The innovative app keeps kitchens stocked, reduces footfall to shops and offers a vital immediate income source for the capital's struggling workforce

In these times of self-isolation, social distancing and a shortage of supermarket delivery slots, Pinga connects those in need of supplies with local people who can shop on their behalf and drop off on their doorstep - all within one hour.

The London-based app allows users to request items from any shops, cafes/restaurants or takeaways on their local high street. Their request is broadcast directly to a network of Pinga Partners - local residents who've signed up to the service - and the first person to accept goes shopping on the requester's behalf. The in-app chat function allows both parties to keep connected throughout, in case alternative items need to be suggested due to stock shortages. When the task is completed, the recipient pays the Pinga Partner for the items, plus a delivery fee, directly through the app. To ensure as many Londoners get the items they need, Pinga is subsidising every delivery during the Coronavirus and has reduced the delivery charge to £3.95.

The on-demand delivery service is proving indispensable to those who are self isolating, haven't been able to secure a supermarket delivery slot or find their supplies running low. Maggie, 62 from Hackney sent the following request on 25th March: “I'm classed as vulnerable due to health conditions so can't leave the house and need some food picked up from the shop - can you help? :)" The task was picked up by nearby resident Danny Rameses, 31, who sourced and delivered staples including apples, pears, hand wash and tinned kippers in less than 30 minutes.  

And it's not just those who need supplies that Pinga is helping. The app offers super-flexible working opportunities to those who sign up as Pinga partners, providing both an instant income stream and the opportunity to deliver a vital service to their community. It's a lifeline for those whose livelihood is being threatened by the crisis, such as workers whose hours have been cut and the self-employed, for whom the Government's newly-announced support measures won't come into effect until June. 21-year-old self-employed builder James from Leyton says, “I've been having sleepless nights worrying about how to survive the next few months so I've signed up as a Pinga Partner to bring in some cash, which is a real help. I don't know what I'd have done without it. Plus it's been great to feel like I'm doing something useful to help out - people have been so grateful for their deliveries”.

Pinga Partners earn £5 per job plus any tips and receive the cash in their bank the same day. As shopping and delivery is done on the local high street, no transport is needed - making life easy for Pinga Partners and producing zero emissions. Crucially, Pinga is also reducing the number of people out on the streets during the current 'lockdown' period by having one person shop on behalf of multiple customers.

The company has also implemented a number of measures to keep both Pinga Partners and those receiving deliveries safe during the crisis - from strict handwashing protocols to contact-free deliveries.

Pinga founder and Walthamstow-based father of two Michael Goulden said, “When I first had the idea for an app that allowed local communities to help each other out, I had no idea of just how vital it would become. It's a scary time right now, but seeing in real-time how Pinga is making a difference has been very gratifying. We're currently subsidising every delivery to make it as accessible as possible to those who need it, and by reducing footfall on our streets we hope we're playing a part in reducing the spread of the virus”.

Pinga is available to iOS users on the App Store - search for 'Pinga'. Download the app and choose whether to sign up to request items or to register as a Pinga Partner to carry out tasks. An Android version will be available by early Summer.

For more information on Pinga, visit www.pinga.co.uk.

For press enquiries, contact founder Michael Goulden, michael@pinga.co.uk, 07919 368685.

Notes to editors: Pinga launched in London in 2019, with ambitions to expand across the country underway. The app currently accepts orders for any retailer or food/beverage outlet on the high street but will be moving to a commission-based model featuring partner stores only when the Coronavirus period ends.

Highlighted as 'one to watch' by publications such as the Evening Standard and the winner of the Founders Live event at the for Google for Start-Ups campus the app has raised £400k in financial backing from leading Angel investors and is currently in a third-round investment phase. Those interested in discussing investment opportunities should contact Michael Goulden on michael@pinga.co.uk.