Gigwalk is a mobile-based platform that connects businesses with a network of on-demand workers (often called “Gigwalkers”) to perform various short-term, location-based tasks. These tasks can range from collecting data at specific retail locations to conducting quality control checks, all aimed at helping businesses gather insights or ensure standards across different sites. Here’s a deeper look into Gigwalk’s setup, functionality, and its impact in the gig economy.

Overview of Gigwalk

Founded in 2010, Gigwalk enables companies to scale up a temporary workforce efficiently without the administrative complexity of traditional hiring. Businesses post tasks on the platform, which are then available to Gigwalkers, who complete them for a set fee. The model emphasizes flexibility, allowing companies to use Gigwalk’s workforce as needed, while offering workers the freedom to pick up tasks in their area whenever convenient.

How Gigwalk Works

1. Sign Up and Onboarding: To get started, companies and workers both need to sign up on the Gigwalk app. Gigwalkers complete an onboarding process, which typically involves downloading the mobile app, creating a profile, and entering bank details for payment.
2. Task Posting and Bidding: Businesses create tasks and post them on the platform with detailed requirements, location, and payout information. Examples of tasks include verifying product displays, capturing photos of store aisles, conducting customer surveys, or checking store stock levels. Tasks are then available on the app for Gigwalkers within that geographic area.
3. Task Acceptance and Completion: Once a Gigwalker accepts a task, they visit the specified location, complete the required actions, and submit proof through the app, typically via photos, checklists, or feedback forms. The platform often verifies the data before sending payment.
4. Payment and Rating: After a Gigwalker completes a task, the company reviews the submission for quality and accuracy. Payment is processed through the app once the task is approved. Gigwalkers are rated based on performance, which helps them qualify for more tasks and improve their reliability on the platform.

Types of Tasks on Gigwalk

Gigwalk tasks vary widely depending on the business needs. Common tasks include:

• Retail Audits: Verifying product placements, displays, or prices in stores.
• Event Promotion: Checking brand presence or promotional materials at events.
• Mystery Shopping: Posing as regular customers to assess service quality or product availability.
• Data Collection: Gathering specific data, like stock levels or customer insights, directly in the field.

Benefits for Businesses and Workers

Gigwalk provides distinct advantages to both sides of its marketplace:

1. For Businesses:
   • Scalable Workforce: Companies can ramp up temporary staffing to meet seasonal or situational needs without the commitment of traditional hiring.Real-Time Insights: The app’s geolocation feature allows businesses to collect near-instant feedback from specific locations.Cost-Effective Operations: Paying per task allows companies to optimize expenses, often making Gigwalk more affordable than hiring full-time field teams.
2. For Workers (Gigwalkers):
   • Flexible Income Source: Gigwalkers can choose when and where to work, fitting tasks around their schedule.
   • Easy Access to Gigs: With the mobile app, workers can browse and pick tasks close to them, minimizing travel costs and time.
   • Varied Experience: Tasks provide opportunities to explore various retail environments and gain customer service or quality assessment skills.

Gigwalk’s Role in the Gig Economy

As the gig economy grows, platforms like Gigwalk fill the demand for short-term, project-based work. Gigwalk appeals especially to people looking for supplemental income and who prefer autonomy over a traditional employment setup. For businesses, it exemplifies the shift towards flexible staffing solutions that can adapt to varying operational needs.