Uber is testing out a new feature in India called “Store Pickup.” It works like this: Instead of just providing rides, Uber can now fetch items you’ve bought from local stores and deliver them to you. This concept initially kicked off in certain U.S. cities and has now made its way to Delhi-NCR, according to a report by TechCrunch.
Wondering how the store pickup feature works? You make a purchase from a store but can’t swing by to collect it yourself. That’s where Uber comes in handy. You can rely on Uber to retrieve your purchased item and bring it straight to you. Just like you track your Uber rides on the app, you can monitor the progress of your delivery too.
However, there are some ground rules. The item you want Uber to pick up should be relatively small, weighing in at less than 11 pounds. Additionally, its value shouldn’t exceed $60. Also, there are certain prohibited items Uber won’t handle, such as alcohol, medications, firearms, or anything illegal.
When placing your order, you will need to provide Uber with specific instructions, like the pickup location and any special requirements. For instance, you might specify whether the driver should enter the store or simply wait outside. You can even furnish proof of purchase to ensure a smooth transaction.
This new feature doesn’t replace Uber’s existing delivery services. They still offer regular package delivery through the app. However, Store Pickup is exclusively designed for fetching items from nearby stores.
Previously, Uber had a similar service in various U.S. cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, that service was discontinued a few years back.
So, now in India, if you’re pressed for time and can’t make it to the store yourself, you can rely on Uber to handle it for you. It’s like having a personal shopper right on your phone! With this innovation, Uber aims to make your life a bit easier by bringing the store directly to your doorstep.