The thing about new platforms of communication is that over time they start being used in unexpected ways. When we got our hands on Whatsapp, everyone was happy to have a reliable messaging client that could share content. Soon after, groups became the in thing and then broadcasts started replacing local news feeds. Now, just as we tentatively start exploring the app’s voice calling feature, a group of youngsters has decided to use the app to help people with purchases and equipment servicing. Because why not?
Venugopal Asok, Ram Prakash, and Shivaprasad are the brains behind the service, called Shoppintown. The team started out by making an app with the intention of helping Kochiites make local purchases and assist them with servicing existing products. Soon, they realised that going the Whatsapp route guaranteed better reach and more efficiency. “The idea is to help users find the best deal and handle the entire purchase process for them, so that they do not have to waste time visiting shops and comparing prices, we do all that,” says Venugopal.
Shoppintown can help procure lifestyle products like apparel, footwear, watches and bags, home decorations, automobile spares, gadgets, musical instruments, books of the literary and academic kind and assist with auditorium bookings and catering. “We have made a database of stores and products that we use to help people who message us with enquiries. The advantage of this method is that those familiar with Whatsapp can just drop us a message with their requirements and go back to work, and we get back to them,” Venugopal explains. Upon finding a suitable deal, the interested party is informed and if the sale is greenlit the Shoppintown team purchase and deliver the item to their doorstep, complete with a local bill to help warranty claims. The team can also provide some items such as books for a discount, and are happy to bring specific books required by customers against order.
But in this age of online shopping, how relevant is the local store? “That is a misconception, and while you do find great deals online, most of the time local stores can match and sometimes beat those prices. However, if we do find a better deal online, we inform the customer of that as well. Besides, for expensive items like televisions and laptops, people prefer buying local, for safety and easy service,” he says, adding that the team also entertain service requests, where they pick up items from the doorstep and return them after service. “Whether it is a laptop or a guitar that needs its strings replaced.”
The trio currently cover the entirety of Kochi from Aluva to Aroor and do not charge for delivery of items unless the distance is considerable or the item costs less than a ballpark figure of Rs.200. “What we want to offer is the human aspect of shopping. If someone is out for a walk and sees a phone cover or car rims they like, they can take a picture and send it to us, and we will look it up. To provide that level of personalisation without the need to install a separate app and deal with its complications is what we aim for.”
Though currently restricted to residents of Kochi, Shoppintown is also aiming at a Chennai launch soon. While they encourage the use of Whatsapp as a means of contact, the slightly less tech savvy can drop them text messages or make a phone call.
To get in touch with Shoppintown, save 9048900099 to your contacts and get Whatsapping.
