Platforms like TaskRabbit promise on-demand handyman services through your phone. But in Exeter, how do these gig-economy options compare to traditional local handymen?
What's Available in Exeter
TaskRabbit
Operates in Exeter? Yes, but with limited coverage. Exeter is on the edge of their service area.
How it works:
- Post a task
- Get quotes from "Taskers"
- Choose one
- Pay through the app
Reality in Exeter:
- Fewer Taskers than London
- May wait for responses
- Taskers may travel from further afield
- Not as "instant" as advertised
Other Platforms
Airtasker: Some presence but limited Bark: Acts as lead generator, connects you with local trades Rated People/MyBuilder: More established, but not "gig" model
How TaskRabbit Works
The Pricing Model
Tasker sets rate:
- Hourly rate chosen by individual Tasker
- Wide variation (£15-40+/hour on platform)
- Plus platform service fee (around 15%)
What you actually pay:
| If Tasker rate is | Service fee (15%) | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| £20/hr | £3 | £23/hr |
| £30/hr | £4.50 | £34.50/hr |
| £40/hr | £6 | £46/hr |
The Selection Process
You see:
- Profile photos
- Reviews
- Task history
- Hourly rate
You don't easily see:
- Qualifications
- Insurance details
- Business track record
- Local knowledge
The Gig Economy Reality
Who Are These Taskers?
Mix of:
- Side hustlers with day jobs
- Between-jobs handymen
- Professional trades with spare time
- Hobbyists trying to earn extra
Quality:
- Highly variable
- Reviews help but aren't guaranteed
- Someone new to the platform = no reviews
Insurance and Liability
TaskRabbit provides:
- Up to £10M liability insurance
- Property damage coverage
- But with conditions and limits
Important:
- You may need to claim through TaskRabbit
- Process can be complex
- Not the same as direct tradesperson insurance
Local Handyman Model
How It Works
- Find through recommendation/search
- Call or message directly
- Get quote
- Work done
- Pay directly
No platform fee. Direct relationship.
What You Get
Pros:
- Same person each time
- Local knowledge
- No platform cut
- Direct communication
- Potentially lower effective cost
Cons:
- Need to find them yourself
- Less "instant" booking
- Dependent on one person's availability
Cost Comparison
TaskRabbit in Exeter
| Element | Typical |
|---|---|
| Base hourly rate | £25-40 |
| Service fee | +15% |
| Minimum charge | 1 hour often |
| Travel time | May be charged |
| Effective rate | £29-50+/hr |
Local Independent
| Element | Typical |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £40-50 |
| Service fee | None |
| Minimum charge | Usually 1 hour (£60) |
| Travel time | Usually included |
| Effective rate | £40-50/hr |
The Real Comparison
TaskRabbit's "cheaper" hourly rates often aren't, once you add:
- Service fee
- Lower-quality risk (time fixing mistakes)
- Travel time charges
- Less local knowledge
When Each Works
TaskRabbit Makes Sense
When:
- You need a simple task done
- You're in London (better coverage)
- You value app-based booking
- The task is truly basic
- You're comfortable with variable quality
Examples:
- Help moving boxes
- Simple furniture assembly
- Putting up a few shelves
Local Handyman Makes Sense
When:
- You're in Exeter (limited platform coverage)
- The task needs skill/knowledge
- You want ongoing relationship
- Quality matters
- The job involves your home's infrastructure
Examples:
- Plumbing repairs
- Electrical minor works
- Anything involving walls/floors/structure
- Multiple tasks
Exeter-Specific Reality
Platform Limitations Here
TaskRabbit in Exeter:
- Fewer available Taskers
- Some may travel from Bristol/Plymouth
- Response times slower than London
- Less competition = less choice
What this means:
- The "on-demand" promise is less reliable
- You might wait days for responses
- Local knowledge may be lacking
- The value proposition weakens
Local Advantage
Exeter handymen know:
- Local building types
- Devon materials and methods
- Where to get supplies
- Local regulations and considerations
- The community
Quality and Trust
Platform Review Systems
Good:
- Aggregated feedback visible
- Helps weed out bad actors
- Some accountability
Limited:
- Reviews can be gamed
- New Taskers have no history
- May not be local context
- Platform moderation varies
Local Reputation
Good:
- Word of mouth is powerful
- Long-term reputation matters
- Community accountability
- Can verify locally
Limited:
- Harder to find initially
- Relies on personal networks
- Less structured information
My Honest View
When I'd Use TaskRabbit
If I needed something done in London urgently and didn't know anyone local, TaskRabbit is a reasonable option for simple tasks.
Why I Think Local Is Better for Exeter
Coverage: I'm here. I can respond. I know the area.
Relationship: I want repeat customers. That means doing good work.
No cuts: You're paying for work, not platform fees.
Accountability: I'm one Google review away from trouble if I'm rubbish.
Context: I know that Victorian terrace. I know that stone wall. I know what works here.
Finding Good Local Help
Better than Platforms
- Ask neighbours - Genuine recommendations
- Local Facebook groups - Real-time feedback
- Nextdoor - Hyperlocal recommendations
- Google with location - Find established local businesses
Questions to Ask
- Are you based in Exeter?
- Do you have insurance?
- Can you provide references?
- What's your standard pricing?
Looking for a real local handyman? No app, no platform fees, just straightforward work from someone who lives and works in Exeter. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.