Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Jessica JM.

FB business page verification:

Jessica JM. — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:04:14 +0800

Is it necessary to verify our Facebook business page? I just noticed that our page now has the option for verification — RM4.50 for the first month and RM66 per month after that. Honestly, I rarely post on Facebook. I only registered the page during the COVID period just to give clients another way to find our company.

VPN on WiFi Super Slow in China:

Jessica JM. — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:10:14 +0800

Hey everyone,

I’m about to travel to China and planning to use a VPN to access the internet. Last month when I was there, I tried connecting to WiFi with a VPN, but it was extremely slow—sometimes it wouldn’t even connect at all.

On the other hand, when I used mobile data with an eSIM I bought on Shopee, the connection was usually much better. The only problem was that my phone battery drained super fast when relying on mobile data for long periods.

Does anyone have a better solution?

Appreciate any advice!

Recommend for front loading washing machine:

Jessica JM. — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 02:06:34 +0800

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to get a front-loading washing machine for my mum (and possibly a dryer in the future). She’s previously used Zanussi and Electrolux (both front-loading), but lately, I’ve noticed many people recommending LG front-loading machines. The problem is, I’m not sure which model to go for since the information on their official website seems incomplete.

Any recommendations or advice? My parents and I live together, so I think a 10kg capacity should work well for us. Thanks in advance!

Youtube Premium account solution:

Jessica JM. — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 23:50:31 +0800

I'm just trying my luck to see if I can find a solution for subscribing to YouTube Premium at a cheaper price. I used to subscribe using a Turkey account via VPN, but that method no longer works. The Malaysian account is significantly more expensive for the family plan.

Do you guys have any suggestions or solutions?

Enquiry on Sdn Bhd transaction:

Jessica JM. — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:43:39 +0800

Recently, I converted my parents’ company from an enterprise to an Sdn Bhd (through XXXX Boleh), and my parents decided to list me as the 100% shareholder.

Before this, whenever we made any payments (e.g., credit card expenses or mortgage payments), we would just transfer funds directly from the current account. However, since converting to an Sdn Bhd, I’ve learned that there are many rules and regulations, and we can’t simply make payments like that anymore.

Questions:

a) Scenario 1
If I use a credit card to purchase stock on Shopee (since it’s sometimes cheaper than buying from suppliers), but the credit card also includes personal expenses like dining, how should I handle this situation?

b) Scenario 2
Previously, I didn’t have personal savings and would transfer money directly from the company’s current account whenever I needed it. Now, I understand that I need to change this habit, but I’m not sure how to start.
Some advice I’ve read suggests setting a fixed monthly salary that includes all personal expenses (e.g., mortgage, credit card payments, etc.). Is this the right approach?

The challenge is that we sometimes face cash flow issues, especially when clients delay payments. In such cases, wouldn’t a fixed salary be a burden?

c)
For questions like these, aside from asking in forums, who else can I consult? Should I refer to the secretary appointed by XXXX Boleh?

Polycarbonate manufacturer

Jessica JM. — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 11:49:21 +0800

Does anyone know the manufacturer of polycarbonate in Malaysia?

Financial plan for own and company:

Jessica JM. — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 23:33:28 +0800

I'm seeking advice from you all. I'm 36 years old, currently in a partnership business with my father, and have recently converted it to an Sdn Bhd under my name, though all transactions still go through the partnership account. Until now, I haven't had a solid financial plan, often transferring money directly from the company account when needed.

Currently, all personal expenses such as the shot lop loan (purchased by my parents), car loan, and credit card payments are covered by the company. I've heard this isn't ideal. Now that we've converted to an Sdn Bhd, I believe it's time to establish a sound financial plan for both personal and company growth.

I'm considering opening four separate bank accounts to manage my salary:
Question (A)

MBB (50% of salary) - for daily expenses including loans
CIMB (20% of salary) - for saving towards purchasing a new house or travel
GX (20% of salary) - for investments
UOB (10% of salary) - as emergency funds
Do you think this allocation ratio and combination are appropriate?

Question (B)
Would it be wise to purchase a 1g gold coin (1g-Habib) on Shopee? I'm thinking of using it as a means to enforce savings discipline, but I'm unfamiliar with investment products. Hence, I'm considering investing in gold coins. Currently, a 1g 999 gold coin on Shopee costs around RM 380.00.

Any loan for business cash flow?

Jessica JM. — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 16:12:18 +0800

Are there any loans available for the purpose of boosting business turnover?

I've recently received a significant order from a client that will require a substantial investment in stock turnover. I'm concerned that this might hinder my company's cash flow.

Should I consider applying for a personal loan, or are there more suitable loan options available for my situation?

Loan by MIDF:

Jessica JM. — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:03:29 +0800

Is this loan a better option compared to the regular bank loans on offer?

Enquiry insurance / medical card for parents:

Jessica JM. — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 23:17:57 +0800

a) I was thinking of getting insurance or a medical card for my parents (born in 1956 and 1964). Do you have any idea about the rough market price?

b) My mate said, since I have to pay taxes to the government anyway, why not use some of it to buy insurance for my parents?

Employee Appraisal System

Jessica JM. — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:22:32 +0800

I just joined my parents' manufacturing business, which has been running for over 30 years. Since I don't have anyone to turn to for advice on these kinds of questions, I thought I'd ask here. There are several issues that I think need to be resolved.

First off, we don't have a proper system for appraising employees. Up until now, salaries have been based on a combination of basic pay and performance (with no standard in place, it's all based on how my my parents evaluate their performance). Personally, I feel this is unfair to employees because they can't predict how much they'll earn (it's only a rough estimate).

How does your company assess performance? Any suggestion you can give?

How to improve relationship with clients?

Jessica JM. — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:48:36 +0800

Hey, I was just curious about how you guys manage to maintain relationships with clients or the people in charge of purchasing.

So, I recently started working with a new client, and their staff is really lovely. They ask me for quotes quite often, but I struggle to convert those inquiries into actual orders. According to them, my prices are higher compared to what my competitors offer.

I had this idea of getting them some local souvenirs when I visit (since I'm from a different state), but they turned it down because they were worried about potential consequences from their higher-ups.

Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve and nurture our relationship, to increase my chances of getting more orders? They mentioned that their company usually goes with vendors who offer the lowest prices.

Of course, maintaining the quality of my services and products is crucial, but I feel like there's more I can do.

I'm serious about this, so please, no jokes. I'm really eager to hear your honest advice.

Import tiles from China:

Jessica JM. — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:24:25 +0800

A friend recommended that I consider importing tiles from China due to their lower cost. According to her, many tiles available in the Malaysian market are already imported from China.

However, I am unsure about the actual cost savings and also concerned about potential breakage during the delivery process.

Can anyone provide me with some insight on this matter?

Enquiry of socket switch from China:

Jessica JM. — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:16:04 +0800

Hello all! I wanna get a universal socket switch from Taobao, but my friend's like, "Nah, don't do it man. The socket switch from Taobao doesn't have SIRIM approve, so if something goes wrong at your house like a fire or something, your insurance company could just say nope to your claim." Is that for real though?

I checked out some socket switches on Shopee, but the designs don't look as good as the ones on Taobao. Can y'all hook me up with some suggestions?

Condo for allow AirBnB:

Jessica JM. — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 22:01:16 +0800

Hi. I would like to know about any condo that allow for AirBnB in Selangor/KL?

Advice improve productivity and systematic:

Jessica JM. — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 23:12:27 +0800

I have five employees and my company is based in production (fabrication) and installation.
Can you guys advise me on how I can improve their productivity and systematize it using Google Sheets?

I was thinking of putting a desktop at their workspace so they can log in to Google Sheets and update the latest work status.

Dilemma of buying iPhone for staff:

Jessica JM. — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:46:16 +0800

I bought my supervisor an iPhone 11 a few months ago because the last phone he was using was damaged.

The phones of two of my another employees, A and B, were getting old and damaged (iPhone 6 and 7).

A worked for me for four years (his performance could have been better, sometimes, he was absent without valid reason).It's been six months since B started working for me, but performance and attendance are good.

I'm considering buying iPhones for A and B (or maybe just for B), but I'm in a bind since my supervisor won't be happy if I buy iPhone 11 for A and B, since he’s supervisor and worked for few years only I get an iPhone for him.

Can you guys advise what should I do?

Balance housing loan if pay more monthly repayment

Jessica JM. — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 23:27:41 +0800

I just signed up for a 35-year mortgage loan for about 1.8k/month.
Is there any schedule or template I can use to calculate if I paid 2k a month? How much would the real difference be per year or loan term?
Is that called an amortisation calculator?

Bank officer authority of clients' info:

Jessica JM. — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 15:38:56 +0800

I'm considering moving my business current account (with RHB) to Hong Leong / CIMB / MBB.

A friend of mine is the MBB branch manager. Hence, MBB isn't top of my priority because he's a stalker (he's been like that since I got to know this fellow back in secondary school). Sometimes when we meet for drinks, this fellow will talk about privacy of clients, which I find uncomfortable.

How much access does a branch manager/bank officer have to a client's bank info?

Debit card for Business Current Account:

Jessica JM. — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 14:46:16 +0800

Hello all. As far I knew only OCBC provided debit card that link business current account.

Is there any bank that offer the same feature as well?