Abby Ongyanco-Lim

Recently, there was an article last weekend in one of the daily newspaper that calls all consumers to unite against establishment who add 5-6% on top of the price tag. According to the author, this is illegal and against the price tag law.

There was one who replied that this was being practice because the credit card company gets 5-6% plus .5 WT from the merchants. That’s why the merchants add 6% on top of the price tag displayed. Because the price was for cash basis.

I don’t know why the author reacted to this kind of practice harshly. I think if the author of that article does not want to be charged additional 6%, then use cash as payment instead.

I wonder if the table is turned that author will be the one who sells goods at a minimal margin. And has a customer who wishes to pay credit card, I think that author will do the same add 6% on top of the price tag.

You see the basis of the complain is because there is a law - Price Tag Law. But you see, most merchants price tags are for cash payment. There’s another price tag which is regular price tag. Unfortunately, if the merchant do his price tag manually or divisoria style. It is cumbersome to individually mark the products with cash and regular price tag - just like the one being practice by Abenson and Shoemart. So, I hope the author will also be open-minded and put himself on the shoes of the merchant.

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I got another transaction. This time a client from US wants to purchase prepaid cards. Although, I’m a 2checkout merchant already. I know the products being sold is in the prohibited list. I don’t want my account cancelled again. So, since my previous XOOM transaction works. Once again, I send an email billing to my client. Alas, my client immediately transacted using his credit card to my XOOM account. But, the XOOM transaction was in pending mode. It says verification of payment. So, I decided to wait until it says the payment has been verified. But, after 11 hours my client cancelled the transaction. I wonder why. Is it because I have not emailed him the pin codes yet? I emailed him and he replied and ask if I have a paypal account. Arrgh! Why does paypal not accept merchant from Philippines? Anyway, I replied and said that XOOM accepts paypal. Then, my client replied. That XOOM verification period is 3 days! Why? So, I’m back to scouting for another payment gateway provider.

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Two weeks ago, I’ve mentioned about using XOOM services as payment gateway. Yes, it did work. However, I did not receive the money immediately. The problem? It because the name I’ve placed in the XOOM account (married name) did not match my Bank account name (maiden name). Yup, I’m frustrated. But, I do understand XOOM’s policy. They are quite strict about this which makes me more convinced. So, to those who are planning to use XOOM make sure the details you’ve placed in your XOOM account matches your Bank account information to avoid problems. Anyway, I’ve submitted my marriage contract to the bank so they can accept deposits for me under my marriage name. After that, I informed XOOM about the changes. XOOM immediately tried again to deposit the money to my account. Then, voila I got my money finally.

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I’m so glad I was able to attended the One Internet Day! I wanted so much to hear the presentation about the newest payment gateway via sms - payfree Unfortunately, that day was Mom and Dad’s wedding anniversary! So, we had a family lunch first.

Well, we got in time to hear the presentation of pinoydelikasi.com by its founder Jovel Cipriano. It was kind of Jovel to share with the audience his experiences and lessons learned from running his business online. One thing that strucks me is his message about motivating merchants not to be overwhelmed on getting into the business just because somebody else or somebody big is already doing it!

Up next, a lively and interesting talk by JJ Disini on the case of a Filipino White Hat Hacker convicted JJ is so cool! Hahaha. I came to know JJ last year for a gov’t project. But, have not met personally. So, after his talk I gave him my card. Maybe, he would recognize me. Hehehe. Well, he did.

OH yes, I’ve been wanting to join OWASP - Open Source Web Application Security Project. I often see the post of Adrian at yahoogroups. Anyway, it was another eye opener for me. And, I know OWASP is something I could use and contribute to in relation to my work.

And, the last speaker was an inspiring talk by Boogie on his www.angbagongpinoy.org It was so inspiring and emotionally motivating. After his talk, I felt like giving him a standing ovation! Hahaha. But, I did not dare.

Generally, One Internet Day 2005 is fun. I really enjoyed that day. Met new and old friends at the event. So, looking forward to One Internet Day 2006!

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Hmm. I just got a text from Globe’s 2977.

Only fr Globe! 10 centavos/sec Globe-Globe calls! Sulit kada segundo ang tawag mo! Dial 232 + 10-digitGlobe# Promo till Jan15. Per DTI#7181s05.

At first, I was ecstatic. Since, I got married and move out of our family home I would spend lots of minutes calling my dad through his cellphone. Well, I got this 3,500 a month (G-Flex) and I barely consume all of it. So, just to maximize the plan I often call my dad, mom and hubby through their mobile phone.

Back to the text message from Globe, at first glance I just presummed that it was .10 centavos per minute. I was jumping and happily reported it to dad via YM. Alas, it my ecstasy was shortlived. Upon re-reading the text message, I realized it was 10 centavos per seconds and not 10 centavos per minute! Waaaaaa!!!

Anyway, I still think it’s great it’s still down from 8 pesos per minute to 6 pesos per minute. And this time around every seconds counts. =)

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