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To most people, the problem with buying shoes online is you can't try them on first. It's hard to tell if those beautiful shoes in the picture will be comfortable on your feet.
To overcome this mental barrier, amai's website not only explains to consumers how to measure the length and width of their feet but also provides the experiences of wearers with every type of feet. For example, for the hot-selling model with the bow described above, the website says that Ms. H, who has wide, fleshy feet and usually wears either a 36 or a 37, takes a 36 in this shoe.
"With this information, we can help customers who are interested in buying estimate which size is best for them," Liao says.
So what happens if, even after reading all the descriptions, the shoe you buy isn't a good fit? It's okay, because amai allows you to exchange one time free of charge. You also get the seven-day "trial period" mandated by consumer protection laws in which you can just return them.
Additionally, Liao generously includes gifts for buyers such as comfort strips to protect against chafing from new shoes. For high winter boots, she provides a set of inserts to keep them from losing their shape. For a while, customers buying two pairs or more would receive valuable gifts like a free lollipop-shaped make-up mirror or a gift certificate for stila brand cosmetics. They all make young women feel they're getting more for their money.
In addition to amai, which is targeted at women in their early twenties, Liao, who has around 10 employees, also has a brand called la Una that is focused on working women around 30 years of age who wear high heels. Though many envy her bright career, she puts in 12-hour days. She also dropped out of college in her sophomore year to concentrate on her business.
Does she have any regrets? This young entrepreneur, who is clear and rational when it comes to business, shakes her head. Five years ago was the point when Internet auctions started to take off in Taiwan. She got in early, so she was able to corner the "cute" women's shoe market. Had she waited until after she'd graduated, the competition would have been too much and she wouldn't have been this successful. There will always be chances to return to campus later, but a chance for success in business has to be grasped before it's gone.
"A lot of people think those of us born in the 1980s are the 'strawberry generation,' easily bruised and lacking perseverance, and that we can't make it in business. I want to let those older people know that not all young people these days are like that," she says, full of determination.
Two brands, two styles-with her girlish amai range and slightly more mature la Una heels (middle picture), Liao Xiaowen has captured the hearts of her many loyal customers.
Liao's online shop has instructions on how to measure the width and length of your foot properly. By following the instructions, customers can avoid buying the wrong size.
(top) In addition to cute designs, amai products feature shoeboxes with prints of cherry blossom or bows. (bottom) Liao Xiaowen has three offices-cum-warehouses with a total floor area of around 1,500 square meters. Inside are stacks of nearly 100,000 pairs of shoes.
Two brands, two styles-with her girlish amai range and slightly more mature la Una heels (middle picture), Liao Xiaowen has captured the hearts of her many loyal customers.
(top) In addition to cute designs, amai products feature shoeboxes with prints of cherry blossom or bows. (bottom) Liao Xiaowen has three offices-cum-warehouses with a total floor area of around 1,500 square meters. Inside are stacks of nearly 100,000 pairs of shoes.
Liao's online shop has instructions on how to measure the width and length of your foot properly. By following the instructions, customers can avoid buying the wrong size.
Targeted toward women in their early twenties, the amai brand features many flat, round-toed, "cute" designs like those popular in Japan. The goal is to make them so customers will slip them on and exclaim, "So cute!"
Liao's other brand, la Una, is a more "mature" line of high heels targeted at young career women of around 30 years of age.
Targeted toward women in their early twenties, the amai brand features many flat, round-toed, "cute" designs like those popular in Japan. The goal is to make them so customers will slip them on and exclaim, "So cute!"
Two brands, two styles-with her girlish amai range and slightly more mature la Una heels (middle picture), Liao Xiaowen has captured the hearts of her many loyal customers.