Questions from Customers

1. I've seen your official website, Facebook page and read your blog posts - I'm interested but worried because there are not many testimonials yet from previous customers- are you trustworthy?

We are. This reservation is completely natural as we are in the process in building a good reputation (we are only 2+ months old!). We think we are professional and friendly and hope our customers agree and let other people know about us - we did think this might take time: but later agreed the only thing we can do is be consistent with the customers we do have :)


2. Why do you keep asking customers to email you and not deal out in the open?

We prefer not to disclose particulars of any customer requests as we take privacy and security seriously - those who do not need to know about your request and situation is just that: they do not need to know. But between Saudagar UK and our customers, we believe we will do what we can to facilitate the customer's request in the best possible manner. Think of it as a doctor-patient confidentiality relationship, only we tailor your request to suit your situation to the best of our knowledge.

This is also why we decided using Paypal as opposed to an international bank transfer: sensitive information such as one's full name and card numbers are not exchanged and the security and speed it offers appeals to us more.

Emailing also lets us centralise customer's requests and records all exchanges and clarifications needed for both customer and Saudagar UK. We more than happy to speak to our customers on Skype (shopping@saudagaruk.com) if this is what they prefer - but there will be email correspondence as a record  to keep both customer and Saudagar UK on track (we are all only human - we forget things so records are best for a business).

We hope our customers agree clarifying before any transaction takes place is the best policy to live by.

This all seems very grim but we believe if customers agree on privacy and security issues are important too,   more power to us all :)

3. How do you care for our merchandise?

Our response to that has always been our security features :)

1) We notify our customers at different stages of the purchase to keep them up to date. If there is a tracking number involved, we provide our customers with the ID and the URL to keep them involved - it is their merchandise after all.

2) All our consignments are insured up to £60 (included) and customers have the option to add on insurance if they so wish. For consignments with chocolates, we happily include ice gel packs and appropriate packaging to minimise melting when it arrives at your doorstep.

3) The speed of couriers also serves as an added protection - less transit time means less tampering oppurtunities.

4) We also take our own initiative to back up our claims should any dispute arise :) One of the steps we take is to email quality photographs to the customer when their merchandise arrives at our address. We can assure you the details we take are the ones the customers are interested in.

We take security seriously, this is why we only deal with a reputable courier (ie UPS) and think the cost is worth the peace of mind.

More than welcomed to contact us at shopping@saudagaruk.com for more details ;)

Gmail's UPS Tracker!

Hi all!

Just to highlight Gmail users have it easier to track their packages, just click on your parcel ID on right sidebar in your email (see red circle) to see stages of progress :D

No more copy-pasting!

This Gmail feature will appear after we have informed you of your UPS track number.

It's great to have the little things that makes life a bit easier ;)

Best Regards,

Saudagar UK

Men's Sizing Chart

Hi all!

Now for the gentlemen. Let's talk about their shirt sizes. Formalwear first. Advanced Tips available at the end of the post :)

The most important size you need for a formal shirt is his collar size. His chest size and sleeve length are helpful in picking the right fit but the utmost importance is how the collar sits on his frame as this is the basis of his first impression (± shoulder fit: very similar to the Malay baju Melayu - the finishing on the collar and button slits is where the best tailors focus more). If these sizes are slightly off, he can still pull his look with a light jacket or armbands or cardigan and look good - the same cannot be said with the collar size. 

How Armbands Look Like When Worn:

                                                           Picture credit to Mr T ;) Thank you!

Some brand names like Thomas Pink, Savile Row, M&S carry Slim Fit lines - they are ideal for lean men with no extras on their stomach. Regular fits usually cater men with more muscle on their stomach ;)

Sometimes the gentlemen in question is not available to be measured - most women are able to estimate one's collar size having met him face to face, but to do this she must have a benchmark person in her mind to compare to.

For example, know someone with a size 15" collar and then it will be easier to estimate other people's collar as appropriate :) This takes practice!

And for those who keep putting off trying on shirts everytime they are at the store: do it! A replica of your body isn't widely available, there is no substitute for trying them on yourself ;) Different brands have different cuts so it helps to notice which style, fabric and cut suit you best. Also, do notice fabric care instructions before buying as this can incur additional costs/effort (eg handwash).

Advanced Tips - matching the right collar types to the right face shapes can make a huge difference in looking more balanced and hence smarter ;) Some links to match the best collar types to face shapes:

http://www.fitcustomshirts.com/how-to-select-shirt-collar-based-on-face-shape.html

http://www.individualism.co.uk/2009/05/mens-shirt-collar-styles/

We personally believe formal shirts to be an investment - as this is essentially the attire you wear to support the ones you love. In Malay we say 'baju cari rezeki' - so it is worth taking the time and effort to look the part :)

Best regards,
Saudagar UK

Women's Sizing Chart

Hi all!

Some guidance to buy ladies' UK-sized clothes (having a tape measurer now would be handy). Let's start with tops/dresses.

This is the textbook way - meant for absolute beginners. (advanced tips at the end of the post).
First measure the three sizes (bust-waist-hips) of the lady you're planning to by for, if possible. If this is not possible, get hold of one of her favourite tops measure accordingly. If this too isn't an option, seek another person with enough retail experience to help you (most women are).

Advanced Tips - things to take into account when choosing size:

1) Item of clothing
Deciding between a size 8 or 10 cardigan won't be as tough as deciding for a 8 or 10 sized form-fitting dress because the dress has to hold her body at the right places. Body type knowledge is crucial. Stick to sleeveless tops, cardigans, batwings to be safe! But if you must pick a dress, a maxi dress is non-form-fitting as well as being flattering for most shapes and it can be layered with a long cardigan for the more conservative.

2) Usual fitting
Notice her wardrobe style - does it fit her? Does she like her clothes looser so it doesn't cling her body? Contrast that with how the model on the website wears the clothing. It is entirely possible to be a UK size 8, but in some lines you can pull of wearing a size 14 top if that is the fitting you require (be sure the shoulder pads/seam don't hang down unnecessarily!).

3) Fabric of clothing
This is closely related to #2: some fabrics are more clingy than others: like thin jersey. Some fabrics have more static potential built in them like wool and silk. Polyester is the best all-rounder while cotton is most breathable as it is natural. Some fabrics are also harder to care for, so do take a peek at their care instructions.

4) Designer cutting
Although the tables above specify the measurements for sizes, it is best to use them as a guide only as different designers cater for regional height and size differences. For example a Japan size M is usually a typical UK size S. There are international conversion sizing charts available on the Internet - look up the equivalent sizes for US, European (Continental), Japan sizes etc.

Some brand names have a Petite, Short and Tall range aside from their Regular line. This caters for people with varied torso:leg length ratio. Their website should be able to specify their measurements to suit you.

Next up: Men's Shirts and Tops!

How to Use Paypal without a Paypal Account

Hi all!

More Paypal updates for first time users :D

This guide (with screenshots!) shows how to make payment with your credit/debit cards via Paypal, even without a Paypal account:

http://www.dursostandpipes.com/faq/48-use-paypal-without-an-account

The first screenshot is seen after clicking on our invoice :)

Please be reminded this method may take up to 5 working days to reach us - we will make your purchase upon payment receipt. As a side note, a Paypal-to-Paypal account transaction typically takes seconds to complete :)

Best regards,
Saudagar UK

Did you know?

Customers have the option to shop online while talking to Saudagar UK at the same time!

Look at the same website as we buy your merchandise for you.

Talk to us via G-Talk chat or Skype while we shop on your behalf

You can choose to call or chat live while shopping

Ideal for sale periods and for the reassurance we are on the same page! (pun intended) ;) 
Think Ebay sites, scheduled sale periods and BrandAlley.com (the registration and wait is worth it!)

Book an appointment with us!

Email us to know more :)

IMPORTANT NOTICE - NEW COURIER ON NEW YEAR

Dear customers,

Due to a significant change in DHL rates, Saudagar UK has decided to make UPS as our courier of choice starting 2012. All consignments now have £60 equivalent of included insurance instead of the previous £50 (yeay!) you can expect to receive a secure and speedy delivery like always.

Rest assured customers who have opted to wait until after New Year holidays to ship their parcels booked in 2011 will not be affected by this change ;)

Best regards,
Saudagar UK

Happy New Year!