In Medellin? Make Sure to Download Colombia's Biggest App:
Rappi
Rappi is a concept that significantly expands on the notion of on-demand delivery. Here’s a full guide to the Colombian application.
By Kaveh Paymayesh
Are you going to be in Medellin? If so, there are certain things that you should know about in order to optimize your experience. Even more so if you plan on spending substantial time in the city.
Let’s talk about Rappi – the popular Colombian app that has taken the country by storm – with good reason.
Rappi, although subject to some significant issues, brings a lot of utility to its users. On that basis, I recommend that people going to Medellin download it prior to their arrival.
What is Rappi?
Launched in 2015, Rappi is easily one of Colombia’s most successful start-ups.
The company is currently valued at $5.25 BILLION. In the first quarter of 2020, this figure was $3.6b – representing a whopping 45.83% increase of value in just one year.
Rappi is an application that has capitalized on Colombia’s rapid technological growth.
In a country that had long been stunted by civil turmoil and narco-chaos, Colombia now boasts the 4th largest number of internet users in the whole of Latin America. Rappi has taken full of advantage of this period of growth in the nation.
But, they’ve not limited themselves to the one nation; the start-up giant has expanded oversees to 8 other countries in Latin America!
Rappi is a testament to Colombia’s entrepreneurial spirit (and customer service?)
So what does Rappi do?
In their own words (translated)…
“You no longer have to leave your house or office to enjoy the best of your city. We’ll bring you anything in minutes. Rappi has arrived to change your life.”
Basically, they provide on-demand deliveries for just about anything. Think of Uber Eats and 20x it. You order it; they bring it.
Here is a list of some of the things that Rappi offers its users:
Supermarket delivery
Your weekly shopping no longer requires you to leave your house. All of Medellin's best supermarkets, such as Exito & Carulla, are available on Rappi.
Takeaway
Order online to enjoy Medellin's eclectic selection of restaurants - delivered straight to your door in 'minutes'
ATM withdrawal
Rappi is able to deliver money to your door. This is, in my opinion, a brilliant feature that mitigates the dangers of visiting an ATM at late hours.
Pharmacy delivery
Have your medication & personal care delivered to your door via the app - 24/7
EXPRESS service
Users can opt for an EXPRESS service. This is targeted to those that need last minute items; by avoiding lines, the courier is able to deliver the goods to you within 35 minutes.
Pet walking
I kid you not... Not only can you buy pet care & food; Rappi offers the option to walk your beloved dogs. Not sure of how much value that would be for us foreigners. But hey, you never know.
Alcohol beverages
Alcohol & cigarettes can also be delivered.
Courier assistance
Need to deliver keys or any other personal possessions to a friend? Rappi can do that for you.
In essence, Rappi is designed to make your life easier.
It’s not hard to see how the start-up enjoyed such success during 2020; a period that was dominated by stringent lockdowns in Colombia.
Quite concerning actually – Rappi does well to remove any ‘need’ to leave the house.
How to get started
Here’s a download link for:
Apple devices
Android devices
Once you’ve downloaded Rappi then you’ll be asked to select a country.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate country (Colombia), you’ll be prompted to log in. This can be done via:
- Your telephone number
Immediately upon login – you’ll be asked to accept the Terms and Conditions.
As easy as it is to hastily accept the T&Cs, I implore you to read them. By accepting the T&Cs you are consenting to the use of your data for multiple purposes.
Nothing too malicious but definitely still worth skimming through.
…another good reason why you should learn some Spanish as these will not be stipulated in English.
Hey presto. You will be directed to the dashboard where you are free to render the services of Rappi.
Just be aware that the application is not fully translated into English.
Problems with Rappi
Unfortunately, Rappi is not all sunshine and rainbows. As the app’s success has grown, so too has the base of dissatisfied customers.
According to many users, the service has been steadily worsening. Chief complaints are that:
- Waiting times are too long
- Prices are subject to hikes
- The food can arrive cold
- The application is prone to random issues.
Some users have reported that their payment cards are suddenly are declined, after previously working without problem.
How to troubleshoot (your best bet)
For all software problems such as the one mentioned above, here’s what to do:
- Remove all payment methods and reinstall them. If this doesn’t work then…
- Ensure that the application is fully updated. If the issue is still not resolved…
- Reinstall the app.
My thoughts on Rappi
Based on the extensive list of services available, there’s no denying that Rappi is useful.
During Covid lockdowns, it was even essential…
Here’s why, on the balance of things, I like Rappi:
Supporting businesses
Rappi has stimulated demand for thousands of businesses in Medellin & Colombia. During lockdowns many depended on the takeaway service provided by Rappi. Businesses have been able to expand their reach and thus enjoy increased revenue.
Providing employment
Rappi has provided thousands of jobs for people in Colombia - a country that has always struggled with rampant unemployment. This has also benefited many Venezuelans.
Customer utility
Yes, the customer service is questionable. That's no shocker for any business in Colombia. On the other hand, there's a lot of value for customers; Rappi's objective is all about utility. Given their rapid expansion, it's safe to say that there is a demand being satisfied.
Conclusion: If you’re going to be in Medellin for more than a brief holiday then I would highly recommend the application. Just remember that Rappi is subject to technical errors amongst other issues. You’ve been advised!
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