Shopping online in Jakarta...or not

Photo courtesy of iwearup.com

I am sadly discovering that shopping online in Jakarta is not popular or convenient and most times discouraged. As an avid promoter, supporter and customer of several online retailers and shoe clubs, you must know how devastated I must be. "Why is this so?", is the question I ask to most women I come in contact with. The answer is vague most times and others they just simple say, "I don't know why...I just don't". Fair enough.

Well, after taking a short informal survey of my students and colleagues, I found there are several reasons which might cause a bland look when the words 'online shopping' roll from my tongue:

1. Customs hassles when shopping international online boutiques. Yep, in one of the most corrupt countries in the world, customs is the main catalyst. To sometimes receive a package, which is usually always intercepted and held by customs, can cost you more (in bribing fees) than the item itself. Not to mention the hassle of having to sort through all day-every day bumper to bumper traffic just to give your arm and leg for a pair of discounted shoes. Did I mention, they open your package as well. Not good at all!
2. Unsure of the quality. This is typical for any new online shopper. In my opinion, this will just take some getting use to, as the e-tailing industry grows here. 
3. Process is too long. A few people I have queried say they are lazy, but I title it bored with the process of searching online for products; choosing, clicking, 360 degree views, buying, credit card details, shipping details and 14 days your package will arrive at your door. I guess in a country that finds shopping malls as every one's favorite past-time, the joys of shopping online, at home, alone is just no fun, right.
4. Why wait when I can go to the mall. Here again, this place host over 180 malls - luxury, entertainment centers. There is technically a mall on ever corner. So why shop online?

With that said, some retailers are getting their foot in the door and taking risk. However, they soon find that they will need to open a brick and mortar shop soon. So here are a couple of online shops for the trendy, romantic, girlie-girl - www.Iwearup.com and the American Apparel of Indonesia (in my opinion) - www.cottonink.com.