A Delhi startup has launched a service that provides on-demand shopping assistants for ₹149 per hour. The assistants help shoppers by carrying bags, standing in queues, and running small errands inside markets and malls. The company says the service aims to save time for busy professionals and elderly shoppers. The startup started operations in early 2026 and currently serves the Delhi-NCR region. It claims average booking duration is two hours and reports 40% repeat customers in the first three months. At ₹149 per hour, a typical two-hour trip costs ₹298, excluding any platform fees or tips. The company hires assistants through background checks and short training covering customer etiquette and basic safety.
Founders say demand spikes on weekends and during festival seasons, especially in crowded wholesale markets and large malls. They highlight use cases such as parents juggling children, senior citizens who need help carrying heavy items, and business professionals with limited time. The service promises real-time tracking, live support, and insurance coverage for assistants during work hours.
Critics raise concerns about worker pay and protections. At the listed rate, assistants’ take-home pay depends on platform commission and shift structure. Labour experts urge transparent wages, social security benefits, and clear dispute resolution mechanisms. The startup responds that it plans to introduce minimum guaranteed pay and health benefits within six months.
Analysts view the idea as part of a growing gig-economy trend offering micro-services for urban convenience. If scaled carefully with fair worker policies, experts say the model could gain traction among India’s urban population of time-poor consumers.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q1: Who can use this service?
Anyone in Delhi-NCR can book—working professionals, elderly shoppers, parents, and tourists needing help with bags or queues.
Q2: Is the assistant background-checked?
Yes. The startup says all assistants undergo background checks and basic training before deployment.
Q3: Are assistants insured?
The company claims assistants have insurance coverage during shifts; customers should confirm coverage details while booking.