Got a small task you need completed — let’s say assembling an IKEA bookshelf or cleaning your disgusting oven — and don’t have the time to do it yourself? Airtasker lets you advertise to find a local who might be willing to do the job for a small fee.
To use Airtasker, you simply post on the site, listing what you want done and what you’re willing to pay. Runners (the site’s term for people willing to volunteer for jobs) can then agree to perform the task, or haggle over the price.
Listing a task is free. Runners pay a $2 charge plus five per cent of the total fee. (During launch phrase, Runners can sign up for nothing if they promote the site via Twitter or Facebook.)
The most obvious competitor for this kind of casual labour search online is Craigslist, but that service has much less traction in Australia than the US. It also doesn’t include a payments or review platform.
The service is Sydney-only right now, but will be expanding into other capital cities in the coming weeks. There will also be an iPhone app shortly, with a mobile-optimised site and Android app to follow.
What small tasks would you use a service like this for? Share your ideas in the comments. (I’m very tempted to get some of my favourite takeout delivered to the office.)
I'd use it to get someone to run some data cable through our roof. There would be danger money as it's full of red backs.
in other words, below min wage labour hire.
It is an interesting idea but i think it will be ripe for abuse from both parties. Not to mention sub standard labour and a lack of due diligence. FOr example, Jono's cabling whilst im sre the cabler may do a good job they wuld technicaly still need to be a licensed cabler.
At last! Weird Al can get someone to shave his back for a nickel..
Take my garbage out, mow my lawn, walk my dog, move this box for me, clean my windows for me, pick up my shopping for me... Great idea pal
Only for Sydney! But Melbourne is the most livable city!
Blatant copy of TaskRabbit in the US. http://www.taskrabbit.com/
Taskrabbit is only in the US though and no use in Aus. Also check out http://www.microjobs.com.au and http://www.taskbox.com.au
There is also http://hoprunners.com/ which only covers brisbane at this point
http://www.need1.com.au coming in 2 weeks!
There is another website called http://www.hoprunners.com with the same business model. HopRunners actually do a background check on their runners.
Is it legal ? Surely it classifies as a casual employment? Which would be min $22 an hour in Aus. Looks like it meets the ATO definition of employment - any thoughts from a professional that would know?