While everyone has their favorite convenience store chain, few likely know the wide range of services available at Taiwan’s chains, including item consignment, laundry delivery, and ride-calling services.
Video script:
A customer comes into the convenience store and asks to send something frozen. The process is surprisingly simple: With a few quick taps on the user kiosk by the counter, she elects to keep her packages in a refrigerated temperature. After an easy payment, she deposits the item.
These consignment services are available for a wide range of items at convenience stores, so long as they meet a few small requirements. At a minimum charge of NT$20, and for up to 3 days, items can be stored at convenience stores to be sent, or picked up at a later date by the original depositor, or another designated person.
Not all items can be sent, however, and stores have the right to refuse to store any items that are too delicate, contain live creatures, valuable ID documentation, 3C items, things outside of size requirements, and other things that may be difficult to otherwise preserve.
Those who use the service appreciate the flexibility it gives them in their daily lives, with one customer saying he uses it to store refrigerated items when he’s not sure he’ll have the ability to keep them cold at work or with friends. Another woman says it saves her time when she decides to do shopping on the way to work, saving her the trouble of venturing out of the house after a long day on the job.
But this is just one of the many lesser-known services offered by Taiwan’s convenience stores. In addition to item consignment and those that store refrigerated items, some chains provide self-service laundry delivery, and the ability to order a taxi to the store. While not every store can offer every service, these are just a few lesser-known ways that make living in Taiwan so convenient.
Amanda Stephens, for Rti News