We all know online shopping in Uganda has grown big over the past few years. From Facebook businesses to WhatsApp sellers and proper websites, buying things online has never been easier. But as a regular online shopper, I have faced so many frustrating experiences that I just had to write about them.
If you’ve ever shopped online in Uganda, you’ll definitely nod your head as you read this list. In this write-up, I will discuss the most annoying habits that our Ugandan online shops need to stop right now if they want to keep their customers happy.
Annoying Habits of Ugandan Online Shops That Must End Now
As someone who regularly shops online for everything from electronics to food deliveries, I’ve experienced these problems firsthand and noticed how they keep repeating across different online vendors. Here are the five most irritating habits that Ugandan online shops urgently need to abandon if they want to build sustainable businesses and loyal customer relationships.
1. Hiding Prices with “DM for Price” Tricks
Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or Facebook and seen a nice product, only to find “DM for price” instead of the actual cost? This is probably the most annoying trick in the book!
Why are these sellers hiding their prices? In my experience, shops that don’t display prices usually:
- Want to charge different prices to different customers
- Are selling items at crazy high prices they don’t want people to compare
- Want to pressure you into buying once you’ve already shown interest
As a busy person, I don’t have time to keep sending messages just to find out something costs UGX 15,000. Just put the price tag on your posts! If your prices change with the dollar rate or other factors, you can simply say “Price starts from UGX XX,XXX” or “Price range: UGX XX,XXX – XX,XXX”.
2. Using Stolen Photos That Don’t Match Reality
This trick has broken many hearts in Uganda! You see amazing photos of a beautiful cake, stylish clothes, or fancy electronics. You place your order, wait excitedly, and then… disappointment hits hard when you receive something completely different.
Last month, my friend ordered a birthday cake that looked amazing in the pictures. What arrived wasn’t even close – it was like the baker had never seen the original photo! When she complained, the seller claimed “it’s just a different angle”.
Dear online sellers, please:
- Take real photos of your actual products
- If you must use sample photos, clearly label them as “sample design”
- Show customers pictures of previous orders you’ve actually made
Using fake photos might get you the first sale, but you’ll never get repeat customers or recommendations.
3. Having Unreachable Contact Numbers
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to reach a business whose number is always unavailable. You see an advert for a product you really want, you call the number provided, and:
- The number is switched off
- Nobody picks up after ringing forever
- The number doesn’t exist at all
- Or worst of all, someone picks up and treats you like you’re disturbing them!
I recently tried calling a furniture shop I saw advertised on Facebook. After trying their number for three days without success, I gave up and bought from a physical shop instead. That online business lost a UGX 800,000 sale simply because they couldn’t be reached.
If you’re running an online business, please have a working phone number and actually answer it politely! If you can’t always pick calls, hire someone to handle customer service or at least return missed calls.
4. Disappearing After Taking Orders
This one really makes my blood boil! You find a seller, place an order, sometimes even send money, and then… the seller vanishes!
Last Christmas, I ordered food for a family gathering from an online food business. They promised delivery within two hours. Three hours passed, no food and no explanation. When I called, they first claimed the delivery was “on the way”. Another hour later, their phone was off. They never delivered, never refunded, and blocked my number!
To all online sellers: If you can’t fulfill an order, be honest and say so. Don’t:
- Switch off your phone to avoid customers
- Block customers who are following up on their orders
- Keep promising “it’s coming” when you know it’s not
- Take money for orders you can’t fulfill
Remember, your business reputation is built on trust. Once broken, it’s very hard to rebuild.
5. Delivering Poor Quality Goods Without Apology
Perhaps the worst habit is when online shops deliver items that are clearly not what was advertised, then refuse to take responsibility.
I once ordered a phone advertised as “brand new, original” only to receive one that was clearly used with scratches on the screen. When I complained, the seller claimed that’s just how the phones come from the supplier!
Other common disappointments include:
- Clothes that fall apart after one wash
- Electronics that stop working within days
- Food that tastes nothing like described
- Items missing parts or accessories that were promised
What makes it worse is when sellers refuse to apologize or make things right. Instead, they blame the customer, the delivery person, or give excuses like “but it’s still working, why are you complaining?”
Final Thoughts: The Future of Online Shopping in Uganda
Despite these frustrations, I still believe online shopping has a bright future in Uganda. The convenience of ordering from home and getting deliveries cannot be matched. However, online businesses need to improve their practices if they want long-term success.
The most successful online shops I’ve seen in Kampala all have one thing in common: they’re honest. They show real products, display clear prices, deliver what they promise, and quickly solve problems when they arise.
As customers, we should also demand better by supporting businesses that operate ethically and avoiding those with these annoying habits.
Have you experienced any of these frustrations with online shops in Uganda? What other bad habits would you add to this list? Share your experiences in the comments!
Did you find this article helpful? Share it with friends who shop online to help them avoid disappointment!
