Summary:
TaskRabbit is a service that allows users to either hire another user to complete various tasks for them or for users to apply their insights to help another user with tasks. The household tasks typically require knowledge on that subject like plumbing for example. TaskRabbit was bought in 2017 by IKEA and now uses its workers to assemble furniture for customers. One new store led to over an 80% growth in the number of tasks needed and performed.
Tasks are priced fairly and uses a review system similar to that of Uber allowing users to see the number of tasks completed as well as how reliable that person is.
Analysis:
This gets people comfortable with the idea of gig workers entering your home as the whole premise is inviting a stranger in your home to do odd-jobs . This idea is also seen as one of the omnichannel methods retailers are starting to employ. Amazon is delivering packages inside of your garage while Walmart is delivering groceries in your kitchen. It doesn’t just stop with pickup. It doesn’t stop with delivery even. Delivery is continuing to expand.
I am not one to consider allowing strangers into my home, but in this can be extremely helpful to those with vulnerabilities. Those with vulnerabilities don’t have to ask those they know for help (which can be embarrassing for some depending on the ask) or scour online forums and YouTube tutorials (which without experience the user can mess up). Instead, the vulnerable now have a service to easily get the assistance they need which doubles as a service to help people learn from one another. I think in-home grocery delivery is also extremely helpful to those with vulnerabilities. Vulnerable and invulnerable alike have use for these services which helps normalize needing assistance.
Source:
Publisher: Monaco Tribune
Author: Théo Briand
Date: July 26, 2022
