BrianTheScrewDriver

Ride Apprentice

457 Driver Driver

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Posts by BrianTheScrewDriver

Comments by BrianTheScrewDriver

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     5 years ago in  Should you make out with someone in the backseat of the Uber? Will I get a lower rating?

    $150 for clean up fees for bodily fluids.

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     5 years ago in  Beginner Advice for a Driver

    1) If you haven't done so already take a ride as a passenger.  Multiple times.  You will learn a lot.

    2) Don't chase the surge.  If the red surge happens near or where you currently are, stay and enjoy, but if it's far away, don't chase it.  Surges changes fast and the last thing you want to do is to drive far and waste gas.

    3) Take breaks.  At set times.  Us drivers generally have very long shifts.  10+ hours easily. You have to be alert.  Your job is driving.  It's not worth it to risk yourself, your car, and passenger.  One accident can come back to bite you HARD.

    4) Track all expenses.  Carry around a notebook, or download one of those expense software that can track rideshare expenses, including mileage.  you will need to deduct all of these things.  definitely keep all your receipts, especially those related to vehicles, say car repairs and maintenance.

    5) Get used to finding emergency locations and bathroom break locations.

    6) Get proper equipment, like phone chargers, phone holder, barf bag for passengers, etc.

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     5 years ago in  Why do Uber and Lyft drivers become so angry when riders don't tip?

    I wonder if the lack of tipping has to do with the perception of Uber drivers being "casual" drivers who are "just like and me."  "Making a few bucks on the side" (and enjoying a fancy dinner per Uber TV commercials)

     I think this perception is very different than looking at a professional taxi drivers who do it for a living and perhaps struggling to make ends meet.  I think consumers think Uber drivers have real gigs on the side and basically only doing this to a) meet people, b) kill time, c) make more money than we are already making, etc..

    ...basically they assume we don't need the money.

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     5 years ago in  Do you help with Luggage? Do you help females more than males?

    Must you ask?  Obviously.  He already said it in his response.

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     5 years ago in  Which amenities do you provide for your passengers?

    I actually have a physical tip box.  I bought it before Uber app had tipping option and did fairly well.  I drive in Vegas and Phoenix.  

    You have to sell your tip box right near the items you offer.  Like charger and mints.  Tip isn't required but I basically make them think about it a second before they take something from me.

    Some people do ask whether money is necessary, and I tell them politely, "no."  The interesting fact?  Those who were polite enough to ask always tip.

    It's those who just take and not pay who are assholes.

    Have you seen these?

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Featured Answers by BrianTheScrewDriver

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     5 years ago in  Is UberXL for IKEA a viable option? Do drivers mind? Any extra charges for big items?

    The car you get with UberXL, can be a numbr of different cars, so there's always a chance you get a smaller SUV. So watch out for that.

    and the problem here is that the driver doesn't have to pick up big cargo items.  and they hate it when you have big items that needs to be loaded.  It can take time in loading and it can damage their cars.  They will definitely not like it. (I wouldn't.)

    I would request a UberXL, and immediately call the driver to see if he is willing to do so.  By some luck, you would get one that doesn't mind and will do the task for you.  Make sure to mention upront that you would tip handsomely.  (Don't wait until it's over and offer.  Just offer upfront.)

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     5 years ago in  Is there really a driver movement so they can see customer profile info before accepting? What's the argument? [updated]

    Not sure if this is a formal movement, but I have heard vocal groups of rideshare drivers discussing this.  

    At high level, they are against the illusion of transparency and flexible work schedule that Uber promotes. They feel that as independent workers, they should be able to see the rides they are accepting and decide where to work and what riders to pick up.

    They also feel unfair where the riders can see a lot about them but the drivers cannot. For example, riders can see the gender and race of the drivers, but the drivers cannot. If riders can discriminate why can't the drivers?

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     5 years ago in  Diamond Nerf

    I stopped paying attention to any types of driver promotions and incentives. Lyft started this trend earlier and Uber  is all over it now. 

    It’s an obvious attempt to confuse the drivers so they don’t really know how much they’re making. They will do this to make us work harder while making less money. 

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