I have been looking for a kitchen item for what seems like months. The challenge with my choice is that it is an American product that is not readily available in Europe or Asia. While I can buy it online, this options comes with the shipping cost as a second challenge.
I have reached out to alternative suppliers, trying to find an inexpensive method of shipping. Most replied, politely apologizing for the reality that they do not ship beyond the US and Canada. With the last of the responses coming in, all negative, my confidence that there was a solution had reached a new low.
“Did you read the remodeling forum posts I shared.”
“Yes. Most seemed to be several years old. Given the website changes, it is hard to believe that the solution is there to be had with by a request.”
“Look, here is a message that is only a month old. What have you to lose?”
It was a good question. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to try something I had given up on. I realized that if I read the posts with an open mind, the old messages of demanding service had changed to a simple request. With that in mind, I went looking for the service chat box.
“Hi. I am trying to buy an item and ship it to my Singapore address. The shipping costs seem excessive. Can you help me check to see if there is a way to reduce them?”
“I am happy to help. Are you talking about item that is in your shopping basket?”
“Yes.”
“If you order the item now and share the order number with me I will waive the charges. Would that be ok?”
“Yes! Just a moment…order placed.”
“Thank-you for the order. I have adjusted the shipping price and delivery time.”
Asking can be a solution.
“Save us, God, our God! Gather us back out of exile so we can give thanks to your holy name and join in the glory when you are praised!” (Psalm 106.47)
