In Edmonton, residents can order just about anything via an app on their phone, from milk to marijuana, followed by a pizza for good measure. Services like Skip the Dishes, DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats have revolutionized the home delivery industry.
For those of us living in the Lac Ste. Anne area, you’ve probably noticed Amazon delivery vans as the mammoth corporation continues to expand its services. However, a significant gap remains between consumers and local businesses when it comes to home delivery. Simply put—there is no prominent delivery service in the area (or taxi service, for that matter). It’s nearly impossible to get Chinese food or a pizza delivered to your house on a cold winter night in Alberta Beach, Onoway, or Wabamun.
” I want to use the reach of the AB Post as well as the reach we have on Facebook to back a delivery service launch for the hubs of our readership area “
I firmly believe there’s a viable business opportunity to meet this need. It may not make someone rich, but it could be a great side hustle for someone with creativity and entrepreneurial gumption. Recent statistics show that restaurants can increase takeout business by as much as 40% when partnering with home delivery services. Financially, it makes sense—delivery costs are lower than the expenses associated with a server taking care of a table. Statistics further indicate that delivery doesn’t impact in-store sales. Restaurants like Burger Baron or Mamma’s in Alberta Beach could potentially see a 40% increase in sales if someone offered them a viable and cost-effective home delivery solution.
As the AB Post continues to grow in readership and daily visits, my vision is to partner with such a service provider and assist them in getting their business off the ground while adding a valuable service to the area. This idea is in its infancy, but it’s been on my mind for some time. With today’s modern software and tools, creating an online delivery service similar to Skip the Dishes or Instacart is no longer out of reach or prohibitively expensive to develop. Heck, look at this publication—ten years ago, developing all the elements, such as event sections and classified ads, would have been financially prohibitive.
I also see the importance of a taxi service, but I recognize the challenges. Many people, including myself, are often hesitant to go out to watch a big game because they don’t want to risk driving home after having two beers and being unsure whether they’re legally fit to drive. I’d be more than happy to pay someone to drive me home if I knew they would be available when needed. But here’s the challenge for a taxi service—can it generate enough business to be sustainable full-time? And is it worth the personal risks, like the possibility of being robbed or assaulted, just to put food on the table? You tell me.
But here’s my idea:
I want to establish a delivery service in Onoway, Wabamun, and the Alberta Beach area. This would require three separate providers, but I envision it as a kind of franchise-style setup. With my technical know-how and the growing reach of the AB Post, I could help give someone wanting to start a delivery business a fighting chance to succeed. Like this publication, I have no illusions about making a fortune—it’s more about being a leader in growing essential services for the region I call home. Honestly, as I write this, I’d love to have a pizza delivered to my doorstep.
I also know there are a few people who have already tried to get something off the ground. If that’s you, reach out to us at the AB Post—I’d love to assist you in growing your business. Maybe one day my involvement pays off as a partner or founder, but this offer comes with no expectation of paid advertising or investment.
If you’re in one of the aforementioned areas and are interested in discussing this idea further, reach out to me at admin@abpost.ca, and let’s work toward launching a concept for the coming year.
