I'm not new to online shopping in Zalora. I have shopped here so many times before I moved apartments that I was excited having ordered again knowing that it will be shipped to a different address this time. (Our old address was a bit hard to find for couriers, hence taking more time and delivery complications.)

Sunday [07/14]
I placed my order on a Sunday and paid via mobile banking transfer right after and sent my payment details as instructed, knowing full well that it will take them one business day to confirm my payment.

Monday [07/15]
I didn't receive any payment confirmation nor delivery notification.

Tuesday [07/16]
I received an Order Cancellation Alert in my email, which was sent late at night. I wasn't able to see this until around 3AM, Wednesday. This email was sent to me because according to them, they haven't received my payment yet.

Wednesday [07/17]
As soon as I saw an email, I replied saying how could they have missed my payment details after two business days. I also forwarded my original payment details, containing the screenshot of my transfer confirmation. Apart from this, I got a customer feedback survey wherein I answered with all dissatisfaction with their customer service. Then just to be sure, I once again entered my payment details.

Thursday [07/18]
Early in the morning, I got a payment confirmation email from them. Later that day, I got a text saying my order will be delivered within the day. It didn't arrive.

Friday [07/19]
The Zalora box (pictured above) finally arrived in the afternoon.

The Bad News

If you haven't heard of the collaboration of Globe Gcash and American Express Virtual Card these past few days, then you must have been on an internet-less zone. #GcashAmex

After the launch several weeks/months (?) ago, I tried to subscribe to Gcash Amex but when I called 2882 to get *KYC'd, but I was only told "someone will be calling you to KYC". I never got the call. Then, I moved on.

*KYC - Know Your Customer, is a process which requires a one-time validation of your identity as required by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. - [source]

So when the blogosphere was hit with blog posts (mostly due to sponsored contests from bloggers and Globe / yay prizes!) about the Globe Gcash Amex, it was impossible not to become interested again. I told you, I am sheep! Haha.

I immediately went to Sephora to buy makeup, even debated with myself if I should purchase with a 3-Step skin care regimen from Clinique. It was in my shopping basket, and then I chickened out. It is my first time purchasing using the Gcash Amex after all so I didn't want to buy everything I want in one go.

Also, I wanted to take advantage of the promotional codes for samples and freebies for every $25 purchase. Meaning, I'll get to use another promo code if I bought them separately. To this hour, I still don't know if that is bad or smart. Hah!

When I was already placing my order, this thing happened.

The credit card americanExpress could not be authorized for payment: We are unable to authorize your credit card. Please enter a different credit card or another valid method of payment. For additional information, please contact your financial institution.

For assistance, please contact Sephora Client Services at 1-877-SEPHORA (1-877-737-4672)

Please review your order information.
If everything is correct, click the Place Order button.

Text posted above so you can read it better.  :)

*someone needs to point out the typo error

Globe Mobile Banking is the best thing Globe has done for people who don't use credit cards. Imagine, being able to transfer funds back and forth GCash and your bank. No long lines, every thing is at a touch of your fingertips. It does have a huge con, which I also love, which is being able to impulsively buy anything online since most local sellers use GCash. 

I have not used this service for 3 weeks now since it's apparently still unavailable. I called it in then. I was told there was a system maintenance ongoing and that there's no definite time when it will come back. I called again today, and I was told the same thing. Bravo Globe! I tried googling it, and not a word in the internet about the whole service being STILL unavailable, which led me to ask, "Am I the only one using this?"  Haha. I seem to be the only one who cares. 

Being that this service is currently down, I've done less online shopping. Yay me! But the hassle for those who also use this feature for paying bills, like me. And since I don't wanna waste my precious time falling in line in a Globe Service Center, I enrolled my bills to BPI Express Online instead. 










But which Globe company to choose?

I'm already enrolled to Globe Telecom (GMCR INC) (HANDYP), which I suppose is for the Globe mobile postpaid (because of handyp? hehe) but is it the same company to use for Globe Broadband?

Update: I just called again. The account specialist didn't even think twice, she just told me outright what company to choose and without looking at her *slow system*. The first one I talked to earlier must be new. (benefit of the doubt na lang because I'm quite nice today.)

For Globe Broadband bill enrollment in BPI Express Online, choose Innove Communications.

I realize now that I'm this dependent on Globe services. Even for my company data and voice sim cards, Globe is the service provider. With all the service I'm currently subscribed to, one would think Globe should also reciprocate with better customer service. But since they don't really have any other more competent company that competes with them, they give mediocre service, because really, where would the subscribers go to?

When I win 1B pesos in the lottery or if ever I get to randomly pick up a huge fortune, making a start-up telecom company might be my first business venture.