Yes! This is how it should be done

So, my second tussle with braaiculture.com and the short version, for those who have read the previous review, is that it has been the exact opposite experience compared to the previous one. It is, I think, exactly what online shopping should be; convenient, reassuring and reasonably timed, but a few details for those who want more information.

As a customer, especially when shopping online and even more so when using a web based supplier for the first time, I like to be kept informed about things every step of the way and this is where braaiculture.com fell dismally short on the previous occasion, but thanks to the changes made in the interim, this is no longer the case and a lot of e-retailers can even learn a lesson or two from how they do things.

Your confirmation email explicitly states that certain large items are not kept in stock, but are manufactured to order and will therefore take longer to deliver, also alluding to the fact that delays may happen before the order is sent out, as was the case with my previous order. Reasonable in my book, as long is the customer is kept informed of what's going on and while I experienced no delays on this order, I feel that I can safely assume that they have devised some way of keeping the customers updated if that should happen.

Braaiculture.com's new courier company is on a whole different playing field compared to all the others I've dealt with in the past and the level of communication they offer to clients is something that everyone should attempt to emulate. Not only will you receive an email with a tracking number as soon as they receive the delivery order, but you will also receive an update email every time the status of your order changes, i.e. when the order is received, when the product arrives at the depot, when it is sent to regional offices and, finally, when you package is sent to your door.

Generally a very positive experience shopping with braaiculture.com and while I am a hard man to please, all that's really left to say is that I am pleased.