Uber tests new on-demand labor service

• Yes, but: Not all of Uber's seemingly natural new projects have worked out — it shuttered its e-commerce delivery service, for example.

Details: Uber has been testing the new project in Chicago, after a brief experiment in Los Angeles, according to the FT.

• It’s pitching the service as short-term staffing and labor for other businesses, such as waiters for events.
• The tests so far have not involved current Uber drivers, according to the report, which also notes that it could end up not being a full-fledged business.

Déjà vu: Uber is far from the first company to think of offering on-demand labor to other businesses.

• For example, TaskRabbit offered a similar service years ago, which at one point accounted for 40% of its revenue, but eventually shifted its business customers to its main service.
• Exec also aimed to provide on-demand help with errands and tasks to businesses, but sold that segment to rival Handy just 2 years later, reportedly for $10 million.