With the grocery and takeout food markets firmly in hand, Uber Eats has decided to try its hand at something no one probably saw coming – delivering school and office supplies.
The ride-sharing company’s delivery division is partnering with Office Depot to add school and office supplies to its platform. Starting Monday, parents and office workers can order ink, toner, pencils, paper, and more via the Uber Eats platform from 900-plus Office Depot and OfficeMax stores across the U.S. and have it delivered to their doors.
"We know this is the busiest time of year for many, with back to school and even going back to the office, at Uber, we're always looking for ways to make peoples' lives easier by helping them get whatever they need—whenever they need it—delivered to their doorstep," said Christian Freese, head of New Verticals for Uber Eats in the US & Canada.
"Whether it's a printer paper shortage or a school project glue stick emergency, Uber Eats customers can find what they need to handle any business or school supply need with Office Depot on the platform."
Delivery fees for some
While having these products delivered to you is nice, that convenience comes at a price. As an example, when ConsumerAffairs set up an order for a package of 36 Dunkin’ Donuts coffee K-cups, to be delivered to a location in Gurney, Illinois, a delivery charge of $2.49 and an additional service fee of 16% of the subtotal ($2 minimum; $9 maximum) were listed.
An Uber Eats spokesperson told ConsumerAffairs that fees vary for each merchant based on the customer’s location and the availability of nearby delivery people. However, consumers will always be alerted to what the delivery fee is.
Uber One members happen to luck out when it comes to delivery charges. Their delivery fee is $0, plus they get a 5% discount on all Office Depot orders with a $15 minimum purchase.
For its part in the rollout, Office Depot said it’s offering “significant savings” on certain school supplies through September 10.