Tired of lineups? Hire someone to stand in for you

Anyone can benefit from this service, company says

Published May 27, 2026  •  3 minute read

Fans wait in line for merchandise before the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Toronto Blue Jays in game two of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 25, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. Photo by Patrick Smith /Getty Images

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

Article content

How valuable is your time? Is it worth finding someone to essentially be you?

Article content

Article content

Hear us out.

It’s summer in Toronto and with the season comes not only unbeatable weather but also big events to attend, from concerts, festivals, Blue Jays games, pop-ups and the fast-approaching World Cup and corresponding fan zones.

Taskrabbit — the online and mobile marketplace best known for connecting people needing help with things like daily chores, moving and handywork with “Taskers” who are ready to take on any job — is now ready to help those who would rather do anything else with their time than stand in line.

“Literally, anyone can benefit from this service,” Pashv Shah, general manager of Taskrabbit Canada, told the Toronto Sun.

“You can probably quickly recall the last time you walked away from a line because it was too long.”

According to Taskrabbit’s findings, nearly three-quarters (73%) of Canadians have done just that, while 30% said they have missed an important appointment or event entirely because they were stuck waiting in line.

Article content

Article content

Attendees queue for the Ferrero Rocher activation during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 05, 2024 in Toronto. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images) Photo by Rodin Eckenroth /Getty Images

Convenience is priceless

Nearly half (45%) of Canadians said they have waited over an hour in a single queue, with only about one-quarter (27%) of respondents admitting that long waits are actually worth waiting in.

In fact, nearly half (43%) of Canadians say the 20-minute mark is when their patience runs out.

But are people to pay for convenience? Well, all you have to do is ask anyone who has hopped on Hwy. 407 to avoid sitting in traffic.

The data found that more than one-quarter (28%) said they would pay to skip a line during a major event.

“With the FIFA World Cup, festival season and limited-edition merch drops all on the horizon this summer, there’s no shortage of Canadians who can get their spot held for them while they go about and enjoy their day or focus on other to-dos,” Shah noted.

He even cites using Taskrabbit’s Wait in Line service on Victoria Day, hiring a Tasker to wait at Pizzeria Badiali while he and his family strolled around the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood.

Article content

The north-end stands constructed for the FIFA World Cup at BMO Field are pictured on Saturday, May 9, 2026. (Cynthia McLeod/Toronto Sun) Photo by CYNTHIA MCLEOD /TORONTO SUN

So, how does it work?

Open the Taskrabbit app or website, describe the task — like where the line is, when you need someone there, how long you expect the wait to be — and those in the area who area available, along with their rates and reviews, will come up, Shah explained.

“From there, you pick the Tasker you want, confirm the details and they show up,” he said. “When you’re ready to take your spot, you head over and make the swap. It’s that easy.”

Part-time possibilities?

As for those who possess that patience of a saint, perhaps this is a good side-hustle option.

Wannabe Taskers go through a registration process, which always includes a background check.

Once that’s completed, Taskers set up their own profiles, choose the categories of work they want to take on and set their own rates.

Read More

1. 

   FIFA unveils sky-high parking prices at BMO Field for Toronto World Cup games

2. 

   Anti-noise group cranks up complaints after latest Rogers Stadium concert

3. 

   Don't want to wait in line? Rent a placeholder

“We know waiting in lines requires a specific kind of patience but for the right Tasker, it’s an appealing way to work with flexible hours when you have some time to spare and are looking to earn money at the same time,” Shah said.

“On average, Canadian Taskers earn an average of $46 an hour across all types of tasks and they take home 100% of what they earn, including tips.”

He added: “That’s a meaningful income opportunity while having the freedom to be your own boss.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Article content