Remember Just In Time delivery? It was that oh-so-obvious solution to an on-going problem. Rather than paying for stockholding, supplies were delivered when and where customers required. They say the best ideas are often the simplest.

 

Well, I’ve come across another – Shutl (www.shutl.co.uk). It’s a sort of courier dating agency. I saw Argos and Laithwaites (among others) are customers so thought it worth a bit of a delve.

 

Basically it connects retailers with local same-day courier companies. It trawls to find delivery capacity, links that with ecommerce systems and, hey-presto – goods are despatched. The courier collects the goods and delivers to the door.

 

Shutl claims it means web-bought goods (or those bought by phone) can be in your hands within 90 minutes. No more “leave behind garage if not in” instructions.

 

Expensive? Shutl says not. Due to volumes, use of otherwise wasted capacity and a system whereby carriers compete for the business, delivery is cheaper and can even be free.