I've been shopping online since I was expecting my first child, and only with Amazon.com. We have the items shipped to my sis-in-law in the US, then sent here via balikbayan box. In recent years, more local online shops and deal sites have sprouted, and I found a few I regularly check on, offering nice merchandise, ease in ordering, and hassle-free deliveries.
After discovering Taste Central, I was immediately impressed with their premium selection of merchandise. The site looks classy too, and they are the official retail partner of my favorite group buying site, Deal Grocer. I like DG, so I know Taste Central will be good too.
"We strive to make sure you simply adore everything you’ll discover on Taste Central – whether it’s world-class furniture, luxury linens, exotic healing oils, kitchen gadgets, or epicurean treasures to stock in your pantry."
There's truth in their claim. However, they only carry limited stocks and many of their goods get sold out fast. Most brands on offer are not readily available in the local market, as you will see on their main page above, making them more desirable. I actually waited for new stocks before I could purchase some items I wanted.
What I like about Taste Central:
- Sells premium local and imported brands
- Feature product categories, from personal care to kid stuff, food to home accessories
- Neat layout, easy to navigate the site
- Option to Add items to Wish List
- Option to place items on Wait list
- Straightforward description of products, some with dimensions and features
- Well-packed goods; comes in sturdy brown boxes
- Several payment options, including credit card and PayPal
- Log-In using Facebook, or with Deal Grocer (no need to register if you have Deal Grocer account already)
- Launches new items and stocks every Sunday
- Fast delivery
Their selection is on the pricey side, but that's expected from the brands they carry. You get what you pay for, of course. Shipping fee is a flat rate of Php100 - not cheap either, so it's best to combine all your orders in one delivery.
"Good Taste Has Arrived... in less than 24 hours from the time my order was acknowledged!"
Pretty impressive since they note that delivery is within 3 business days. I shared this photo on my Instagram when I received the package. Thanks to Taste Central, I was able to shop and got a little something for myself, for hubby, for the home, and for the kids on the first go.
The box was big enough to fill a seat, but is only half-filled when I opened it. Maybe they can produce a box that's half this size next time? Fragile items were neatly packed in kraft paper and bubble-wrapped. The choco-cookies held up well, and delivery guy was quick to mention to our maid that it needed to be refrigerated immediately.
I got this yummy lip balm from Pangea Organics since I've been having chapped lips lately. I love the hint of sweetness and spice in this flavor, and it's bigger than the standard size.
This zen-style Loveramics Er-go! Large Tea Set is perfect for steeping my favorite teas at home. I wish there were four cups that go with this big pot.
I missed out on the first batch of Belgian Lace Cookies by The Delightful Miss Joyce, so I got 2 packs this time for J and myself. Addicting!
I wanted to be selfish and buy stuff just for me. Then, I found these Dwell Studio Handy Scribble Kits - so hard to resist since the boy and the girl enjoy drawing so much, wherever, whenever! And this Adorable Stamp Set is also too cute to pass up.
Once you add item/s in your cart, Taste Central only reserves the item/s for you for 30 minutes. If you don't check-out by then, it's up for grabs again. I had my eye on a few items before:
No size for this leather gold sandals...
...and this travel set was gone even before I browsed the site.
They have fresh stocks every Sunday. Last weekend, I checked for new items. I saw the Shu Uemura Skin Radiance Set I missed, and it's back on sale. My skin is hiyang with this brand so, I decided to order 2 sets last Tuesday. =) Here's the cute box that arrived next day. I'm pleased that they have a small box for few and tiny items - it's about 1/6 of the big one.
Start your easy weekend shopping at Taste Central and you might just find some unique and tasteful finds for you and your family!
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