useyourlocal.com : a simple idea to help with one frustration of online shoppping

useyourlocal.com, originally uploaded by garybembridge.

Every now and then you hear an idea that makes you thinks "wow, that is clever". I heard one yesterday. Not sure of it will work, but seemed a clever idea and one that is very simple.

It deals with one of the biggest hassles and drawbacks of online and home shopping: getting your purchases (especially if a signature is needed).

It resonated as having just experienced a farce of my partner having ordered a new Tom Tom that was being delivered to the house repeatedly and unsuccessfully as no-one is home in the day. The courier firm tried 4 times before he eventually went and fetched it one morning. So inefficient, frustrating and even environmentally unsound with all the repeat visits.

This is a potential flaw in shopping online.

Listening to Wake Up To Money (a great weekday morning podcast from the BBC 530am show available to download before you morning commute), they interviewed a chap from a new business called useyourlocal.com. The idea is you sign up and your local neighbourhood pub in the UK receives your parcel and so you can pop along anytime they are open to get it. So that means evenings until late and weekends. Brilliant, as for most people the local is a short stroll from the house and very handy.

Seems like a great idea. Simple and deals with one of the hassles of online shopping which is getting things delivered when it is convenient for you. Hope it works.