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#Post#: 4341--------------------------------------------------
Rating a TaskRabbit
By: Victoria Date: June 4, 2018, 8:48 am
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I'm struggling with how to rate a TaskRabbit experience I had
this weekend and could use some input.
I hired John to help me move into the house across the street.
In the "additional details" section, I wrote "I have a lower
back issue. You need to be able to move the following items by
yourself without any assistance from me other than opening the
door. [Insert list.]" John replied back and asked if I could
help balance the bed frame so it didn't bump into corners as he
was pushing it, and I said that I would be able to do that as
long as I wasn't expected to lift/strain at all, since I'm prone
to straining my back. John listed in his profile that he had a
hand cart and a small mover's dolly.
The day of the move I realized that both the dolly and the cart
were tiny. So tiny that they required me to balance, shift, and
push everything I had asked John to be able to move by himself.
I also felt the need to cut the task as short as possible
because he could only move one thing at a time-I had four big
boxes, so those alone took four trips. He also didn't bring any
bungee cord to tie anything down, so he would load something on
the dolly and it would slip off, then he'd load it on again, it
would slip off, he'd stop and ask me to adjust the cart, etc. A
couple of times he asked me if it was okay to drag something on
the ground (I told him it was not) and he resorted to balancing
things on his head. He seemed unprepared/puzzled when I told him
that all of the boxes were packed tightly/well but contained
fragile items. Things like seams in the floor between
carpet/hardwood would knock him off balance, and he was
unprepared for going down or up even slight inclines. What
should have taken one hour took almost three.
In the Task Rabbit app, you have the option to rank people 1-5
based on the following: Committing to the agreed-upon time,
would you hire this person again, how well their skill set
matched the task, were they responsive/communicative, did they
arrive on time, and an overall rating section. You also have the
option to leave a comment explaining your review, and an option
to tip.
I would give John five stars in several areas. He was very
polite, showed up exactly on time, parked where I asked, and I
think he rounded down to 2.75 hours from 2.8 hours. However, I
definitely would not hire him again, and he's not a
professional. I had to be out of my first house on May 31st, so
I couldn't stop the task halfway through. I didn't strain my
back, but when he left I was exhausted and felt like I had done
the majority of the work myself. My inclination is to rate him
well for the things he did well and to give him one star for
things like how well his skill set matched the task and if I
would hire him again. I'm also inclined to leave a short
explanation with a small pros/cons list and an explanation of
the situation. However, I'm not sure what to do and can't decide
if I'm being too harsh or not. I would welcome any and all
opinions. (Also, we don't have to discuss the tipping aspect if
it would get the thread locked, but it's an option).
#Post#: 4345--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: DaDancingPsych Date: June 4, 2018, 9:09 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I do not know what TaskRabbit is, but I am sensing that this
might be the solution to my current problems!!! (Although, your
story is scaring me a bit.)
Being that I do not know what it is, I am working off my own
experiences with rating people/companies through different
formats. I always put myself in the shoes of the person hiring;
what would I want to know? I would want your rating to best
reflect your experience, so if there are areas that he deserves
the higher rating, I would give it to him, even if other areas
would be marked quite low. And if you can provide a description
of your experience, please do! I take more value into that then
I do the actual "stars". I would be able to see why you may have
rated him low and decide if maybe those categories are not
important to me. (Plus, it would allow John to know how he can
improve.)
#Post#: 4346--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: Victoria Date: June 4, 2018, 9:18 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=DaDancingPsych link=topic=323.msg4345#msg4345
date=1528121361]
I do not know what TaskRabbit is, but I am sensing that this
might be the solution to my current problems!!! (Although, your
story is scaring me a bit.)
Being that I do not know what it is, I am working off my own
experiences with rating people/companies through different
formats. I always put myself in the shoes of the person hiring;
what would I want to know? I would want your rating to best
reflect your experience, so if there are areas that he deserves
the higher rating, I would give it to him, even if other areas
would be marked quite low. And if you can provide a description
of your experience, please do! I take more value into that then
I do the actual "stars". I would be able to see why you may have
rated him low and decide if maybe those categories are not
important to me. (Plus, it would allow John to know how he can
improve.)
[/quote]
I actually love TaskRabbit itself because you can hire people to
do stuff that actual companies will charge you extra fees and
work minimums for. When I called all the movers in my area, they
required me to pay things like a "truck fee," gas mileage, and
then they wanted me to commit to paying them for 3-4 hours
minimum. With TaskRabbit you can hire someone for a set hourly
rate and the only "extra" charges are taxes and an $8 TaskRabbit
support fee. I particularly like them when I need to do things
like get rid of heavy furniture or shift things around. I would
download the app and check it out because you can ask someone to
do everything from errands to chores to standing in line for
you.
I think part of the reason I'm torn is that I do wonder if I
clearly set my expectations out and if I should have looked up
which dolly and which cart he was bringing, since he clearly
stated that as well. However, his profile doesn't contemplate
the experience I had. My advice to you if you're looking to hire
someone would be to add as much detail in the "additional
details" section as possible and discuss it in detail with the
person you choose for the task.
#Post#: 4348--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: DaDancingPsych Date: June 4, 2018, 9:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Victoria link=topic=323.msg4346#msg4346
date=1528121911]
[quote author=DaDancingPsych link=topic=323.msg4345#msg4345
date=1528121361]
I do not know what TaskRabbit is, but I am sensing that this
might be the solution to my current problems!!! (Although, your
story is scaring me a bit.)
Being that I do not know what it is, I am working off my own
experiences with rating people/companies through different
formats. I always put myself in the shoes of the person hiring;
what would I want to know? I would want your rating to best
reflect your experience, so if there are areas that he deserves
the higher rating, I would give it to him, even if other areas
would be marked quite low. And if you can provide a description
of your experience, please do! I take more value into that then
I do the actual "stars". I would be able to see why you may have
rated him low and decide if maybe those categories are not
important to me. (Plus, it would allow John to know how he can
improve.)
[/quote]
I actually love TaskRabbit itself because you can hire people to
do stuff that actual companies will charge you extra fees and
work minimums for. When I called all the movers in my area, they
required me to pay things like a "truck fee," gas mileage, and
then they wanted me to commit to paying them for 3-4 hours
minimum. With TaskRabbit you can hire someone for a set hourly
rate and the only "extra" charges are taxes and an $8 TaskRabbit
support fee. I particularly like them when I need to do things
like get rid of heavy furniture or shift things around. I would
download the app and check it out because you can ask someone to
do everything from errands to chores to standing in line for
you.
I think part of the reason I'm torn is that I do wonder if I
clearly set my expectations out and if I should have looked up
which dolly and which cart he was bringing, since he clearly
stated that as well. However, his profile doesn't contemplate
the experience I had. My advice to you if you're looking to hire
someone would be to add as much detail in the "additional
details" section as possible and discuss it in detail with the
person you choose for the task.
[/quote]
I think that is really fair advice. The more information shared
both ways, the more likely that the pairing will be a success.
Maybe you should mention that in your review? That you had not
thought to mention a few things that may have had John decide
that this is was not the job for him?
Either way, TaskRabbit is not the answer to my problems. When I
put in my address, it states that I am outside of their area. (I
am rather surprised, because although I am in the suburbs, I do
live near a fairly large city in a large housing community.)
Bummer... I spent most of yesterday in tears trying to figure
out how to do tasks that are simply too big for me. But thank
you for the recommendation... I'm saving it! =)
#Post#: 4359--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: Victoria Date: June 4, 2018, 10:59 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=DaDancingPsych link=topic=323.msg4348#msg4348
date=1528123392]
[quote author=Victoria link=topic=323.msg4346#msg4346
date=1528121911]
[quote author=DaDancingPsych link=topic=323.msg4345#msg4345
date=1528121361]
I do not know what TaskRabbit is, but I am sensing that this
might be the solution to my current problems!!! (Although, your
story is scaring me a bit.)
Being that I do not know what it is, I am working off my own
experiences with rating people/companies through different
formats. I always put myself in the shoes of the person hiring;
what would I want to know? I would want your rating to best
reflect your experience, so if there are areas that he deserves
the higher rating, I would give it to him, even if other areas
would be marked quite low. And if you can provide a description
of your experience, please do! I take more value into that then
I do the actual "stars". I would be able to see why you may have
rated him low and decide if maybe those categories are not
important to me. (Plus, it would allow John to know how he can
improve.)
[/quote]
I actually love TaskRabbit itself because you can hire people to
do stuff that actual companies will charge you extra fees and
work minimums for. When I called all the movers in my area, they
required me to pay things like a "truck fee," gas mileage, and
then they wanted me to commit to paying them for 3-4 hours
minimum. With TaskRabbit you can hire someone for a set hourly
rate and the only "extra" charges are taxes and an $8 TaskRabbit
support fee. I particularly like them when I need to do things
like get rid of heavy furniture or shift things around. I would
download the app and check it out because you can ask someone to
do everything from errands to chores to standing in line for
you.
I think part of the reason I'm torn is that I do wonder if I
clearly set my expectations out and if I should have looked up
which dolly and which cart he was bringing, since he clearly
stated that as well. However, his profile doesn't contemplate
the experience I had. My advice to you if you're looking to hire
someone would be to add as much detail in the "additional
details" section as possible and discuss it in detail with the
person you choose for the task.
[/quote]
I think that is really fair advice. The more information shared
both ways, the more likely that the pairing will be a success.
Maybe you should mention that in your review? That you had not
thought to mention a few things that may have had John decide
that this is was not the job for him?
Either way, TaskRabbit is not the answer to my problems. When I
put in my address, it states that I am outside of their area. (I
am rather surprised, because although I am in the suburbs, I do
live near a fairly large city in a large housing community.)
Bummer... I spent most of yesterday in tears trying to figure
out how to do tasks that are simply too big for me. But thank
you for the recommendation... I'm saving it! =)
[/quote]
I definitely said that he needed to be able to move all of those
things by himself initially, but I replied that I would be able
to help balance things and open doors when asked. Since he
specified which tools he had maybe I should have looked those up
and pressed him a little more on whether or not he'd be able to
do the job. I keep going back and forth in trying to decide
whose "fault" (for lack of a better word) the situation was. I
know that when hiring a professional moving company you're not
expected to do much but have your stuff packed and stand out of
the way. Then again, I didn't hire a professional moving
company. So I might give the lower star ratings and then balance
that out with a more detailed review, which (as you said) may
help some people realize what is or isn't important to them.
And I'm sorry to hear they're outside your area! I know they're
expanding pretty rapidly so I would keep checking back. I
believe there are similar tasker apps out there but that's the
only one that I'm personally familiar with.
#Post#: 4364--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: Bada Date: June 4, 2018, 11:20 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote]So I might give the lower star ratings and then balance
that out with a more detailed review, which (as you said) may
help some people realize what is or isn't important to them.
[/quote]
This sounds totally fair. And if you say something about "maybe
we just didn't communicate well enough," hopefully that gives
adequate warning to the next person to ask LOTS more questions
before hiring him.
...I mean, he was balancing stuff on his head...that's just
weird...
#Post#: 4366--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: DaDancingPsych Date: June 4, 2018, 11:32 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Bada link=topic=323.msg4364#msg4364
date=1528129244]
[quote]So I might give the lower star ratings and then balance
that out with a more detailed review, which (as you said) may
help some people realize what is or isn't important to them.
[/quote]
This sounds totally fair. And if you say something about "maybe
we just didn't communicate well enough," hopefully that gives
adequate warning to the next person to ask LOTS more questions
before hiring him.
...I mean, he was balancing stuff on his head...that's just
weird...
[/quote]
I agree; fair approach!
I would not think it your responsibility to ask detailed
questions about his equipment, unless you there was a sign that
he was not understanding the project. I would assume that if he
was bringing a dolly that he felt that it was big enough for the
job. However, I do think it would be your responsibility to
accurately describe the items that are being moved. I would
think that the approximate size and/or weight of the boxes would
be important to know.
#Post#: 4367--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: Hmmm Date: June 4, 2018, 11:41 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Please be honest in your review to safe other people the same
aggravation. If you can rate each item separately, then do give
high marks on being on time or following directions. However, as
far as skills to complete the task, that would definitely be in
the 2 or 3 star area for me. You stated very clearly "I have a
lower back issue. You need to be able to move the following
items by yourself without any assistance from me other than
opening the door."
I would put in a comment that he was pleasant to work with but
seemed unprepared or did not have an understanding of the
physical needs of doing a move and did not bring all of the
necessary equipment to secure your equipment.
#Post#: 4371--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: Sycorax Date: June 4, 2018, 12:10 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Definitely be honest in your review!
[quote author=DaDancingPsych link=topic=323.msg4348#msg4348
date=1528123392]
Either way, TaskRabbit is not the answer to my problems. When I
put in my address, it states that I am outside of their area. (I
am rather surprised, because although I am in the suburbs, I do
live near a fairly large city in a large housing community.)
Bummer... I spent most of yesterday in tears trying to figure
out how to do tasks that are simply too big for me. But thank
you for the recommendation... I'm saving it! =)
[/quote]
TAKL is similar service, I've even heard some radio ads for it.
#Post#: 4386--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rating a TaskRabbit
By: TootsNYC Date: June 4, 2018, 12:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
there's a legal standard that says, essentially, the
professional is supposed to know more than the customer, and can
be held responsible for being so.
Not trying to give legal advice, but just to say that this seems
like a fair principle to apply, even though he WASN'T a
professional mover.
He was taking money for the job. That puts a bigger burden on
him.
So no, it was not your responsibility to check into which dolly
he had or whether he had a bungee cord.
And him asking you to balance things was a little over the line
anyway.
I think it's totally fair to ding him in all the places that you
are questioning yourself.
Because HE should have been questioning himself in those same
areas.
This is someone who doesn't think through the complexities of
the job he's putting himself out there to do. Now, he might
learn and get better, but I think you should follow your
instincts about how to rate him, and you should stop questioning
yourself.
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