Social networks give people little reason to leave their computers. Facebook is making the old question “what have you been up to?” unnecessary. Popular games such as Farmville are quickly becoming the most convenient form of procrastination. It’s no surprise that some Facebook users are generating a new form of an old tradition – opening up a boutique (on Facebook).
Think of a boutique (sometimes abbreviated as btq.) as a privately owned business; a retailer can sell whatever they want to a variety of people and don’t have to worry about paying for lease space or finding a vacant location. Merchandise may include Hello Kitty sunglasses, clothes, color contact lenses and even pet accessories. People can find themselves losing hours of their daily browsing through a boutique’s “inventory”. Customers may be mesmerized by the deals and selection a store can offer.
Every boutique is a treasure hunt waiting to happen. Items are located in a seller’s photo album with an asking price in its description. After purchasing an item, some dealers will tag the buyer in a picture allowing his or her friends to see what they bought. It can be fun to show off your new necklace or toy before it’s been shipped out or received.
Most boutiques receive payments though PayPal, a popular site used for online transactions. Some businesses guarantee delivery or your money will be refunded. Paypal is popular among people who sell on eBay and other online auctioning sites.
Some boutiques such as Petite and Sweet btq add to their inventory weekly. A boutique’s stock will be displayed on your news feed so you’ll be able to browse through new items while you’re catching up on friends’ lives (this feature can be turned off if a website’s frequent posting becomes an annoyance).
Facebook has become a part of many people’s daily routines and has brought conveniences to those with busy schedules. Shopping online can be very addictive – be warned that “boutiquing” may add hours to the time spent on social networks in addition to chatting with friends, sharing videos, or sending someone the last item needed to complete their Farmville collection.
By: Brandon Tanimoto / Photo By: Daeja Fallas
