The Butcher, The Baker and the Candle Stick Maker… Can Now Sell their Products During Lockdown

A new concept has been born from the Platform81 founders as we’ve launched the new shopping site ‘Search Fresh’ inviting small businesses struggling to make sales in lock down to join our high street web-shop.

We’re going to be providing businesses that haven’t traditionally lent themselves to online sales a platform to sell fresh produce.

In the wake of the UK’s covid-19 lock down, Britain has seen waves of small businesses pivoting to stay afloat, with many introducing parcel delivery services via social media networks, email or WhatsApp. This hyper local approach is ensuring small businesses can make money and loyal shoppers can still purchase their goods.

With this in mind, we are looking for butchers, bakeries, delis, garden centres, green grocers, florists, farm shops, independent booze outlets, cake makers or dairies to join our SearchFresh website for the opportunity to sell produce online – and help people to stay safe.

With the rise of consumers shopping local during lock down, the SearchFresh website will allow shoppers to find sellers in their area and order direct for click and collect or delivery.

The site is designed for businesses who perhaps do not have their own website or for those who don’t want the expensive running costs of their own online platform.

Businesses can register for Search Fresh for free and there is no monthly fee. Businesses will only pay the 10 per cent commission fee following a shopper purchase.

Speaking about the site launch, Nick said: “The platform gives shoppers the convenience they look for in buying online, while enabling them to shop local and support businesses in their community.

“The site will operate on a ‘no sale, no fee’ basis, so businesses have nothing to lose when signing up. We want to support our local high street shops to stay afloat in lock down and hope that post covid-19 we can help businesses to attract new customers and keep independents booming.”

SearchFresh is built to allow businesses to have their own page which they can share on across their own digital channels and with customers.

The website is now live and businesses who wish to sign up can register their interest by completing the online form here – https://searchfresh.co.uk/become-a-supplier/

Check out some of the businesses to sign up to SearchFresh so far; Silk Road Spiced Rum Distillery, Violets Kitchen, Fresh Food Online and M.Hughes and Sons. You can shop direct from them here