Uber is helping people with an often disliked chore: returning packages.
“Now we’re adding a new way to save you time and effort with a much-avoided chore: taking care of the packages you need to return but have been ignoring,” Uber said in a statement.
The new feature will be available in more than in 4,950 cities across the U.S., including Boston.
The National Retail Federation said 79% of shoppers under 30 think mail returns are “somewhat or very annoying.”
“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 said.
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For $5, users can tap the “return a package” button to have a driver pick up prepaid and sealed packages and drop them off at a local post office, UPS or FedEx. Up to five packages can be picked up at a time.
There is also live tracking that will send customers a visual confirmation or photo of the receipt when the drop-off is completed.
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There are a few items that aren’t allowed to be shipped, including alcohol, fragile items or perishable food. Packages also can’t be more than 30 pounds, must be able to fit in the trunk and cannot have a total value greater than $100.
