On Friday, Uber launched a new feature that allows customers to return purchased items without leaving their homes. The returns feature, available through the Uber Eats app, is part of Uber’s strategy to enhance its app by offering services beyond its main ride-hailing and delivery operations.
The service has limitations and involves a courier fee, based on the courier’s time and distance. Only eligible retail items bought on Uber Eats can be returned, adhering to each store’s return policy. Retailers include At Home, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, GNC, Michael’s, Pet Food Express, Pacsun, Petco, and Target, with more to be added.
Uber has set price restrictions, allowing returns only for items priced over $20. Customers can use the feature by going to their order history in the app, selecting “Return an item,” and choosing the specific item. The process concludes by tapping “Return with a courier.” This service may attract customers with the lure of an instant refund and the convenience of avoiding trips to the store.
This is Uber’s first venture into retail returns, though it has explored other non-core services. In 2020, Uber introduced Connect for package deliveries, and Uber Direct for contactless orders from select retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, Uber expanded its peer-to-peer package service, Uber Connect, with a “Return a Package” feature, enabling customers to hire gig workers to deliver up to five packages to a post office, UPS, or FedEx location.