-- Shpper, a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform connecting buyers with travelers acting as personal shoppers, announced it has surpassed 10,000 completed trips and now has more than 3,000 active travelers in 2024. The platform, which operates across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, facilitates the purchase and delivery of items by leveraging travelers to bypass traditional shipping routes.
The milestone highlights growing demand for cross-border shopping solutions in the GCC region, with Shpper facilitating trips to and from over 120 cities since its launch. The company aims to scale its reach, targeting a tenfold increase in the number of trips facilitated by 2025, driven by increased user engagement and interest in personal shopping services.
"Reaching 10,000 trips is a significant moment for Shpper and underscores the value our platform provides," said Khalid Alqasim, Chief Executive Officer. "This achievement reflects the trust placed in us by our users and the potential of combining crowdsourcing, travel and e-commerce to address cross-border shopping challenges."
Shpper allows travelers to earn by purchasing and delivering items on behalf of buyers, offering a faster and cost-effective alternative to high international shipping costs and import restrictions. Travelers use their trips to pick up requested goods, which are then delivered locally upon their return. The model has facilitated access to products unavailable in certain regions, such as fresh groceries, perfumes, luxury goods and limited-edition items.
The company's growth follows a seed investment round completed in December 2023, led by a Dubai-based tech firm. Co-founded by Muthana Sartawi and Khalid Alqasim, the funding has supported the development of Shpper’s digital infrastructure and improved real-time communication between travelers and buyers.
"Shpper provides a unique alternative to conventional shipping by allowing travelers to act as personal shoppers," Sartawi said. "This model benefits both buyers seeking difficult-to-source products and travelers looking to generate additional income."
Transactions on the platform are secured through an escrow system, ensuring that payments are held until deliveries are completed. Travelers make purchases using their own funds, with ownership transferring to the buyer only after final delivery.
Shpper’s app, in addition, features a marketplace where travelers can list items that can be acquired during their trips. Buyers can request specific products or hire travelers for personalized shopping services. The platform supports multimedia communication to enhance transparency and ensure item quality.
"Our platform bridges gaps in the market by connecting buyers with travelers in a seamless and secure way," Alqasim said. "The ability to handle cross-border items that traditional services cannot, such as fresh groceries, restricted or fragile goods, along with real-time communication, sets Shpper apart."
Shpper operates within legal frameworks governing travel and consumer protection. Travelers retain ownership of purchased items until they are handed over to Shpper for delivery. This model mitigates risks associated with international shipping and enhances consumer confidence.
The platform's name reflects its dual purpose of shipping and shopping, reinforcing its role in global commerce. By streamlining the buying process and empowering travelers, Shpper continues to expand its presence in international markets.
For more information, visit www.shpper.net.
Contact Info:
Name: Khalid Alqasim
Email: Send Email
Organization: Shpper
Website: https://www.shpper.net
Release ID: 89149825
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