Just scored a great deal on Lazada? Then you get the call. “Sorry, pricing error.” Or maybe you got a new SIM card. But your number is already tied to someone’s Shopee account. Sound familiar? You are not alone. Singaporeans on HardwareZone are sharing their shopping battle stories. These platforms can be a real headache. But there are ways to fight back.
The E-Commerce Game
Online shopping in Singapore is more than just buying things. It has become a complex game. Here is what is happening right now.
- Recycled numbers are now standard.
Getting a truly new phone number is nearly impossible. Telcos are recycling old numbers. This creates major problems for app registrations.
I was told by eight retailer that now whole of Singapore run out of new numbers. All are recycled numbers.
- Deal hunting is a national sport.
Many Singaporeans wait for big monthly sales. They hunt for vouchers to get the best prices. It requires patience and strategy.
Xiaomi 55-inch tv $400 after vouchers… Can wait for 8.8 see how
- Platform games feel like a waste of time.
Shopee and Lazada have many in-app games. They promise rewards and coins. But many users feel the effort is not worth the small returns.
Really waste time playing their games for meagre returns.
The Real Pain Points
Beyond the game, there are real frustrations. These are the top issues Singaporean shoppers face daily.
- You are blocked from your own account.
The biggest issue is the recycled number problem. You get a new number. But you cannot create a Shopee or Lazada account. The previous owner is still linked to it.
knn just got a new number from ZYM and tried to register new account but its in used by previous owner… zzz damn stupid shopee
- Your amazing deal gets cancelled.
You find an item with a huge discount. You quickly place your order. Then the seller calls to cancel it. They claim it was a “pricing error.”
tmd. i’m cursed. maybe coz i posted here then others go order. they just called and tell me pricing error…
- The rules are confusing and strict.
Flash deal vouchers often cannot be cancelled. This is stated in the terms and conditions. If you make a mistake, you might lose your money. Getting a refund for digital items is also very difficult.
Those flash deals F&B vouchers CANNOT be cancelled. Stated in T&Cs clearly.
Your Winning Strategy
Feeling frustrated? Don’t give up. The HardwareZone community offers smart solutions to these problems.
- Check your new number first.
Before you commit to a new phone number, do a simple check. Try to see if it is already registered on your most-used apps. This can save you a lot of trouble later.
Next time before you confirm on a new number, check if it is registered on your favourite apps first.
- Use your vouchers in the real world.
Have digital vouchers you need to spend? Don’t just look online. Many physical stores accept them. Supermarkets like Sheng Siong and many hawker stalls are great options.
Easiest to spend at sheng siong for me. Else plenty of hawkers and fnb who accept
- Know when and how to cancel.
Cancelling an order can be tough. Sellers will likely reject requests for processed digital items. However, it does not hurt to try. Always submit a cancellation request if you need to.
If processed, seller 99% will reject your cancellation. No harm putting in a cancellation if you really want to.
Shopping on Shopee and Lazada can feel like a battlefield. You face recycled numbers, pricing errors, and tricky rules. But you are now armed with insights from fellow Singaporeans. Check your numbers, use vouchers wisely, and know the policies. It is time to outsmart the system. Go get the deals you truly deserve. Happy shopping, and may your orders never get cancelled!
Read the original discussions on HardwareZone:
