TaskRabbit
Everything you need to know about making money with TaskRabbit
Written by Emma Kansiz
Published 2022-07-05 / 4 min read
Consider yourself pretty handy around the house? Know your way around an Ikea manual? Have a few hours to spare? Consider TaskRabbit, an online marketplace that connects skilled people of all stripes with the people desperate to hire them.
What is TaskRabbit?
Taskrabbit was founded by Leah Busque in 2008 with the concept of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’. These days we are all busy and often lack the community ties of earlier generations, when you could call on someone nearby to help you move furniture or set up an appliance. When you sign up as a Tasker you can earn money helping with projects and tasks that suit your skill set. These include furniture assembly, laundry, errands, yard work, carpentry, cleaning and event staffing. A comprehensive list can be found here. There are currently over 60,000 taskers helping make people’s lives easier in 48 American cities. Maybe you’ll become one of them.
How does TaskRabbit's earning structure work?
We like that you can set your own rate with TaskRabbit. You keep 100% of what you charge, plus any tips earned on the job. Research the going rates for different tasks in your area. You want to be competitive and offer fair prices, without undercutting yourself. As you build up reviews and experience you can raise your prices accordingly. But many people will simply choose the tasker with the lowest (or lower) price to complete their job, which is an unfortunate but honest reality of marketplaces of this kind.
Most Taskers can earn between $20-$60 for deliveries, which is a growing category on their site. Tasks that require a niche skill like plumbing or carpentry can command high hourly rates. TaskRabbit is compelling because you will generally be making much more than the minimum wage in your area for an hour’s worth of work. This allows you to maximize your earning potential in a small window of time, particularly if you don’t have much time to dedicate to your side gig.
We like that TaskRabbit allows you to offer different services at different prices, reflecting the different effort and time involved in the various tasks you may be capable of. You can also potentially ask for more money for same-day jobs, especially when there is a demand but low supply. When people need something done stat, you’d be surprised at what they’re willing to splash out! Consider setting same-day availability if it is feasible for you.
TaskRabbit pays you directly through your checking account. You will typically be paid 24 hours after a task is completed but it can take between 3-5 business days for that money to be reflected in your checking account.
Most Taskers can earn between $20-$60 for deliveries, which is a growing category on their site. Tasks that require a niche skill like plumbing or carpentry can command high hourly rates. TaskRabbit is compelling because you will generally be making much more than the minimum wage in your area for an hour’s worth of work. This allows you to maximize your earning potential in a small window of time, particularly if you don’t have much time to dedicate to your side gig.
We like that TaskRabbit allows you to offer different services at different prices, reflecting the different effort and time involved in the various tasks you may be capable of. You can also potentially ask for more money for same-day jobs, especially when there is a demand but low supply. When people need something done stat, you’d be surprised at what they’re willing to splash out! Consider setting same-day availability if it is feasible for you.
TaskRabbit pays you directly through your checking account. You will typically be paid 24 hours after a task is completed but it can take between 3-5 business days for that money to be reflected in your checking account.
What is the time commitment for TaskRabbit?
TaskRabbit allows you to create your own schedule. You can sign up for tasks when it is convenient for you, making this a sound option for full time employees and students. You can create your own availability through the app and you can sign up for same-day jobs if you have the flexibility to work on call. You can work on TaskRabbit whenever it suits your life and you can take an extended hiatus at any time. There are no minimum hourly requirements per week or month so it is a great option to have running in the background.
TaskRabbit is a great option for part time and gig work but there are people who aim to make it more of a full time endeavor. This is possible, but it is difficult to grow your customer base and gain enough consistent, well-paid work to make this a reliable source of income over time. The work is not as consistent as it would be with platforms like Lyft or DoorDash. People don’t necessarily need help with errands or furniture assembly five times a day every day of the week.
In order to maximize the time spent working on TaskRabbit, ensure you have your availability listed. You won’t show up in the search for times you are not available so you could be missing out on potential work if you haven’t listed all of your availability. Depending on your lifestyle and goals TaskRabbit might be ideal because you can choose to clump all of your work into three or four days and take extended weekends! We read an interesting article about a man who works four days on and four days off, allowing him the freedom to pursue passions and social pursuits.
TaskRabbit is a great option for part time and gig work but there are people who aim to make it more of a full time endeavor. This is possible, but it is difficult to grow your customer base and gain enough consistent, well-paid work to make this a reliable source of income over time. The work is not as consistent as it would be with platforms like Lyft or DoorDash. People don’t necessarily need help with errands or furniture assembly five times a day every day of the week.
In order to maximize the time spent working on TaskRabbit, ensure you have your availability listed. You won’t show up in the search for times you are not available so you could be missing out on potential work if you haven’t listed all of your availability. Depending on your lifestyle and goals TaskRabbit might be ideal because you can choose to clump all of your work into three or four days and take extended weekends! We read an interesting article about a man who works four days on and four days off, allowing him the freedom to pursue passions and social pursuits.
How to get started with TaskRabbit?
Sign up with your basic contact information and location. Download the app to complete the registration. Once you are set up, select what services you want to offer and what locations you want to service. Create an inviting, factual profile that gives insight into your skills and qualifications. Upload a photo that is warm and friendly. No frowning passport photos necessary.
You will then be asked to confirm your identity, social security number, and provide any licenses or verifications that might be required, depending on what tasks you will be completing through the platform. In certain cities you will be required to pay a $25 registration fee to use the platform. In most cases, it takes up to four business days in order to have your application processed and to be accepted as a Tasker.
List the different services you provide, with the price and any relevant information included in a small pitch. You will want a uniquely tailored pitch per service offered. This differs from your profile description, where you can include more expansive, personal information. Your pitch copy should be results-oriented and succinct.
From there you can set your own schedule and confirm whether or not you are able to complete same-day job offers. From there you are fully registered as a user of the site and can start browsing jobs. TaskRabbit recommends maintaining a 75% or higher acceptance rate for jobs offered in order to maintain a good reputation on the site.
You will then be asked to confirm your identity, social security number, and provide any licenses or verifications that might be required, depending on what tasks you will be completing through the platform. In certain cities you will be required to pay a $25 registration fee to use the platform. In most cases, it takes up to four business days in order to have your application processed and to be accepted as a Tasker.
List the different services you provide, with the price and any relevant information included in a small pitch. You will want a uniquely tailored pitch per service offered. This differs from your profile description, where you can include more expansive, personal information. Your pitch copy should be results-oriented and succinct.
From there you can set your own schedule and confirm whether or not you are able to complete same-day job offers. From there you are fully registered as a user of the site and can start browsing jobs. TaskRabbit recommends maintaining a 75% or higher acceptance rate for jobs offered in order to maintain a good reputation on the site.
TaskRabbit requirements
Required Resources
You must have a smartphone with iOS or Android capabilities to download the app, which will be your portal for everything TaskRabbit.
Resources will be different depending on the categories you select. If you are working in furniture assembly you will typically be required to have your own tools. An affordable, comprehensive tool bag will be invaluable in getting the job done right. For other roles, like painting or lawn care, you may be required to have your own gear. Even if the client has the paintbrushes or ladders, for instance, we do recommend investing in this equipment in order to grow your business and be a more competitive applicant.
A car might be convenient or necessary depending on what kinds of tasks you want to accomplish but it is not a requirement to sign up for the service. This makes TaskRabbit super enticing for people who want to get involved in the gig economy without investing in a car or motorcycle.
Resources will be different depending on the categories you select. If you are working in furniture assembly you will typically be required to have your own tools. An affordable, comprehensive tool bag will be invaluable in getting the job done right. For other roles, like painting or lawn care, you may be required to have your own gear. Even if the client has the paintbrushes or ladders, for instance, we do recommend investing in this equipment in order to grow your business and be a more competitive applicant.
A car might be convenient or necessary depending on what kinds of tasks you want to accomplish but it is not a requirement to sign up for the service. This makes TaskRabbit super enticing for people who want to get involved in the gig economy without investing in a car or motorcycle.
Required Skills
You must be over 18 and work in one of the cities where TaskRabbit is currently active ([Active Locations](https://www.taskrabbit.com/locations)).
If you want to get involved in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or trade work you need to have appropriate certifications and the experience that that entails. If you are just a general laborer or handyman then it is ideal, but not necessarily required, that you have experience working in those fields and have a valid certification to work on construction sites. If you have no evident experience it may be harder to be a competitive applicant for jobs.
For each service you provide you must include a short-write up or pitch that explains why you are the best person for the job, and any special qualifications that you possess. This might feel a bit ‘sales-y’ but it is necessary to learn to sell yourself in an authentic, non-arrogant way, in order to drive sales. Pitching and self-promotion are skills and we recommend reading some basic articles online on how to write compelling copy. Look at it through the eyes of your potential client: they want someone solutions-oriented and communicative. Lean into that role and it will become second nature eventually.
If you want to get involved in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or trade work you need to have appropriate certifications and the experience that that entails. If you are just a general laborer or handyman then it is ideal, but not necessarily required, that you have experience working in those fields and have a valid certification to work on construction sites. If you have no evident experience it may be harder to be a competitive applicant for jobs.
For each service you provide you must include a short-write up or pitch that explains why you are the best person for the job, and any special qualifications that you possess. This might feel a bit ‘sales-y’ but it is necessary to learn to sell yourself in an authentic, non-arrogant way, in order to drive sales. Pitching and self-promotion are skills and we recommend reading some basic articles online on how to write compelling copy. Look at it through the eyes of your potential client: they want someone solutions-oriented and communicative. Lean into that role and it will become second nature eventually.
Required Documents
TaskRabbit will conduct an ID verification check on you in order to keep the platform safe and well-reputed. In California, according to law AB5, you will need to show a business license which confirms that you are legally eligible to work as a sole proprietor. If your trade requires licenses or certifications, such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, then you must provide that to TaskRabbit.
In all states you must provide evidence of a valid social security number in order to be eligible to work through the platform. You must also have a valid American bank account with a valid billing address and routing number so they can deposit your funds directly into your account. Savings accounts and prepaid debit card accounts are not accepted. You must have a checking account.
In all states you must provide evidence of a valid social security number in order to be eligible to work through the platform. You must also have a valid American bank account with a valid billing address and routing number so they can deposit your funds directly into your account. Savings accounts and prepaid debit card accounts are not accepted. You must have a checking account.
Other important details
As an independent contractor, you get the benefit of flexibility and work-life balance, but you have the responsibility of managing your own income and expenses. And that includes taxes! Ensure you have a solid bookkeeping system in place so you can track your outgoing and incoming funds and so you can put aside the appropriate amount for your taxes. You will not receive benefits through TaskRabbit so it is vital that you establish health insurance either through your ‘day job’ or independently.
TaskRabbit is not currently accepting applicants for virtual-only tasks (although these tasks are plentiful on their site). You need to be physically located in one of the active cities and provide proof when they verify your ID (passport, driver’s license, state ID card).
TaskRabbit is not currently accepting applicants for virtual-only tasks (although these tasks are plentiful on their site). You need to be physically located in one of the active cities and provide proof when they verify your ID (passport, driver’s license, state ID card).
Our review
We love TaskRabbit because of the sheer variety of jobs on offer, some of which are fun and/or low skill. Besides the obvious ones mentioned throughout this article, you can also complete tasks like the following: setting up holiday lights and decorating, waiting in line for someone at a busy government office or restaurant, holding a sporting field for a team when they’re running late, grabbing coffee for an office lunch meeting, picking up dry cleaning, and watering someone’s garden. These are pretty low effort and low skill jobs which might fit seamlessly into your pre-existing schedule or personal life. The money you can command for these gigs is a lot higher than minimum wage simply because people are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of having these services completed. A pain in the neck errand for someone else might just be a fabulous and relaxing income opportunity for you. You can even help out at special events setting up or tearing down, and meet cool new people while you’re at it.
We love this because it can feel like you have multiple side gigs all being funneled through one reliable platform. If you are the kind of person who dreads monotony and routine, this could be perfect for you. No day will look exactly the same and you can plug different tasks into your weekly schedule as you see fit.
If you are looking for flexible work from home or remote gigs this might not be the best option as TaskRabbit does have an emphasis on in-person, labor-related tasks. If you want to make money on the side in the information sector via writing, editing, or through tech this platform is not fundamentally focused on roles of that kind. TaskRabbit is great for people who love to work physical roles, complete manual tasks, and be in the field at client’s houses or on the road. It is also great for people who want to cash in on the sharing economy without having too much human contact or socializing. Unlike Uber or Lyft where you may be required to make small talk all day, taskers can often show up for the job and be left on their own to complete it. This suits introverts or people who work better with few distractions. Consider your own disposition and whether this sounds appealing to you.
One aspect of the marketplace economy that we would be remiss to overlook is simply this: you must be patient when you’re first starting out. Job opportunities won’t roll your way without proactivity on your part. You need to reach out to job posters and constantly refresh the app to get your first roles. We recommend using TaskRabbit as a way to make occasional pocket money at first so you don’t put undue pressure on yourself to book tons of gigs fast. Over time you might find that you can make a healthy income through the site but don’t treat it as your be-all, end-all before putting in the sufficient time and effort. That being said, it can be frustrating if you try to make TaskRabbit your full time gig because of the inconsistency baked into the nature of the app. We recommend it as a way to supplement existing income, or perhaps as a part time job.
We love this because it can feel like you have multiple side gigs all being funneled through one reliable platform. If you are the kind of person who dreads monotony and routine, this could be perfect for you. No day will look exactly the same and you can plug different tasks into your weekly schedule as you see fit.
If you are looking for flexible work from home or remote gigs this might not be the best option as TaskRabbit does have an emphasis on in-person, labor-related tasks. If you want to make money on the side in the information sector via writing, editing, or through tech this platform is not fundamentally focused on roles of that kind. TaskRabbit is great for people who love to work physical roles, complete manual tasks, and be in the field at client’s houses or on the road. It is also great for people who want to cash in on the sharing economy without having too much human contact or socializing. Unlike Uber or Lyft where you may be required to make small talk all day, taskers can often show up for the job and be left on their own to complete it. This suits introverts or people who work better with few distractions. Consider your own disposition and whether this sounds appealing to you.
One aspect of the marketplace economy that we would be remiss to overlook is simply this: you must be patient when you’re first starting out. Job opportunities won’t roll your way without proactivity on your part. You need to reach out to job posters and constantly refresh the app to get your first roles. We recommend using TaskRabbit as a way to make occasional pocket money at first so you don’t put undue pressure on yourself to book tons of gigs fast. Over time you might find that you can make a healthy income through the site but don’t treat it as your be-all, end-all before putting in the sufficient time and effort. That being said, it can be frustrating if you try to make TaskRabbit your full time gig because of the inconsistency baked into the nature of the app. We recommend it as a way to supplement existing income, or perhaps as a part time job.
