Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gollywog]

I'm getting this message when I try to order on Gmarket:

[jbpatlanta]

I just ordered no problem.

[Gollywog]

jbpatlanta, thanks for that information.

But I just tried ordering on a neighbor's computer, and is still doesn't work.

We both are using Windows XP.

Are you using Vista, by any chance?

I don't understand why it didn't work last week and then a day later worked again. And then it stopped working again.

[sojourner1]

Funny thing, this same thread came up 2 or 3 weeks ago and I too get this issue from time to time, but am now ordering and receiving on my own. Try right clicking on this top bar if that's coming up. This will do something like let you manually allow the script trying to run. It's probably Windows Vista blocking the script with it's data execution prevention security features.

I've found that Gmarket has many glitches and is very clunky in its' functioning where it doesn't let you easily back out of pages and it's shopping cart and checkout is slightly tricky with a strange account system. Koreans generally do a poor job with software, web design, and customer service, but can build one hell of a nice TV, car, or computer. Most sites don't work right and many are full of broken links or improperly linked and have many scripts that screw with computers. This is another example of trying to duplicate what the Westerners do quite well and miserably getting it wrong not to say that Western websites are perfect, because they aren't.

It's just in the West, people report problems and creative thinking problem solvers go in to analyze and fix the many software and customer service issues that come up while in Korea they don't operate like that as they'll accuse you of doing something wrong in the process without an explanation or help to solve the problem. This happened when I had a checkout/order failure in the site as well as when I needed help from the manufacturer of a water boiler that put a nonsensical illogical Chinese control on it. They like to tell you you're wrong, argue with you when you ask for assistance, and fail to admit they don't know as to allow them to direct to someone who does know. When you have a Korean help you in getting a technical issue resolved be it a failed internet order, a repair on a water heater, or anything else requiring tech support, it becomes a real problem as it burdens your handler doing the talking, creates frustration, and only gets solved if you end up trouble shooting it yourself in your trials and tribulations.

They really treat each other bad when it comes to doing business and to people they don't know, but very few Koreans seem to be out to rip you off though prices are a bit inflated or unreasonable in most dealings with them. Most deals don't feel, "same, same," due to high prices, poor customer service, limited quantities, and severely limited selection.

[Gollywog]

What is this "Korea Virtual Payment Software" that it wants to install, per your advice on the top of the page?

OK, I figured it out. You were right.

The trick is to click on the little x at the far right to close the message box. Then you can place the order - and without messing with this add on software.

I have the feeling I had done this before out of habit, and then forgot to do it this time.

They sure like to make things a million times more complicated than they have to. I get the feeling that Koreans feel they aren't getting their money's worth if they don't make things really complicated.

Thanks for your help, sojourner1.

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One other note on gmarket, on a different matter.

Deliveries have sometimes gotten a lot slower. I am out in the semi-boonies, not right in a major city. Gmarket stores use about a dozen different shippers. I get the impression that with the smaller ones they hold on to your shipment until they have some more stuff to send to that location, sometimes for more than a week.

This is happening to me more and more. I suspect it has something to do with fuel costs.