You’ve heard the refrain, “consumer behavior is changing”. Many say that it has already changed. In 2016, the Harvard Business Review said that the on-demand economy was alive and well and growing.

The National Technology Readiness Survey confirmed the trend in December 2019. Since 2016, participation in the on-demand economy has almost tripled.

In 2019, 64.8 million consumers purchased on-demand goods or services (24.9 million in 2016) and spent around $110.0 billion (18% up from $92.8 billion in 2018).

Read on to discover what and how to raise your game in this brave new digital world.

What Is the On-Demand Business Model?

Advancing technology has transformed the traditional way of doing business. Customers are demanding a better experience. These are the two main drivers of what has become known as the on-demand economy.

An on-demand business normally shares three things in common. They include

• a freelancer, or independent worker offering a specific service or product.
• a consumer who requires a particular service or product immediately, and
• an online platform that connects the two 

The main sectors affected so far by the on-demand economy are transport, hospitality, finance, temporary or contract employment and media streaming.  Think of businesses such as Uber, Airbnb, and Deliveroo. All three are characteristic of the on-demand business model.

On-demand companies are disruptive. The shift the paradigm that’s been in place for years.  And, as is the case with Uber in many countries in Europe, it is unclear which statutory regulations should be covering their activities 

Online Shopping – Delivery Now

Retail shopping is increasingly becoming involved in the on-demand craze. Established supermarket chains are adding certain on-demand elements to what they offer customers. 

For example, retail giant Walmart has recently created its own network of on-demand delivery drivers from the pool of its own employees. How it works is that some employees deliver orders to customers on their way home from their shift.

Is the On-demand Economy Going to Become the Norm?

If the popularity, speed, and convenience of on-demand products or services are anything to go by, then the on-demand economy is here to stay.

Cutting out the intermediary—formerly known as the middle man—and replacing them with a digital platform, or app that connects the customer with a wide range of service providers is proving popular. 

The cost-savings are one reason. The other reason is that customers and providers alike prefer the autonomy of it all. They like the feeling of control it gives them, and they like the lack of bureaucratic red tape and pink ribbon.

Private lenders, events caterers, plumbers, carpenters, and any other service provider or provider of products you can think of enjoying this vibrant, competitive marketplace.  Customers, for their part. enjoy the attractiveness of being able to purchase something at a competitive price.

Freelancers For Hire

Freelance translators, copywriters, writers, transcribers, computer coders, speechmakers, temporary secretaries, personal trainers, teachers and a host of other professionals all enjoy the type of flexibility that the new on-demand style allows.

Some enjoy this life so much that they have joined the hordes of digital nomads roaming the planet in search of the coffee shop or hostel with the best WiFi.

As providers, they are making a good living, and enjoy being able to care out for themselves the lifestyle they want.

Last-Mile Delivery

The explosion in the number of online shops in recent years has seen a corresponding rise in the number of order fulfillment centers dotted across the landscape.

But what if you’re not an online shop, but need to send something post haste. What is speedy delivery is the deal maker or deal breaker?.  Then courier services will step in to bridge the gap.  Once again, there’s an app for that. ASAP Couriers is a professional courier company that is totally in touch with the on-demand economy.

We realize that as the customer, you need it now. We know that as the provider of the service, you need it delivered now. We also waste no time in getting the job done.

All Sorts of Demands

Getting goods delivered fast is part of keeping the customer satisfied, and keeping the customer loyal.  We know that sometimes, you will have special requirements, such as the need for a refrigerated transport service. We do that too.

Small Businesses Need Flexibility

Small and medium-sized business is the largest growth sector in the economy.  That’s because hardworking people with bright ideas are going out on their own, and getting things done in a dynamic way. As a small business, you cannot always afford to have a set contract with a transport company.

That’s why the on-demand economy is your friend. Because on-demand courier services exist too. ASAP Courier Services is just the kind of company you should call when you need that one-off shipment ultra-fast.

Please contact us on your preferred device, and per your preferred method. We’ll be happy to move forward with you.