Using Uber/Lyft for non-rideshare things
Oct 25, 2015 | 6:37 pm
#1
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Using Uber/Lyft for non-rideshare things
Today when I got to BOS to check in (and of course way after I had returned the rental car), I realized I had left my phone near Braintree. I used my wife's phone to call an UberX (my phone is low maintenance) and had the driver pick up my phone and drop it off to me in the terminal.
Phone in my hand within 25 minutes, no bothering anyone to drive it for me, no wasting my own time and extra expense getting out there to get it myself.
I've also had a driver go pick up takeout food for me from a place that didn't deliver (and before UberEATS existed).
Phone in my hand within 25 minutes, no bothering anyone to drive it for me, no wasting my own time and extra expense getting out there to get it myself.
I've also had a driver go pick up takeout food for me from a place that didn't deliver (and before UberEATS existed).
Oct 27, 2015 | 4:50 am
#2
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That's a rather interesting use of Uber. I suppose it's a great idea provided that the driver is able to understand what you're requesting.
Pitch the idea to Uber. Perhaps they'll roll out an UberAssistant service or something.
Pitch the idea to Uber. Perhaps they'll roll out an UberAssistant service or something.
Oct 29, 2015 | 4:28 pm
#4
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Nov 1, 2015 | 10:19 pm
#6
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Uber CEO states all the time that their end game is not just transportation, but any and all services that can be accomplished by getting a car to you within 5 minutes...you will start to see a lot more services being offered by Uber than just a taxi alternative.
Nov 6, 2015 | 8:00 am
#7
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Why not?
I've used Uber on a number of occasions to go pick up a pizza, drop off something etc.
The drivers are paid by the minute, as well, and I always ask them when I get into the car if they would like to wait, or if they want to end the trip and then I can order another car.
I've used Uber on a number of occasions to go pick up a pizza, drop off something etc.
The drivers are paid by the minute, as well, and I always ask them when I get into the car if they would like to wait, or if they want to end the trip and then I can order another car.
Nov 9, 2015 | 4:26 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYC
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Uber already has specialty delivery services in some markets. Here in NYC they have UberRush, which is a bike messenger service, and they have UberEats, where they have a different restaurant each week available for delivery using Uber.
It's also long-standing practice in cities like NYC to use car services as couriers for places that bike messengers or on-foot couriers can't easily reach.
Law firms and investment banks use them all the time to deliver time-sensitive documents to VIPs in the suburbs. Restaurants and specialty food stores use them to deliver beyond their regular bike-based delivery zones. Using Uber for that purpose is no different than any other car service.
It's also long-standing practice in cities like NYC to use car services as couriers for places that bike messengers or on-foot couriers can't easily reach.
Law firms and investment banks use them all the time to deliver time-sensitive documents to VIPs in the suburbs. Restaurants and specialty food stores use them to deliver beyond their regular bike-based delivery zones. Using Uber for that purpose is no different than any other car service.
Nov 10, 2015 | 2:50 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CLT
Posts: 7,249
The only time I know drivers don't like this is when they have to front the money. I know some drivers would get requests to go to McDonalds or buy cigarettes. It's one thing if you are just picking up something that is already paid for, but I'd hesitate to buy cigarettes or alcohol for anyone...especially if I have to front the money.