De-clutter Your Closet & Earn Money Using Carousell – Part 1

Carousell is an E-commerce smartphone and web-based consumer company started in Singapore back in 2012.  Since then, it has expanded to 8 countries in Asia-Pacific and North America.  Operation in Hong Kong started in August of 2012; and has since become one of the go-to apps of locals to buy and sell items online.

The app has become ubiquitous with thrift-hunting and a way to earn cash on the side by selling pre-loved items that usually clatters small apartment spaces.  And with the pandemic still raging every where it is a nice way to make cash and get a bargain while staying at home.  Plus, the category of items to sell is varied, that you can list even cars, properties or services like maintenance or repairs.  It’s a simple app that could start your online business hustle from home or expand your existing business’ reach.

My own “love-affair” with Carousell started as a way to dispose textbooks that my kids no-longer needed, ethically.  The money that I got from selling those textbooks were then used to buy second-hand books that they would need for the next school year.  A win-win situation really!

If you’re looking for a way to de-clutter your closet, or just opting for some online retail therapy, download the Carousell app.  Make sure to select the proper region (country) where you’ll do business.

 

Signing Up for A Carousell Account

 

Both sellers and buyers need to create an account in order to interact with each other and make a transaction.  To sign-up from your mobile app, follow these simple steps.

1.      Choose a way to register.  You can register using your existing Google or Facebook account; or create a new account by choosing the Sign up for an account option.

2.      Fill up the necessary details like Username, Password, Country, Region, Email and Mobile number.

3.      Users who sign up using their Google account would receive an email for verification of their accounts.

4.      Verify your account using the OTP (One-time Password) that Carousell sent to the mobile number you’ve registered.

 

Creating A Listing to Sell Items

 

Creating a listing is very easy.

1.      Take a snapshot of the item you’d like to sell.  Make sure there’s adequate lighting and the photo is not blurry.  Take multiple shots of different angles, emphasizing both the good and bad aspect of your item.  This is especially needed when selling pre-loved items.

2.      On the app, click the Sell button found at the bottom of the screen.

3.      Choose the photo of the item you wish to sell.  You can upload up to 10 photos.

4.     Choose a category for your item.  There are a lot to choose from, so make sure it’s the best one as it would increase your chance of selling the item faster.  Each major category has sub-categories underneath them.  Carousell’s AI would also suggest a category based on your photo, or you can type a keyword on the search box.  Here’s the complete list of categories:

a.       Electronics

b.       Luxury

c.       Services

d.       Health & Beauty

e.       Women’s Fashion

f.        Property

g.       Cars

h.       Toys & Games

i.         Home & Furniture

j.         Video Gaming

k.       Men’s Fashion

l.         Kitchen & Appliances

m.     Babies & Kids

n.       Photography

o.       Design & Craft

p.       Antiques

q.       Textbooks

r.        Sports

s.        Pets Supplies

t.        Tickets/Vouchers

u.       K-Wave

v.       J-pop

w.     Food & Drinks

x.       Pre-orders

y.       Looking For

z.       Everything Else

aa.   Travel

bb.   Community

5.     Name your listing by providing a Title.  Make use of keywords or brand names.

6.     Choose the condition of the item. Be honest!  Depending on the category, some only has New and Used as its condition; others have these four conditions to choose from.

a.       Brand New

b.       Like New

c.       Well Used

d.       Heavily Used

7.     Price your Item.  You can have the item For Sale or For Free.  Make sure that you’re pricing your item based on the market and your item’s condition.  Do a research on how much other sellers are selling the same item by searching for it on the app.  Carousell would also suggest a price based on algorithm collated from same items listed and sold on the site.  However, understand that the suggested price is usually low ball.

8.     Give a detailed description of your item.  State its name, brand, specific information about the product, etc.

9.     If you’re selling more than 1 piece of the same product, tap the Show button beside the Optional Details, and tick the ‘I have more than one of the same item,’ radio button.  This would allow your listing to stay open even after you’ve already had an offer for it.

10. Choose your Deal Method.  This is another aspect of Carousell that I really like.  As a seller, I can choose to offer both Meet-up and Mailing & Delivery as option for sending the item to my buyer.  If you tick the Meet-up option, the app will bring you to Deal Location.  Just search for the location convenient for you to do meetups.  Popular locations are MTR stations.  Now you know why there’s so many people standing or milling about opposite exit areas of Mong Kok station!

You can choose more than one meet-up location!

11.  Click ‘List it!’ and you’re done.

To see your listed items, go to Home page and tap the Me icon.  It would show your profile page, ratings that you’ve received, and all the Listings you’ve created.  Items Sold or Reserved have bars on their thumbnail showing the said status.  Listing thumbnails would also show their age—how long the item is listed, the number of hearts (likes) it received and insights.  Click ‘View Insigths’ to see your listings’ 7-day statistic, which includes Impressions, Clicks and Chats, together with a bar graph arrange per day.

Once your listing is active, a potential buyer may then contact you thru the in-app chat or send an Offer.  Offer is the amount the buyer is willing to pay for the item.  It may be equal or lower than your listed price.  Haggle with the buyer if the offer price is too low.  You may also choose to Accept or Decline the offer.  If you Accept, you can place the item under Reserve or Mark as Sold.  If you only have 1 item, it would be a good practice to put the item on Reserve so other potential buyer can see it.

Your next step is to set-up the place, date, and time for the meet-up.  It is where the actual exchange of goods take place.  Be polite and pare your expectations.  State any limitations you might have on the proposed meeting.

Once that is set-up, just arrive at your meeting place on time.  Be in communication with your buyer and always have a smile.

Mark the item as Sold on its listing after your transaction and leave an objective and polite review for your buyer.

 

Tips on Using Carousell

 

·        Remember that most of the users are local and they would chat you in Cantonese.  Do not be afraid.  Just use Google Translate or state in your description that you would like to have the chat in English.

·        Give small discounts for bulk buyers.

·        Cash is king, but you can also offer other payment options like AlipayHK or WeChat Pay.  Just state in your listing that you accept these payments.

·        Update your Profile.

·        Always leave a review.

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Covid-19 Vaccine, 1st Dose Done

The Covid-19 vaccination program of Hong Kong government had resumed, last April 5, for those booked for the BioNTech, Cominarty vaccine. The program was initially suspended due to some vials having some packaging issues. After the investigation by vaccine manufacturer—Pfizer--cleared the issue, the government resumed the vaccination.  Those that had their bookings cancelled received SMS messages of their new vaccine schedule.

Covid-19 Vaccine Reschedule SMS

I’m happy to say that I’m one of those that received their new schedule at the same venue we initially booked.

I arrived at the vaccination center at Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Center, as scheduled, and happy to say that there’s no queue at the center.

Covid-19 Vaccine Booking Reference

I showed my SMS booking and scanned the Leave Home Safe app at the entrance of the complex.  Then, after going in, I again showed the SMS booking and my HKID at the booth.  They gave me a leaflet with information regarding the vaccine and a pen for me to tick the consent box on the leaflet after reading it.  We were given a seat inside the center to conduct the reading.

Covid-19 Vaccine Leaflet and Sticker

After reading and returning the pen in a collection box, I proceed to step 2, where patients were separated to each clinical booth to receive the vaccine.  The health officer asked for my HKID to scan and verified my personal information.  She then asked me some questions regarding my health background and asked for my consent to receive the vaccine.  I had to inform her that I do have some food allergies, so she advised that I stayed at the observation area for 30 minutes after getting the shot.

The actual jab was very quick and painless. I was surprised that it was done in a second.

She gave me a paper with information about my first dose of vaccine, the time it was administered and when to get my second dose.

I went to the rest area, where each seat was numbered and rested for the required 30 minutes.

Me with my jab

After that’s done, they gave me a packet of face mask on my way out.

Free Packet of Face Mask

That’s it! My first jab of Covid-19 vaccine is done.

I’m happy to say that I didn’t feel any pain, although I’m still observing myself.  From previous experience with other vaccines, I felt the pain and numbness at the jab area, the day after the shot.  Moving my arm from time to time actually helps in easing the pain more than letting it still for a long time.  I will update this entry should I feel any side effect tomorrow.

Here's to hoping there's nothing to update!

Have your vaccine recently? Or having a second thought? Tell me all about it at the comment section.   

Update April 17:

Felt only a little soreness on the location of the vaccine in the morning, but no impedement on my arm movement.

The soreness is gone by the evening.

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Saizeriya - Kid Friendly, Italian Food In A Budget

We love eating! I think that is a defining trait for Filipinos. We love to eat, and we eat a lot!  However, Filipino are choosy with what they eat.

 

The boys enjoying a pizza

How many times have you heard of a Pinoy living abroad and having a hard time looking for rice-paired food? Mostly, families doing a vacation trip end up eating in fast foods because that’s what their familiar with and that’s what the kids would eat.

 

One restaurant that we frequent here in Hong Kong is Saizeriya. It is a Japanese restaurant chain that features Italian food.

 

Photo Source: Saizeriya

Choices range from soups, salads, pizza, steak, risotto, and pasta.  A family with a picky eater in their group won’t have a problem in this place.  The food choices are kid friendly, and the portion is just right.  And if you are looking for some romantic dinner for two, Saizeriya also have wine pairing at HK$ 16 per glass and some lovely desserts.

 

Salmon Salad

Seaweed Salad

Cream Corn Soup

Spaghetti with Spinach and Smoked Salmon

Salami Pizza

Pizza Margherita

The kids love the place because of the self-service, unlimited soda bar. Price is HK$ 8, if you are below 13, and HK$ 11 for adults; kids 3 and below are free. You can create your own soda by mixing soda water with different flavors. Personally, I am not a fan, as I can't get the correct combination. I am more of a hot tea person.

 

Price is very reasonable. Soups and salads range between HK$ 19 to 24; while a plate of burger steak is only HK$ 32. The staffs are friendly, can communicate in English, as well as in Cantonese, and the service is fast and clean.

 

Hamburg with rich Cheese

Grilled Spicy Sausage

Our birthday boy enjoying his plate

There's plenty of Saizeriya shops all over Hong Kong. Check their site here for location and menu.  Next time you visit Hong Kong, skip the usual fast food and visit a Saizeriya instead. You won't regret it!

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Beach Day at Cafeteria New Beach

Public beaches have re-opened last April 2, after 4-months of closure due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. With it, other places like public swimming pools and museums have re-opened as well, but with limits in capacity.

 

The re-opening is just in time with the first day of the long Easter weekend, so time to hit the beach!

 

For this beach day, we head over to Cafeteria New Beach, along Castle Peak Road in So Kwun Wat, New Territories. The shoreline is a long stretch that connects directly with Golden Beach.

 

Source: Google Maps

From Sham Shui Po, we hop onto bus 52X and alight directly at Cafeteria Beach. Very convenient, but a rather long 1 hour, 22 minutes commute. For the complete bus route of 52X, follow this link.

 

Fish statue along the beach

There are groups of people enjoying the beach, but not too many. We all observed social distancing between each group and wear our masks, unless hitting the waters or the showers.

 

Cafeteria New Beach Shoreline

There's clean public toilet, shower and changing rooms. There are two lifeguard towers on the beach--although, I did not personally see if there's someone manning them.

 

Buoys are around the perimeter of the swimming area, with a warning to only swim within it.

 

The water is nice, though there is a little cold breeze blowing in. If you're going with little kids, be on the lookout, as the water goes deep easily just a few feet from the shore.

 

Dean getting ready to hit the waters

Cause you're never too old to play with sand

There's a store, Pattaya Beach Kiosk, where you can rent a beach umbrella for HK$ 80. Deposit is HK$ 100. Return your umbrella and receipt to get the change.  They also sell food, beverage, beach matts and toys. Not much store in this beach, so make sure to either bring some with you or eat before going.

 

Pink Umbrella for Rent

It is a good place to have some 3 to 4-hour of fun in the beach and do some sunbathing. Currently, barbecue pits are not yet allowed, so there's limited option for food if you are planning on a whole day beach outing.

 

Cafeteria New Beach is open until 6:00PM.

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BDO Mobile App, Error Code 10

Have you experienced this "error code 10" after BDO updated their mobile app last year?

 

BDO Error Code 10

If you did and can’t still use the app after all these months, I got the solution for you.

 

On your mobile phone, go to Settings, then find the Date and Time Settings. Enable or toggle ON the Automatic date and time setting.

Date and Time Settings

 

That should fix the error.  You can now log-in on your BDO app and use it as normal.

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BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccination in Hong Kong, Cancelled

We were supposed to get our first shot of BioNTech vaccine last Saturday, March 28.  However, due to the recent news of inconsistency in the vaccine's packaging, the Hong Kong government decided to cancel the vaccination, pending the result of an investigation by BioNTech and Fosun Pharma--the importer of the vaccine in Hong Kong.

 

We received an SMS message 3 days before our reserved date.  It mentioned that a rescheduling arrangement would be sent on a separate message and to just wait for it.

 

SMS Message

We are now back on the waiting game and hoping that after the authorities had completed their investigation and found no systemic problem nor risk on the vaccine’s packaging, the inoculation would resume this week.

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Covid-19 Vaccination HK -- Domestic Workers Included

Good news to all domestic helpers in Hong Kong!  They are included in the priority list of individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccines, for free, which is currently being administered at various Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) and General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs).  Online booking is required to ensure that safety protocols are being followed.

 

How to book your vaccine shot appointment?

Online Booking Site

To book an appointment, simply go here.

Each CVC can only administer one type of vaccine, so you will need to choose which vaccine you would like to receive.  There are two types: Sinovac (Vero Cell) and BioNTech (Cominarty).

Cancellation of your booking can also be done on the above link.

 

What are needed to book an appointment?

To book, you will need:

·         Hong Kong ID number

·         Access to internet

·         Mobile number, where you’ll receive your booking confirmation

 

What is Sinovac (Vero Cell)?

Sinovac (Vero Cell) is a vaccine from China, used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.  It is given to people 18 years and above.  The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) -SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which causes the immune system to produce anti-bodies and blood cells that would work against the virus, giving the immunized person protection against COVID-19.  The vaccine is given intramuscularly, in two (2) doses at 28 days interval.  When booking your appointment, you will book both the 1^st and 2^nd shots.

 

What is BioNTech (Cominarty)?

BioNTech (Cominarty) is a vaccine used for preventing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.  It is given to people 16 years and above.  Unlike Sinovac, BioNTech uses mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid) to teach cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside the body.  That immune response produces antibodies which protects the person from getting infected if the real virus enters the body.  The vaccine is given intramuscularly, in two (2) doses at 21 days interval.  When booking your appointment, you will book both the 1^st and 2^nd shots.

 

Are there side effects when getting the vaccine?

As with any vaccine, side effects can be expected at various degrees depending on each individual’s bodily reaction to the vaccine.  Some of the more common side effects, that may affect more than 1 in 10 people are:

Sinovac (Vero Cell)	BioNTech (Cominarty)
pain at the injection site	pain & swelling at the injection site
headache	tiredness
fatigue	headache
	nausea
	muscle pain
	joint pain
	chills, fever

 

There is also a remote chance of experiencing severe allergic reaction to the vaccine.  Signs of severe allergic reaction can include difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over your body, dizziness, and weakness.

 

After the vaccination?

After vaccination, you will be required to stay in the observation area for 15 to 30 minutes.  Any adverse effect while in the observation area will be treated immediately.  The Department of Health (DH) is monitoring and collecting data on any adverse side effect experienced by everyone following the vaccination.

To reduce pain and discomfort to the area where the shot was administered, apply a hot compress, and gently exercise your arm.  Drink plenty of fluids if you experience a mild fever.

Seek professional advice from your doctor or other health care professional if you experience any of the following.  Make sure to inform your doctor about your vaccination and any medication you might have taken.

·         the pain or redness at the injection site increases after 24 hours from injection; or

·         your side effects do not seem to be going away in a few days; or

·         your side effects or symptoms are worrying you

 

Should I get the vaccine?

If you are included in the priority list, you are greatly encouraged to get the vaccine immediately.  However, the vaccination is wholly compulsory.  This is actually a great opportunity to take advantage off.  When getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but importantly, protecting those individuals that are in the high-risk category but cannot get the vaccine.  Those individuals include people with co-morbidity, pregnant, infants and children, and persons with known adverse effects to medicines.  Being healthy is not an excuse not to get vaccinated.

Will I be 100% immune to COVID-19 after getting vaccinated?

No, there is still a chance that you can contract or be a vector (carrier) of the virus after getting both doses.  However, the risk of getting a severe illness due to the virus is greatly reduced after immunization.  Also, at least 2-weeks is needed before the body can fully create the anti-bodies needed to fight the virus after vaccination.  In this regard, vaccinated individuals are still encouraged to mask up and follow all safety protocols.  Herd immunity, where at least 70% of the population is inoculated, is the goal for rolling the vaccination to the masses.  At this stage, the opportunity of the virus to find a new host or mutate is greatly reduced, and might even be completely irradicated.

 

What is Electronic Vaccination Record?

The Hong Kong government has set-up a website (www.evt.gov.hk) to facilitate public downloading of their own COVID-19 vaccination and testing record, as electronic version of the record.

 

What is Indemnity Fund?

The Indemnity Fund for Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI Fund) with COVID-19 vaccine aims to provide financial support to eligible individuals who have proof of suffering unexpected serious adverse events (SAEs)—including death and serious injury—associated with COVID-19 vaccine.  To qualify, the SAE must be reported by medical professionals to the Department of Health, so make sure that you seek a doctor immediately, in case you’ve experience any side effect after vaccination.

The levels of maximum payouts for fatality or injuries relating to vaccination have been drawn up with reference to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282).

Adverse Effect	Age at the age of last dose	Amount of Payout (per individual)
Death	under 40	HK$ 2,500,000
	40 or above	HK$ 2,000,000
Injuries	under 40	HK$ 3,000,000
	40 or above	HK$ 2,500,000

 

For more information about the vaccine and the vaccination program, visit the Hong Kong Government’s Covid Vaccine website here.

Covid Vaccine Banner

Their comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) are here.

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