Load retailers benefit from Smart mobile stores
ARE you having trouble buying load because of the quarantine? Try the
jeepalengkes (mobile stores). Mobile subscribers and “ka- partner” retailers can now access reloading stations even while under quarantine, thanks to the initiatives of local government units (LGUs) and Smart Communications Inc (Smart).
To help make its service more widely available even under quarantine, Smart has started working with LGUs and
barangay (village) personnel as they roll out jeepalengkes in barangays and cities affected by the lockdown. This allows Smart, TNT and Sun prepaid subscribers to reload their phones and buy PLDT and Smart Bro devices whenever they buy fresh produce or supplies in the mobile markets rolled out by the city LGU.
This service was initially launched in the mega cities of Caloocan and Valenzuela, and other areas in Luzon, as well as select towns in Cebu.
For pawnshop cashier Cathline Tumbocon from Labangon in Cebu, the mobile store gave her an avenue to start a new livelihood. She was able to buy a retailer SIM from the jeepalengke to start a small reloading business while her town is under ECQ.
Tiaong, Quezon resident Leo Guerra’s small supply business was also affected by the current health crisis. A Type 2 diabetic, he had thought of temporarily stopping his small business of supplying sari-sari stores with fast retail products. But the demand of his customers — whom he already considers as his extended family, as well as his need for income to buy his maintenance medicine changed his mind.
Using his customized owner-type jeep rolling store, Guerra has become a Smart loading ‘station’ himself, roving in the area and serving the community.
For more information, visit www. smart.com.ph/.