Bookmychotu.com, Delhi-based startup is providing helpers to stand in long ATM, bank queues

Paytm might just get tad jealous of Book My Chotu during this demonetization time.

No cash in the wallet, but the long queues outside ATM and banks look bothersome. If you are still struggling to decide between standing in never-ending queues to collect money or attending the important meeting, we feel you. It might sound like an infomercial but one startup which has turned these torrid times into a fantabulous business idea is the Delhi-based startup, BookMyChotu (No, it’s not related to BookMyShow). The nation is gripped with the after-effects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetization effect leading to a cash-crunch state. Identifying the common troubles across the country, Bookmychotu.com founded by Satjeet Singh Bedi has come up with a service of providing helpers for standing in queues outside the ATMs and banks. Woah, that’s freaking cool.

This month, PM Modi made startling announcements including the ban on old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 and introduction of new Rs 2000 note. The move taken to curb the black money issues and make India, a corruption free nation has showcased an adverse effect on the daily lives of a common man. Apart from making existing old currency notes illegal, the Prime Minister also imposed a daily withdrawal limit of Rs 2,000-Rs 2,500 on ATMs and Rs 4,000 in the exchange of old currency notes. The limited ways to get the cash have led to a chaotic atmosphere with both the people and bank employees feeling the heat. The saddening reports of long queues and confusion claiming lives only make the situation grimmer.

In tough times as such, Book My Chotu comes across like a breath of fresh air. Boasting to be India’s first ‘on-demand helper booking website’ BookMyChotu is cashing on the concept of providing an assistant or simply a helper who will stand for you while being charged on an hourly basis. Chotu, a typical Delhi term to address your helper or sidekick is ready to bail you out of the frustrating queues. Running a comprehensive campaign including a Facebook page and YouTube video dedicated to helping the needy ones, the start-up has picked up the pace in attracting eyeballs. They charge Rs 90 for an hour and like any other business, the longer the hours consumed the service providers get generous with the pricing. Currently available in Delhi NCR, people look forward to the start-up extending its services in other parts of the country. (Yes, it is getting damm popular in no time, Paytm might just get a tad jealous).

Quoting the American author and entrepreneur, Ryan Holiday, “The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition,” it is all about turning obstacles into opportunities. How many times are the strategies discussed in an MBA class but very few are able to execute successfully. BookMyChotu is definitely reaping the crop of cashing the timely opportunity.