GrabTaxi - Just a marketing gimmick!

With all the Promotion codes and marketing tactics offered by different cab-booking agencies (such as Uber, Hailo, etc) recently, I got into a cab frenzy.

With the promotions, I was able to enjoy booking cabs without hassle and not spending much money on my rides as most of them were waived off using the codes.

Somehow, I think their marketing was a success. Through the promotions, I knew about their existence and tried their services, which I thought was splendid.

Unfortunately, I had my FIRST negative experience with a new application that I have never tried before, and I'm certain it would be my last.
(Sorry lah, I really wanted to put in a good word or two about you.. But I just couldn't find any reason to.)

Their service was just... Appalling.

Yes, it's none other than GrabTaxi.

Sounds familiar?? Yes, it recently boasted of a promotion code that would entitle passengers a $15 discount of cab ride - as a "wedding gift" from their Founder, CEO Anthony Tan.

I know, some of you must be thinking, "Since they are already kind enough to give you a free ride worth $15, why are you even complaining??"

Now, let me tell you...

Will you complain if they do not deliver the slightest bit of service that they are supposed to offer?

Bluntly speaking, the promotion is as good as NOT offering to passengers.

As it was my first time trying the service, I used their promotion code "GRABLOVE", thinking that it might take a long while for the cabs to arrive since I was sure many would be utilizing the code as well.

I was okay with the wait as I did not expect much since it is free, but... I hate to say it that the wait was nothing more than a futile one.
(You know... more like wasting time waiting for a fruit to drop from the sky?)

Yes, I was shown a page that there were SEVERAL cab drivers within near distance and GUESS WHAT?!?!

NONE. Basically NONE of them took up my booking.

Fine. I tried again.

Again.

And Again.

And and... Again.

I guess I have lost count the amount of times I have tried - and you know you have to give up when getting a cab through the app seems like an IMPOSSIBLE task.

I was told repeatedly that there was NO driver.

It appeared that a MIRACLE was needed to make it happen, huh?

As I did not take any screenshot in the midst of my frustration that day, I managed to find a similar pic from one of the Facebook complaints that were posted.

Apparently, I discovered I was not the only one when I logged on to their page - with many complaining of the same issue that I faced. I scrolled through the comments and found only one comment from a passenger who managed to successfully book a cab on 27th June 2015.

To make matters worse, there were several people claiming that they managed to get a cab within seconds AFTER they removed the promotion code. 

Talk about being practical.

This goes to show that it was not that there was no driver! BUT they had REFUSED to pick up passengers who utilize the code (probably because they earn nothing from this promotion or they think that such passengers are cheapos?!) 

If the cab drivers are going to be such selective choosers, then why bother offering such promotions when it only PROMOTE frustration in passengers?

Basically speaking, if you can't COPE with such expected overwhelming response, then please don't risk your own reputation by promising to give something you can't deliver.

I have always thought of Grabtaxi as an app that I would love to try after hearing how highly raved it was by bloggers and vloggers, but I guess all is just a marketing gimmick.

Yes, I am sure the success rate of booking a cab will definitely be  100% now - because the promotion is over.

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT?

Thanks, but no thanks. Congratulations on the wedding and kind gesture in offering the free rides - probably I just am one of the "not fated" ones amongst the hundreds who were on the same boat, too.

I don't wish to compare... but back to Uber and Hailo!

[Review] WheeloveSpree - Overseas Online shopping made easy!!!

If you are a mega online shopaholic like me, I suppose you would have heard of shopping sites such as Taobao, Amazon, etc.

(In case you haven't, those are overseas shopping sites)

Yes, many of the items are SO, SO superbly and unbelievably cheap  that it is IMPOSSIBLE not to be tempted. Unfortunately, it wasn't really an easy process trying to ship them over and the shipping fees would easily cost more than the items themselves.  It didn't help that online transactions can be a real hassle, and some sellers stubbornly DO NOT ship to Singapore despite how badly I wanted to purchase items from them. *(#*$()#*$

*starts hurling vulgarities*

"WHY AREN'T THOSE SELLERS BASED IN SINGAPORE?!?! WHY??!" I would often ask myself in agony.

I have wished for a simpler solution to these.
....

It was not until I heard of agent services that seem to be the best solution for struggling shoppers like me.

 I just simply have to make direct payment to the agent via local banking and they will take care of the processes.

In other words, they act as a local middleman by helping me to purchase the items and have them shipped over to me safe and sound. It's like having someone to oversee and take care of my overseas transaction!!

Honestly, I had my doubts and reservations initially as I wasn't sure if everything was as easy as it sounded. I felt it was important for me to find out how it works.
As the saying goes, "You never try, you never know", right?

I have put one such agent service to the test - So now ... Let's see.

This review is based on my personal experience and I have attempted to record down my processes (from Day 1 when I placed my orders to the day I received my package)

WheeloveSpree

When I entered the site, the first thing I did was to study how the flow works. Apparently, it seemed easy.

Here's an illustration chart they came up with on their site:

I was damn excited when I came to know that they are able to provide shipping from various countries as well (China, U.S, Taiwan, Korea, Japan...) I need not worry about the limitations of sellers, too! 

Being a frequent Taobao window-shopper, I decided to shop for my loots there through WheeloveSpree and see how it would go.

Personally, I would come up with shopping lists and make multiple purchases so that they can be shipped together at one shot. It's more worth it this way as its like combined shipping!

After much browsing around the site (I almost fainted from all the chinese words), I decided to get a MP3 player (for my dad), microSD card and 3 apparels.

So the next step... Entering order details on the agent site, WheeloveSpree! 

The instructions listed on their site are pretty clear and clear-cut. 

Just ensure that you enter your details correctly!

My item order details - I entered my 4 items accordingly into the list.

After submission of my orders (I was quite excited at this point), I received an e-mail on the same day with the calculated cost.

 I love it how everything appears to be so simple and transparent - I could see clearly what I was paying for. 

The stated SGD78.41 was considered my first amount to be transferred to WheeloveSpree as part of my purchase confirmation. 

I guess it somehow acts like a deposit. 

Afterwhich, they would proceed to place my orders with the merchants and all I needed to do was to SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR MY ITEMS TO BE ON THEIR WAY!! =D 

I waited for approximately 2 weeks (can't be blamed as my items were all from different China merchants and I guess it probably took time for those deliveries before they were eventually sent to Singapore)

When I was informed that my items were finally on their way, I was so thrilled.

And YES, did I mention that WheeloveSpree has one of the best customer services ever?!

I received a revised calculation of the total cost via e-mail indicating that I have overpaid during my first payment and I would be refunded accordingly.

(If let's say my first payment was underpaid, I would be required to top up. BUT since I paid more than I should during the estimated calculation of my first payment, I would get a refund.) 

I was shown the breakdown of final cost: - 

(As I had indicated my bank account details in the order form earlier, WheeloveSpree would be transferring my refund to it)

A trustworthy agent, I would say!

So it all boils down to anticipating the arrival of my items now!

 The delivery guy finally arrived on a Sunday (I opted for Home Delivery). 

AND HERE IT IS!!! You have came a long way, baby!

*squeals like an excited little girl*

Even though I already knew what were contained in the package, I was still feeling anxious. 

Slowly and steadily, I unwrapped the package to reveal its contents.

.

.

.

Perfect condition and exactly what I expected!

WheeloveSpree namecard!

I love their tagline as it is indeed true: Shopping Just One Click Away.

Since I am not writing a review for the items I have purchased from Taobao (I am only reviewing the agent services of WheeloveSpree), I shall not go into details of the quality of items. Even if I were to write about it, I have to say that they are indeed in great condition nonetheless!

I would say that it is a positive experience using WheeloveSpree's services (Just so you know, it was my FIRST time and I am really glad everything turned out so well).

Looking back at how I used to have headache of overseas online shopping, I am amazed how simple and hassle-free the whole process has became after engaging their services.

Why didn't I know about them earlier?! It would have saved me tons of trouble!!

I feel that such services have improved the lives of online shopaholics so much, especially if you are one who isn't really familiar how to shop on Taobao or other overseas websites. Imagine those language barriers!

The amount of web shops they support is really amazing - You can check them out on their website. It's like most of the well-known web shops are listed there!

I have had friends asking me how to shop on Taobao before, so there - One of the best solutions I have found so far. I am reviewing its services through my real-life experience, so you can be rest assured about its credibility.

When have I ever lied to anyone on my blog before anyway huh?!?! I always share the good stuff! :)

Thank you,  WheeloveSpree ,for taking such good care of my purchases and providing me efficient customer service - There is nothing I can complain here. 

Now I know who to look for when it comes to future online shopping sprees!

AND YES, my dear readers... here's a little perk - WheeloveSpree has kindly agreed to come up with a special discount code just for my readers!!

 It will definitely come in handy if you are intending to try out their services which I think you should!!

Here's the discount code you can use when entering your details in the Order Form:

CAT1019

You will receive a $2 OFF Agent Fee for your first purchase!

For Malaysians, you will receive RM 5.00 OFF Agent Fee for your first purchase!

If you would like to be updated of their latest updates, do follow their Facebook page at:

www.facebook.com/wheelovespree/

Ignorant bus drivers

This is atrocious!

Why are bus drivers so ignorant nowadays?? Are they even trained in helping the handicapped?

I was waiting for my usual bus one evening and witnessed a wheelchair-bound elderly stretching out his hand in an effort to catch the driver's attention.

Horror of all horrors, he was ignored. Can you imagine how helpless he must have felt when the bus driver allowed all others to board the bus EXCEPT him? There wasn't any attempt of eye contact, let alone providing assistance!

Yes, the bus driver of plate number SBS8331T, I am talking about you! 

As a result, the poor old man had to remain at where he was and wait for another bus to come by (and hopefully the next bus driver is kind enough to notice him)

Honestly, I felt so emotional witnessing this scene. I may not know who the old guy is, but still, ANYONE with a heart will definitely feel the same way as I did.

Of course, I am not going to "hate on" all bus drivers just because of 1 ignorant fellow.

But seriously, some drivers should just brush up on their attitude!!