Rides aside, Uber is working on a ‘Chores’ service to let you order handymen to do odd jobs

Ride-hailing and meal delivery company Uber may be close to opening a new vertical. According to a recent Bloomberg story, the company is working on a code that introduces a “Chore” section within the app. From the available details so far, the above feature will allow customers to hire people to do everyday tasks using the app.

Popular iOS developer, Steve Moser spotted the code and shared it with Bloomberg. While he discovered it, the code does not come with samples of what the Chore service might look like. However, one can speculate that the ride-hailing company’s proposed offering will resemble that of TaskRabbit. TaskRabbit, a same-day service platform founded in 2008, has a roster of people willing to do tasks like appliance repair, cleaning, and moving assistance. 

Based on the code, a hireling or “tasker” can be contracted to do various odd jobs for at least one hour.  To get the right fit, customers can provide additional details about the job. They can state what specific service is needed, the time it will likely take to complete, and how soon they want the tasker to come. 

Interestingly, customers who patronize the Chore section will likely enjoy a major perk that comes with Uber’s ride-hailing and meal-delivery offerings. Users can input the address of where the task should be performed. They can also assess their request before tapping a button to submit. The app will calculate the price using the time it will likely take to perform the task. 

Read also: Uber Eats Kenya now delivers alcohol and medicine amid growing competition from rivals

No availability date yet for Uber Chores

When contacted, an Uber spokesperson refused to share insights into the code’s details. As such, it is worth noting that companies often consider implementing new features, although not all eventually make it to the users. Last year, another code indicated that the company was considering the launch of an AI-driven chatbot for Uber Eats that would accelerate order wait times and enhance the customer experience. 

While the Chore feature is not certain of an actual launch, the possibility should not be written off entirely. Uber began operations as a ride-hailing business, offering clients the ease of booking private trips to various destinations. It eventually broadened its horizon and included a meal delivery vertical called UberEats. 

With ride-hailing and meal delivery, it already competes with Bolt. If the higher-ups green-light Chore, then the company will enter a new territory. As mentioned, TaskRabbit and Angi are major players in the same-day service scene.