The landscape of gig work in the United States is at a pivotal moment of transformation. The voices of gig workers are louder than ever, demanding change, as evident by the strikes and legal challenges rippling through the industry. It’s clear: the gig economy as we know it is in dire need of an overhaul – its time for the Gig Economy 2.0 (GigTwo).
The Core Issues Facing Gig Workers
The Struggle for Fair Compensation
Across the United States, gig workers have voiced their dissatisfaction, made evident through strikes and legal battles against giants in the gig economy. One glaring issue is the gap between hard work and fair compensation. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for a gig worker in the United States is just over $16.50. While platforms like Uber retreat from cities like Minneapolis rather than meet minimum wage requirements, HUDU’s Doers average over $60/hour, setting a new standard for gig worker compensation.
The Wait for Payout
Another pain point for gig workers has been the delay in payments, with most platforms offering weekly or biweekly payouts. With 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, this is a pace incompatible with the immediate financial needs of many workers. HUDU addresses this with instant payouts, ensuring Doers can access their earnings the moment a project is completed.
The Need for Time Off
The hustle culture of gig work leaves workers vulnerable to burnout, with no support system in place. Studies by the National Institute of Health indicate that gig workers experience greater levels of stress than the general population and, without proper coping mechanisms, this stress can have long-term negative effects. Recognizing this, HUDU proudly offers two weeks of paid time off annually, emphasizing the importance of rest in promoting sustained productivity.
The Hassle of Platform Diversification
World Bank found that almost three-quarters of gig platforms specialize in one type of gig task. For multifaceted workers, navigating the gig economy has historically meant juggling several accounts across various platforms, a process fraught with inefficiencies and risks. HUDU streamlines this, offering a wide array of local opportunities on a single, consolidated platform.
The Barrier of Background Checks and Onboarding
Traditional gig platforms require extensive background checks and onboarding, which can be both expensive and misaligned with workers’ skills. HUDU simplifies this process, providing free and straightforward account creation and optional background checks for those looking to enhance their profiles.
Opaque Removal Processes and Insufficient Support
Large platforms invest more in acquiring new workers than supporting existing ones, often leaving workers without recourse in disputes. Claims on Uber Drivers Forum say Uber’s user support is unresponsive, and nearly nonexistent when their drivers need assistance. HUDU distinguishes itself with a dedicated, flexible user support team, committed to resolving issues swiftly and fairly.
The Reliability of Payment
The ephemeral nature of small gig platforms poses a significant risk to workers’ earnings. Social media is rife with anecdotes of workers being ghosted by gig platforms and freelance clients after performing the work as assigned. HUDU mitigates this risk through secure financial handling by Stripe, guaranteeing payment post-project completion and establishing trust in HUDU’s stability and reliability.
The Path Forward with HUDU and GigTwo
HUDU isn’t just a platform; it’s the vanguard of the GigTwo movement—a paradigm shift towards empowering gig workers like never before. By addressing the core pain points of the traditional gig economy, HUDU ushers in an era where work is not just sustainable but rewarding and respected. This is Gig Economy 2.0: a revolution crafted by HUDU, where Doers are valued, supported, and given the freedom to thrive.
GigTwo is more than an upgrade; it’s a redefinition of work for the modern era, championed by HUDU. As we lead this revolution, we invite gig workers and industry watchers alike to witness the transformation and join us in shaping a fairer, more empowering future of work.
Ready for HUDU?
Check out HUDU’s knowledge base to see where we are active and how to become a Doer!
Visit heyhudu.com to get started.
HUDU’s referral program helps us ensure that our community of DO-ers and LIST-ers includes the best of the best. When our awesomest users refer their friends to HUDU, everyone gets rewarded!
The World’s Greatest Users
HUDU is a community of DO-ers and LIST-ers who are changing the way the world works. Our platform relies on great people, so we work hard to ensure our user base is made up of the very best. We do that, in part, by taking recommendations from the users we trust the most.
HUDU is Growing
HUDU’s communities are growing in Iowa and Texas, and we’re beginning to welcome new communities across the country. Refer new users from anywhere to start changing the way the world works where they are.
HUDU Referral Benefits
When you are referred to HUDU, you’ll receive 10% off any future project you award!
When you Refer someone to HUDU, you’ll receive credits in your HUDU wallet worth 10% of your friend’s first awarded project amount. That means that you receive $10 when your friend awards a $100 project! Plus, you’ll earn 15 points toward your HUDU Leaderboard Rank.
How to Refer a Friend to HUDU
Visit our Knowledge Base to learn more about HUDU’s Referral Program!
In February of 2023, HUDU changed how Des Moines residents choose to get things done, forever. And soon, HUDU will expand to other parts of the country. Now when individuals have too much to do in too little time they can list their projects on the HUDU app and connect with a local DO-er to get it done. Getting projects done is the main draw to the app, but there is so much more to discover on the HUDU platform! If you’re considering hiring someone for a project in your life, try HUDU!
What makes HUDU different from Thumbtack, Angi, and TaskRabbit?
HUDU is different from its competitors by being easily 100% local and totally DO-er driven. Our listing, bidding, and in-app processes are streamlined to help connect the most capable and skilled DO-ers with the people who need their services. HUDU will never be a “pay-to-play” platform and we’re committed to secure data handling.
How does HUDU work?
People who list projects on HUDU are called LIST-ers, and those completing the projects are called DO-ers. Our LIST-ers are typically homeowners, small business leaders, dual-income professionals, pet owners, homemakers, or people with simply too much on their plates. Our DO-ers are everyday people who are skilled and willing to work, specializing in moving, construction, cleaning, making, or any niche service you can imagine!
Where is HUDU?
Since February, 2023, our DO-ers and LIST-ers have been getting projects done in the Greater Des Moines area; including Adel, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Cumming, Elkhart, Granger, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines.
In October, 2023, HUDU launched in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas to help side hustlers in Texas earn money and find gig work that fits their specialties!
And in Q1 2024, we expect to expand to several other states in the Eastern United States.
What kind of projects are on HUDU?
If it’s legal, you can list it on HUDU! From hair braiding, date planning, interior design, construction needs, photography, a helping hand or any random task, you can list it on HUDU. Unlike specialized competitive bidding platforms that only accommodate one type of service – like cleaning or dog-walking, HUDU’s platform is one spot to find all kinds of specialized and skilled DO-ers!
How to use HUDU to get paid for skills you already have
HUDU is a simple way to side hustle and find secure opportunities to use your skills to make money and help others get stuff done. When you open the HUDU app to explore projects on your community’s to-do lists, you’ll be able to read descriptions and bid as soon as you register. DO-ers experienced in photography, tailoring, tree trimming, home services, construction, and auto detailing can find plenty of projects to complete and get paid immediately. Other projects include furniture assembly, pet care, house cleaning, electrical work, gardening, and much more!
Does HUDU save you money?
HUDU saves users money by facilitating complete cost transparency. On HUDU, DO-ers bid on project listings, and LIST-ers select who they want to work with based on availability, qualifications, and in-app reviews. By the time the project begins, a LIST-er has committed to a total price they are comfortable paying for the project, and DO-ers know how much they’ll make!
Want to learn more about HUDU?
To learn more about HUDU, download the app or start a conversation with our User Experience Team by submitting a ticket at heyhudu.com/support.
HUDU is a better way to make money – it also happens to be a better way to get things done!
Have you ever been broke? Strapped for cash? Struggled to make ends meet?
If you answered yes, then join the club! Over half of all Americans are living paycheck to paycheck with less than a thousand dollars in the bank.
The way we “work” is broken, and HUDU has the solution.
“A better way to make money.“
Now, we’re not looking to replace the 9–5, but rather break this cycle of “paycheck to paycheck” and never really being able to get ahead.
For many, the American Dream feels like just that, a dream, completely unattainable. HUDU is putting the American Dream back within reach for anyone who wants to chase it!
Enough rhetoric, let’s dive into what HUDU is and how we’re doing this.
Let’s start with the name, it comes from every time you’ve asked, “Hey, who do you know that can [do this thing I need done]…”
We’ve all been there, we’ve needed something done and had to go through this complicated and painful process of finding someone to take our money and do the project. With HUDU, simply list the project on the app and the real magic begins!
“A better way to get things done.”
Most Americans who live paycheck to paycheck have skills that could be monetized, but doing so is easier said than done… until now.
When you open the HUDU app, you’ll see countless projects in your area that people need done (see pictures below). Anyone looking to make extra money can simply find a project they can do well and go bid on it!
Wait, bid on it? Yup, you heard that correctly! Say goodbye to working by the hour. The harder you work and the faster you get the project done, the more time you have for yourself… and that’s a big part of why we built this platform.
The lowest bid doesn’t always win, the choice is yours! The LIST-er gets to choose the “Lowest Qualified Bidder” (don’t worry LIST-ers, our algorithm will give you guidance if needed). Price will obviously be a factor, but so will reviews, feedback ratings, experience, and certifications.
You’re probably wondering, “What types of projects will be on HUDU”? All you have to remember is this:
“If it’s legal, you can list it.”
During our HUDU v1.0 Beta Testing, our LIST-ers found DO-ers to provide high-quality wedding photography, tree removal, pet sitting, lawn care, home maintenance, sewing, car detailing, and even fixing a broken Macbook!
At the core of HUDU, our foundational belief is that people want three things:
- To be paid what they are worth
- To do things they enjoy
- To have time for the things that matter most to them
HUDU gives control to the DO-ers
For the first time in the history of working, you will have complete control over how much you make, the projects you do, and when you work.
That’s how HUDU is changing the way the world works… by giving YOU control. After all, thats what the American Dream is all about. 🇺🇸
We wanted this intro article to be a short and easy read, as a result, we skimmed over a lot of interesting details! Rest assured we will cover it all in future articles, so be sure to follow along on info.heyhudu.com/blog.
What do you think?
If you have any pressing questions or feedback, we welcome it! Please reach out to us on your preferred social platform, our username is @HeyHUDU across all socials!
In the meantime, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so check out the screenshots of HUDU v2.0 down below!
Thanks,
Derreck Stratton
Founder & CEO of HUDU
Iowa Startup HUDU is Revolutionizing the Gig Economy: What is HUDU and Who is the Man Leading the Charge?
Amidst the rolling plains of Iowa, a quiet revolution is brewing, powered by a startup named HUDU. This fresh platform is not just transforming how we view the gig economy; it’s poised to redefine it entirely.
The Rise of HUDU
At its core, HUDU is more than just another gig platform—it’s a Doer Driven Ecosystem. This innovative approach centers the entire marketplace around those who get the work done: the DO-ers. While other platforms place emphasis on the listers or the gigs themselves, HUDU prioritizes those who drive the system, ensuring they’re given the tools, respect, and opportunities they deserve. After all, isn’t it the skilled photographer, the diligent auto-detailer, and the devoted lawn care professional who breathe life into any project?
It’s about bringing empowerment to the forefront. Where most platforms end with a simple connection, HUDU initiates a journey. From the moment a LIST-er posts a project—be it for home improvements, events, or even personal hobbies—a vibrant community of DO-ers springs into action, ready to bring their unique skills and passion to the fore.
The Man Behind the Vision
Enter Derreck Stratton: a dynamic leader, a proud Iowan, and the heart and soul behind HUDU. As a dedicated single father and an ambitious entrepreneur, Derreck knows a thing or two about juggling responsibilities and dreams. He’s always believed in the boundless potential of people when given the right opportunities. With HUDU, he aims to not only create these opportunities but also cultivate a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Creating a Movement, Not Just a Marketplace
HUDU isn’t just a service; it’s a movement. It’s about recognizing the value in every person’s skill set, be it traditionally recognized professions or those skills we’ve cultivated out of pure passion or necessity. By emphasizing the DO-er, HUDU sends a clear message: every project, no matter how small, is a testament to someone’s dedication, expertise, and drive.
Furthermore, in placing DO-ers at the center of its universe, HUDU fosters an environment of mutual respect and appreciation. It’s a space where work is not just about monetary transactions but about recognizing and celebrating expertise.
Join the HUDU Revolution
As HUDU gains momentum, it’s not just looking for users—it’s looking for believers, advocates, and pioneers. It’s seeking those who see the potential in a platform that puts people first and are ready to be a part of this transformative journey.
For those ready to be a part of a movement that values skills, passion, and dedication, HUDU beckons. Dive in and discover a world where every project becomes a collaboration, every DO-er finds their spotlight, and every dream finds its stage.
Even as the gig economy booms, there’s nothing easy about making money as a gig worker – until now! HUDU is gig work reinvented. We’re changing the way the world works by empowering gig workers with unparalleled control over their hours, projects, and rates.
What’s the solution?
It should be easy to make money! HUDU’s solution is to provide a streamlined platform for hardworking DO-ers to earn extra income and access to life-changing benefits! We’re leading the gig-work revolution by being the DO-er friendliest app in the world.
What does revolutionizing gig work look like?
2023 data shows that 16.4% of Americans work a side-hustle, making up 5.7% of the national GDP. This $350 billion market segment is not always optimized to benefit users AND workers, and that’s why HUDU is Changing the Way the World Works!
By 2027, it’s expected that 1 in 2 Americans will be working a side-hustle. In 5 years, this trillion dollar industry will make up roughly 17% of national GDP, and workers will need options that empower them to Live Well and Dream Big!
Is HUDU a Middleman?
As a platform that facilitates gig work, we try to stay out of the way and let our DO-ers do what they DO best. We exist to foster a strong community that connects trusted experts with people who need their help. By ensuring secure payment, centralizing reviews, and connecting people, HUDU’s platform offers the ideal environment to make money and get things DONE!
What percent does HUDU keep?
We wish we didn’t have to charge a fee, but delivering 100% user satisfaction means HUDU works with the most highly skilled development, user experience, administrative, and financial services teams. Collecting 5% from LIST-ers and 15% from DO-ers allows us to keep our loyal users happy with they experience on the app!
Learn more about our Fee Structure.
HUDU Support
Are you a gig worker interested in changing the way the world works? Open a support ticket at heyhudu.com/support to get in touch with our User Experience Team!
Thanks for using HUDU!
Are you looking for a way to earn extra money in Des Moines? With dozens of opportunities for gig work, like driving for Uber, walking for Rover, or temp working in warehouses, there is finally an option that empowers you to control your hours, wages, and projects! HUDU is changing the way the world works by giving hardworking DO-ers the opportunity to earn extra income and access life-changing benefits.
Download the HUDU App
HUDU is the simple way to side hustle. Open the HUDU app to explore projects on your community’s to-do lists. DO-ers experienced in photography, tailoring, tree trimming, and auto detailing can find plenty of projects to complete and get paid immediately. Other projects include furniture assembly, pet care, house cleaning, electrical work, gardening, and much more; if it’s legal, you can LIST it!
How much do DO-ers earn on HUDU?
HUDU’s DO-ers are paid by the project. To determine the price of the service, DO-ers bid against other users to be awarded the job. LIST-ers do not have to choose the lowest bidder; they may go with the DO-er who has the best availability, experience, or reviews. That means side hustlers can develop strong reputations within a massive ecosystem of LIST-ers and DO-ers.
How do DO-ers get started on HUDU?
Getting started on HUDU is as easy as downloading the app and setting up your payment information through Stripe Express. Once your profile is set up, you can start bidding on projects that interest you the most. If one of your bids is awarded by a LIST-er, you’ll communicate with them on the app to create a project plan and get the job DONE! As soon as you finish, the LIST-er will release the funds right into your bank account.
Check out the Quickstart Guide to Becoming a DO-er page on HUDU’s Knowledge Base.
Does HUDU offer gig workers benefits?
As the gig economy booms, it’s clear that it is not focused on benefitting the lives of people who do the work. HUDU is working to lead the gig work revolution to empower the 16.4% of Americans side hustling today, and the 50%+ that will be side hustling by 2027. One way to do that is to offer DO-ers paid vacation, education, and micro-insurance. You can start a side hustle in Des Moines
Want to learn more about HUDU?
Want to find a side hustle in Des Moines? Download HUDU or start a conversation with our User Experience Team by submitting a ticket at support.heyhudu.com.
Thanks for using HUDU!
In February of 2023, HUDU changed how Des Moines residents choose to get things done, forever. When Des Moines citizens have too much to do in too little time, they list their projects on HUDU, a simple-to-use mobile app, and connect with a local DO-er to get it done. Getting projects done is the main draw to the app, but there is so much more to discover on the HUDU platform!
What makes HUDU different from Thumbtack, Angi, and TaskRabbit?
HUDU is different from its competitors by being easily 100% local and totally DO-er driven. Our listing, bidding, and in-app processes are streamlined to help connect the most capable and skilled DO-ers with the people who need their services. HUDU will never be a “pay-to-play” platform and we’re committed to secure data handling.
How does HUDU work?
People who list projects on HUDU are called LIST-ers, and those completing the projects are called DO-ers. Our LIST-ers are typically homeowners, small business leaders, dual-income professionals, pet owners, homemakers, or people with simply too much on their plates. Our DO-ers are everyday people who are skilled and willing to work, specializing in moving, construction, cleaning, making, or any niche service you can imagine!
Where is HUDU?
Since February, 2023, our DO-ers and LIST-ers have been getting projects done in the Greater Des Moines area; including Adel, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Cumming, Elkhart, Granger, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines.
In October, 2023, HUDU will launch in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas to help side hustlers in Texas earn money and find gig work that fits their specialties!
What kind of projects are on HUDU?
If it’s legal, you can list it on HUDU! From hair braiding, date planning, interior design, construction needs, photography, a helping hand or any random task, you can list it on HUDU. Unlike specialized competitive bidding platforms that only accommodate one type of service – like cleaning or dog-walking, HUDU’s platform is one spot to find all kinds of specialized and skilled DO-ers!
How to use HUDU to get paid for skills you already have
HUDU is a simple way to side hustle and find secure opportunities to use your skills to make money and help others get stuff done. When you open the HUDU app to explore projects on your community’s to-do lists, you’ll be able to read descriptions and bid as soon as you register. DO-ers experienced in photography, tailoring, tree trimming, home services, construction, and auto detailing can find plenty of projects to complete and get paid immediately. Other projects include furniture assembly, pet care, house cleaning, electrical work, gardening, and much more!
Does HUDU save you money?
HUDU saves users money by facilitating complete cost transparency. On HUDU, DO-ers bid on project listings, and LIST-ers select who they want to work with based on availability, qualifications, and in-app reviews. By the time the project begins, a LIST-er has committed to a total price they are comfortable paying for the project, and DO-ers know how much they’ll make!
Want to learn more about HUDU?
To learn more about HUDU, download the app or start a conversation with our User Experience Team by submitting a ticket at support.heyhudu.com
What is HUDU and how does it compare to other competitive bidding sites like Angi, Thumbtack, Taskrabbit, Fiverr, and Bark? Check out these six reasons that DO-ers and LIST-ers in Iowa prefer HUDU!
1. HUDU provides a DO-er friendly experience
We built HUDU to empower DO-ers to live well and dream big. We’re not chasing profit; we’re working toward a sustained shift in the way opportunities are made available to gig workers. Most gig work available today limits users to performing a single task like delivering food, walking dogs, or cleaning houses. HUDU, on the other hand, brings the community’s needs into one platform where specialized DO-ers can offer customized, right-priced services. We’re changing the way the world works by giving side-hustlers control over their hours, pay, and opportunities.
2. HUDU isn’t “pay-to-play”
Pay-to-play sites let service providers pay to buy leads and have their services recommended to potential customers. These sites end up becoming filled with providers who underperform and cannot generate recommendations organically.
HUDU’s approach flips this script and lets a DO-er’s work speak for itself. On the app, LIST-ers publish work opportunities, and DO-ers place a bid to complete it. At the end of the bidding period, LIST-ers choose from the interested DO-ers based on their project completion ratio, star ratings, and reviews from working with real users.
3. HUDU is 100% local
Some competitive bidding sites offer remote services that claim to serve the entire United States. While working with professionals across the country might work for some projects, HUDU’s 100% local approach means every project completed helps grow and connect a local community of LIST-ers and DO-ers.
4. HUDU uses responsible data handling
Have you ever received an onslaught of junk email from unknown sites after signing up for a service platform? It’s common for large sites to sell user data to the highest bidder to make extra money.
HUDU prioritizes a positive user experience by protecting your data and being completely transparent about our administrative practices.
5. HUDU doesn’t spam you
Tired of getting daily emails, texts, and phone calls from competitive bidding sites that you only use occasionally? HUDU limits mass email to critical product information and makes notifications customizable to arrive by email, text, or in-app.
6. HUDU’s service team is human
As a young and growing company, HUDU’s platform isn’t perfect yet. While we are improving user experience with every update we release, our earliest users are encouraged to report bugs and submit honest feedback about what’s working and what’s not. When you call 622HEYHUDU or submit a ticket on heyhudu.com/support, you’ll be paired with a real user experience professional who will work with you to find a solution.
Want to learn more about HUDU?
To learn more about HUDU, download the app or start a conversation with our User Experience Team by submitting a ticket at heyhudu.com/support.
