I'm in the process of developing a web application to help storefronts and offices create a safer environment to lineup for their guests by moving the lineup online. Basically you will be able to hold your spot in line and go wait somewhere safe until the store/office notify you to come in. Similar to how some restaurants will text you when you are next in line.
From my experience, there are a lot of stores with lineups outside on the sidewalk. It can get pretty congested and it's almost impossible to maintain 6ft unless I hop on the road. I'm sure it's similar other parts of the world. I also think lining up now is fine because of the weather (North America), but I'm anticipating a second wave coming in fall/winter where waiting outside won't be as "comfortable".
I have developed this for the last month or so part time and at the point where I need to ask myself if this is worth pursuing.
I want to make this as affordable to storeowners as possible and as easy to integrate into their existing ecosystem. They are getting hit hard by the crisis and honestly, most would probably reject this app because they can't afford another expense (need validation on this of course).
Some Questions i'm trying to figure out:
How will this idea play out post Covid? Will there still be lineups outside stores? How would I be able to adding value to this.
There are existing applications that does similar things, mainly to give users an estimated waiting time at their store. Some apps will allow users to make a reservation online before showing up physically like Opentable, but most of those seem to be for restaurants. I'm more concerned about the experience when you are physically there.
Pain points for both general public and storeowners. I'm starting to ask my local shops for their input
What do ya'll think??
Just like Queue-it? In my living area Hong Kong, the big retail stores like AS Watsons are using it to sell masks online. But now the supply is increased. I don't use it as a consumer
Pretty similar but targeted for offline businesses, the goal is to minimize the amount of time guests they should be physically lining up in front of a store. There's a lot of use cases in North America since restrictions are in place (though they gradually lifting until september). Thank you for showing me Queue-It!