Small Business Saturday is fast approaching on Nov. 28, and Lalamove, an on-demand and same-day delivery startup, wants to give back.

Data from the International Council for Small Business shows that micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) make up more than 90 percent of all businesses, accounting for some 60 to 70 percent of total employment. It’s apparent why MSMEs are often referred to as the backbone of a healthy economy.

But COVID-19 and the subsequent stay-at-home orders, supply chain disruptions, and demand drop has hit small businesses hard. The Lalamove team recognized that the livelihood of small business owners across the country—restaurants, cafes, gift shops, dry cleaners, bookstores—were at jeopardy, and adapted their services to show support.

In honor of Small Business Saturday, Lalamove is offering extremely discounted delivery prices in support of small businesses and the communities they serve in.

Dallas-based small- to mid-sized businesses can book a Lalamove driver to deliver an order and save on last-mile delivery challenges and cost. That’s mainly because, according to the startup, the prices are four to eight times less than a national shipping company.

Lalamove outlined its local prices in comparison to a national shipping company.

For a small, 10-pound package traveling from Downtown Dallas to Uptown Dallas, a Lalamove Sedan would cost $9.90 for same day, next day, and three day shipping. A big box retailer, according to Lalamove, would cost around $45 to $80, depending on the time of day.

And, from now until Nov. 30, Lalamove is offering any first-time customers a delivery fee of $1 or less for orders up to $20.

“Amidst COVID-19, it is more important than ever to shop local and support our small businesses,” Blake Larson, international managing director at Lalamove, said in a statement. “We look forward to providing same-day, on-demand delivery services to Dallas businesses in need of a fruitful start to the holiday season.”

Lalamove describes itself as a fast, reliable, contract-free delivery service.

With a mission to “make local deliveries faster and simpler,” the startup uses tech like instant order matching, real-time GPS vehicle tracking, an e-wallet, and a driver rating system to disrupt the traditional delivery model. The startup also touts its 24/7 driver availability, multi-stop booking, advance scheduling, and local customer support team in the regions it serves.

Lalamove currently operates in 24 markets across the globe, which has amounted to matching more than 7 million users with more than 700,000 delivery partners. By the end of the year, the startup told Dallas Innovates it hopes to reach a goal of 1,000 drivers.

Locally, a ten-member team housed in its North Dallas office supports a fleet of sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. The group is led by Managing Director John Chrin, a former Uber employee who uses his firsthand experience in the sharing economy to drive Dallas growth.

Lalamove said its currently in the process of expanding in Dallas by hiring a business development lead, digital marketing specialist, and graphic designer. There are also teams based in Chicago and Houston.

The startup told us all delivery partners have been carefully trained on safety, customer service, and COVID-19 health protocols.

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