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By Remedios V. Lucio
“ONLINE shopping is the new
trend among many young Filipinos. There’s a growing market out
there,” says Mau Caidic, the accessories designer of the MAU
brand, who is bullish about the potentials her business can get from
online shopping. Her blog account [mauc.multiply.com] serves as her
online store of unique and exquisite pieces.
Caidic started her business while
still in college, selling accessories to friends, family and
colleagues. Her friends and classmates at the De La Salle University
were her first clients and some have remained loyal to her, both as
a friend and as a supplier of accessories.
Currently connected with a
commercial and movie post-production company, Caidic has also tried
to market her stuff to her colleagues and fellow employees. “They
are very supportive. They like my designs and even encourage their
friends to go online to check out my stuff,” she explained.
Sourcing her materials from her
many travels, specifically Cebu, Davao, Hong Kong and Singapore,
Caidic creates one-of-a-kind designs that are unique and functional.
Her price tags vary but she says it’s very reasonable especially
for the working class.
Best sellers among her
accessories are the “pantone” and “rock” collections because
of the intricate design and wonderful colors I use. Her upcoming
collection will be available soon and she will be experimenting on
new materials like rubber bands.
The potential of selling one’s
products online is great for young business-minded people like
Caidic. Internet is for everyone everywhere and it makes
transactions really easy.
She talked about the processes
one goes through when shopping online. “Clients inquire through
personal messaging. They inquire about prices. They ask for
discounts. Either I give them discount when they buy in volume or I
offer free shipment. Payments are done through bank deposits or
G-Cash. I get their shipping information such as their names,
addresses and contact numbers. It takes one to two days shipping
through reliable courier companies.”
Caidic dreams of expanding her
MAU line on the international scene particularly in the United
States because she wants to penetrate the high-end offshore market
like how fashion model turned bag designer Tina Maristela-Ocampo did
it. She also plans to go into bags in the future. MAU is also
available at Velvet Rose at Robinsons Galleria. 
(Remedios Lucio is a student
of The Manila Times School of Journalism.)
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