Paypal as a Payment Gateway

The other day, a friend asked me, "What is the best way to accept credit card payment online?"

Everybody knows that you could organise a payment gateway with the local banks. It only sets you back a few thousand ringgit as a setup fee, and a few more hundreds in monthly fees.

In her business, she only receives a few credit payment a month, so a bank payment gateway is out of the question. I decided to do research and check what is the best and most effective way to accept credit payment, with the lower possible fees.

After a quick research, there isn't any online payment gateway that doesn't have any monthly fees. The lowest charged that I could find was from Paypal, of 2.9% + US0.30. Any other options either had a monthly fee, or a 5% charge!

I knew from the start that Paypal could accept credit card, but it does have some of it's own issues. About 2 years back, Paypal wouldn't accept payment if you didn't have a Paypal account. What it means is that, you MUST sign up, in order to pay with your credit card.

Recently, I read that they allow customers to pay, even if they didn't sign up or have a Paypal account. If that was true, then it would be the perfect payment gateway. The fees are low, and they are one of they biggest online payment system available.

So, I decided to create a "Pay Now" button to test whether it is true. Whether you could pay for it without a Paypal account. I recalled from the past, Paypal literally forced you to join, if you wanted to use your credit card to pay for something.

With the button created, I tested to see whether it was possible to pay without having an account. It was true, my hunch was right, I was unable to pay for it without my Paypal account. I then checked and read all the help files at Paypal, and it constantly showed up, that it was possible to pay without an account!

Hmmm, strange, Paypal openly advertise that you don't need to be a member to use your credit card. I then, decided to Google it and to read some external articles on this topic

I then found out that, it was true, Paypal do allow you to pay with your CC even if you are not a Paypal member. It however only allows this from a list of selected countries. That means, if you are in those countries, the options to pay without being a Paypal member will appear.

Their argument is that, for some "Money Laundering Act", for certain countries you must have their details on file if they were to pay with their credit card. By having an account, they would have your details, thus if there is any hanky-panky, they'll have details!

So that answers the question, Paypal would be one of the better payment options available. It has the lowest rate in the market, with no monthly fees.

The 2 bad points Paypal has as a payment gateway is that

• Cannot accept Ringgit as a currency (Able to accept USD, Pounds, AUD, SGD etc)
• Must be a Paypal member (in certain countries, including Malaysia)

If you are able to live with the 2 negative points of using Paypal in Malaysia, then you'll have a good method of accepting credit card payment online.

If you are having issues, withdrawing payment from Paypal, please read my two earlier articles

• Withdrawing Paypal funds via Credit Card
• Withdrawing from Paypal - The Issues!

Beach Bumming @ Pulau Redang

Last weekend, I was at Pulau Redang. The trip was great spent the weekend with my Darling and her family. I also met two new friends, Mr Chivas Regal and Mr Jack Daniels!!

If you guys don't know where Redang is, check out the following Google Maps

View Larger Map

If you guys enjoy the beach, snorkeling or diving, then Redang is the place. From the day I arrived, I did NOTHING, but chilled out the whole day. Loads of alcohol, paired up with a beautiful resort = Unforgettable Weekend!

Anybody who knows me, would also know that I cannot swim. Yes, I can't swim. With the help of a Life Jacket, I went snorkling around the Redang Island. It was way cool, I could see loads of fishes and corals. So excited I was!!

Next I decided to try some Scuba Diving. My darling who is a hardcore diver and instructor decided to take Mr Hippo (me!) on a Discovery Diving course. After the usual briefing and all, I took to the sea. Yes, I was very afraid of the idea of swimming and the possibility of drowning!

Anyway, I did manage to do all the basic stuff and were actually swimming underwater for like 15 mins. It was way COOL. Come on, be as happy for me ok? For someone who can't swim and fear the water, I thought that it was a great achievement!!

The place that I stayed at was the Redang Pelangi Resort. The food was great, the people there were all very hospitable and I felt really at home. Most of the other resorts on the island were a little too commercialise, but somehow the Redang Pelangi Resort made me felt cosy and warm. You can check their website out here.

Banned Commericals

Chili Pan Mee

Chili Pan Mee at Kin Kin in the city is one of the more famous Pan Mee around. They claim they are the first one in town with their style of Pan Mee. Now, they have another branch in Cheras area. If you want to try the Pan Mee, please reach there early. They are open for breakfast till like 3pm. But if you arrive late, you may have to wait up to an hour to get your served.


Here we have a photo of the Dry Chili Pan Mee being served. It is served dried with a poach egg on top and also a bowl of soup with some pork and some vegi. From the photos you should be able to see their ikan bilis, which are a decent size and have a decent amount served.


Next you'll have to stir in your poach egg into the noodles. I am not too sure what is the correct way to eat it, but it seems to be what everybody else is doing. There isn't any gravy and just by itself, it doesn't have much taste.

The secret comes from their dried chili condiment. You wouldn't be called the famous Chili Pan mee, if you do not have these special dried chilis. These stuff looks really potent, as you may have mistaken it for an active volcano instead :) Just stir in loads of it until the Pan Mee changes to a Reddish colour.


You can add a little of these lime into your Pan Mee to give it a little sour after taste. I personally think it great, but it is up to your own personal taste. Anybody who knows me, will know that I can't really take anything spicy. By adding some lime, it also makes it a little less spicy...


Ok, now that you have stirred in the chillis, you'll get a really spicy looking reddish pan mee. After your first bite, you'll have no regret of trying this notoriously spicy pan mee. It taste different from the other pan mee. The noodles itself is not fat and thick like the usual pan mee, in fact the thickness of the pan mee and texture is very similar to the spaghetti.


Above I have a photo of the Soup Pan Mee instead. For those who prefer the wet style, please go ahead, but somehow, I felt that it is not as nice as the dry one. With the dry pan mee, you'll be able to taste the dried chili. Overall, I think it is great and unique style of Pan Mee. I will give it a 3.5 of 5 stars. Don't get me wrong, but because, I am not a Spicy food type of person, it didn't get my 4 star that I would have given.

The only regret that I may have is that..... can my tummy take all the spiciness......

Would I lie to you?

I was reading this article in Clove April 2008 today. Most of its details are... as I would put it... so true...

Immediately the tune of Charles and Eddie's Would I Lie to You played in my head...

Obviously I had used the term "Would I lie to you baby?" once too often :p


I won't go along and tell you how to catch a liar, or what body gestures are a dead give away to liars. I would however say that, most of us do lie... white lies... because we can't bare to see the other person frown... or it most cases "They can't handle the truth!"

Some people argue that, by NOT telling the whole truth, you are indeed lying. I fail to see it from their point of view... as I would see it, I had censored the truth and by not providing certain details therefore I did not lie... hehe...

It is not the same as "I went to a pub with the boys" when you actually went to the strip joint!!

Let's not go too far into this topic... as it might hit too many sensitive arguments...

10 Most Common White Lies (in my opinion)

• It's a real bargain
• Of course I don't fancy her/him...
  
• I won't tell anyone else - promise...
• On the way...
  
• I promise I'll call you
• I sent you the email yesterday, have you not received it...
  
• I'm having a quiet night in
• No you don't look fat in that...
  
• I never tell lies
  

Braised Duck Rice in PJ Old Town

I hope you know where the UOB bank in PJ Old Town is. The Braised Duck Rice place is at the corner directly next to the UOB Bank. They only serve duck rice in the evenings. During lunch hours, its filled with hawker food instead.

As I have mentioned before, these place specialised in Braise Ducks. You better get here early, because on weekends, as early as 6pm you'll see people filling up the tables. You will also notice there are not 1 person chopping the ducks, but 3 person. One person is only chopping for the take away customers.

The Braised Duck is different from the usual Roast Duck that we have. There is a famous Roast Duck place at Paramount Gardens, PJ called Sunrise. But today, we would be discussing on the mouth watering Braise Duck instead.

The duck have been de-boned and sliced up to manageable bites. If you notice, the duck is covered with gravy.... hmmmmm delicious stuff. Paired up with the oily rice and the duck gravy you'll have a potent combination!! Simply out of this world delicious!! Don't take my word for it, drop by and taste it for yourself. I won't even wait till the end of this post to give it a rating, it will get 5.5 of 5 stars on the spot! :)

They have loads more side dishes. The mushrooms are great too. Then again, anything cooked and simmered in the duck gravy would turn out beautifully.
Picture above we have the Kiam Choy. It tastes good and compliments the duck rice well. Please note that is taste excellent too, but this is because it has been cooked with loads of lard.

They too have another nice side dishes, which is the duck's intestines. You'll have to get there really early to taste this, as on most days by 7pm it will all be sold out. Duck's intestines taste different from pigs small intestines. The texture is totally different, so it is a little hard to describe it. Just get there to try it!

Of course if you can't get the duck's intestines, just have the pigs small intestines instead. It is great... then again like I said earlier, anything cooked with the ducks gravy would turn out perfect :)

This place serves the Best Braised Duck Rice available. You'll have to taste it to believe me. Remember get there early so that you'll beat the crowd and save time on waiting for you food. Overall this place serves a great meal. It gets my 5 of 5 stars rating without even thinking twice.

eBay Education Specialist

So everybody is busy advertising that they are a eBay Education Specialist... bla bla bla... guess what, I am used to be one too...

When I first registered to get it done, it was like such a big deal. I payed like $199AUD thinking I would like the only dude with a cert such as that in Malaysia.

When my package finally arrived, I was like wow... great... I hope it is not too hard... Damn... still have to study arr... so old already wor... I hope I don't fail...

After procrastinating for like months, I decided to actually study the notes and take the exam. Little did I realised was that, the course is meant to teach students who are absolute beginners to selling on eBay.

It is targeted at people with no or very little experience. The course is very simple, and if you have been selling on eBay international for like 6 months, don't bother studying for the exams. I assure that you'll pass with flying colours. Even if you did fail, you'll get the 2nd test for free and its the same exact EXAM!! How can anyone fail? BTW I got 100% the first time...

I had forgo my annual subscription for the eBay Education Specialist. I find the details in there a little too simple for the more advance sellers out there. The course was intented to get many individuals out there to promote and advertise about eBay, to get more people interested and selling on eBay.

My purpose is not to get new sellers, but more of how to improve on existing sellers. How to make more money efficiently!

G Spot? Does it exist?

I found it!! I finally found the G Spot. Hey, wait a minute, I am referring to the G Spot bar in G Hotel in Penang.... tsk tsk, what were you thinking?

Went there for drinks and listen to some Kwai Mui doing some jazz tunes. Had really nice interior but I was not able to take photos of the inside. It would be prefect if you would like to have a social gathering with friends or book the whole place out for a party!

A Day Off...

Today is one of the most productive day I have had in months. I have never gotten so much done!! I woke up, lazed around the house, and decided to have lunch with my dad. My mom is currently away in Ipoh, so'll have to be the lunch/dinner buddy.

We drove all the way to Lim Mee Yoke, at Chow Yang to have Prawn Mee. Yes I should have posted a quick food post since I was already there. But no, I had Curry Mee instead. No doubt the Prawn Mee is excellent, but I still prefer the one in TTDI, opposite KFC. A lunch without my mom, means that my dad and I could pig out. We ordered some extra Chow Kuey Teow. A little oily, but whats the point of living, if we don't enjoy what we eat. We also have some famous fried Yeow Char Kwai, which has a stall just outside the shop. Buuuurrpp.....

Eat to Live... or ... Live to Eat?

Next I asked my dad, what shall we do today? Do you want to go home, just to sleep in front of the TV? I said, "Mama is not around, do you want to go to 1U or MV?". He decided that he wanted to get some stuff from Jusco, so we headed to 1U. When we got there, we walked around. Went to the Cats & Dogs show but decided not to enter as there was a RM10 entrance fee. Instead we headed to the Pets World instead. The usual suspects were there, cats, dogs, hamsters. What I like are the new exotic animals like the ferrets and the hedgehogs.

We too spent a long time admiring the sea corals and salt water fishes. The only fish that I could recognise was Nemo :) Yes the little orange white clown fish made famous by a cartoon. The sea corals are beautiful!!

My GF however disagree with me. She believes that corals should be left at the natural habitat and by not purchasing these corals, poachers won't salvage them from the sea to sell. Good point! Looks like no fish tank and Nemo for me :(

Anyway, we just chilled out, and walked around MV before heading to Jusco. My dad needed some socks and clothings. As men, you would know that, when we do go shopping, we normally don't spend too much deciding on what we like. Like it... then buy it... just decide on the size and colour only mah... why so difficult?

Headed home after that, which was already 3 something. Wow so late already, and I have barely started to do anything yet. Nevermind, I surfed the net for a little before taking an afternoon nap. Got up at like 7pm... yawn... what a great day.

Later in the evening, I went to a BBQ dinner at a friends place. Chilled out, had a few burnt chicken wings... ehh, who said BBQ was easy?

It was a great day for me. I have never had a day where I did nothing the whole day. With no worries, and no appointments to keep, I would say that today was one of those great days I haven't had in a long time.

Ohh did I almost forgot... I watched astro till 3... before I slept...

Digital Camera or Scanner?

Sorry for not writing lately. Have been busy with my stuff. Have like a few part time jobs and like 5 blogs to update. I guess, I am too busy updating my personal blog :P

Ok, so how useful is a scanner? I mean, almost everybody has a Digital Camera to capture photos for their online selling, but is a scanner any good?

Well, it depends on the purpose. Flat items, like prints, photos, designs maybe better captured using a scanner.

The following are a list of possible items you may want to sell online using a scanner

• Comic Books - Scan the cover
• Stamps
• First Day Covers
• Bank Notes
• Embroidery Designs - Finished product, not the digital design

As you can see, certainly certain items are best captured using a scanner. The details and higher resolution would re-assure your potential customer that you are serious in trading.

Just imagine how the photos would turn of if you used a digital camera for the four above items.

Lego Mindstorms - Special Robotic Classes

Behold, I have one of the more talented kids in my class. Today we tried to build a Bluetooth enable remote for the car, but failed to complete due to the shortage of time. It will be completed and posted here shortly.

You can read more details of the car built by the kid at my Lego Robotics blog.

We would also be trying to join the Walker competition organised by NXTLog. You can read more of the challenge at this link.

Lego Robotics Workshop

Today I had my first Lego Robotics Workshop. I had butterflies in my tummy and didn't get a good nights rest. It was not like I was unprepared, but more of what to expect from the kids. With Andrew being the previous tutor, I had no idea what to expect from the kids and their level of competency in Lego building and programming.

The day started out well, with me getting along fine with the kids. Being the school holidays and under 11 years old, the kids were very playful. I guess I can't blame them, cause I was probably just like them when I was at their age.

The day went along fine. I had to constantly balance between teaching and making it fun and interesting. Spending 7 hours with them was no easy task, but the day ended great. The kids never had a dull moment. They manage to complete all their task on hand and had great fun!

Photos and details of the day can be read at my new Robotics Blog.

Banned Commercial Ads

The previous Banned commercial ad that I have to remove to make room for new ones!

Selling Online Course Syllabus

For the past week, I have been working on my Selling Online course syllabus. I have had many revision and have finally settle on the following.

What I would be covering in my course will include only

• Selling on Auction Style, Forum Based or Personal Website.
• Tricks on Photography
• Professional looking yet simple HTML coding tricks
• Payment methods
• Logistics and Packing

My course would be a little different from the "Seminar Weekend Workshop" styles. Instead I have opted for a more practical approach. I won't be giving a talk to 20 students in a seminar room. I believe that everyone comes from a different background, with different ideas on selling online. With that many students, I would NOT be able to give the attention required by each. Not to mention, in a class of that size, students would also only listen, and not have much class participation.

My class instead would be small, intended for 4-6 people only. There would be lots of interaction and practical work throughout the workshops. Workshops will be held over 3-4 sessions, where each sessions will end with a given task. Students are required to do market research, marketing planning as well as competitor research as their homework tasks! It will be jam packed with practical things that you would actually use for selling online.

By the time, you have completed your course over the weeks, you would have learnt how to sell online, with real practical task of selling! Each student would have gone through all the steps required to sell. Since it will be held over a few weeks, each student can share any issues they have while trying to sell online.

My classes will not only teach you how to sell online, but guide you through step by step with practical experience, whether it is photographing an item, or web page design. I assure you that, you'll not get the same attention and details in any other classes.

Lego Robotics Workshops @ Building Blocks

Sorry for not updating the site for the last 2 months. Been really busy. Recently acquired a new business, Building Blocks. I will be organising and giving some Lego Robotics Workshops to kids aged 7 to 14 years old. I will be extremely busy till after the March school holidays.

I have also converted a room my office into a Coaching room. The room will fit 4-6 people comfortably. In the future, my Selling Online courses will be held in my new Coaching room.

Lego Robotics Workshops @ Building Blocks

What a month it has been. Busy busy busy. Having a blast eating over the Chinese New Year, constantly out partying and having fun fun fun! But no, it has also been a very hectic month for me. I have just acquired a new business.


I'll be giving Lego Robotics workshops to kids age between 7-14 years old. Last weekend I had my first class, and it was fun event for me. The kids, may be young, but they are really smart. Given the exposure they have with the internet, no wonder kids are growing up so much faster.

I will be organising a School Holiday Workshop in the coming March School Holidays. So I'll be really busy marketing and planning my workshops.

Mos Burger Anyone?

It's late... I'm bored... so what do you do? Watch some YouTube, it is really addictive. Enjoy...

Home Sweet Home...

I have been away in Singapore for the past week, visiting a friend who is very sick. Over the last week, I have learnt that in the time of crisis, you will be able to see who are your true friends. You'll be able to learn who will come to you and provide you with the support when you need them the most. The chinese calls these people the "Kui Ren".

I am very proud to say that, in my group of friends, we are like a small family, supporting each other in anyway we can. We may not be a big group, but it sure is a very tight and close group. I am very proud call these peole my close friends. Thank you!

The battle is only half done, and the journey is still long ahead. With the help of friends and family, I am sure you'll battle on.

"On the Road to Recovery"

Hokkien Mee: Singapore Style

Have you guys eaten Hokkien Mee before?

Yes we have the KL Hokkien Mee which is the black noddles, or the Penang Hokkien Mee, which is commonly known as the Prawn Mee here in KL...

So what will be the Singapore Hokkien Mee be liked?

Well, think of it as a Dry style Prawn Mee... get the idea?

Well, I am sorry for not capturing any photos for this article. I was too caught up with dinner, that I totally forgot to capture a photo of the item. Promise to get a photo on my next trip down.

The Famous Singapore Hokkien Mee is situated in a food court called "Food Republic" in a building called Wisma Atria along Orchard Road. Wisma Atria is actually next to Takashimaya.

From the street level, there is an escalator that takes you up to the food court, which is at level 3 or 4. Once up there, you'll have to walk around to locate your Famous Singapore Hokkien Mee. You can't missed it, as it is the ONLY stall with a long queue, of at least 10 people queuing.
Check the google map link here...

Everywhere you walk in the food court, you'll see people eating it...

How can I describe how it taste like... hmmm...

Well think of it like the Penang Hokkien Mee. Instead of the yellow noddles, they have used a similar smooth and thinner noddles, a little like spaghetti. It is still prawn based, so it will have strong Prawn flavours. Instead of having soup in it, it is has gravy.

Think of it as, it started off with the Prawn based soup, but they simmer it long enough until it becomes a gravy. Think of all the flavours being thicken into a gravy instead of Soup!

It is the most interesting Hokkien Mee I have tasted to date. The texture of the noodles are much better than all those yellow noodles and it has a very strong and powerful flavor. A must try for the food Critics out there!

I personally enjoyed it, and would give it a 5 of 5 Star!!

Hmm... you reckon it will start appearing around Kuala Lumpur?

Checklist: Passport, Cash & Road Tax!!

It is Friday night, we decided to have a road trip down to Singapore for the weekend. I told my friends, lets take the Toyota Wish instead of 2 cars. We could all chit-chat and chill out in one car instead.

Being the good guy, I told them I will pick everyone up. I started my Journey at about 7pm on a Friday evening... TRAFFIC JAM everywhere!!!

I picked up my GF at TTDI, before heading to Tropicana to pick Kelvin up. Then to Kenneth's place in Desa Park City to pick up Natalie and the last stop, Valencia for Julian and Kellee...

After 2 long hours of driving, finally everyone have been picked up, and so we headed down to Singapore...

It was a great ride down. We were speeding in hope to reach Singapore before midnight. In fact, we did make good time on the road.

When we arrived at the checkpoint, we had to insert the "Autopass" card at the Singapore checkpoint. It is something that is used for Tolls and Parking, very similar to what we called the "TouchNGo" card.

The machine notified us that, the road tax have expired. Nothing new, it happened the last time I was down in another car. They just need a person to verify that you had a new road tax since you last visited Singapore...

So we parked the car at the side, all of us chit-chatting... then Jul when out of the car to check the road tax. He came back and said with a blur look and said ...

"I think its expired la".

"Sure or not? Go check it again!"

"Ya wor... it said Dec 2007 wor"...

SHeeTz.... could it really have expired and not renewed? Opppsss... hmmm... maybe the Police officer will miss the 07?

Come on, we are in Singapore... who will miss it? Anyway, we were told that we will not be allowed to enter Singapore. We had a police office escort a few of us into Singapore waiting for a pickup, while the rest of us, had to drive and park the car somewhere in Johor, a "Cowboy" high crime rate town...

It was Kelvin, me and my darling off to a friends place in Johor to park the car. I heard so much horror story in the last 30 minutes, it sends a shiver down my spine...

As we were traveling, we discussed that our ordeal is far from over. We may be stopped by police when we are returning back to KL on Sunday...

As we were talking... I saw some blue flashing lights in front with loads of cars queuing up at a road block. There were at least 5 other cars pulled over... F$#K... double whammy on the same night?

"You gotto be kidding"

Then Kelvin mentioned "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way" which I knew was Murphy's Law...

I was like, damn the cops, end of the year, doing their usual rounds, catching those fools without road tax.... damn.. I am the FOOL tonight!!

After a little commotion in the car, and couldn't decided whether to re-distribute the wealth or not... we pulled up next to the cops. We opened the passenger window and played it cool....

Loads of Smiles from the 3 of us.... *Smile smile* *Cooooool*

"Jalan" the cops said...

You gotto be kidding, is he BLIND?

We headed off, laughing our heads off, wondering how lucky we are that night. We parked our car, before being picked up by Julian and gang in the Honda Odyssey.

We finally arrived at the accommodation at 4am... what we have planned to arrive at 12am, we did at 4am... What an adventure the last 4 hours have been... :D

Live life to the Fullest...

Recently one of my friends become seriously ill.

I guess in life, nothing is certain.

One day we may be on top of the world, the next we could be really vulnerable.

Remember to live a balance life.

Appreciate what you already have. As you may feel, there are so many rich people out there with things you wished to own; there are also as many poor people in the other corner of the world, wishing they had the basic necessity that we take for granted, like clean water, ample food, air con and a car!

Remember to spend time with your family and friends.

We hope and pray that you'll get better soon.

Miracles do happen to those who believe in them...

Busy Busy Busy...

Sorry for not updating my blog recently. Been really busy last couple of weeks.
There is so much I want to do this year...

I am going to hold an class for my friends explaining about how I sell stuff online, whether it is on eBay or on lowyat.net. May even open it to public. Anyone got an afternoon to listen to me tell my stories? :)

Recently I have also acquired a Lego business. We'll be having Lego classes for kids, age around 7-12 years old. Interested? I reckon even my adult friends would love to attend. Check out the following link for more details. Help me market it ok? Thanks. www.buildingblocks.com.my

I have also recently started a project job with the distributor of Russ and Nici products. Will be working on a part-time basis with them. So I will spends like 2-3 days a week with them, handling marketing and e-commerce for them. If you need any of those stuff, let me know and I'll try to get for you at a special price :P

Busy busy busy...

Using the Advance Search!

Today we will discuss about the "Advance Search" function of eBay. It will be the MOST used tool you'll ever use, while selling on eBay.

In today's example, we would like to do research on a mobile phone, say the Sony Ericsson K800i. I have picked this older model phone, as to limit the number of items found , yet have it specific enough to get enough hits. In today's example, we would like to know about the Phone K800i, and NOT the accessories associated with it, like the hands free kit or batteries.

First you would need to click on the Advance Search link found on any of the main eBay pages.


Next, please key in the search criteria as "Sony Ericsson K800i", and don't forget to check the "Completed Listings Only" box. You'll realised that the first search will return heaps of items with similar keywords. Since we only want the mobile phone and not the accessories, we'll have to fine tune our search by using the "Narrow your Search" from the left pane. Please select the "Cell Phone" option.


Now we have found only 145 items, which seems about right. After looking through the items, we'll realize that not all the found items are mobile phones. Still some accessories or defective phones can be found in the completed listings. What we are interested are the Green sold prices. From the list, we could easily gauge the average selling price (ASP)!


By using the Advance Search you'll be able to do your market research on what item could be sold on eBay and its average price. No point selling something, if the average selling price is below your cost price!

Good Luck.

The Real Killer - Bacardi 151

How much alcohol can you take before you go down?

Many people I know, brag about how much they can drink... 10 shots, 1/2 bottle, 1 bottle... come on... is that all you guys can drink?

Guns Don't Kill People, Bacardi 151 DO!!

So what is so special about the Bacardi 151? From the picture, it just looks like some cat's piss... Maybe it does, and it sure taste like one... haha...

OK, so why have a post, just bragging about the 151, when nobody on this side of the hemisphere have even seen, or better still taste it. It is not like we can walk into 7-11 to pick one up.

The Bacardi 151 is something that should NOT be taken lightly. It has 75.5% alcohol content. NO you didn't see it wrongly, it is that potent!!

Bacardi 151 is normally used in mixers, but because of the high alcohol content, you'll probably get more kick out of it by having shots. Most people I know, would get tipsy after 2-3 shots. I have seen some of my friends do CRAZY stuff after having one too many of the 151 shots.

To those who have NOT tasted the 151, I could only describe it as "alcohol". You know those stuff you use to clean and sterilize, it smells just like that!! It tastes and smells like alcohol, and when it goes down your throat, it burns too...

Free Selling Online Classes

I have been selling online for 3 years now... wow, what a journey it has been. About more a year ago I decided to do this as a Full Time job. The transition wasn't an easy one... About 6 months ago, I took even a bigger step, by getting an office and hiring a part-time staff.

Nothing comes easy, and sacrifices were made. Some may call it a learning experience...

Anyway, in the many years that I have been selling online, many of my close friends have always wondered how I could profit it, and now, doing it as a full time job...

I have had those small stories over dinner on how I do it, and for the more curious, spending hours explaining the concept of selling online... I soon realised that, I have been giving small classes to close friends on how to sell online, and decided to hold a class for my friends instead.

Easier if I could gather all my friends, and run through once, then to constanly teach them the concept of selling online.

So I will be organising a Free Selling Online classes, over a 2 day period. Each class should take about 3 hours. I have also decided to convert the meeting room into a class, and I reckon that I could fit about 8 people in there.

I welcome those who are interested to register their interest. As the class is small, only a few could be selected. It will be picked on random, giving everybody an equal chance to attend the class.

Good Luck!

A Great Start to the New Year

First Post this year... What a ride it has been for the last two weeks.

I just got back from Penang, from James & Yen's wedding just last week. Will post some photos from my Trip to Penang. And yes, I do also have some updated Chai Boutique photos to post.

Haven't manage to start my other Food Blog yet, but I have collected loads of material waiting to be posted. I guess I will post them here and move them over to the new blog next time

Too many things have been happening in the last 2 weeks. Got another Job offer, to do a Project, which I have accepted. It is on part-time basis, so I'll still be free on most days.

Will also be starting a new Lego Workshop for kids. Will keep you guys updated on the Lego Workshop in future posts.

Last of all, I have recently met someone special, thus me also MIA and paktor paktor.

Will try my very best to keep this blog up to date. When I started, I was afraid of NOT having enough material to write... I guess I was wrong, I have loads to write, but no time to pen them down.

Happy New Year and 2008 Roadmap

I am sorry for not posting any new information for the last 6 weeks. I had a new personal blog where I blog about my daily stuff (more exciting) as well as interesting food articles. I guess I got a little carried with the new blog till I left you guys behind...

Anyway, I had promised some of my close friends that I would organise a day where I would show them and teach them the basics on Selling online... I have put it off for too long, and would be organising a Free Class; and probably invite my fellow readers to fill up the rest of the class.

They may even be the possibility of organising advance selling classes, if the demand picks up!!

Char Koay Teow @ Lorong Selamat, Penang

I am sure everyone knows the famous Char Koay Teow at Lorong Selamat. The one where you'll have to hold empty plates when you order, stand behind at least 5 people and queue for at least 20 minutes. The one where the lady wears a goggles and Croc sandles when she cooks.

Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow has recently move to their own shop. Previously they cook off a push cart outside a Kopitiam. Now, they have moved to their own shop, about 2 doors away from the old spot at Kafe Heng Huat. They still cook off their push cart but you'll have plenty of room to seat and no more queues. You don't have to queue anymore since they move to the new place; but doesn't mean that you don't have to wait!

Who said Penang food is cheap? The Koay Teow here ain't cheap, $RM5.50 for a standard Koay Teow with egg, or $RM7.50 if you wish to have the Special, where it has extra prawns. The prawns provided in the standard one ain't small, as you can see from the photos, but if you love your prawns, get the special instead!

The Lorong Selamat Koay Teow is one of the Best Koay Teow around. You'll not regret trying it, trust me. Time after time, whenever I am Penang, we would always visit this place. Previously we had to queue up and wait 20 mins, but your wait is over since they moved to a new place. Now you can sit in the comfort of the shop while waiting for you food.

Chai Boutique - A Month After

It has been a little over a month since Chai Boutique was opened in Penang. There still isn't an official opening yet, as we have yet to decide on a nice date. We'll probably have a full blown opening ceremony after Chinese New Year. Below are more updated photos of the place. It looks and feels very cosy now, compared to when we stared in December.

When you first walk through the glass front door, you'll be greeted by 2 sexy gorgeous silver mannequin dressed in our Chai Dresses.

Right after the 2 mannequin, you'll come to our first Hall, where most of the clothing are displayed. In the photo, you see the cashier counter. I really like the antique table; it looks even better in real life.

The photo above shows the dresses on display at Chai Boutique. I believe that the left portion displays more formal dresses, suitable for dinners or even weddings.

On the right side, we have a rack of more casual tops or dresses. These are for your day to day or working clothes.

These photos shows the items that were sent for minor alterations or adjustments and waited to be collected. Customers may choose to let Chai organise the alterations on their behalf, and return to pick up the clothing at a later date.

This is our second hall. It has a seating area with comfy sofas for customers to chill out, or to read some of the latest fashion magazine while talking about the weather. We have a fridge filled with the usual soft drinks as well as water for the healtier few. Hot Coffee or Tea could also be organised on request.

This is the toilet are at the back of the Chai Boutique. It is all new, since we renovated it from the original place. Trust me, you wouldn't want to imagine how it originally looked like. Adeline has taken great efford to make the place cosy by adding potted plants and flowers.

This is our fitting room area. Not pictured is a very big 7 foot full length mirror, on the left side of the fitting hall. What you can't see is the curtains used for the fitting room. Really nice silver embroidred cloth with a layer of see-through chiffon on the outside. Nice!

In the same area, we have some shoes and accesories on display. There are also some belts on display.

James & Yen's Wedding 3-4 Jan 2008

I was up in Penang again this week to attend James Saw's wedding. Since it was set on a Thursday and Friday; those who are self-employed naturally had to attend the full event.

We drove up to Penang in Kenneth's new Honda Odyssey. Kenneth, Anna, Moh Yen and me started the journey late Wednesday evening. We had to detour to Tanjung Malim, where Moh Yen had some business discussion with his customers. By the time we got to Penang, it was almost midnight already.

Early the next day, all the Heng Tais gathered at James place. We had to go to Sungai Petani to pick his wife. SP is in Kedah, or about 30kms from the bridge. Anyway, we got there in no time.

So what did the Chi Muis have installed for us today? More biscuits topped with wasabi? Some cut chilli padis? Hmmm...

The ladies started their games with some clothes pegs. They attached the pegs to the guys face... seems simple enough right? NOOOO.... after they have attached it, they ripped it off, all at one go... oOOooOOUCHhhhh!!

What could they have prepared for us? These girls seems a little nasty!! Anyway, they got a stick out, and asked us to Limbo rock under it, while eating some grapes... being one of the smallest guy around, they sent their representative... ME!!

How hard can it be right? Limbo rock under a stick, about 2 feet high... I have never been so wrong before in my life. I am as stiff as a stick, and could not even bend low enough to get under the stick, not to mention trying to hop under it. Anyway, after a few failed attempts, loads of laughter and a few fells, I managed to just cheat and crawl under it... phheewww.. some Heng Tai I was :p

The girls insisted that the Groom, too had to limbo under it... Being a tall person, it was pretty hard for him. On his first attempt, he fell... So when he tried the 2nd time, all the Heng Tais supported his back, while he moved under the stick... what are the Brothers for? :D

OK, so what was next? Negotiation for the door opening... How much did they want? They insisted on $99,999. Hmm, after a quick move, James decided to give his most prized possession, his super modified Subaru... He inserted the key into a red packet and slide it under the door. The girls, saw the tip of the packet and instantly tugged on it... within seconds the packet ripped as the keys was a little too big for under the door... The girls got a little disappointed... we insisted that they opened the door, so we could give them the packet... hehehe... and maybe PUSHING our way in when the door was opened :p

We managed to convinced the girls to open the door, but promised not to push our way in. They had the packet, saw the keys, and knew that it was a priceless gift, something that James would cherish the most... NO, no deal!!! They wanted cash, saying that there were 20 girls and the only currency they accepted is $$$

James had prepared many red packets before the event. He gathered and counted 20 packets, added a few more just in case and handed it to the girls guarding the door on the outside. They quickly ripped the first packet, checked the value, and gave the Signal... it is all good, open up....

PHhhhewwww... was that all? No killer food? Spicy mustard buns? Thanks!! Our job was done, we picked the beautiful bride... another job well done!