Tech firm launches zero-contact click & collect service for retailers

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 19, 2020

A technology firm has launched a new zero-contact click & collect service to help retailers boost sales during the lockdown.

Forage Lite, which is being launched this Tuesday by Graticule Personalisation, will enable shoppers to use their smartphone to order, pay for and pick up orders without having to go into a store. The company said all UK retailers can now start using the service free of charge.

Customers can order products via text, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, and shops can change stock availability and post offers for customers looking for special deals.

When an order is received and accepted, a link is sent to the customer to make the payment online using Barclaycard or Stripe, a popular payments system currently used by thousands of small businesses.

Motorists can provide the registration plate of their car to have their orders placed in the boot without having to leave the vehicle. Customers who prefer to walk or cycle to a location can pick-up orders at a pre-designated point.

Graticule CEO Rob Baker explained: “Forage Lite will help retailers operate more effectively and safely through the pandemic by taking away physical interaction through handling money or goods, while giving customers a more convenient and faster way to collect their orders.

“Many retailers have been hit hard by the coronavirus. They are an essential part of local communities and the economy and we want to do our bit to help them come through this difficult period.”