An honest review - this is my first time using Sav...

An honest review - this is my first time using Savostore and admittedly it may be a very busy time for the company as well. On 4 May 2020 they sent out an email updating their terms of service due to COVID 19 stating:

We continue to use cargo flights to deliver your goods in Kenya. We have a shipment departing every week on Wednesday as usual. We have so far been successful at delivering your goods within the promised timeline of 7 to 15 business after departure from our US warehouse. We do not anticipate any delays, but if any do occur you can be assured that we will inform you promptly.

I proceeded to order several packages with Savostore hoping that in the worst-case scenario they would at least contact me informing me of any delays. On the Savostore portal they let you indicate the dates which you wish to have your items shipped (a feature which they have revoked for the time-being). assuming they arrive at their US warehouse on time. The first package I ordered was shipped out on 13 May 2020 - still has not arrived in Kenya. I had to follow up on the matter without anyone informing me of any delays. When I called their Nairobi office (twice due to misinformation or let s say lying - you choose), all they could tell me is that my package will arrive tomorrow and it hasn t. I ordered another package on 20 May 2020 which should have arrived on 10 June 2020 and of course (without prompt) I have not received information about the delay.

From my experience, they only check their email when you call them and remind them to do so. If you have any pressing issues, questions and concerns best to call them directly rather than remind them to refresh their inbox.

I selected a shipment protection option for one of the packages that I unfailingly needed to arrive in Kenya safely and without ANY damage. Upon receiving the invoice AFTER they shipped the item to Kenya, I realised that they FORGOT to apply the shipment protection to that package. Really no excuses for such a mistake - solely based on human error.

Yes Savostore claims to have you track your packages etc but that s just a ploy and not the entire truth of it. They have incorporated a tedious and time-consuming process that really only allows them to let you know that they have received your package. But of course, with tracking info from the seller you can see this information immediately and directly. Most online stores confirm shipping and delivery status to your email address.

Savostore did state in an email that they are completely backlogged at the US warehouse right now and are yet to ship 3 more of my packages that have all arrived at their warehouse. I believe they are about 1 or 2 weeks behind schedule at the moment. I understand that regular business procedures and timelines have changed but that s no reason to advertise false promises to customers and consumers. My expectation is far greater than the experience and that is not what you look for in a service.

I have however been using Kentex Cargo during this period as well. They are a lot more hassle-free. More expensive and slightly more efficient. I ve received packages within 4 weeks of them arriving at the US warehouse (on 2 separate occasions) and have had no additional issues thus far. Safe to say, I probably will not be using Savostore again and here s to hoping my packages eventually arrive. #StaySafe

EDIT: Kentex are also trash right now.