I started shopping online around 2007 or 2008. Multiply was one of the trending social networking sites back then, together with Friendster and MySpace. It wasn't a shopping site yet but it some people used it already as an avenue for selling items. Maybe because, first, you can make albums easily and even customize the borders and captions for it. I remember Friendster is not so friendly with the archiving and customizing of albums at that time. And maybe, second, you can also customize your whole Multiply site in accordance with your shop theme, which other social networking sites are not so good with the customizing features at that time. So, I guess, Multiply was the better avenue for that. And, yeah, I purchased my first ever item from an online store in Multiply.
My first ever purchase online and from an online shop in Multiply, is this Roma hobo bag from Fab Manila back in 2007. I instantly fell in love with this bag. It has an ethnic, bohemian pattern in the red-shade family on a majority of black background. The strap is an unrecognizable bronze-colored patent that looked like leather in the picture.
At that time, I grabbed the opportunity of buying it being sold with FREE SHIPPING! Who wouldn't want that?
I was secretly hoping though that the bag strap is made from leather when I got my hands on it. Nonetheless, I still loved it for its spacious interior and very clean stitching. If I can remember correctly, this bag sold around Php 600, which is not too bad since this bag is authentically Filipino made. It can compete with any local brand and maybe with international brands as well.
Before publishing this post, I checked Fab Manila's Multiply site. They're still active until now and still selling great designed bags. I also looked for my bag as posted when it was still on sale (of course now, it is sold). It's still there! See here. Then again, Multiply is closing, of course their shop there will be closing too. But rest assured for bag lovers out there like me, they have a Facebook account, a Twitter account, and their very on website. I can shop for authentically Filipino-made and affordable bags from Fab Manila virtually anywhere!
My Roma hobo bag is still in good condition, except some crumples on the patent strap. The fabric hasn't faded and it doesn't attract a lot of dust. I can just hang it without even putting it in a dust bag. Overall, it's still good! I still use it until now. I usually use it as an accessory to my plain looking style or to a laid-back bohemian style. I hope I can purchase another Fab Manila bag, and I hope I can get one with free shipping again!
How about you? What's your first purchase online?
