New same day contact free alcohol delivery starts in response to COVID-19

The seven year old business has adapted to the coronavirus pandemic by changing its business model in four days.

Same day deliveries between Clifton and Kiama started on Wednesday.

General manager Dale Ledger said the response was positive.

"We have been really encouraged by how the local community have already started to embrace this service," he said.

Mr Ledger said the new service was a case of 'unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures'.

He said said the team at GoodDrop.com.au had worked really hard to get it up and running quickly so people at home can order from more than 550 products including hundreds of whiskies, beer, wine, spirits, liqueurs and non-alcoholic beverages.

"With the addition of a same day delivery service from Monday to Saturday, we won't be outsourcing freight to ensure our own valued workforce is supported through these exceptionally strange times," Mr Ledger said.

Free guide to businesses open during the COVID-19 crisis

GoodDrop.com.au is a national service but the Illawarra based business has significantly ramped up its ordering and delivery capacity to service Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama..

"We are a locally based business trying to provide the best possible service to local area customers," Mr Ledger said.

Orders need to be in by 2pm for same day delivery.

Mr Ledger said the new model was set up initially to save jobs but he now expects it could create more.

GoodDrop.com.au was started by the Kollaras Group in 2013 to supply national customers a range of premium spirits, liqueurs and wine.

The new local delivery is an add on and will offer an exclusive and extended range to the Illawarra market.

Mr Ledger said placing an order was as easy going to gooddrop.com.au website and clicking on the Local Illawarra tab. Or calling 1300 603 344. Delivery is $5.50 or free for purchases over $100.

"Our delivery process will be contact free and we will have virus management processes in place," Mr Ledger said.

"Stock is delivered to the doorstep and left on the ground for the customer to pick up, ensuring two metre separation at all times

"Stock is not signed for. Once the customer agrees it has been delivered in full, the driver takes a photo of it on the doorstep as proof of delivery

"The driver uses hand sanitiser between each delivery and disposable gloves when required. The goods being delivered are sprayed with disinfectant solution

"Each driver is temperature checked by the warehouse supervisor before commencing a delivery run. If a driver presents any flu like symptoms, they are immediately quarantines from the warehouse and sent for a medial check".

The Illawarra Mercury has launched a Taking Care of Business campaign.

Each day we will highlight a local business who is adapting or evolving to be able to keep operating under these trying times.

If you know of a business adapting, please send us an email titled Taking Care of Business to cos@illawarramercury.com.au.

We have also put a call out and will run a list of cafes, restaurants and clubs who are offering takeaway or delivery on our Facebook page. If you know of an outlet now offering home delivery or takeaway, please let us know and add it to the list.

Here is more about the campaign:

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