Ordering online is supposed to be less stressful than physically going to a store to make a purchase, but the reality is somewhat different.

Buyers still have to deal with providing invoices for customs, and then wondering when that package will finally arrive. And what was my shipping company address again?

But now ZipX is taking away some of that hassle with the launch of a new app.

“Now clients don’t have to call or e-mail us about when their package is coming in,” said Lisa Furtado, ZipX IT and customer service manager.

“They can just go on to the app and log into their account and can see what shipments they have and what stage it is at, and whether it needs an invoice.”

When ZipX receives an invoice from you, you get a message saying it has been received.

The app also makes it easier to change payment options and delivery location, among other things. It also gives basic information about ZipX, such as when the store is open, and what its contact details are.

Company directors came up with the idea for the app a few months ago.

Glen Smith, chairman of the board, said he’d released a similar app for a carwash at his other business Auto Solutions, back in February. That proved to be very successful.

“We came third in the Bermuda Technology Innovation Awards, and it has made a big difference,” he said. “The clients loved it. So we said let’s do something with the same concept for ZipX.”

Ms Furtado said the ZipX app took three or four months to develop, and it launched a few weeks ago.

“There has been a great response to it,” she said. “There have been over 500 downloads. Our staff actually rely on the app now instead of checking their own shipments when they come in. It is quite handy. Downloading the app takes about five seconds.”

ZipX has also waved membership fees; until recently members spent $37.50 a year to be a client.

“We have done away with that fee,” Mr Smith said. “So even if you only want to use us as a one-time thing, you can go online and fill in your details and then you will get an account set up like that so you can start to order.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Smith, managing director, said ZipX has the lowest express prices on the island.

“If you have a large package lightweight, for example a lampshade, we put it on a scale and that’s how we determine what we charge you,” he said. He said ZipX’s competitors charge based on the dimensions of the package.

“That leads to huge, huge savings. I purchased a 50in television last month. It weighed 31lbs. I paid $90 to ZipX. That same TV, if you brought it in through our competitors would be over $270, three times the price we charge.”

To celebrate the Christmas season ZipX will also be offering gift wrap in the store.

Glen Smith said: “We won’t wrap packages ourselves, but they will have these rolls I envision on the wall. You will tear off what you need. You will have a choice and it is free. We are trying to take a bit of stress away from the clients on all fronts.”

In the coming months they also plan to roll out a service where they e-mail a photo of the package at its delivery destination.

Mr Smith started ZipX 29 years ago. He said: “It was my first business. I sold it in 2004 and bought it back in 2015. I have seen it grow from there. We have some new exciting things coming up in the new year.”

The ZipX app is available for free through the Apple or Google Play store.

• For more information call 295-2467 or e-mail ibcinfo@ibcbda.com