Uber has discreetly launched a test for a new feature that allows gig workers in India to pick up prepaid items from local stores and deliver them to customers. This feature, dubbed “Store Pickup,” was first introduced in select U.S. cities in December and has now expanded to Delhi-NCR, according to an exclusive report from TechCrunch.
Customers can order pickups and deliveries and track them live through the Uber app — similar to how they track rides.
While Indian platforms such as Dunzo, Rapido, and Swiggy already offer similar services, Uber’s Store Pickup will provide competition and an alternative option for customers to get their packages picked up from local stores. This move suggests that Uber sees potential in delivering items from local stores in India, following a similar trend in the U.S. The Store Pickup feature will also help integrate Uber further into customers’ daily lives.
However, there are limitations to the Store Pickup feature. For instance, the item being picked up must weigh five kilograms (11 lbs) or less and have a value of up to 5,000 Indian rupees ($60). No identification proof or credit/debit card used for purchasing is required for the pickup. Additionally, items such as alcohol, medication, drugs, firearms, and “dangerous or illegal items” are not eligible for delivery.
When initiating a delivery, customers must enter specific pickup details, including the name and address of the local shop and instructions for the driver, such as whether the item is to be picked up from a customer service area. Users may also upload proof of purchase and include an order confirmation number to assist the driver in successfully fulfilling the pickup.
In addition to Store Pickup, Uber offers its regular Connect feature, allowing customers to deliver packages through the app. However, Store Pickup is designed specifically for arranging deliveries from local stores.
Last year, Uber launched Store Pickup in 1,700 U.S. cities and towns, including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orange County, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Tampa Bay. The company previously had a same-day local delivery feature called UberRush, which was available in select markets but discontinued in 2018.
