Walking around shopping centres aimlessly, especially during non-peak periods, is an underrated joy. From checking out shelves of books to leisurely combing through clothes on the discount rack, I love how everything feels so leisurely and unhurried. But while there are many things to love about malls, there are also serious benefits to ordering things online and then getting them delivered to my home.
Background
Shopping centres in Singapore have long been a favourite spot for social gatherings and casual strolls. However, the rise of e-commerce has introduced a convenient alternative for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes. With services like Shopee’s Guaranteed Next Day Delivery (NDD), the appeal of online shopping has grown significantly, offering a blend of immediacy and convenience that traditional shopping sometimes lacks.
Just a click, click, click
Some people are highly focused shoppers – they know exactly what they want and, armed with a list and a purpose, they dart from store to store with a laser-focused intensity. I wouldn’t call myself a hyper-focused shopper. I enjoy a good leisurely browse from time to time, with one exception: when I’m buying running shoes. After many years of running and experimenting with various shoes, I’ve decided that this particular series from this particular brand fits me the best. So, whenever I replace my shoes, I tend to look for shoes in my size within this specific series.
Unfortunately, the stars sometimes don’t align – they don’t have the right model, my size is out of stock, or they’re left with the display piece. After all that travelling around and calling different stores, it can get a bit tedious. With online shopping, it has become way easier to find what I need. I can easily search and filter items, sizes, and colours with a click, click, and a click. No longer do I have to step out of my house and jostle with crowds in different stores scattered across the country in search of those elusive size 7.5 shoes in powder blue. Even better yet: if I decide to buy heaps of stuff, I no longer need to lug the items on the MRT home. Everything just magically appears at my doorstep thanks to the wonders of technology.
But what about having something immediately?
All right, you naysayers. I know some people prefer to literally get a feel of the item they intend to purchase. And when they finally decide on buying it, they want it immediately. I get it. The immediacy of the purchase just hits different. As a rather impatient person myself, I can understand wanting an item as quickly as possible once I’ve decided on buying something.
Shopee’s guaranteed next day delivery (NDD)
These days, online shopping no longer means always having to wait weeks for your purchase to arrive at your doorstep. For instance, Shopee’s Guaranteed Next Day Delivery (NDD) service is a convenient option for those who want something ASAP. To get your parcels to you in less than 24 hours after you first hit “buy”, a team works round the clock in a process that first begins in the late-afternoon. First mile drivers collect parcels from sellers and transport them to a sorting centre where they are sorted, scanned and grouped by delivery area by 12am. Your parcels are then moved to delivery hubs all over Singapore, where drivers load them up and start on their delivery routes by 8am. From the time you click “purchase” to the moment you receive that item at your doorstep, only a day (or less) would have passed. Very efficient. Do note that NDD orders must be placed by 2pm for it to be delivered the next day, and NDD does not apply on weekends and public holidays.
Had a change of heart? 🙁
Ever bought something a little too quickly only to realise that it’s not the right item for you? What I love about online shopping is that there are certain features that make the return process so much more convenient. If your item was purchased in-store, travelling back to that specific shop to return or exchange your item might be a hassle. However, to return a Shopee parcel for free, one just has to raise a request via the Shopee app within 15 days from the date of delivery. Since Mar. 28, 2024, Shopee has expanded its Change of Mind policy to offer free returns on eligible items across all product categories. This means that customers can return their item simply due to a change in preference, even if the item has no defects. They’ve also committed to processing returns and refunds within an average of 2.5 working days, which is pretty quick if you ask me. And yes, of course it’s possible to just return a partial quantity of an entire order. Go into your order and select return/refund, and then choose which items you want to return.
Once your return request has been approved, all you need to do is print out the label, stick it onto your parcel, and you’re good to drop it off at any of these locations, depending on what’s most convenient for you:
- Shopee Collection Point (there are over 1,500 of these located all over the island, by the way)
- Singpost POPStation
- Self-arranged delivery (Shopee will reimburse up to S$10)
If you prefer for the item to be picked up from your home, Shopee also offers a doorstep pickup through a Shopee Supported Logistics Provider at no additional cost.
Future implications of online shopping
The convenience and efficiency of online shopping are undeniable, and services like Shopee’s NDD are setting new standards for customer satisfaction. As more people embrace online shopping, traditional malls may need to innovate to retain foot traffic. This could include integrating more experiential elements or offering exclusive in-store deals that cannot be found online. The future of shopping is likely to be a hybrid model, combining the best of both worlds to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
