22ban.com: Redefining shopping

When it comes to gift giving, it is always said that it is the thought that counts. When you think about it, looking for the perfect Christmas present is akin to writing a poem. You have to think of the person first and what you mean to say. Then, you have to carefully choose "goods" from the shelves. It is not enough to pick an adjective - it has to vividly describe the person. You do not just choose a noun - it has to define her/him. Everything must perfectly fit the package, no matter if your gift is only a few stanzas.

Of course, it helps if you have a wide range of choices laid out in front of you. Writers have the dictionary to look for words. For today's modern, hip, tech-savvy shopper, you have 22ban.com.

A visit to www.22ban.com will show you how shopping is in this age of cyber technology. Like a dictionary, 22ban.com has a wide array of gift choices neatly catalogued for easy browsing. All you have to do is sign up, fill in the required personal information, and you can shop away. Purchases are delivered straight to your recipient's doorstep in one to three days' time, depending on the distance from Manila. And what's more, you don't have to fret about credit card security when you're shopping in 22ban.com. The site is protected with the highest level of data encryption there is, and regular hacking tests are done on the site to ensure its integrity.

22ban.com started in November 2000, with the aim of providing Filipinos abroad a venue to buy gifts for their loved ones here in the country. Owned by Prime Orion Philippines, Inc., the developer of the Tutuban Shopping Mall in Divisoria and the sole licensee of Pepsi Cola products in the Philippines, 22ban.com was meant to offer Filipinos the unique Pinoy experience in shopping. However, that does not mean haggling over prices or
buying cheap imitations that the Divisoria district has been known for. Pinoy shopping means original goods and personalized service - and that's what 22ban.com have striven to give since its inception.

"Everything we have are original, quality products. We do not only represent our company, but we also represent the brands that we carry and sell," says Yayay de Veyra, 22ban.com Operations Head.

But with the growth of online shopping facilities in the country, what makes 22ban.com different from the rest?

"What sets us apart is our service," De Veyra adds. "What we really take pride in is our relationship with customers. We have a growing number of loyal customers who come back and shop with us. Every customer-focused business knows that it's hard enough to please a client. But it is harder to win back a client to do business with you again."

22ban.com re-launched its site last month as part of its efforts to improve its service and convenience to customers. Noticeable are the hovering menus when you point your mouse on its "Recipient", "Occasion" and "Shops" catalogues. You can easily browse from appliances to wines, spirits and cigars. And what's more, it's user-friendly features like a personal calendar and address book reminds you whose birthday it is or what occasion
falls on a certain date. What more can you ask for? (Well, if you can't find the perfect gift for your loved one among 22ban.com's offerings - which is, ahem, almost impossible - you can always ask their customer care desk to make suggestions and look it up for you through the gift finder feature - free of charge!)

"Where are we now?" De Veyra says when asked about 22ban.com's three-year run. "Well, we've had some measure of success. Of course, as an online company, three years is already an accomplishment, considering the dot-com bust that happened a couple of years ago. We still have a long way to go. We want to be known as a company of value, and to be known for our kind of service."