Since Amazon does not carry the items I need, I then bought online on two stores.
These are from Sik ( www.sik.com )
and Think Different ( www.thinkdifferentstore.com ) but on this initial segment it will be Sik store first.
This review is done for those who also plan to order online later and needs to know how it is with these stores.
One has to take note of the limitations of this review but at least it gives you an idea on how it is.
The benchmark for this review is Amazon.com wherein I have used confidently.
SiK Store.
A California based store that sells a limited number of ipod accessories but definitely these items are a unique one especially for those who are always on the go. I particularly ordered a car charger (aai).
SIK ships to different countries, the Philippines included and payment can be done with the following ways.
Check
AMEX
Visa
Mastercard
Discover
Definitely it is easiest by paying via credit. In my case I used my AIG mastercard.
The Store uses a SSL encryption and using Safari I get to see the PAD-Locked icon on the upper right side of my Safari window.
For first time buyers, it will ask you to make an account and to fill up separately the shipping and billing information. This is great since my shipping is in the US and my billing info is in the Philippines. Initially I made a mistake here, I absent-mindedly switched the info. Here is where I found the glitch, I wanted to go back to the initial page but there is no back button. (you cant use the backbutton of your browser during such transactions) Unlike in Amazon where there is a way to go back to edit it, in SIK Store I just had to click again on the account button and return to the beginning of the process.
However, once I corrected my initial mistake, I can then save my settings (Shipping address and billing). This again I noted the limitation of the store. I can only store one shipping address. Again using Amazon as my benchmark store, I can store multiple shipping addresses which for me is very convenient. I find this handy since I place the addresses of my cousins and friends in the US and if I happen to have something bought there and have them bring it here, I don't have to remember and retype the addresses.
Okay, once I acknowledge the items and information, I am then asked the method of shipping. Since the items are delivered only in the US, it uses UPS as its delivery. It ranges from 8 dollars to 25 dollars depending on how fast you want it delivered. As for International delivery, I am surprised on the shipping costs price. It is shown below.
UPS Worldwide Express $ 56.94
Global Express Mail $20.50
Global Express guaranteed Non-document Service $48.00
So if you plan to have it shipped here in the Philippines, you better make sure you will be accepting the large chunk of money for the delivery alone. The delivery might be more expensive than the item you are purchasing. This is more economical if you are a group who will share in the payment.
Once I filled up the credit card info and proceeded, it of course had its last window to ask regarding again the billing, shipping and credit card info. As I clicked the proceed button, the processing was immediate.
Within a minute I got an email from the store with the usual online receipt with my order number. Since I ordered before I slept, the next morning, my items are already shipping, which means, the processing and approval is fast.
The email receipt unfortunately does not have a UPS tracking number , which I use to check as to where my shipment is during the delivery.
This I had to ask via email wherein within the day, I was sent the UPS tracking number. How I wished it was included in the initial email receipt to minimize the hassle.
And within two days, I confirmed with my friend that it was delivered. However, there was no email from SIK to let me know it was delivered.
Overall, I find the online payment of SIK 3.5/5
Pros
Secure payment
Separate billing and shipping menu
Ships to different countries, Philippines inlcuded
Varied payment
Visa/Mastercard/Check/Amex/Discover
Fast Processing
Email confirmation upon paying
Fast reply to email support
Cons
Payment transaction pages has no way to go back to make corrections
Shipping address saved on store is only limited to one
Email receipt has no tracking number for checking on one's delivery
No email to inform you that the item has been successfully delivered.
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review to follow. Think Different Store
[Edited on 10-18-2004 by Macmon]
[Edited on 10-18-2004 by Macmon]
