There is no doubt that Uber has revolutionized travel and created a great income opportunity for many people.
It does not matter whether you have been an Uber driver for a while, or just starting out, following tips will help you improve your income, give your rides a great impression and make the entire experience better for all.
Tip 1: Get to know the area.
Understanding the area where you intend to drive and work is essential if you wish to be successful. Get to know the popular places, what times they are busy, when they close, and when those areas are likely to have surge pricing. Also, get to know your way around perfectly and the best alternative routes to avoid traffic. This will give you greater confidence and the upper hand in predicting the best places to be and at what times.
Tip 2: Try out Uber as a customer first.
Use the service from the point of view of a customer so you can fully understand the experience from their perspective. Note when all the notifications come through. Look for all the positive and negative aspects of the ride, see where you could improve. Look at the Uber app from their view so you understand it. Chat to the driver, ask him questions that might be helpful to you in the future.
Tip 3: Ensure your car is clean.
Yes, I know this is an obvious one but it is worth repeating. First impressions count. Also make sure the car smells clean on the inside. A good idea is to keep some Febreeze handy. Do not forget your personal appearance. While you do not have to be in a suit and tie, your appearance can add to or detract from the customers’ experience. Make sure you have basics such as a charging cable for your phone. Check people do not leave things behind when they exit the vehicle. It might be a safe option to have a few vomit bags handy in case you need them.
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Tip 4: Be friendly and polite.
Listen to your rides and assess their mood. Some will want to chat; others would prefer silence. Try to avoid subjects like religion or politics. Music choice and volume is also important. Try to have a wide variety of music available.
Tip 5: Treat it as a business.
Again, this sounds obvious but it is vital. Keep accurate records for yourself so you can analyse your business, determine where you are wasting time or mileage and where you could improve earnings. Make sure your insurance is up to date and your car is serviced on time. Keep records of all vehicle costs.
Tip 6: Drive less between fares.
It is very tempting when things are quiet to drive around looking for the next fare. More often than not, this approach will just result in wasted time, mileage and money. The only time this is really necessary is when there are just too many other drivers in one area. Again, knowing the trends in your area will be of great help.
Tip 7: Don’t chase the surge.
Surge pricing, a temporary increase in rates, occurs when the demand is greater than the number of Uber drivers in a particular area. Chasing this surge is another very common mistake made by both new and experienced drivers. Surge pricing can change very quickly and by the time you get there, the pricing could have dropped. The more drivers go to that area, the more the surge price will decrease. You will have again wasted time and money and possibly missed a fare where you were originally. If you are close enough then by all means try it, but monitor this very closely to see if it is in fact working for you. Use the passenger app to see how many other Uber drivers are around you.
Well there you have it, 7 essential tips to get the most out of your Uber driving. Stay safe on the roads and keep those customers smiling. Uber on!