It isn’t unusual to request a family member or a friend to get something from abroad. However, they aren’t always a reliable option. Asim Zubair faced the same problem and his personal experience forced him to come up with an appropriate solution to the problem.
“It occurred to me at that time that in today’s world where people are easily connected through social media, there has to be a friction-less and more efficient way of shopping for things outside country other than through friends and family.” – Asim
In 2013, he finally founded Pijjit, an app that solves the problem using social connections. With hundreds of people travelling to various destinations, there are carriers all over the world who wouldn’t mind bringing a certain product that you need in return for a reward. All you need to do is list what you want and select a social carrier headed in your directions. Pijjit allows you to read the user profiles and their rankings so you can choose a reliable person to bring the product you want. You can then transact from within the app and have the product in your hands within no time.
“The Pijjit App provides people the means to list their shopping or shipping needs, travel plans, and available space. It connects them through an in-app messaging system and enables them to transact over a secure booking engine. Verified social profiles, transparent reviews, and earned reputations come together to build a community that makes social shopping and shipping a reality for anyone, anytime, anywhere.” – Asim
What this means is that you don’t have to be sweet to extended relations just to get your hands on the latest gadget or accessories from your favorite international brand. Pijjit is a smartphone solution that will allow shoppers from all over the world to shop for you while you sit at your home. Been missing your favorite brand of chocolates for a while now? Wait no more! Get connected to Pijjit and find a person who can bring it to you.
What Makes Shopping through Pijjit fun?
Nowadays, it isn’t very difficult to get your hands on something that you wanted. There are lots of places that sell imported goods. Many online shopping websites host a large variety of the latest gadgets. Why then would you need something like Pijjit? What makes the idea cool is that as a buyer, you can skip the excessive shipping rates and you don’t have to deal with inflexible couriers or pay the additional charges that local vendors take for bringing imported goods to you. Plus, as a domestic commuter you can make money while still helping people in your social circle.
The application was recently featured at OPEN Forum’s Silicon Valley event and received a positive response. Applications like Pijjit help solve social problems, no matter how trivial and are thus a great idea.
