Uber has attempted to eliminate the hassle of running down to the corner store. The ride-share service will pick up those couple of items and bring them straight to the customer.
Uber started a test run for its new service, Corner Store, in Washington D.C. on Aug. 19, according to its blog post. Customers can text nearby drivers to pick up simple drug store purchases like diapers, contact solution, batteries and more than 100 other items.
"No need to race to the store after a long day at the office," Uber wrote.
The D.C. trial will last a few weeks, but positive feedback from customers could keep the service in business and help it spread to other locations. "This limited-time-only experiment will run for a few weeks - but the more you love it, the more likely it will last," Uber wrote.
Washington has two delivery zones available now in the northwest and southeast sections of the city. The White House and Capitol Building both fall within the zones.
A limited number of Uber drivers are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. "If a driver is available, we'll shoot you a text message with a link to the items available for purchase," the blog post adds.
Customers pay for their order directly through the Uber app using the Corner Store option. When the driver arrives, customers will meet them outside to confirm their order.
There is no delivery fee, and no tip is required. Uber will reimburse customers whose driver forgets to purchase an item ordered. Drivers will also go back to the store if a customer forgets to order something.
Uber launched a similar courier system called Uber Rush in Manhattan, according to Business Week. The private testing period began in April.
The service used bicycle and pedestrian messengers for deliveries between the Manhattan's southern tip and 110th Street. Prices ranged from $15 to $30 based on how far the deliverer traveled.
