subject: Sending Gifts Back Home: Traditional Or Modern? [print this page] There are two ways or methods that overseas Filipinos use when sending gifts back to the Philippines. The first method is through the use of packages known as balikbayan boxes, while the other method is through the use of online shops in the Philippines.
Though the use of packages is still very popular and widely used, many overseas Filipinos had said that sending gifts online is much more convenient compared to sending packages back home. So what are the reasons why balikbayan boxes are still popular, and why online shops are steadily becoming popular among many overseas Filipinos?
Sending Gifts through Traditional Methods
Balikbayan boxes were first used by overseas Filipinos when returning to the Philippines from abroad. These were used to contain their belongings as well as gifts and other items for their family and friends. Other than allowing them to easily manage their baggage, which is due to its immense size, the use of balikbayan boxes also became popular because of its cost-efficiency, in which if the items were sent through smaller packages, the cost can be significant.
It was also because of these advantages that balikbayan boxes were popularly used by overseas Filipinos when sending gifts back home. However, there are also a number of disadvantages to the use of balikbayan boxes. One is that arranging and sending a balikbayan box normally takes a lot of time and effort.
Another disadvantage is its delivery in which most of these would take weeks to even a month before it arrives. Though sending it through airfreights is much faster compared to containerships, there is still the lack of a solid delivery date. It was because of these that online shops became popular among many overseas Filipinos.
Sending Gifts through Modern Methods
Compared to the use of balikbayan boxes, the use of online shops is much more convenient. This is because overseas Filipinos would only have to use a computer or a WIFI-enabled mobile phone such as iPhones to access an online shop in the Philippines. This allows them to easily send gifts while working or while relaxing at home.
Another advantage of online shops is its online gift delivery Philippines services. Compared to sending balikbayan boxes, their online gift delivery Philippines can offer faster delivery services, normally taking 2 to 5 working days or even within 24-hours, as well as on-time delivery.
What made online shops even more popular other than their online gift delivery Philippines services and ease of use is its collection of gifts including bouquets of flowers, foods such as cakes and lechons, as well as home appliances and even vehicles.
The disadvantage of online shops is its expensiveness. This is because other than paying for the item, customers are also paying for its convenience such as its delivery services. Another is that items online are only those available in the Philippines. Imported or rare items can only be sent through packages.
