SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — As people continue to wipe out store shelves and stock up on essential items, a new app called Markk is helping users locate where products like water, eggs, and toilet paper are actually in stock.
"I think the main thing that makes us happy, is it's helping people out there," said co-founder, Shachin Bharadwaj.
What started off as a visual, real-time review app in late August, quickly pivoted to an emergency supply finder amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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"You can take photos and videos of the store with items you want to focus on," said Bharadwaj.
Markk gives users the ability to take pictures or videos of the in stock essential items, in real-time, then tag their location and post.
"It's like an Instagram story basically," said Bharadwaj.
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Your location must be enabled while using the app, but it only shows up to other users when posting from a store.
The pictures or videos get marked on a map and may stay there for up to 24 hours.
"If you see new users coming into the same place and giving a better marking, the older marking automatically expires," explained Bharadwaj.
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You can also let users know what's out of stock, saving your neighbors a trip and reducing crowding in grocery stores.
"If you can help people in the community report essentials, when you are out buying stuff for yourself, then I think you are helping the greater cause," he said.
This is only the third week the emergency supply finder has been in use, it is available worldwide but have mostly been used in Los Angeles.
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Bharadwak is hoping to get the word out so neighbors can begin helping each other during this unusual time.
"It will really help the community kind of be stronger and bring something for each other," he said.
Markk is available in the Apple App Store as well as the Google Play Store.