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WeChat partners with Picup

Joanne Carew
By Joanne Carew, ITWeb Cape-based contributor.
Cape Town, 29 May 2015
Picup's WeChat-based delivery model can be replicated to other cities.
Picup's WeChat-based delivery model can be replicated to other cities.

Picup, a new on-demand goods collection and delivery service, has partnered with WeChat to take the hassle out of courier services.

The partnership was announced at a media launch event in Cape Town last night. The service is hosted exclusively on the WeChat platform, offering a cash-free, convenient approach to logistics.

Speaking at the event, Brett Loubser, head of WeChat Africa, described Picup as an SA first, noting the concept ties into WeChat's desire to be perceived as more than a messaging app.

"Our biggest challenge is that when people use WeChat, they think it is just an instant messaging platform. But it is actually a fully-fledged platform and these types of partnerships illustrate this. We are extremely excited about the potential of this product."

Users need to follow the PicupSA account on WeChat and register for the service. Once registration is confirmed, they can request a driver in their vicinity to collect or deliver documents or packages to and from a determined location within the Cape Metropole.

There are different modes of transport available - bicycles, scooters or cars - depending on the size of the package. Users will have to pay a minimum base rate for the delivery, in addition to a per-kilometre charge.

According to chief Picup officer, Grant Isaacs, the concept was borne out of a desire to simplify one of life's many challenges. The service allows customers to order a licensed, verified and fully trained professional driver directly from the WeChat app, he notes. Isaacs believes this will prove a popular alternative for small businesses and fledgling e-commerce companies, especially as more South Africans start shopping online.

While Picup is making its debut in the Cape Town area, Isaacs did mention the model can easily be replicated and amended to offer courier services in other cities.

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