IKEA is one of the world‘s most popular furniture retailers, known for its stylish, affordable products. In fact, IKEA sells an estimated 100 million products per year globally. But while IKEA‘s flat-pack furniture offers great value, it often comes with the challenge of complicated assembly. According to a survey by Porch.com, 44% of Americans have given up on putting together a piece of IKEA furniture out of frustration.
That‘s where IKEA TaskRabbit comes in. In 2017, IKEA strategically acquired TaskRabbit, an online marketplace for on-demand freelance labor. By integrating TaskRabbit into its business model, IKEA can now offer expert furniture assembly and other home services to its customers. It‘s a perfect solution for the 2 in 3 millennials who say they would rather pay someone else to assemble their furniture than do it themselves.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about IKEA TaskRabbit services. As a picky shopper and retail industry expert, I‘ll provide in-depth analysis and insights to help you decide if TaskRabbit is worth it for your IKEA furniture needs. Let‘s get started!
The Business Case for IKEA‘s Acquisition of TaskRabbit
When IKEA acquired TaskRabbit in 2017 for an undisclosed sum, it was a savvy business move. TaskRabbit had already built a reputation as the leading platform for on-demand furniture assembly and home services, with a network of 60,000 independent contractors called "Taskers."
By bringing TaskRabbit in-house, IKEA gained a turnkey solution for offering assembly and installation services to its customers. This value-added service not only enhances the customer experience but also helps drive more furniture sales. In a press release announcing the acquisition, IKEA CEO Jesper Brodin explained:
"In a fast-changing retail environment, we continuously strive to develop new and improved products and services to make our customers‘ lives a little bit easier. Entering the on-demand, sharing economy enables us to support that. We will be able to learn from TaskRabbit‘s digital expertise, while also providing IKEA customers additional ways to access flexible and affordable service solutions."
Since the acquisition, TaskRabbit has continued to grow rapidly. TaskRabbit‘s revenue nearly doubled in the first year after the IKEA deal. By 2020, TaskRabbit was operating in all 50 US states and generating annual revenue of over $50 million. The platform also expanded internationally to Canada and Europe.
Clearly, TaskRabbit has been a valuable addition to IKEA‘s portfolio. The synergies between the two brands have enabled IKEA to offer a more complete, convenient experience for customers who want stylish furniture without the hassle of assembly.
Evaluating the Value of IKEA TaskRabbit Services
As a savvy shopper evaluating IKEA TaskRabbit, one of the key considerations is cost vs. value. Is it really worth paying someone else to assemble your IKEA furniture? Let‘s crunch the numbers.
On average, IKEA TaskRabbit furniture assembly projects cost $40-$150 depending on the size and complexity of the item. Larger projects like a PAX wardrobe or kitchen cabinet installation can cost $300+. While that may seem pricey compared to the cost of the actual furniture, it‘s important to consider the value of your time.
According to a study by FinanceBuzz, the average American values their free time at $116 per hour. Yet people spend an average of 3 hours assembling a 100-piece IKEA item – a cumulative "labor" cost of nearly $350 per item! By that math, a flat $40-$80 TaskRabbit assembly fee is an incredible bargain.
There are also some interesting consumer psychology factors behind the growing popularity of furniture assembly services. A Journal of Consumer Research study found that customers place a higher value on products they didn‘t have to assemble themselves. The effort heuristic suggests we tend to value products more when we perceive that effort went into them – even if it wasn‘t our own effort.
Another study in the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice found that offering assembly services increased consumers‘ purchase intentions for "ready-to-assemble" furniture. So for many shoppers, access to easy assembly services is actually a key factor in deciding to buy from a retailer like IKEA in the first place.
The IKEA TaskRabbit Experience: What to Expect
So what‘s it actually like to book furniture assembly through IKEA TaskRabbit? The process is designed to be easy and stress-free from start to finish.
It starts with booking your service online or via the TaskRabbit app. You‘ll fill out details about your IKEA furniture, select a time slot, and get matched with a qualified Tasker. You can see the Tasker‘s ratings, reviews, and hourly rate in advance.
On the day of the appointment, your Tasker will arrive on time with all the necessary tools in tow. IKEA TaskRabbit elite Taskers go through special training on IKEA assembly, so they know the products inside and out. They‘ll get to work efficiently assembling your furniture to IKEA‘s exacting standards. Most jobs are completed within a few hours – even the dreaded MALM bedroom set.
Payment is all handled securely through the TaskRabbit platform. No need to tip in cash. In the rare event you‘re unsatisfied with the work, TaskRabbit offers a Happiness Pledge to make it right.
TaskRabbit Taskers bring a high level of furniture assembly expertise you simply won‘t get with a DIY approach. Donna S., an elite IKEA TaskRabbit assembler in Chicago with over 500 completed tasks, shared her thoughts on what sets Taskers apart:
"Assembling IKEA furniture is our specialty – it‘s what we do all day, every day. We know all the little tricks to make the process go smoothly, and we can troubleshoot any issue that comes up. We also take pride in our work and make sure everything is assembled perfectly, with no loose screws or wobbly parts. It gives customers peace of mind knowing their IKEA furniture is put together by a pro."
Based on thousands of positive customer reviews, it‘s clear that IKEA TaskRabbit offers a convenient, professional furniture assembly experience. And for many busy IKEA shoppers, that‘s well worth the affordable cost.
Real Customers‘ IKEA TaskRabbit Success Stories
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at some real customer success stories that highlight the benefits of IKEA TaskRabbit services.
Sarah K. from San Francisco hired a Tasker to assemble her new IKEA PAX wardrobe. She shared:
"I am useless at assembling anything, so I knew I needed to hire a TaskRabbit for my new IKEA wardrobe. My Tasker showed up on time and got right to work. He assembled the whole thing perfectly in under 3 hours – I know it would have taken me forever and caused endless frustration. Totally worth every penny."
Michael R. from Denver had a great experience using TaskRabbit to assemble his IKEA BESTA entertainment center:
"I‘ve used IKEA TaskRabbit for a few different projects now, and it‘s always been a great experience. This time I had a complicated BESTA system with cabinets, shelves, and drawers. The Tasker was friendly, efficient, and very experienced with IKEA products. He even helped me mount the whole unit securely to the wall. I couldn‘t be happier with how it turned out. I‘ll definitely keep using TaskRabbit!"
Linda M. from Houston saved time and stress by hiring a TaskRabbit to assemble her IKEA kitchen cabinets:
"We ordered an entire IKEA kitchen for our renovation. There were so many pieces and parts, it was overwhelming. Hiring a TaskRabbit was the best decision ever. Our Tasker assembled and installed all the cabinets perfectly in two days. We never could have done it ourselves. It was such a relief to have that part of the remodel taken care of!"
These are just a few of the many satisfied customers who have used IKEA TaskRabbit to make their furniture assembly projects a breeze. The common threads are clear – Taskers‘ expertise, efficiency, and professionalism consistently wow IKEA shoppers.
Key Tips for Using IKEA TaskRabbit Services
If you‘re considering booking an IKEA TaskRabbit for your next furniture project, keep these tips in mind to ensure a great experience:
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Book in advance – TaskRabbit is very popular for IKEA assembly, so Taskers‘ schedules can fill up quickly. Book your service as soon as you know you‘ll need it to get your preferred date and time slot.
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Assemble everything in one go – If you have multiple pieces to put together, try to schedule them all with the same Tasker on the same day. It‘s more cost-effective and efficient to do it all at once.
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Prep before the Tasker arrives – Make sure the space is cleared and ready for furniture assembly before your appointment. Unbox the furniture parts and make sure nothing is missing. This will help your Tasker get started quickly without delays.
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Consider additional services – IKEA TaskRabbit Taskers can do more than just assemble – they can also help with mounting to walls, small installations, and even moving furniture to your room of choice. Don‘t be afraid to ask for what you need.
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Tip for great service – Taskers always appreciate a tip for a job well done. Consider adding a gratuity in the app for furniture assembly services (on top of your Tasker‘s base rate). A good rule of thumb is $10-20 per job.
With these tips in mind, you‘ll be well on your way to an easy, successful IKEA TaskRabbit experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About IKEA TaskRabbit
Still have questions about using IKEA TaskRabbit services? I‘ve rounded up answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Q: How much does IKEA TaskRabbit furniture assembly cost?
A: Most IKEA furniture assembly projects cost between $40 and $150, depending on the item size and complexity. Larger installations like kitchens or wardrobes can cost $300+. Each Tasker sets their own rates, so you can compare pricing when booking.
Q: How long does IKEA TaskRabbit furniture assembly take?
A: Most tasks are completed within 1-3 hours. Larger, multi-item projects can take a half-day or full-day. You‘ll work with your Tasker to schedule a time block that meets your needs.
Q: Do I need to provide tools for my IKEA TaskRabbit assembly?
A: No, your Tasker will bring all the necessary tools to complete the job like screwdrivers, hammers, drills, levels, etc. If any specialty tools are needed that you already own, you‘re welcome to lend them to the Tasker.
Q: What if there are missing or damaged parts for my IKEA furniture?
A: Your Tasker will inventory the parts before starting and let you know if anything is missing or damaged. You‘ll need to contact IKEA to request a replacement part before the Tasker can complete the full assembly. Broken or missing parts are rare, but it‘s important to catch them early.
Q: Can I cancel or reschedule my IKEA TaskRabbit appointment?
A: You can cancel or reschedule your task for free up until 24 hours before the start time. Less than 24 hours notice will involve a cancellation fee to compensate the Tasker for their time. Try to reschedule or cancel as early as possible.
Q: What happens if I‘m not satisfied with my IKEA TaskRabbit service?
A: TaskRabbit offers a Happiness Pledge for all IKEA assembly services. If you‘re unsatisfied with the service, you can contact [email protected] within 7 days. TaskRabbit will work with you to make it right, whether that involves a partial refund or sending a new Tasker to fix the issue.
The Verdict: Is IKEA TaskRabbit Worth It?
After this deep dive into IKEA TaskRabbit services, it‘s clear that it offers an exceptionally convenient, cost-effective solution for furniture assembly. In an era where more and more shoppers are embracing the "Do It For Me" retail mentality, TaskRabbit is right on trend. Its success is a testament to customers‘ willingness to pay for services that make their lives easier.
Consider the value of your time, the reasonable cost compared to the price of furniture, and the proven quality of the TaskRabbit service. When you look at the full picture, IKEA TaskRabbit is absolutely worth it. The rave reviews from thousands of satisfied customers speak for themselves.
So next time you‘re considering an IKEA furniture purchase, go ahead and add expert assembly to your cart with TaskRabbit. With the heavy lifting taken care of, you can relax and enjoy your new furniture without any of the usual stress. That‘s what I call a savvy shopper‘s dream come true.
