I wonder if there could exist a solution for services like these, but decentralized, as to cut out the greedy middleman as much as possible. I mean, lemmy sort of is the application of this concept. Sure, there's still costs with running servers etc., but the protocol regulates much of the interaction.

[–] deathbird@mander.xyz 2 points 1 year ago

The company (Uber, Instacart, etc) is basically:

An app for drivers/shoppers.
An app for consumers.
The servers to facilitate communication.
A subcontracted call center in India for support and customer service.
A third-party payroll processor.
A handful of administrative people and techs to keep it running. Plus some shareholders to take the money.

So not counting drivers and contracted services, it's practically a small business. Seems easy enough to emulate.