Shop local with Shocal: New Dragons’ Den Doncaster app offers amazing opportunities for business and shoppers
Shocal – which caught the eye of the BBC TV show’s Touker Suleyman – is a hyper-local shopping app like no other. Firstly, it doesn’t just do food, though you can of course order up your favourite burger or cuppa if you wish. It’s the platform for all things local. Takeaways, e-tickets, shops, services and more… if it’s local, it can be on Shocal.
And unlike other apps, there’s no joining or exit fees, and very low commission.
The Donny duo behind the project, Jamie and Jade, snapped up the local franchise and are launching the first Shocal in Yorkshire on May 20, 2024.
Jamie said: “We are so passionate about this app and what it can offer. We see it as a way to support the High Street and smaller, independent traders. You won’t find many big brand chains on or app, and that’s been a conscious choice. We want to support those firms which have seen traditional footfall drop off, and instead bring them customers in a new way.”
Notable exciting retailers who have already signed up – for free –include:
· The Farm Shop – Barnby Dun (Farm shop, butchers and cafe)
· Rosa and Flo (Artisan shop, luxury handmade cards)
· The Beverley Inn (Family run traditional pub)
· Chantals Perfect Day Florist (Florist for all occasions)
· Original Döner (Traditional Turkish kebab and flatbread)
· Darrens Family Butchers (Traditional family run butchers)
· Perfect Cards and Gifts (Gift shop)
· The Rum Rooms
How it works for businesses and events
There’s no joining fees or contract, and plenty of support. Simply join here and fill in your own product and prices, with a low commission rate (cheaper than other apps on the market). You have unlimited real-time access to your ‘shop front’ on the app. And if you ever want to leave, there are no exit fees.
It works for all kinds of businesses and events, not just food delivery. The app offers same day delivery where all delivery fees are covered by the customer and paid directly to the drivers, so there are no additional costs at all for local businesses to join the Shocal revolution.
The app launches to the public on May 20, so make sure you are one of the first on there.
Local event organisers can also use Shocal as their e-ticket portal. Tickets will be sent straight to your email as an e-ticket or can be accessed on the Shocal app displaying a QR code.
How it works for drivers
Jamie and Jade have hand-picked delivery drivers across the city, but there’s always room for more. Best of all, delivery drivers keep 100 per cent of the delivery fee and tips, none of that goes to the shop or the app owners. Make sure you reach out here if you want to join the Shocal team.
How it works for customers
Whether your car has let you down, you’re stuck in with the kids or back in the office looking for a tasty treat, you can order from dozens of local retailers and have them delivered straight to your door, for a modest delivery fee. Butchers, bakers and, perhaps one-day, candlestick-makers, you’ll find it all on Shocal, and you can track your order to your door in real time; all your local favourites, delivered to your door. Items will be available for delivery from May 20. Simply download your free app here. If you order event tickets, they will be delivered straight to your email as an e-ticket or can be accessed on the Shocal app for your convenience.
It’s a modern approach to local events, and one they feel will really support the strong Doncaster community.
Jade added: “We love the city and want to do what we can to promote it. We were blown away by Shocal, and we know it’s going to prove so popular with local shops and restaurants, event organisers and customers, who love how easy it is to use and understand, and want to grow their local business in a new way.”