The month is March 2020 and the world is currently on lockdown because of a human-spread virus. A “Stay at Home Order” has been issued for most of the country. Because of the risks, some people are shopping on behalf of their friends and families with needs.
The Problem…
You typically purchase items with the swipe of a card. But what if you’re not the one shopping? Do you have enough cash on hand to repay your friend? Do you have checks? If you are out of both, how do you ensure that your friendship is not broken by an “I owe you?”
The Options…
You can order your items and pay online. You can have it delivered by a stranger. Unfortunately, shipping times may be days or months out and your friend offered to pick up a few items at the store for you today. You verified that the merchandise you need is in stock and you really want to make your famous chocolate chip raisin cookies tonight. What should you do?
The Solution…
Well, there are numerous apps that may help with that.
(If you’re not familiar with the concept of apps, check out this post.)
Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay offer safe and secure ways to send money to your friends. They link to your credit card or bank account – so it’s like you’re swiping your card, but the money appears in your friend’s account instead.
There is no need for cash or waiting three months to make your favorite cookies because of shipping delays. You can pay your friend instantly through whatever app they prefer.