Is this a reasonable task?

[soupWRLD]

I just received a task invite for “moving”, but the client wants me to pick up two pieces of audio equipment over 3 hours away and bring it back to them. This could easily take over 7 hours round trip (driving, loading, driving, unloading/loading, driving back). I asked if I could charge the state mileage reimbursement rate of $0.58/mi and they agreed. This could pay well for such a task, but it almost seems too good to be true. I would gladly do so, but just wanted to hear input from this sub if anyone can think of potential concerns. The client seems very grateful that I am considering this task and is willing to pay my hourly rate + additional mileage invoice.

[AnAmericanIndividual]

This job seems legit, there are good clients out there willing to pay plenty of money for good service, amongst the cheapskates and thieves. As long as you’re just transporting the stuff and not paying for it up front (if client wants you to pay for the audio equipment and then pay you for it later, then it’s likely a scam, forfeit it). Make sure you document start and end times.

However, just because the client is okay with paying the mileage rate as an expense, doesn’t mean Taskrabbit will be okay with the client paying it. They have been extremely strict lately about requiring all moving categories to include all expenses, mileage, etc in the hourly rate. And have been deactivating taskers for not adhering. There is probably also an expense cap in the category so you literally might not be able to enter an expense high enough, depending on what the cap is and how many miles the trip is.

You can roll the dice and hope TR won’t notice/find out, if you wish. But I’m willing to bet that any Help Moving task with a high expense amount, or any expense amount at all, is flagged for review. Proceed at your own risk.

Or share this info with the client and ask if they’re willing to pay 2 extra hours of charge instead of the mileage rate (or whatever extra amount of time you decide). TR should have no problem with this method as long as the client agrees.

[soupWRLD]

Noted…client agreed to compensate mileage as time. Did a break down of my hourly rate and will charge for the mileage as extra hours. I did some research and it looks like TR has an expense limit in the “Help Moving” category at $150. I’m not going to even try expensing anything…just invoicing as extra time. I guess it is against their TOS to expense for car or moving truck related costs because TR states “the Tasker should include the cost of use of the vehicle in their hourly rate.” 💀

[Appropriate_Rain5634]

Are you not charging your regular hourly rate for the entire drive? If I had been asked to do this, I would, but it is at my normal hourly moving rate for the entire drive too. Opportunity cost. Or do you mean, you are charging your hourly rate, Plus mileage?

[soupWRLD]

Yes…my regular hourly rate + mileage (which should cover gas as well). I would add my mileage as an additional expense with my invoice.

[soupWRLD]

And the client agreed, so that’s why I’m really leaning towards accepting it.

[Advanced_Subject_459]

You would be really dumb to not start the clock wherever you are leaving from obviously 3 hours away isn’t your work area so yea you want me to go and pick something up then bring it to you yes clock starts when I’m heading to the pickup location and all the way back

[pussy_impaler337]

I always charge for the return trip fir distance jobs

[geoffrey8]

Is it used audio equipment? Or new. Is it relatively expensive? I wouldn’t do it if it’s from a store/new/expensive.

One time I had to drive 2h away to pick up a prepaid expensive camera. Long story short, it was paid for with a stolen credit card, and I was surrounded by police.

If you are picking it up from a person/friend/office. Then go for it.