Bubble Group > Case Studies > Pop To The Shop: A Lifeline for COVID-19 Self-Isolators

Pop To The Shop: A Lifeline for COVID-19 Self-Isolators

Technology Category

Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Cement

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control
Last Mile Delivery

About The Customer

The primary customers of Pop To The Shop are individuals who are self-isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to access essential supplies. This includes vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The platform also caters to individuals who wish to place orders on behalf of their self-isolating family and friends. In addition, PTTS serves volunteers who are willing to deliver these essential supplies. The platform has been designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it easy for customers to place orders and for volunteers to accept and fulfill them.

The Challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges, one of which is the difficulty faced by self-isolators in accessing essential supplies such as food and medicine. This problem is particularly acute for vulnerable populations who are at a higher risk of severe illness from the virus. Existing community support initiatives have been instrumental in providing aid, but there was a need for a more streamlined, accessible solution. The founder of Pop To The Shop, George Bevis, recognized this issue when his 79-year-old mother, who was in self-isolation, struggled to access essential supplies. He was also moved by the reports of others facing similar difficulties.

The Solution

Pop To The Shop (PTTS) is a free online platform designed to connect people in need of essential supplies with volunteers willing to deliver them. The platform allows users to place orders for groceries or non-prescription medicines, specify the maximum price they are willing to pay for each item, and set a delivery time. A local volunteer then accepts the order and delivers it to the requested address at the agreed time. To ensure safety and adhere to social distancing guidelines, PTTS offers electronic payments and contact-free deliveries. The platform was built using Bubble, a no-code tool that enabled the team to develop a sophisticated online payment system that meets the scale of the app.

Operational Impact

The operational success of Pop To The Shop is evident in its ability to effectively connect self-isolators with volunteers, thereby ensuring that those in need are able to access essential supplies. The platform has not only provided a lifeline for vulnerable populations but has also fostered a sense of community during a time of crisis. The positive user reviews and media features are testament to the platform's impact and effectiveness. Furthermore, the use of Bubble as a no-code tool has enabled the team to quickly develop and scale the platform, demonstrating the potential of such tools in responding to urgent societal needs.

Quantitative Benefit

Pop To The Shop has signed up over 100 volunteers to deliver groceries and non-prescription medicine.
The platform has received positive user reviews from a number of outlets.
The founder was featured in the Daily Mail’s special podcast series, Coronacast Daily.