By significantly reducing delivery times by over 40%, GoLemon intends to solidify its position in a competitive market where rivals such as Mano, Price Pally, My FoodAngels, and Chowdeck provide same-day delivery services.
The company has confirmed that it will operate 24/7 to facilitate quicker delivery times.
“Our operations now encompass overnight shopping (referred to as picking and packing), processing, early morning quality assessments, and real-time inventory management,” stated GoLemon co-founder Abdulrahman Jogbojogbo in an interview with TechCabal.
A source familiar with the company's operations revealed that the tech team is working on a new dashboard to enhance order tracking and internal communication, replacing the previously utilized Slack bots. The team will also implement shift work to boost overall efficiency.
Industry analyses indicate that faster delivery often leads to higher fulfillment costs. Nevertheless, GoLemon has assured that its delivery pricing will remain the same.
The introduction of next-day delivery marks a significant change for a company that has previously emphasized quality and affordability over speed.
During a panel discussion at Moonshot by TechCabal, GoLemon CEO Yinka Adewuyi noted that the typical customer, who tends to make bulk purchases with an average basket size of ₦50,000, is not particularly urgent about delivery. This allows the startup to optimize delivery routes based on proximity, resulting in delivery fees as low as ₦300.
While slower shipping enables a company to manage fulfillment expenses effectively, it can diminish the appeal of grocery delivery services to impulse buyers—a key demographic driving the expansion of startups like Chowdeck, which procures groceries from malls and local markets within 40 minutes, and Mano, which operates from its dark stores across various locations in Lagos and Abuja. PricePally and MyFoodAngels obtain produce directly from farmers and open markets.
“We have always aimed for next-day delivery,” stated Jogbojogbo, co-founder of GoLemon. During the pilot phase, the eight-month-old startup initially offered deliveries only on weekends, he noted. The company is taking a measured approach to prioritize building direct relationships with more farmers, manufacturers, and distributors who meet their quality standards.
“The current 36-hour window likely provides GoLemon sufficient time to locate the requested item and adhere to the expected delivery schedule,” remarked Olapeju Umah, CEO of MyFoodAngels.
Efficient grocery delivery entails more than just procurement; it also necessitates effective inventory management to ensure prompt access to a diverse product range. Collaborating with a storage facility provider can be a viable solution for startups lacking warehouse resources. Additionally, accurate demand forecasting optimizes inventory levels. GoLemon's intelligent prediction model reportedly aids in stocking appropriate items and quantities.
Reducing delivery times enhances GoLemon's competitiveness against established players. However, our goal extends beyond rapid commerce; we aim to provide a comprehensive grocery shopping experience accessible to all, offering products at the most competitive prices and highest quality," emphasizes Jogbojogbo.