Sending out a package can be a hassle. For Uber, it represents a new business opportunity.
The company is launching a service that will take your packages to a local shipping facility. This “Return a package” feature launches today in the US and supports drop-offs at local US Postal Offices, FedEx or UPS. Uber charges a $5 flat fee to take up to five packages at a time.
Uber says it saw an opportunity to capitalize on the influx of returned packages from online shopping enthusiasts. "And with the busy holiday shopping and gifting season fast approaching, we know returns are inevitable—whether it’s the wrong size, the wrong color, or the wrong gift idea entirely," Uber says.
So the ride-hailing app is betting users will want to take advantage of the Return a Package service. The only catch is that the packages have to be sealed with prepaid shipping already slapped on. Once the Uber driver picks up the packages, the customer can then track them in real-time using the company’s app.
“The courier will send a visual confirmation or photo of the receipt when the drop-off is completed,” Uber said. The company adds that Uber One subscribers only need to pay $3 for each delivery drop-off.
For now, the Return a Package service is launching only for users in about 50 major metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta.
The new feature can be found in the services tab > package, which also allows you to hire an Uber driver to deliver packages locally in a neighborhood or city.