In this connected age, everything we do, there is almost an online solution for it. It used to be that when we need help, we would ask our neighbours or family for any recommendations. Now, we google it.
And because of this, online marketplaces which connect people together thrives. Facebook is a great example of this. Other than Facebook, TaskRabbit is a widely popular online marketplace connecting those who need to outsource household errands and skilled tasks to trusted people in the local community.
In Malaysia, GoGet is a new website that is bringing that concept from the west to the country. GoGet.my, an online marketplace for errands and deliveries, connects people who needs help to run errands with those who have the free time to get things done.
“We are the delivery force for shops. We are the personal assistants for busy people. We are priority passes for long queues.” – GoGet
So wow does it work? For “Poster”, a term coined for those looking for help, simply post up your request and let GoGet know what, when, where and the price you are comfortable in offering. Once you have done that, there will be “GoGetter” who will bid for your job. You are able to screen user profiles, reviews and ratings before you approve.
Currently, the site is in its trial period, and the location is unfortunately only limited to Kuala Lumpur Bangsar area. During trial too, GoGetter’s availabiliy might also be limited, and the team is currently interviewing GoGetters and registering them into the database as “verified accounts”. This ensures professionalism and accountability.
For GoGetters, GoGet is not just a place for them to earn extra income, but also a bigger community to know more people. According to GoGetter Jin Huan who studies at the HELP University, she likes the flexibility of GoGet, and having an option to claim the job if she wants to.
“I think it’s nice to get to know people and to make friends from different cultures and different environments within the GoGetter community. To me, a GoGetter is someone who is willing to help and is also being appreciated.”
Would it work?
However, would the concept work in Malaysia?
One of the biggest issue in Kuala Lumpur is that traffic might be a challenge and because of that, time sensitive tasks might not be taken up and completed in a timely manner. Prices of the jobs should also take into consideration that the living standards of Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur as well as the transportation cost.
Another factor for the success of the site is definitely the strength of the GoGetter community as well as the liquidity of the marketplace. While there might be a lot of posters requesting for GoGetters to run the errands, if there are not enough GoGetters on the community, the whole marketplace would not work as well.
One thing’s for sure, Vulcan Post will keep a lookout at GoGet and see if the website grows.
