Sahm | سهم

Opening the Sahm app for the first time, you are greeted with a clean interface and a prompt to allow location access. The app immediately asks for permission to access your device's location to show nearby restaurants and stores. This is the first step in the onboarding process, and it sets the tone for what the app is about: getting you food and goods as quickly as possible.

Once location is granted, the home screen populates with a list of restaurants and shops in your area. The design is modern and minimal, with large images and clear categories. You can browse by cuisine, by popularity, or by offers. The app also features a search bar at the top, allowing you to find specific items or stores. The ordering process is straightforward: you select items, add them to your cart, and proceed to checkout.

The checkout process is where the app's secure payment system comes into play. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or through local payment methods like Mada or Apple Pay. The app also supports cash on delivery, which is a common preference in the region. Once the order is placed, you receive a confirmation notification, and the app starts tracking your order in real-time.

How the Ordering and Payment Systems Work Together

The Sahm app integrates its ordering system with a secure payment gateway. When you place an order, the app calculates the total, including delivery fees and any applicable taxes. You then select your payment method. If you choose to pay online, the app redirects you to a secure payment page. The transaction is processed, and the app sends a confirmation to the restaurant or store. If the payment fails, the app displays an error message and allows you to try again or switch to a different payment method.

This integration is crucial for the user experience. A failed payment can be frustrating, especially if you are hungry and waiting for your food. The app handles this by providing clear error messages and offering alternatives. For example, if your credit card is declined, you can switch to cash on delivery. This flexibility is a key strength of the Sahm app, as it accommodates users who may not have access to digital payment methods.

Compared to competitors like HungerStation or Jahez, Sahm's payment system is similarly robust. However, Sahm's integration with local payment methods like Mada gives it an edge in the Saudi market. Mada is the national payment network in Saudi Arabia, and many users prefer to use it for online transactions. By supporting Mada, Sahm makes it easier for users to pay without needing a credit card.

The Real-World Performance: Crashes, Bugs, and Smooth Operations

Like any app, Sahm is not without its issues. User reviews on various platforms mention occasional crashes and bugs. Some users have reported that the app freezes during checkout or fails to load the restaurant list. These issues can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to order food quickly. However, the app's developers seem to be actively working on fixes, as updates are released regularly.

On the positive side, many users praise the app's speed and ease of use. The ordering process is fast, and the app's interface is intuitive. The real-time order tracking feature is also highly appreciated, as it allows users to see exactly where their delivery is. This transparency builds trust and reduces anxiety about when the food will arrive.

One area where Sahm excels is in its driver and partner apps. The Sahm Driver app allows delivery personnel to go online and offline based on their availability, and it integrates with multiple payment gateways. The Sahm Partner app allows restaurant and shop owners to manage their stores and receive orders. This ecosystem creates a seamless experience for all parties involved: the user, the driver, and the merchant.

A Specific Technical Detail: Location Permissions and Order Accuracy

The Sahm app requires location permissions to function properly. Without access to your location, the app cannot show you nearby restaurants or calculate delivery fees accurately. This is a common requirement for delivery apps, but it can be a privacy concern for some users. The app requests location access during onboarding, and you can choose to grant it only while using the app or all the time.

Once location access is granted, the app uses GPS to pinpoint your address. This ensures that your order is delivered to the correct location. However, GPS can sometimes be inaccurate, especially in densely populated areas or inside buildings. To mitigate this, the app allows you to manually enter your address or select a saved location. This redundancy helps prevent delivery errors and ensures that your food reaches you.

The app also uses location data to estimate delivery times. Based on your location and the restaurant's location, the app calculates an estimated delivery time. This feature is useful for planning your meal, but it can be affected by traffic or other delays. The app does not currently provide real-time traffic updates, which is a limitation compared to some competitors.