In today’s crazy, non-stop world, having an extra pair of hands or at least +2 hours a day is the dream of millions of people. Some have an extra minute, but they do not want to do their household chores. And the success of applications such as TaskRabbit and Thumbtack once again confirms all of the above. Their business philosophy is straightforward: they help hardworking people find work. The platform connects people who have more money than time with those who have more time than money. Any job, from shopping for groceries to standing in line, can be assigned to willing people, and both parties are satisfied.
If you are excited about creating such a marketplace, then you need to take care of two things: continue reading our article and contact an e-commerce development company. Today we are talking about how software such as TaskRabbit and Thumbtack work and how to create something similar to them.
Who is the toughest: Taskrabbit or Thumbtack?
Thumbtack and TaskRabbit are on-demand apps that connect homeowners with local service providers, but there are a few differences between the two. Let’s take a closer look at each one, identify their differences, and highlight what you need to focus on when creating your marketplace.
TaskRabbit
It is an online marketplace that helps users connect with people living nearby to complete their errands. The platform acts as an online marketplace for services. Tasks such as assembling furniture, serving handymen, feeding animals, and babysitting are all available on TaskRabbit. It helps connect people who are looking for odd jobs with people who need their services. According to statistics, an average of 10 million people visit the site every month.
Thumbtack
Do you know what a thumbtack is? It’s a small tool used to drive nails into the walls of buildings. The platform works similarly and helps clients find local professionals and hire them based on verified reviews, rates, etc. using mobile apps or websites. Based on calculations, about 6 million users visit the marketplace each month.
What is their difference?
Although the concept of platforms is similar, there are differences. Compared to TaskRabbit, Thumbtack is more focused on home improvement projects like painting walls and plumbing rather than smaller tasks like grocery shopping or hanging pictures. The platform includes a huge selection of categories, ranging from yoga lessons to accounting.
Unlike TaskRabbit, Thumbtack is not limited to local workers. It serves customers all over the country, so it can be used to find a plumber in another city or state.
The business model of on-demand service marketplaces
Marketplaces like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack connect people who need paid help with a network of pre-approved and vetted individuals who have the desire, time, and skills to get the job done. The main value proposition is the exchange of money for time for employers and the exchange of time for money for workers.
Since the platform arranges all of these connections, it needs to generate some revenue, which can be done through the following channels:
- Commission. This is the most common way to profit from this kind of service;
- Subscription. You can provide a free package of basic functions and get money for additional ones;
- Advertising. Platforms make money by charging fees for advertising and highlighting service providers in prominent positions.
- Partnership with other brands. By partnering with some brands such as Ikea, eBay, or Amazon, the platforms can earn affiliate commissions on purchases.
What features should a TaskRabbit or Thumbtack rival have?
When a user first visits the site, he has two options: to become a customer or a task executor. The parties gain access to user panels with various features and functionalities through two different registration processes.
At the same time, if you are a customer, then you can immediately start looking for specialists, but if you are looking for a job, then you first need to pass a background check (verify your identity and qualifications, provide a social security number, go through a personal interview, etc.) and familiarize yourself with the rules.
The algorithm for issuing and receiving a task is quite simple:
- The client creates an application, indicating the category and details of the task (address, date, complexity, whether transport is needed, etc.), after which the platform shows performers working in the specified area and available at the right time. The client studies the price, rating, and reviews and makes a choice.
- The selected worker receives a request that can be accepted or denied. If the request is accepted, the performer proceeds with the task. If it is rejected, the customer receives a notification and selects another performer;
- The contractor performs the task, the customer checks everything, and, if it is fine, makes the payment (usually through the platform).
The customer makes the payment at the end of the formation of the application, after which the money is “frozen” on the balance of the service until it is confirmed that the work has been completed. If something goes wrong, both parties can contact support. In this case, the customer has the right to compensation for damage if it was caused by the fault of the contractor.
For all of the above to work correctly, your platform must have the following set of features:
- Registration of both the employee and the customer;
- Search by location and category of work;
- Publishing and job management;
- Adding an electronic wallet and payment;
- Booking system;
- Chat, calls in the application;
- Service tracking;
- Push notifications;
- Reviews of both clients and employees.
How to build a website similar to TaskRabbit or Thumbtack with the fewest startup risks
- Don’t try to make a clone of a successful platform, but develop a marketplace that meets the needs of users. Then it will be in demand by the audience;
- Do your best to build trust with users. First and foremost, this relates to the confidentiality of communications and the integrity of business dealings between clients and order executors.;
- Be sure to start building your platform with an MVP. This will help to test your startup idea and understand whether it is worth investing time and money in the project;
- Add unique features to stand out from the rest. Then users will know that this particular function is not available on such sites, but only on yours. For example, it could be a tip offer;
- The last tip is that you need to take care of the balance. For each work, there must be a performer, and for each performer — work.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know that creating a job market isn’t such a bad idea, it’s time to get serious about implementing it. Even if you follow the industry giants, don’t forget to research today’s customer needs and challenges, and read both the success stories and the failure stories of similar projects to learn from their mistakes.
