For those who believe that all models have been tested in e-commerce, it is worth taking a look at VITK.COM.UA, an online store for prisoners launched by the Dnipropetrovsk-based (Dnepropetrovsk) IT company CDM. The service, which has been live since August, is a joint project of CDM and the management of the state penitentiary service in the region.
With its basic user interface, the resource allows relatives of prisoners to arrange deliveries of necessary items (for example, cigarettes, slippers, household items like a kettle or a TV, food) through the Internet. The relatives complete the order, which is then transmitted to the addressee in a particular correctional institute.
At the moment, delivery is available to 15 regions of Ukraine. It is possible to pay by bank card, through cash-in payment kiosks, and other methods. There are limits placed on the transfers, as deliveries shall not exceed 50kg during one month, excluding cigarettes and tea. It is not possible to send items in glass jars.
Recently, CDM also launched the portal 102.DP.UA, which is another project with law enforcement authorities. Here, in the “Useful Information” tab, is more information about what can be transferred to prisons. “It is clear that the target audience is special – and the goods, too, if you think about it – is an excellent innovation, making life for certain people better,” says MP Olga Belkova, who deals with legislation in the sphere of e-commerce.
Source: AIN.UA
