This makes sense. Almost everyone needs transportation at least once a week. If you don't have a car and use uber to fill the gaps then it's a great service. Bu

This makes sense. Almost everyone needs transportation at least once a week. If you don't have a car and use uber to fill the gaps then it's a great service. But if you do have a car and some free time then it doesn't often make sense to spend extra for convenience services like Instacart. Yes there are people to whom every minute is a lot of money, but they are a very small market of all humans. Uber (with its scale and cash reserves) could make spin offs that can handle those needs more than a dedicated startup could. Another issue is that it's pretty common to have an uber drive you to and from work, and if you like your driver, you two can negotiate on the side, saving money for both. I imagine this kind of thing would happen for personal services like housekeeping. If I'm giving someone keys to my house, I want them to be someone I know and trust. Turning gig economy work into an under-the-table job can be absorbed by uber, but it's harder for unprofitable niche competitors.