What is TaskRabbit?
Ours is a busy culture.
So busy that we often don’t have time to do everyday tasks – no matter how big or small – ourselves.
That’s where TaskRabbit comes in.
Launched in San Francisco, TaskRabbit is an on-demand errand service that helps people mark stuff off of their to-do list by providing them with their own personal assistant.
Think of it as the modern way to get odd jobs.
TaskRabbit customers post the everyday tasks they can’t or don’t have time to do on their own like housework, taking customer support calls, putting together IKEA furniture (or any furniture for that matter), hanging pictures, changing door knobs, cleaning houses, and more.
People who are qualified to do those things – known as Taskers – apply to the tasks listed on the TaskRabbit platform that they are interested in and get it done for the poster. One of TaskRabbit’s largest competitors is Airtasker, a company with a similar name.
TaskRabbit users sign in and create a job with a short description describing the task.
The platform then gives them a choice between a few taskers that are qualified to complete that task.
The user picks one that’s available in their chosen time frame, and the task gets assigned to that Tasker who can either accept or reject the job.
On the Tasker side, workers have the opportunity to work a side-gig on their own terms and time.
It’s easier, and probably more fun, to work a few tasks that are in your wheelhouse than get a boring second job that has set hours and tedious work.
[su_note]TaskRabbit is the go-to platform for people to connect with others who can provide a special or unique service on the cheap.[/su_note]
Finally, a way to get someone else to pick up your dry-cleaning – or a way to make some extra money for picking up dry-cleaning!
The great thing for Taskers is that they get paid via the app when they complete the task.
No waiting.
It’s a far cry from unguaranteed work like you might find on Craigslist or on a third party site like Facebook Marketplace.
You might even meet the perfect connections to create your dream career.
If you are interested in dipping into the gig economy, TaskRabbit is a great choice.
They allow you a platform by which you can be an independent contractor building a business for yourself and leveraging your customer service skills.
We’re going to show you how to make the most of this excellent service.
Let’s get started!
How to Get Started with TaskRabbit
To start completing tasks, you first need to create an account!
It’s easy and only takes a couple of minutes.
Go to the TaskRabbit Tasker sign up page and follow these steps:
- Create your account – fill in your email and contact information.
- On the next page, upload a clear photo of yourself (you have to do this to continue).
- Enter the city you want to work in, your address, what kind of smartphone you have, and how you get around (bike, truck, van, car, etc.).
- Next, they’ll want to know what you can do and give you several categories of task types to choose from.
- Set your rates – don’t worry, it’s easy. They tell you what the best rate is for each task.
- Choose from a basic list of supplies you have on hand to complete each task.
- Craft and write your pitch for each of your chosen tasks.
- Scroll to the top and click Continue.
- E-sign two pages of background check disclosures.
- At this point, you will be paying for the processing fees for registration. They will ask for your credit card information and charge your card a non-refundable $20 if your registration is successful.
- They will need your identification numbers like your Social Security Number and driver’s license to run your background check. Background checks help TaskRabbit clients feel safe hiring you, and that gets you more work.
- TaskRabbit also asks for your personal bank account information so that they can pay you instantly when you complete a task!
So what happens next?
If you’re approved, you will get an email inviting you to an Info Session.
This is an onboarding session in your city that will teach you the ins and outs of being a Tasker.
Once you’ve finished the process, you can access the Tasker app and start completing tasks!
Who is Eligible to Become a Tasker?
You are eligible to become a Tasker if you are an adult with skills that are needed in your community and meet the Tasker requirements.
To get it straight from the rabbit’s mouth, here are the requirements to be a Tasker in the U.S. as summarized from the TaskRabbit website:
- You must have a U.S. Social Security Number
- You have to be 21 years of age or older to perform tasks because TaskRabbit has legal liability implications to watch out for.
- Live or be able to work in one the 42 metro areas in the U.S. where TaskRabbit is available. If you don’t see yours, check back later – they are rapidly expanding.
- Pass a background check and ID check. According to TaskRabbit, “We process a full criminal background check on all U.S. Taskers. We will require your full legal name, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number.”
- You must have a checking account with a credible financial institution. Per the website, “Your banking information is needed to establish a direct deposit for your earnings once you are registered.”
- Have a valid credit card for the registration fee.
- Possess skills and capabilities to perform in one or more of the 40+ task categories, per the demand of your location.
- Have an iPhone iOS 7.0 (or later) or Android 4.0.3 or later smartphone (the Tasker app is available through Apple or Google Play stores, but there is not a Windows app for it at this time).
How Do I Make the Most of TaskRabbit?
Now that you’re all set up and ready to start, where do you go from here?
Below are a few helpful tips to make sure you get started on the right foot:
1. Create top-notch applications every time
This is especially important when you’re choosing your tasks.
Write an excellent pitch for every task you are interested in.
Provide details, references, and examples of past work.
Use a friendly but professional tone in your writing.
The more time you put into each application, the better.
Bidding for a task is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing.
Each blurb you create for a task is what your potential clients will see.
Spend the time to write blurbs that will win you jobs.
The video component in each application helps you showcase your personal brand.
Again, be positive, be friendly, and be professional.
The video is the first time your client sees you – make a good impression!
2. Be willing to take lower rates (at first)
Hear us out.
We’re not suggesting you work for pennies, but don’t be discouraged if you aren’t making tons of cash right away.
You’ve got a reputation to earn, too.
The key with TaskRabbit is to build up a strong profile as you complete tasks.
Clients are hesitant to pay full price for a Tasker with no reputation over one that is tried and true.
However, many are willing to give a new Tasker a chance if they can get the job done for less money.
So, don’t shy away from a task because of a low rate – it could lead to a door opening for you.
Use your best judgment in picking your tasks.
Be wary of clients that want too much done in too short a period.
You have to think about what your true capabilities are and be able to identify clients whose expectations are too high.
If you don’t meet the standards of an overly demanding client, it could hurt your reputation.
Take the fast track to success with a compelling profile, a reliable track record, and a friendly and professional reputation.
3. Raise your hourly rates frequently
Don’t be afraid to raise your hourly rates as you complete more tasks and gain more experience.
Every time you complete a task you are becoming better at that job.
Your price should reflect that.
It might feel weird to price yourself, but if you don’t raise your rates as your experience level grows, you cheat yourself out of a fair wage.
You might also cheat yourself out of jobs.
Consumers are often wary of the lowest priced option.
They are drawn to mid-range prices because they consciously or subconsciously believe they’re getting a good deal on a reliable product or service.
Roll with their assumptions and work yourself up to at least mid-range on most of your tasks.
How do you raise your rates?
Incrementally.
Raise them frequently but not too often.
More than once a month may scare off any regular clients you’ve gained.
A few dollars every few months, or a few dollars every time you learn a new skill related to that task should do the trick.
However you do it, do it regularly.
If you want to snag higher-paying jobs on TaskRabbit, keep an eye on the market in your area.
You might be great at window washing or dog walking, but you might find that other tasks that you can do pay higher rates.
Some people report increasing income when they switched from administrative work to helping clients move.
It happened when started paying attention to the local task market.
To make even more money, be open to unusual opportunities.
Sign up for same day tasks when you have some free time.
4. Respond to requests promptly
You have 30 minutes to confirm or decline a task after a client requests that you be assigned to it.
Be prompt in your reply.
Unresponsive Taskers risk hurting their ratings when they keep clients waiting.
You don’t want any roadblocks to being assigned future tasks.
Always mark yourself available when you are ready and able to work.
But, make sure you are actually available.
It doesn’t look good if you are continually rejecting tasks because you’re overbooked.
If you know you might not have time to dedicate to answering requests as they come in, consider marking your profile as unavailable.
5. Know your limits
While it’s tempting to load yourself up with to-dos, especially in the beginning, it’s a bad strategy that can come back to bite you.
Know how much you can feasibly take on at any given time and stick to that.
Remember that when you take on more than you can handle, your work quality suffers.
Assess how much is too much to keep yourself within reasonable limits.
Working harder or longer doesn’t mean you’re working better.
Work smarter to work well.
If you take on fewer tasks, it doesn’t mean that you’re lazy or that you can’t do the job – it says you are conscious and considerate of your limits and that you want to maintain a high standard of work.
Knowing and keeping your limits makes you – and your future clients – happy and satisfied with your work.
As far as side-gig opportunities go, TaskRabbit is one of the best if you want to be in business for yourself entirely.
If you think you have the discipline and courage to devote yourself to building up your business, you could make as much as $2,000 a week.
Of course, not all Taskers make that much, but those who have put the time and effort in have been able to quit their day jobs and make a decent living.
Here are three reasons that TaskRabbit is an excellent way to get in on the gig economy boom:
- It’s convenient.
- You control what tasks you do.
- It’s a great way to build connections that lead to other jobs.
If you build a reputation for being prompt, detail-oriented, and a provider of quality work, you will be successful with TaskRabbit.
Interested?
Give some thought to what you’re good at and capable of, find a great profile picture, get ready for your video close up, and head to the signup page!
