People Powered Delivery Network- Make Money On The Move

DropToU

Hi everyone, just dropping a post here to describe a new venture, it may interest to lots of you, basically DropToU is about ;
Ever wanted to send a Letter, Package, or even a set of keys? When it needs to be sent straight away, not when the Post Office opens or when the carrier company operate?
We will be there for all your last minute delivery needs.
We solve this problem by empowering every person traveling to become their very own carrier!
We are going to change the world of the carrier forever!! Be in control!
Check us out on Facebook & Twitter and our website droptou.com our app is now available to download from App Store & Google Play & web app is on the website. Please take a moment to check it out, you might be pleasantly surprised.
We’re just back from the Websummit last week where things have gone very very well. We will be delivering from tomorrow (Monday 13/11) but you can register if so wish as a courier/carrier from now.
Any questions let me know, I’ve been a member of boards for a number of years but I have created this new DropToU account to share info about this People Powered Delivery Network

colm_mcm

Quick question,, Wouldn't there be huge implications if packages go missing?

listermint

I would recommended sorting out ssl on your site, no certs and it's really a requirement if you want to be seen to take security seriously

Also great idea.

Google api needs some fleshing out on the app for addressing.

Perhaps put together a video on the appstore talking about what the app does so it's for and how people can get paid. E.g is it powered by stripe.

Need to build some confidence in it so a localised video is a must

dudara

@DropToU - please note that commercial use of Boards accounts is not permitted without prior approval from HQ. Can you please contact HQ via hello@boards.ie to arrange for a verified rep account?

Please do not post again until this is cleared up.

Thanks
dudara

Snotty

So if it's outside normal courier hours, who will be the carriers?

Falcon L

Standard insurance won't cover drivers for this. You would need extra cover to carry goods for reward.

DropToU

dudara wrote: »

@DropToU - please note that commercial use of Boards accounts is not permitted without prior approval from HQ. Can you please contact HQ via [email]helloboardsto arrange for a verified rep account?

Please do not post again until this is cleared up.

Thanks
dudara[/email]

I'll answer all questions after I get account sorted as requested by dudara (email sent) but for now, the public i.e anyone that makes a journey can be a courier/carrier and re insurance you are not for traveling for reward but for compensation as you are already making the journey, I will address all after I'm verified and able post, thanks.

_Brian

Your insurance company will not insure you to carry goods belonging to other people.
I had this out recently with an insurance company and they refused to quote based on the information I provided that I would occasionally carry goods belonging to someone else, for no payment.

If you think this is a runner call your insurance company to check. If it’s being suggested not to mention it to your insurance company then the whole thing is built on a lie.

So I’m carrying a parcel, stop to have my lunch and the car is broken into and the parcel goes missing. Turns out the parcel has a value of say €5000, the insurance company won’t cover it. Who is expected to stump up the €5k compensation ??
Say it’s a simple laptop in the box, and I drop it smashing the screen, who pays the €200 to repair it ??

Bandara

DropToU wrote: »

I'll answer all questions after I get account sorted as requested by dudara (email sent) but for now, the public i.e anyone that makes a journey can be a courier/carrier and re insurance you are not for traveling for reward but for compensation as you are already making the journey, I will address all after I'm verified and able post, thanks.

So I give you a item worth 10k, that needs to be transported to perform a set task

The item goes missing

Who gives me my 10k and who compensates me for the additional 10k of business that has been lost ?

I cannot see how you are going to appear as credible.

Why wouldnt I just use a taxi Company ?

Snotty

Although the idea is very good and a network of people on existing journeys who will also couriers items, would work in principle, the issue here is insurance.

A person cannot carry good for compensation, and who ever informed you that if the journey is not the reason for carrying the goods, obviously knows nothing about insurance.

For your service to work, a large number of people who need to take out extra car and liability insurance, they would be doing this without any guarantee of renumeration from yourselves, so it simply won't happen.

duploelabs

Bandara wrote: »

So I give you a item worth 10k, that needs to be transported to perform a set task

The item goes missing

Who gives me my 10k and who compensates me for the additional 10k of business that has been lost ?

I cannot see how you are going to appear as credible.

Why wouldnt I just use a taxi Company ?

Yes but it's people powered and they're just back from the web summit

Bandara

duploelabs wrote: »

Yes but it's people powered and they're just back from the web summit

https://youtu.be/Q9A0Vufw3NQ

listermint

Tbf lads who's handing over items worth 10k to anyone. Even normal couriers may charge extra for liability on that.

Its a good idea. Has some niggles to work out. But best of luck to the OP hope it's a success.

Bandara

listermint wrote: »

Tbf lads who's handing over items worth 10k to anyone. Even normal couriers may charge extra for liability on that.

Its a good idea. Has some niggles to work out. But best of luck to the OP hope it's a success.

Don’t agree

Make the 10k item a 1k item

It’s still the same

listermint

Bandara wrote: »

Don’t agree

Make the 10k item a 1k item

It’s still the same

No. You said 10k don't be moving your goalposts when it suits.

_Brian

listermint wrote: »

No. You said 10k don't be moving your goalposts when it suits.

What about tue €250 laptop screen I mentioned. Who pays for that if I break it when delivering ?? Remember my car insurance won’t cover it.

listermint

_Brian wrote: »

What about tue €250 laptop screen I mentioned. Who pays for that if I break it when delivering ?? Remember my car insurance won’t cover it.

No idea. As I said some Niggles to work out but still think it's a good idea.

Mesh network delivery what's not to like!

Del2005

listermint wrote: »

Tbf lads who's handing over items worth 10k to anyone. Even normal couriers may charge extra for liability on that.

Its a good idea. Has some niggles to work out. But best of luck to the OP hope it's a success.

I've several friends who were motorbike couriers back in the boom days. 1 got a package the size of a biscuit tin full of gold jewellery, he did several drops and pickups on the way to the assayer's office with the package bungied to the saddle. The others regularly got smaller packages of gold and sometimes large quantities of illegal drugs, the gold eventually went to the vans as they were too heavy for the bags. You'd be surprised what people will send by courier and how little they are willing to pay it.

Snotty

Del2005 wrote: »

and sometimes large quantities of illegal drugs,

Sounds like an ideal distribution network for illegal activities.

GetWithIt

Best of luck.

I've been involved with a number of start ups and big names in the logistics space. The last mile delivery is a tough nut to crack.

It's a really hard one to predict. I like that you're not really trying to solve the logistics problems. I just wonder if you'll get repeat couriers, senders and if there is enough of a market.

Bandara

listermint wrote: »

No. You said 10k don't be moving your goalposts when it suits.

Lol

When it suits ? The amount is essentially irrelevant in the bigger picture and the consequential aspect of the failure carries far more damage, I thought that would have been obvious.

You do understand that the second part of my original post is even more relevant than the first part ?

RiseToMe

I like the concept. However I really do feel like this would be used to ship illegal items, with a Joe soap carrier they don't run the risk of the item being scanned or opened (legally) for inspection..

My business couriers non valuable items so I'd use it but after initially thinking I'd also carry due to the volume I drive, I definitely wouldn't having thought about it.

It'll just take one carrier to be followed and arrested, yes they can show they were using an app to deliver for but that itself opens the huge insurance question and if they would believe the app wasn't being used as cover in case they were stopped.

duploelabs

A chocolate teapot may look beautiful, but when it comes to it's essential function it fails. An un-bonded courier service may look great on the outside but from a user point of view, who will send anything that if lost or broken or stolen there is no recourse?? This service fails at the first hurdle

bucketybuck

listermint wrote: »

No. You said 10k don't be moving your goalposts when it suits.

Whats moving the goalposts about it, surely the only relevant part is the question of who covers the cost of lost/damaged items regardless of what the value was? I wouldn't want my paperwork going missing any less than he wants his gold watch to disappear.

I do have to wonder about the economics of this business plan. Its basically giving packages to random people, nobody will trust it for expensive items and when it comes to inexpensive items a lot of the delivery companies already offer pretty reasonable prices considering whats involved. I know I'd personally rather pay a few quid more for a bonded courier than give my package to any Tom, Dick or Harry, what is the price point that makes this attractive to anybody?

Del2005

Snotty wrote: »

Sounds like an ideal distribution network for illegal activities.

Until a package bursts open. Then it's a controlled delivery by the dirtiest looking courier who happens to be an undercover Garda.

listermint

bucketybuck wrote: »

Whats moving the goalposts about it, surely the only relevant part is the question of who covers the cost of lost/damaged items regardless of what the value was? I wouldn't want my paperwork going missing any less than he wants his gold watch to disappear.

I do have to wonder about the economics of this business plan. Its basically giving packages to random people, nobody will trust it for expensive items and when it comes to inexpensive items a lot of the delivery companies already offer pretty reasonable prices considering whats involved. I know I'd personally rather pay a few quid more for a bonded courier than give my package to any Tom, Dick or Harry, what is the price point that makes this attractive to anybody?

I guess youve solved your own question.

bucketybuck

listermint wrote: »

I guess youve solved your own question.

What are you even on about?

DropToU

right folks I would love to address all questions, I've answers on all, but for the moment I simply cannot afford the cost of setting up a verified rep account, so for the moment I can't post about droptou on here, I can let you know about a Facebok live Q&A session this eve on the droptou facebook page at 9pm that will answer any questions, thanks guys. I'll be back! soon as the budget allows!

_Brian

I just can’t see how the insurance problem will be surpassed.

Private motor insurance will not allow for the transport of goods belonging to a third party in return for payment, or even for nonpayment actually. Surely no one is going to build a business based on the premise of defrauding motor insurance.

Apps and good ideas are all fine but if the goods aren’t insured only a fool would use the service.

It all sounds like pub talk that shouldn’t have made it out onto the street.

duploelabs

So did anyone tune in to the spoof?

listermint

_Brian wrote: »

I just can’t see how the insurance problem will be surpassed.

Private motor insurance will not allow for the transport of goods belonging to a third party in return for payment, or even for nonpayment actually. Surely no one is going to build a business based on the premise of defrauding motor insurance.

Apps and good ideas are all fine but if the goods aren’t insured only a fool would use the service.

It all sounds like pub talk that shouldn’t have made it out onto the street.

With all due respect Uber started the same way, not that i have any love lost for Uber. But the motor insurance didnt matter, it was ride sharing.

It sounds like you dont have a breeze about how tech companies start or what it takes to incubate one.

But sure lets get angry about it and dismiss it as pub talk.

:rolleyes:

duploelabs

listermint wrote: »

With all due respect Uber started the same way, not that i have any love lost for Uber. But the motor insurance didnt matter, it was ride sharing.

It sounds like you dont have a breeze about how tech companies start or what it takes to incubate one.

But sure lets get angry about it and dismiss it as pub talk.

:rolleyes:

Can you explain then what the draw is for an uninsured delivery network is then, appears you haven't addressed this?

pedroeibar1

listermint wrote: »

With all due respect Uber started the same way, not that i have any love lost for Uber. But the motor insurance didnt matter, it was ride sharing.

It sounds like you dont have a breeze about how tech companies start or what it takes to incubate one.

But sure lets get angry about it and dismiss it as pub talk.

:rolleyes:

Very ill-informed post.
It’s an idea that has not been properly considered and the OP and his supporters including you have blatantly evaded any honest answers.

Insurance is a key issue - a driver by using a personal vehicle for an undeclared business activity voids his/her policy of insurance. Were I an injured party following any loss, and despite small print disclaimers, I would also consider an action against the OP on the grounds of omitting the duty of ‘reasonable care’.

Snotty

listermint wrote: »

With all due respect Uber started the same way, not that i have any love lost for Uber. But the motor insurance didnt matter, it was ride sharing.

:

With no respect what so ever, you are completely wrong, the insurance did mater and uber provides Insurnace when the app is on at a low level and a higher level when a customer is in the car. Is this startup going to provide insurance?

Every startup goes through the exact same question, especially in Ireland, do you provide a product or service were liabilities are in question, if so those questions need to be addressed before all others.

listermint

Snotty wrote: »

With no respect what so ever, you are completely wrong, the insurance did mater and uber provides Insurnace when the app is on at a low level and a higher level when a customer is in the car. Is this startup going to provide insurance?

Every startup goes through the exact same question, especially in Ireland, do you provide a product or service were liabilities are in question, if so those questions need to be addressed before all others.

Did Uber start out providing insurance?


No

listermint

duploelabs wrote: »

Can you explain then what the draw is for an uninsured delivery network is then, appears you haven't addressed this?

Speed getting something done quicker.

Contrary to alot of delivery Company's view of their business its actually not easy for the average person to get a package across country without jumping through hoops.

No one seems to have simplified this process well.

Exceptions to parcel motel who have somewhat clearly defined a UK shipping easy option.

Its not simple to arrange a home pick up and delivery.

Would love some of the oh so knowledgeable ones in here to creep in with their own ideas to grab this piece of the market and shake it up... Ideas on a postcard

_Brian

listermint wrote: »

But sure lets get angry about it and dismiss it as pub talk.

:rolleyes:

I'm not angry, I'm asking a reasonable question..

How does this company advise people to deal with their motor insurance.. They are engauging in a courier business for reward using private motor insurance without telling their insurance company..

If this one simple question cant be answered then the whole business is built on lieing to insurance companies which is a "contract of utmost good faith", meaning you have a responsibility to tell them anything relavent to your policy even if they dont ask, and moonlighting as a courier is relavent, very relavent.

I can tell you from recent conversations with insurance companies that they will not want to cover this type of service with regular private motor policies. If people are 100% honest with their insurance companies the company will say NO you are not insured to do paid courier work !

bucketybuck

listermint wrote: »

Would love some of the oh so knowledgeable ones in here to creep in with their own ideas to grab this piece of the market and shake it up... Ideas on a postcard

Such an obvious fallacy.

I don't need to design a method for building on sand before I can tell you that it is unwise to build a house on sand...

meforever

Hi Droptou.........

I love when someone comes along and creates something out of nothing.

Come on people ! ....lots of negative feed back that's totally unjustifiable.

We must always support anyone who tries to do something different.

Some of the rules are designed to be broken.

If one does the same thing always, then there will be no change.

Personally....I was blown away with the concept:cool:

Del2005

listermint wrote: »

With all due respect Uber started the same way, not that i have any love lost for Uber. But the motor insurance didnt matter, it was ride sharing.

It sounds like you dont have a breeze about how tech companies start or what it takes to incubate one.

But sure lets get angry about it and dismiss it as pub talk.

:rolleyes:

Uber is a different game in most other countries than here. In most other countries it's a person driving their own vehicle with some level of insurance from Uber. Here Uber is by already licenced taxis using their own insurance. Uber, and a lot of gig economy companies, are being forced to provide employment benefits to the people who work for them thereby removing their unfair advantage over traditional companies.

I'm sure that the OP will be able to operate successfully in other jurisdictions but here they have to comply with our insurance and that won't cover the carriage of other people's property without a significant premium.

pedroeibar1

listermint wrote: »

Would love some of the oh so knowledgeable ones in here to creep in with their own ideas to grab this piece of the market and shake it up... Ideas on a postcard

Another smart-ass post yet the question posed to you on insurance remains unanswered. A bit like the businessplan, done on the back of an envelope, your replies might be best suited to a postcard.:rolleyes:

duploelabs

listermint wrote: »

Speed getting something done quicker.

Speed of what? Service I presume.
Currently I can pick up the phone and get a bonded secure courier here in an hour. Are you saying that people who use couriers regularly will forgo the security of their delivery just to have the pick up arrive half an hour before an insured service?
Seems like the developers have got obsessed with creating a service and investing their time with a ah-sure-itll-be-grand attitude to a major flaw in their service. However when the mounting calls to question this flaw rise, the fingers go in the ears and a repeated non-applicable mantras of 'people powered' and 'user user uber' are shouted.
Look, despite what's said about the community here being negative, we are not. We are all in favour of new developments and start ups. However our ability to sound out and spot a cowboy is quite strong. Particularly when such a gaping hole in their business plan is spotted and unaddressed. We do not 'plamas' these egos as that amounts to indoctrination not education, this is big boy stuff and if you can't take a bit of constructive criticism then perhaps the entrepreneurship isn't for you

Moomat

While the insurance question needs to be answered, I imagine it's not insurmountable.

These Irish startups are in a similiar space and seem to use casual delivery operatives - Webringg & Zendfast

I note that Zendfast mention reviewing applicants insurance

AndrewJRenko

It wouldn't be the first business to rely on uninsured drivers - vast number of take-away food delivery drivers are driving uninsured, as they haven't notified their insurers to get cover for carriage of goods.

duploelabs

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It wouldn't be the first business to rely on uninsured drivers - vast number of take-away food delivery drivers are driving uninsured, as they haven't notified their insurers to get cover for carriage of goods.

Just because other companies are participating in an illegal activity won't exonerate you in court should a claim happen. Besides, this conversation is more about insuring the items that are being transported not the vehicle or driver themselves

ED E

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It wouldn't be the first business to rely on uninsured drivers - vast number of take-away food delivery drivers are driving uninsured, as they haven't notified their insurers to get cover for carriage of goods.

Gardai have seized a good dozen Just Eat mopeds of late.

Moomat

ED E wrote: »

Gardai have seized a good dozen Just Eat mopeds of late.

That's interesting. It appears one of the companies I linked to earlier in the the thread, Webringg, has an involvement with supplying Just-eat mopeds.

Why were they seized?

bucketybuck

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It wouldn't be the first business to rely on uninsured drivers - vast number of take-away food delivery drivers are driving uninsured, as they haven't notified their insurers to get cover for carriage of goods.

With respect, they not very useful comparisons. A registered company using members of the public to transport unspecified packages has very different questions to answer than a chinese paying somebody cash in hand to deliver some chicken balls locally.

AndrewJRenko

duploelabs wrote: »

Just because other companies are participating in an illegal activity won't exonerate you in court should a claim happen.

Fully agree - I wasn't making light of driving without correct insurance.

bucketybuck wrote: »

With respect, they not very useful comparisons. A registered company using members of the public to transport unspecified packages has very different questions to answer than a chinese paying somebody cash in hand to deliver some chicken balls locally.

I wasn't actually thinking about the local lad doing a few chicken balls. I was thinking about the very large household name pizza businesses using lots of non-Irish staff, some on N-plates or L-plates to deliver the goods. I seriously doubt that any or many of these drivers would get cover for commercial delivery, or that they have that cover at all.

PaulPinnacle

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I wasn't actually thinking about the local lad doing a few chicken balls. I was thinking about the very large household name pizza businesses using lots of non-Irish staff, some on N-plates or L-plates to deliver the goods. I seriously doubt that any or many of these drivers would get cover for commercial delivery, or that they have that cover at all.

In that case the risk is all on the business. Some may (stupidly) be willing to accept that risk and operate under it. I, as a potential customer, probably won't give it a second thought if my pizza/chicken balls are adequately covered should the worst happen.

If, on the other hand, I'm considering handing over something of considerable value to me and entrusting that person to deliver it safely to another location for me with everything safely intact... you can be sure the question of whether it's properly insured will most certainly be a factor.

Apples to oranges comparisons there.
Anyone suggesting that insurance isn't a major issue here is underestimating the issue hugely and the hurdles to tackling that market successfully and retaining trust within it.

fritzelly

_Brian wrote: »

How does this company advise people to deal with their motor insurance.. They are engauging in a courier business for reward using private motor insurance without telling their insurance company

This is the pertinent question.

The site's T&C place all responsibility on the delivery person
"If Carrier’s activity is commercial then it must adhere to all laws governing transport of goods, including and not limited to having the required insurance, licenses and/or permits."

And if in fact you read the rest of the T&C you will see they are absolving themselves of all responsibility but just acting as a middle man for which they are charging a fee

Very shaky ground versus a bonded delivery service which isn't all that different in price...