This real life case study teaches important lessons about product management – How a micro interaction creates macro impact.
I say ‘When in a hurry, book Rapido’
This means that during surge hours, when demand is higher than supply and it’s difficult to get an immediate ride, Rapido is often more likely to give you a confirmed booking than Uber.
Reason
1. Flexibility in Increasing Fare
- Rapido allows you to add extra amount multiple times.
- If the initial offer isn’t accepted by any rider, you can keep increasing your bid until a driver accepts.
- Uber allows you to add extra amount only once.
- If that single increase is not enough, you’re left without options — and likely without a ride.
2. Flexibility in Modifying Pickup Location
- Rapido allows you to change the pickup point multiple times.
- So you can keep walking toward the main road or a more convenient spot while the system continues to match you — saving time.
- Uber allows only one modification to your pickup location.
- After that, you must stay put and wait for the driver to reach your initial spot. ( Ref. Article )
The Engineering & Product Insight
When you look at it from an engineering standpoint, the difference of effort between a one-time update and multiple updates is not huge. So when both are set out to solve the same problem and both had the same technical capabilities, Why both the apps have different offerings?
Understanding this gives us important product management lessons which I have compiled in a case study. Please click the download button below to access the complete case study.