INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Postmates announced today it would be adding a &non-contact delivery option,& for those concerned about COVID-19 exposure from workers
Instacart set up something similar earlier this week, announcing sales were 10x higher this week over last due to coronavirus concerns and
rolling out the &leave it at my door& option for customers concerned about coronavirus.
This flu-like virus has already infected nearly
100,000 people worldwide, killing thousands, including one man so far in the Bay Area, the hub of Silicon Valley and the startup
world.
Similar services starting offering this contactless option in China last month, where COVID-19 took a stronghold and started
The majority of stores in the area had closed shop, leaving delivery as most people only option
The contactless measure seemed aimed at keeping everyone safe and minimizing exposure.
Lmaoo postmates gets it
pic.twitter.com/4t1fc5sxzV
mdash; Teal (@teal_xo) March 6, 2020
While plenty of customers have praised this effort, not everyone is
pleased, believing this move is just passing the buck to low-wage workers.
This new option from Postmates is the most cynical thing I&ve
Come on, cook at home instead of moving risk down the inequality ladder… pic.twitter.com/AiMIbn5LWy
mdash; Romain Dillet
(@romaindillet)
March 6, 2020
Postmates counters this argument, telling TechCrunch the move is beneficial to both customers and couriers
&Community health and safety is paramount at Postmates, and we have shared precautionary CDC guidance with our Postmates,& a Postmates
spokesperson told TechCrunch
&Customers have an option to designate the drop-off of item without contact; and we&ll continue to encourage employees, merchants and
consumers to follow preventative measures
While we are operating with business as usual, we are tracking the situation closely and will help provide the resources necessary to
mitigate increased risks.
Instacart mentioned similar sentiment, telling Techcrunch, &Our goal is to continue to work with and serve the
entire Instacart community safely, while also ensuring our customers have access to uninterrupted delivery and pickup services for the
groceries and household essentials they need.
For those who like this option and want to use it, just order as normal on Postmates
You&ll then be prompted to select your delivery preference before checking out
The option is similar with your Instacart order.
While we&ve so far only heard this option is being offered by these two delivery
startups, we&re likely going to see more contactless rollouts as coronavirus fears continue to change our shopping habits in the next couple
