11

‘Jap, barang tertinggal.’

This is the funniest thing I’ve heard a despatch rider say to me, the moment he realised that he had left what he was meant to carry and deliver to me.

I’m just going to assume that he left my item somewhere near the entry gate to my taman/neighbourhood since he came back in a few minutes.

Lately, I’ve been ordering items online via Shopee, in view of the current situation where many are still encouraged to stay safe and stay home, as much as possible.

To sign up for the first time, you’ll need a valid cell phone number. Later on, you’ll be prompted to provide and verify your email address. I still haven’t used my Welcome Gift yet because it can only be used via the app if memory serves. By the way, I’m the type of person who is quite choosy about which mobile app to download.

Initially, I was only looking at powder-type beverages. More specifically, plant-based drinks that are also organic, where possible. Previously, I was limited to the physical stores and the pharmacy closest to where I live. So, I was surprised to see the variety offered online. There’s one that I ordered from the official store. As it was my first time, I was trying to make sense of this feature called ‘Shopee Mall’, which allows you to return your product/order within 15 days, should the product/item not meet your expectations.

Before you know it, I was looking at other things. Since my mum and I were desperate for a facial cleanser because we would think hard before stepping into the saloon (the kinds which have mainly saloon but also facial and manicure/pedicure services) to get it, I clicked to buy the item.

Besides how you can track your order, you can also click ‘Order Received’ once the item has been sent to you and you are okay with it so that payment can be released to the seller.

Another aspect to consider is the shipping fees, which vary according to the courier provider type. So if there are items that I don’t need so urgently, I would pay a little bit more, depending on which option is available to you.

To date, six out of 10 items I ordered have arrived. Thankfully, the items received matched the descriptions online, even if I’ve told a few of the sellers about the condition of the boxes/packaging.  Overall, I’m satisfied that the items didn’t take too long to be delivered.  Notably, the delivery and despatch staff have been smart enough to minimise contact with customers, in light of the situation at hand.

Now, to wait in anticipation for the rest of the items.