Need a Hand? Get a Personal Assistant with Uber Tasks!
Uber Technologies Inc. is set to introduce a small-scale trial program for a service similar to TaskRabbit, allowing users of their app to hire individuals for a range of household tasks. This move is part of Uber’s strategy to diversify their offerings beyond transportation and deliveries.
During the program’s first test, drivers and couriers on Uber’s app can choose to help customers with small home projects, including assembling furniture, doing household laundry and mowing the lawn, the company said Monday.
The feature, called “Uber Tasks,” will roll out in the coming weeks in Fort Myers, Florida, and Edmonton, Alberta, the company said. Other possible chores include snow removal, packing or unpacking, holiday decorating, yard cleaning and gardening. Drivers and couriers see the company’s estimated earnings before booking a task.
“This small pilot is the latest way for drivers and couriers to use their skills and earn on their own schedule,” an Uber spokesperson said. “We’re always thinking about how we can give people more ways to earn with Uber.”
The move confirms a Bloomberg News report in September about evidence of such a feature in the Uber app’s software code. If expanded, the program would put Uber in competition with TaskRabbit Inc. and Angi Inc., which also support household tasks.
In its Q3 report last week, Uber posted a second straight profitable quarter, but sales were up just 11% from a year ago. This meant the slowest revenue growth in 10 quarters and missed analysts’ forecasts. Uber is looking for new ways to generate revenue by expanding its service and travel offerings in domestic and international markets.
