Taskrabbit is a popular side hustle option for handy go-getters, but it may feel daunting if you’re just starting out.
Kevin Johnson has been there, done that, and found success. He’s a college student based in Maryland and offers handyman and moving services on the side. His dream is to open an automotive repair shop one day, and he views this hustle as valuable, if nontraditional, career experience.
Finding a traditional job isn’t exactly easy these days. According to the most recent jobs report, the economy added just 73,000 jobs in July. Compare that with 275,000 new entrants — people seeking their first job — who joined the ranks of those already looking.
If you need or want work, take note of what established Taskers like Johnson do to succeed in the gig economy.
What the work is like
Taskrabbit connects customers with capable workers who can put together furniture, lift heavy objects, mount a TV, declutter a room, clean house, run errands and more. The workers — called Taskers on the app — work independently and flexibly.
“Being a Tasker helps with making your own schedule and setting your own rates,” said Johnson in an email interview.
Las Vegas-based Tasker Nola Rodgers likes the people side of the work, and the money. She started tasking in 2021, after graduating high school in 2020, and has turned it into a full-time living.
“I love being able to help families and businesses have what they need to operate daily,” she said in an email interview. “If you offer enough tasks in different categories, you could end up making livable money.”
Rodgers would know. She’s got ‘elite tasker’ status on her profile — which signifies experience and consistently high ratings.
How to stand out and succeed as a Tasker
Specialize (in multiple high-demand skills)
Lean on your skills and into services that pay.
Rodgers does TV mounting, packing, organizing and unpacking and even minor home repairs, for example. She also builds a lot of Ikea stuff.
“Furniture assembly is what I get booked most often,” she said. She charges $41.29 per hour for furniture assembly and brings her own tools to the job.
Johnson gets a lot of moving and hauling jobs, which make use of the little red truck he bought in cash with his earnings.
He said “handyman work, such as furniture assembly and mounting [decor],” is good for pay and consistent bookings as well.
Optimize (your Taskrabbit profile)
Your profile is the front door of your Tasker business. Just starting out, you need a compelling pitch.
Rodgers’ profile is fun to read and conveys her passion for building things. Her service descriptions are clear and concise — only a couple lines of text — and include photos of past work (e.g., a big TV hanging level in a living room with all cables hidden).
Johnson, who does a lot of moving, mentions he has a truck, and provides a transparent breakdown of pricing on his profile.
Serve (customers with care)
When customers come knocking, treat them well. Responsiveness, timeliness and perfectionism are key qualities for successful Taskers.
Johnson said he responds to customer inquiries as quickly as he can and stays in contact throughout.
“I always arrive on time and keep them updated on my estimated arrival,” he said.
Customers and Taskers can chat and send photos about the job on the app and website, or connect on a call.
Rodgers also stressed the importance of doing right by the customer. “[It] builds word of mouth and helps with reviews and recommendations.”
Grind and grow (your Tasker earnings)
It may be wise to prioritize reviews over pay rates at first.
Rodgers was on the grind from day one, and said bookings came quickly. “I got on the app and I started doing same-day tasks — I started getting clients that day.” The same-day jobs gave way to advanced bookings, and the ability to earn more.
“I took pictures of my work as I finished tasks to start my portfolio and set my rates at what was recommended, and raised them as it was suggested by Taskrabbit,” she said.
The app offers pricing guidance based on location, task category and level of experience, so you can set competitive rates.
How much you can make depends on a range of factors, especially the time you have for hustling. Both Rodgers and Johnson estimated that new Taskers have the potential to earn around $1,000 – $1,500 a month, but that may not be realistic for all.
And don’t forget — you do gig work like Taskrabbit as a self-employed independent contractor, which means it’s on you to plan for tax time. The good news is Taskrabbit takes its service fee from clients — charged on top of the rate you set.
What to know before you gig
“It is still work,” said Rodgers.
Being bossless may seem appealing, but it requires self-motivation and initiative to get things done without someone pushing you. Passion is key, as giving your best effort in a skill that resonates with you can lead to success.
Reddit reviews of Taskrabbit as a side hustle are mixed, with some users facing challenges such as market saturation, inconsistent income, and the need for multiple skills to maximize earnings. However, the experience gained as a Tasker can serve as a stepping stone to future opportunities.
Learning to treat customers well, be punctual, present yourself professionally, and perform tasks excellently as a Tasker can lay the foundation for future endeavors. Many Taskers have used their gig work experience to launch businesses, earn a decent income, and build a loyal client base.
As more Americans set goals to start businesses, the skills and work ethic developed through platforms like Taskrabbit can be valuable assets in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Rodgers, for example, plans to expand her business by creating custom furniture, thanks to the hustle and experience gained from gig work. sentence in a more concise manner.
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