DeliSwift

client

DeliSwift

role

Data, Marketing, Operations, Product, Startup

Year

2020

Objective

In 2020, DeliSwift was born out of a simple yet ambitious idea: offer a true digital bodega experience—faster, friendlier, and more convenient than what traditional convenience stores or big-name delivery platforms could deliver.

Co-founded by Chris and his longtime friend Brandon, DeliSwift set out to recreate the familiarity, reliability, and accessibility of the local corner deli right at customers’ doorsteps. At a time when COVID-19 lockdowns kept people indoors and craving comforts, our mission became clear: satisfy those cravings with fresh products, fair pricing, and a delivery speed that redefined convenience.

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Our Work

1. Strategic Discovery & Operational Efficiencies

‍Instead of relying solely on third-party inventory, we chose to stock our own shelves—everything from household essentials to locally sourced fresh sandwiches. With controlled inventory and finely tuned delivery workflows, we achieved an industry-leading average delivery time of under 15 minutes. This speed didn’t come from massive budgets or corporate scale, but from careful planning, nimble operations, and an unwavering commitment to delighting our customers.

2. Product Mix Optimization & Local Market Insight:

By listening closely to the community, we discovered that certain high-demand items—like ice cream pints—were notoriously out of stock on competitor platforms and often overpriced. We leaned into these insights to curate a product mix that met genuine local needs. Our decision to partner with a local fresh sandwich provider allowed us to deliver a deli experience reminiscent of a neighborhood favorite, bridging the gap between digital convenience and tactile, comforting familiarity.

3.High-Impact, Low-Cost Marketing:

‍Armed with limited funds, we focused on grassroots marketing. During the height of COVID, local food influencers and community personalities became our strongest allies; their authentic endorsements resonated with neighbors and friends stuck at home. Meanwhile, cost-effective social media ads and even Out-of-Home (OOH) placements at bus stops helped us reach working-class customers at street level. This combination of digital and physical marketing touchpoints built early buzz without the need for deep pockets.

4. Adapting in a Rapidly Changing Market:

‍With lockdowns fluctuating and consumer behavior evolving daily, we stayed agile. If certain products fell out of favor, we adapted. If a particular neighborhood showed a surge in demand, we focused on refining service routes there. This data-driven flexibility allowed us to iterate quickly, continuously improving our value proposition.

Our Process & Story

1. Research & Community Engagement:

‍We began by surveying local needs, tasting the city’s culinary quirks, and understanding what people missed about their pre-lockdown routines. Customers weren’t just ordering items; they were looking to recapture a piece of normalcy in abnormal times. Those insights fueled our product selection and unwavering emphasis on speed and reliability.

2. Grassroots Execution & Authenticity:

‍Chris, the founder, and Brandon, the co-founder brought on board for his grassroots marketing expertise, leveraged their longstanding friendship and trust in one another’s instincts. With their combined perspectives, DeliSwift wasn’t just a startup—it was two friends determined to serve their community. We translated that personal energy into our brand voice, making every order feel like it came from a familiar neighborhood spot rather than a faceless app.

3. Continuous Learning & Iteration:

‍Early feedback loops—listening to customers, influencers, and vendors—helped us refine our approach. From adjusting product availability based on real-time feedback to tailoring marketing messages around what resonated most, we remained flexible and responsive, never boxing ourselves into rigid strategies.

The Results

Our combination of operational innovation, community-driven marketing, and thoughtful product curation led DeliSwift from zero to over $25,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue. This was achieved without heavy venture capital backing or splashy ad campaigns. Instead, we focused on building trust at a local level, delivering products people actually wanted, and making their day a bit easier and tastier.

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Conclusion

DeliSwift’s journey is more than a growth story; it’s a tale of friendship, adaptability, and care for the people we served. Founded at a time of uncertainty, and strengthened by grassroots strategies and a deep connection with the community, DeliSwift proved that you don’t need millions of dollars or a big-name brand to make a difference.

You just need to listen, adapt, and deliver on your promises—every single time.

DeliSwift

Objective

Our Work

Our Process & Story

The Results

Conclusion

Let's work.