‘Insta Maids - at Your Service in 15 mins’: Urban Company Enters the Quick Commerce Space With Rs 49 per Hour Maid-Service

Urban Company, a home services startup, has introduced a new maid-for-hire service. With its "Insta Maids," the business enters the rapid commerce market and gives users access to maids in as little as 15 minutes.

According to an X post from the company, consumers can start using the service for as little as ₹245 per hour. However, the business will only provide “Insta Maids” services for ₹49 per hour as an introductory offer.

15-minute Maid Service Booking 

Urban Company’s Insta Maids Service is still in its pilot phase and is being implemented in Mumbai. The startup aims to expand to other cities where Urban Company conducts business.

Cleaning utensils, brooming, mopping, and culinary preparation are all included in the "Insta Maids” service, along with other tasks typically performed by housekeepers. 

Urban Company announced the launch of its new service across their social media platforms, stating that they are deeply committed to the well-being of their service partners. 

“In this new service offering, partners earn ₹150-180 per hour, along with free health insurance and on-the-job life & accidental insurance. Partners working for 132 hours per month (22 days × 6 hours per day) are assured earnings of at least ₹20,000 per month,” said Urban Company on their X post.

They also added that the introductory pricing of ₹49 per hour is a limited-time offer. As the service scales, prices will adjust to ensure both sustainable earnings for their partners and viable economics for the business. 

The home services startup also assured people that they firmly believe in the dignity of labour and that this principle will guide them as they expand this service, creating a true win-win situation for both their customers and service partners.

Also Read:‘19,826 Km Roads Constructed So Far Under Bharatmala’: Nitin Gadkari 

Backlash on Social Media

Urban Company’s Insta Maids service has sparked controversy, with many criticising it for potentially exploiting labour under the guise of convenience and innovation. If workers are being underpaid, overworked, or deprived of basic rights, that’s a serious issue.

Many people believe gig economy platforms should ensure fair wages, worker protections, and ethical business practices instead of prioritising profit at the cost of human rights.

One user commented, “This is a violation of human rights; stop exploiting cheap labour in the name of innovation.” 

Several people deemed the use of the word "maid" to be demeaning and out of date in today's society.

“Expected better from Urban Company. Has no one told them that the term 'maid’ is outdated, gendered, and, in general, derogatory? Also, what’s with the visuals on the ad?" noted one user on X.

Another user said, “Urban Company has launched this in Mumbai. There may be a high probability you will find many illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Nepal working in this industry." 

A third user added, “India desperately needs an army of blue-collar domestic workers. There is a need, and there is an ample supply.” He also praised the startup, saying that it was good, and suggested that they should also bring out babysitting services. 

As public scrutiny grows, it remains to be seen whether Urban Company will take any steps to address these concerns. While convenience remains a key selling point for modern businesses, ethical employment practices must not be compromised in the pursuit of profit.

Also Read:Rapido Set To Launch Food Delivery Service To Take On Zomato, Swiggy