Franchised convenience chain 7-Eleven Australia is responding to the coronavirus crisis with a brand new delivery service.

The initiative took little more than two weeks to design and implement in Melbourne. There are plans to extend this interstate in coming months.

The initiative harnesses the capabilities of the 7-Eleven Group’s 2018 acquisition, Tipple.

7-Eleven’s CEO Angus McKay said the business had tapped into one of its fellow brands, the on-demand alcohol delivery service Tipple.

“The 7-Eleven Group acquired a majority stake in Tipple in 2018, as part of our investment in on-demand ‘last-mile’ delivery and technological capability,” he said.

“By working with their network of delivery drivers, we’re able to provide consumers with more options to get the things they need while minimising how often they need to leave their house.

“We are rolling this out in Melbourne for most suburbs and will look at other states in the coming months.”

Taking action to get essential goods out into the community through a contactless delivery service gives the convenience chain another revenue stream.

“This new service is ideal for people who are unable to get out to get basic essentials or ready to eat foods and need delivery within a shorter time frame. In some suburbs there are within the hour delivery options, but for most suburbs, customers can order for next day delivery,” McKay explained.

Consumers can log on to www.7ElevenDelivery.com.au to place their order. The cost of delivery is $7.95.

The service is being tested in selected Melbourne stores, mostly franchised outlets, to ensure the technology and logistics is performing.

The sales go through the store that fulfils the order, with the same profit share arrangement as an over the counter transaction.

7-Eleven has more than 700 stores trading, providing essential items for healthcare workers and other shoppers seeking fuel and grocery staples.

“Our stores are open around the clock and part of the suburbs in which we live. Our store teams are working incredibly hard on increased cleaning routines and helping customers with the new social distancing requirements in-stores,” McKay said.