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THE 'Uber for errands' app has arrived in Brisbane this week with the launch of GoFetch.
The app, which launched in Melbourne joins the host of peer-to-peer convenience based tools like Uber, Airtasker, and Deliveroo already available to make lives easier and cheaper with the press of a button.
Founder and Managing Director, Blair Smith, says the model and on-demand network of self-employed "fetchers" hands control of personal logistics back into the paws of individuals.
"GoFetch is a cheaper, faster, easier and a friendlier delivery service," says Smith.
GoFetch matches the fetcher with a job at a competitive rate, and the fetcher walks, rides, catches public transport, or drives to make the delivery.
Already 80 fetchers have already signed up in Brisbane, and corporate partners of the app include IGA, local florists, and even chemists.
The service is available both on an iPhone or via the more business-friendly website.
Like its inspiration, Uber, which has disrupted the taxi industry, GoFetch is looking to disrupt traditional courier services with plans to launch more intensive and larger deliveries in the future.
Business News Australia spoke with Blair Smith about how GoFetch came into existence, the company's plans for going public, and the how the app is set to disrupt the courier industry.
What inspired you to start GoFetch and what gaps in the market did you see?
How did you get started & what challenges did you face starting up?
In short, I was in corporate and my background's always been in the city working for companies in senior marketing roles. I was working for a big privately owned property developer, and one of their divisions invested in a bunch of start-ups.
I actually sat down with the guys and said 'I've actually got an idea that I've wanted to do as well' and they asked me to come and present it, and I ended up having my main job as group marketing manager but then on the side was working on my idea because they really liked it.
Before I knew it, they'd found me an app developer and some major investment money. We raised 200k very quickly and got the name registered and the website up, and then started building the iPhone code.
So, it all just happened quite quickly and almost accidentally, where I had to make a choice at the six month mark do I sell this idea off and let somebody else run us, or do I quit my day job and have a crack at running it myself, and I chose the latter.
What are the company's plans for expansion?
Why Brisbane for the first expansion opposed to Sydney?
Are there different barriers to take into account when entering into new cities or is it a model that can fit over a new city quite instantly?
Do you find it difficult to compete with established and traditional courier services?
Do you hope one day to be able to take GoFetch public or will it remain a privately-owned business?
What are some tips you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make it big in the online app space?
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