The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian online delivery service yesterday said it has seen a 60 percent increase in demand following the COVID-19 country-wide lockdown and closure of many businesses.

Jamial Rolle, chief executive of Runnah's, told Tribune Business: "We have definitely seen a stark increase in business interest from both businesses and customers using the app. Especially with the COVID-19 and people being not able to gather in groups because of safety reasons, businesses are looking for safety options.

"We have seen roughly about a 60 percent increase from sign-ups, business interest and customer use. Our most popular feature is custom pick-up that allows for pick-ups for businesses that are not on the app.

"Our custom pick-up works like this. Let's say, for example, if you have a package at the Mall at Marathon, we can deliver that package to you where you are without the recipient being on the app. We are being flexible for everyone, but want people to sign up to the app to make it easier for everyone in the process."

Mr Rolle added: "The Runnah's app is more like a marketplace. We created the app like a marketplace, and it is a hybrid of Amazon, Uber Eats and Postmates. We don't just deliver food. We deliver everything. Anyone who has something to sell can use our app. It is a full functional marketplace that delivers, plus we allow for marketing for business.

"We try to keep costs down, and that is why most of our advertising is done by social media and through word of mouth, because we want to keep it favourable to everybody's pocket right now."

Mr Rolle said Runnah's is offering a no-fee sign up for businesses, and its purpose for creating the app was to establish an "economic ecosystem that is fair for everyone, the business, the customer and the driver".

He added: "We have about 55 drivers on staff, and we had an additional 30 drivers sign up since the COVID-19 lock down. People are not working right now, so this is important for them to have something to do.

"Drivers receive the majority of the money; they receive 70 percent of the delivery fee. The fee varies based on distance, and they also get tips. Delivery starts at $4.99. We have had drivers do up to 15 runs a day."

Mr Rolle, who is stuck in Atlanta due to the worldwide COVID-19 shutdown, praised the Bahamian government for allowing delivery service applications such as Runnah's to operate. "I see this working in Atlanta, and businesses are still making money and thriving. Some are making more money," he added.