they DO seem to charge for their workers' juggling, throwing, tossing and flaring knacks - A.K.A. "talent fees". Now, THAT explains a whole lot.


3. RATES. Flat shipping rates will still be implemented for each destination group, regardless if you've chosen Air21 or Xend Express. Evidently, we charge based on Air21's rates, and although Xend is relatively cheaper by a few peso coins, it should be noted that we cover packages with tight bubble wraps for added security (apart from the usual packaging) before putting them to Xend pouches. Consider it as an extra insurance and packaging fee, if you may.

Effective June 9, 2009, the flat shipping rates via Air21 and Xend Express (Metro Manila only) will be as follows:

Metro Manila - P70
Luzon - P100
Visayas - P110
Mindanao - P130

Please note that these rates are for ONE POUCH ONLY. If ever your orders will not fit in a single pouch and will therefore have to procure another, you are obliged to pay the same amount as the standard fee, doubling your charge.

In the past few months, we have been shouldering the additional fees for such conditions, but it has become a major expense that we inevitably need to cut out.

There have also been orders that require boxes in order to be delivered. In this case, kindly PM/SMS us for the availability and price.

For 2GO Express, the shipping costs will be based on the size of your package and your delivery address. For an estimation of your rates, kindly refer to this page.

Feel free to post questions here, if you have any.

Thank you! <3


XOXO,

♥ Curls & Twirls ♥

JUNE Updates! On Sales & Shipping Delays.

Another month, another set of updates from "Curls & Twirls"...

June won't be June without the sporadic showers from above, be it feathery drizzle or heavy downpours; thus, we have decided to reprice our Princess Umbrellas. We can't have you walking through the rain without looking as hip and fashionable as you are on sunny days, can we~? :D

Effective today, the Princess Umbrellas will be on special
"Downpour Sale" for 380 PHP only!!

That's 70 PHP off the original price we have, and a freakin' 140 PHP less than the normal selling price! Don't you dare miss this opportunity! Grab one NOW! We know you want it~ ;)

Last month, we've experienced a few problems with Air21's shipping service. Their system seems to be going droopy on us, and we can't have that, especially with the huge batch of packages we surrender to them on shipping days. Some arrived late, while some were even delivered to the wrong docks! Whoever encodes the addresses and ZIP codes is seriously a few braincells short. And although it's waaaaaaay beyond our control anymore, we still can't help but feel responsible.

We deeply apologize to our beloved clients who had (and will have) their packages delivered late to them. It's understandable that a portion of your frustration is directed to us when such cases occur, but please do not berate us for their shortcomings. We ship your orders on time, and inform you quickly if ever there will be delays. We extend our services to you even after we submit your packages to Air21, which supposedly indicates the end of our transaction. We wait with you, check the tracking number online for you, call the customer service for you, and when the package finally arrives, we feel as relieved as you do.

Not all online shops have enough time in their hands to assist you like that, especially after payments and deliveries are made. Of course, this does not refer to "Curls & Twirls" alone, as there are still a good number of stores out there with excellent service quality as well. So learn to give love; not hate.

With this in mind, we are now making some changes on our shipping details. Make sure to check it out when the journal is posted some time today~!

Thank you! <3

XOXO,

♥ Curls & Twirls ♥

Hamburger Phones this 1ST WEEK OF JUNE~!! :D

Now that all suppressed frustrations have finally been let out in the open, it's time to make appropriate announcements for this coming June.

The Hamburger Phones will be up for sale
this 1st week of June!

We're still undecided with the exact date because we're yet to finish the necessary designs for the packaging and freebies included in the product, but we're aiming to have them up this first week.

Now, as you may all know, this will be a VERY limited offer. Only 5 pieces are available, and only 5 different customers will be able to buy each. No multiple purchases, please! We want 5 different people to be the first 5 ones to obtain these ultra cute novelty phones in the country.

What if I buy 1 for myself and 1 for my friend/sister/boyfriend/girlfriend/etc.? That is fine, but the other phone must be registered to your friend/sister/boyfriend/girlfriend/etc.'s name and you should pay twice the amount of shipping because we can't have them occupy the same pouch.

How much for the phones? As mentioned in the previous journal, we've made extra payments unexpectedly when claiming the packages. Please do not be alarmed, people. We won't be charging you too much to cover the expenses made for VAT. Rare, imported and limited goods are already pricey without the tax, after all.

So how much exactly? We can't give you an exact amount right now. We still intend to keep our promise that the phones won't cost more than a thousand peso, but taking the actual value of the goods, the shipping fee, the packaging design and security, and our efforts in getting a hold of said items into account, the price will range from P800-P900+.

Don't you think that the phones cost too much that way? The exact hamburger phones that we are to offer you normally cost 35-50 USD online (1,645-2,351 PHP), minus the shipping fee via EMS or USPS and the subsequent customs duties tax WITH the much hated VAT. Think again.

Do you have a warranty? No, but our supplier does. If something happens with the phones, you can have us return the item, but all shipping and customs expenses are to be shouldered by YOU. We do not want any of you to experience that kind of economical pain, so we've made sure to inspect the phones thoroughly and even secured the packaging before shipping them to your house.

I hope we're able to give you a good deal out of these phones. We guarantee that the phones are very cute and durable, and they're ACTUAL phones - not toys. xD

For any more questions, feel free to ask away~!

Once again, the Hamburger Phones will be put on sale this 1st week of June!

Mailing list members will be informed earlier than normal customers.

Anyway, just stay tuned~!


XOXO,

♥ Curls & Twirls ♥

Rant: On Lawful Theft & Corruption

So the Hamburger Phones and Sushi USB's arrived on May 22, 2009.

Sadly, claiming the package wasn't exactly a pleasant encounter for any one of us.

And the ever loathsome VAT is the one responsible.

Stupid, stupid, stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuupid VAT.

Why the hell should we be charged for VAT when the goods were purchased OUTSIDE the country? Did it not even occur to those greedy officials that we buy items overseas to escape the overly high interest rate that they've been planting on domestically sold products that are already costly on their own?

Charging for processing fees when claiming your package is okay. Paying for document and BIR stamps can be quite understandable as well.

But VAT? That 12% extra charge from your TOTAL payment value?

Seriously. NO.

Especially when USB's and other electronic gadgets (minus mobile phones) are declared as FREE from customs tax as their tariff rates equal to 0%.

Declaring the package as a gift doesn't even make a difference to your expenses anymore. A GIFT, for Christ's sake. What's the essence of giving a gift when the recipient has to make unnecessary payments in order to get it?

With this, we at "Curls & Twirls" commend our government with an eager applause and cynical smiles. No matter what happens, they are still able to find ways to gain profit from everyone's OWN business.


Truly Angry,

♥ Curls & Twirls ♥

Chocophrenia: Simply Impeccable.

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

"Simply Impeccable"
Written By: Gen Medina

Apparently, my previous rendezvous with Ms. Miren's delightful revel bars was not enough to satisfy my 21 years worth of aching sweet tooth. Ironically, it further heightened my cravings for sugar! xD It was a total miscalculation on my part, but I'd be stupid to complain. Haha.

So it was May 20, 2009, exactly a day after I last tasted the revel bars. Once again, I found myself browsing through Multiply for a new batch of treats to indulge with. I clicked various links in a frenzy, and new tabs began to appear in my window one after the other. In a matter of minutes, my single Firefox window had been jammed with so many tabs that I was afraid my computer would hang and eventually die on me! The fact that it did not still amazes me up to now...

Anyway, the search for the perfect treat was unexpectedly challenging. Despite my grumbling stomach, nothing seemed to rouse my appetite. Even worse, I could feel myself losing all interest gradually. I closed the many tabs as fast as I opened them, and made a mental note to close the whole window after looking at the very last sweets shop. Truth be told, I was all set to retreat empty-handedly from my quest for that particular night.

And then, I came across Chocophrenia's Site.

Looking at the products, I was initially apathetic. "Too many chocolates!", I thought and cringed. But then, I saw her Deep Fried Oreo treats, and all other protests were quickly forgotten as I clicked the album.

I had to admit that I was curious of the taste, especially since they looked really alien to me. Also, there were many feedbacks about them being truly delicious, which really didn't help in making me decide NOT to order. So I did; I filled out the form (after making sure that delivery is allowed, of course), and since I was already placing an order, I figured I might as well try some of the other goodies offered to maximize the delivery expenses.

I ended up placing the largest order quantity out of everyone in the current line-up! So much for sample purchasing. xD

Coincidentally, Chocophrenia's Site is managed by Chimverlynn, the same girl behind The Secret Life of Online Shopping. I was really surprised upon discovering this, since Chim used to be a reseller of Curls and Twirls, and that despite our frequent exchange of PM's and text messages, she has never mentioned anything about owning a chocolate specialty store. I believe I was more than outspoken in telling her how delightful a surprise it was for me to come across her sweets shop, and that she's so talented. I sounded like a raving fangirl that time, but I couldn't help it. I see people with cooking/baking efficiency as people who someone such as myself should worship, because - hey, have I ever told you? - I'm a cooking disaster with a face. ^^

Anyway, my orders were originally set to be delivered on May 25, but Chim told me she could have them shipped on Friday if I wanted - which, of course, I did. I made a quick payment via G-Cash, and when the goodies were delivered to our house on the intended date, the timing could not be anything but perfect.

That Friday, I was stressed. I felt restless and more than irritated, and the temperature in my room didn't do anything to cool down my mood. I was on the phone with Cring, feeling my temper rising to another degree as I whine about PhilPost and their stupid customs. When our conversation had to be put on a temporary halt because she has yet to finish her lunch, I could only resort to watching TV to relax myself. There was a knock on the door before I heard it being opened, and in came my cousin's wife, Ate Rose, a big plastic containing a few boxes of chocolates in hand. It took me a brief moment to realize that those chocolates were actually MY much-awaited but momentarily forgotten goodies.

This time, I remembered to snap a few pictures of them with my phone before digging in.

Deep Fried Oreos. I went for them first, and on the first bite, I was hooked. The outer bread did a good job in preserving the natural flavor of everyone's favorite cookie, and the fact that they're not oily and greasy despite being deep-fried makes you relish the taste more. The bread itself is tasty; its faint buttery flavor goes really well with the sweetness of the Oreo cookies. I'm seriously thinking of topping them with vanilla ice cream and sprinkles the next time I order another batch. I have a feeling I'll love them so much more! xD

White Choco Flakes. Surprisingly, I got quite addicted with them. White chocolate has never been my favorite because its overly creamy taste tends to make me gag, but Chim's are different; the level of milk is just right. Partnered with a generous amount of not-too-sweet corn flakes, it's pretty much a given that they've become instant favorites of mine!

Assorted Choco Tops. I was only able to taste the brown top, and I'm not even certain if it's milk chocolate or dark chocolate. As expected, the rich flavor is present, but they're too sweet for my taste. I adored the mini marshmallows though. I gave the remaining pieces to my boyfriend's niece, the very pretty Sabel. She's also my "adopted daughter". Harhar.

Cookies n' Cream. I specifically ordered the batch of chocolates and brownies for my boyfriend, but of course, I couldn't resist to steal some for myself! ^^ Anyway, the flavor came out too strong for me that it even numbed my tongue for a while, so I guess this just proves I'm not cut out for too much chocolates. My boyfriend liked them though.

All in all, Chocophrenia's treats were worth every peso I paid for. Although some of them didn't click with my overly strict not-so-sweet sweets policy and the overall presentation is a bit sloppy and messy, it's undeniable that they were all made with love and care by a pair of really talented hands.

In addition, these delightful chocolates were successful in subduing my violent temper AND returning me to my usually chipper mood. Food, especially chocolates, do NOT have that kind of effect on me normally.

Keeping this in mind, I guess it's safe to say that Chocophrenia's chocolates are so good that they can counterattack even the most explosive of tempers!

Dare to believe?

Trust me; you won't regret it.


XOXO,
GeNetotz


Note to self: Keep telling yourself you're not getting fat and that everything else simply happens to be shrinking. Maybe it will come true.