8:45 p.m. on 8th Nov. 2016. I was drawing the curtains on our bed room, and picking a book from my bedside table to read later that night. The phone was ringing repeatedly downstairs; it was my dad calling frantically to relay the historic news of 500 and 1000 notes being no longer accepted. Only a few minutes ago, the husband had communicated the same. Mom was smart; I learn the next morning she had asked dad not to get worked up knowing very well I wouldn’t be carrying more than 1,500 in cash at any point in time. She was right!
This scene must have played out in million other homes across the country; the only difference being we slept in peace just as any other night without worrying how to exchange/account for wads of notes stashed in lockers, for there was none. I’m quite infamous amongst people who know me quite well for leading an online life. Due to the nature of the job, there are days at stretch when I don’t step outside the community.
Leading a cashless life is sometimes liberating, and here’s a quick reckoner for times like this as to how you can get about your everyday life without cash:
Groceries:
Zopnow for all our everyday needs. Until recently, they had free shipping on no minimum amount. Yes, even for a loaf of bread. The quality of fruits delivered is improving. You can expect to get whatever you would find in a Hypercity.
Town Essentials for vegetables.
I don’t like Big Basket. I have shopped exactly four times with them over a course of 4 years and every single time, they have messed up my order; the most recent one was a month ago.
Grofers does not cover the area we live now.
Food:
The are we live now is not serviced by Swiggy. So, Fresh Menu it is for emergencies. The food can definitely be better on weekend nights, though.
Specialty foods, masalas, pickles
For all the miscellaneous items:
Amazon is amazing: From food wrapping paper and bakeware to grow bags and garden equipment, shoes and mattress protector to mosquito bats, books, and laptop bag, my go to place is Amazon. The return process is great, too. I have seldom had to return anything. Not a single complaint all these years, which is amazing.
Movies:
With over 6 malls within a 6-Km radius, we are spoilt for choice. Bookmyshow couldn’t make it any more easier.
Furniture:
UrbanLadder and PepperFry.
I have tried InSaraf only to be disappointed.
I have not tried Stitchwood and ediy
Photo framing/canvas printing:
Clothing, footwear, and accessories
The sites I prefer are: Jabong, Cilory, Limeroad, abof, ajio, and Tatacliq
Fabric
Bottles, mason jars for kitchen
LED bulbs, lighting
Amazon (quick turnaround)
Gardening
Grow bags – ugaoo, mydreamgarden, amazon
Organic pesticides – ugaoo
School stationery and gifting
Often, invitations to birthday parties come at the last minute. I usually stock books and puzzles as gifts for all ages. If you don’t have any and stay in a metro, you can use Zopnow as they usually pick up from Hypercity. Ideas: Monopoly, board games.
Salon services
I have tried beautyjoy once; wasn’t great. Have you tried Urban Clap?
Housekeeping and pest control
What are the other sites you use on a regular basis?
