RIDEGURU
Nervous to begin this journey!!
Should I tell my pax it is my first ride as a driver?
Posted 5 years, 4 months ago
Posted In
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Do you have questions for your Uber anad Lyft drivers? What about tips and suggestions? Whether you are a driver or a rider, share your comments here and get responses from real rideshare drivers.
Posted By
lizzet
14
Ride Apprentice
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Comments
Very similar experience. My first rider, I forgot to swipe start ride. I don't know if my pax noticed or not or just didn't say anything. Luckily, short ride to a store that I knew. Longest drive was 45 miles 2 weeks ago. I thought the rider was kidding when I asked where to. They weren't. Nice payout on that one. I get asked all the time how long have you been doing this. Answer: not long. At first I was a bit paranoid that they could tell I was inexperienced but actually turns out they were asking because they were interested in it themselves. I always give the same answer: you just have to try it for 1-3 months and see if it's a good fit for you. I am not concerned about future possible competition, I will help anyone I can.
Haha, this is so real.
I too used to be insecure and freak out when people ask, “been doing this a long time?” Me: “Umm...me? Why do you ask? Is it that obvious?”
Thanks DrLao! I ventured on some of the other forums today and was too intimidated by the insults that were being hurled around. I can totally see myself not swiping right, thanks for the reminder! I feel like I am going to look so dumb fumbling with the app for the first time. I have my charger all ready to go, planning to sign on tomorrow to give my first ride :)
Please let us know how things are going for you. DL
So far so good. I have driven on 3 separate days with nothing too out of the ordinary. Messed up by taking the wrong turn on one ride and was so embarrassed. The guy seemed good but annoyed. UGH. Still get a rush of adrenaline every time I start a "shift". Does that ever end?
I have been surprised that most riders (I still have only given 12 rides, I am taking it slow haha) are really nice. I am not sure why this surprised me but I just thought it would be more awkward that it really is. The extra pay is nice :) Not much from tips though...
I haven't ventured out at nights at all yet, still working up my courage for those rides!
Absolutely, they may even tip you, just relax, be yourself, learn some strategies to increase your earnings and if you can find a veteran mentor, great. Good luck and be safe out there.
Thanks :)
Yes, totally. You’ll screw up so might as well as put it out there
Plus people like honesty.
Plus people won’t ding you for being new. No downside
I told my 1st passenger. He was fine with it but maybe because it was 1.25 miles straight down the street for 3.45. Lol I ended up being his driver 5 more times:) After my 1st ride I went home for the night. Lol I was just happy I got that 1st ride out of the way as I was so nervous. It's not like we get any training. I made every rookie mistake out there and even had a few riders take advantage of my kindness. I survived though. Just came up on 2 yrs. Try to read your passenger before telling them. Some people out there will take the opportunity to try to get a free ride:) If they are nice and holding a conversation with you sure why not mention it. Many riders to this day still ask how long I've been doing it.
Any questions this is the place to ask:) A few veteran drivers that wont give you a rough time, give you BS answers, answer your questions with sarcasm, or full out lie to you. Everyone here is respectful, helpful, and nice unlike other forums or FB pages.If you need any help just ask:) Best of Luck. Let us know how your 1st ride went.
thanks momof4 - good advice! I would like to think most riders are trustworthy but you bring up a good point that some might try to take advantage. Anything you think I need in my car. I took everything out of my truck and have my car charger and a new air freshner. I don't want to do waters/candy.
Waters and candy dont bring tips in my experience. Be nice, respectful, friendly, and positive but dont let anyone take advantage of you. Know when to talk and when not to. Good morning then how was your day/night one word answers usually means they dont want to talk. Most people will hold conversation. Some wont say anything until trip is almost over. Some dont say a word other than hi and thank you. You think you are going to get 1 star because they are annoyed about something then a 20% tip pops up:) Try to read your passenger quickly. Stay away from politics, religion, sex, gender, anything you think may be offensive. If rider goes on about something but you may not agree agree anyway. Makes for an easier ride. Music make a few play list. Especially if doing bar pick ups. Music not only makes them happy but makes for good conversation. Puke bags if doing bar pick ups. Dont take unaccompanied minors, kids with no safety seat or booster seat, no cash rides. Those 3 things are really…
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Waters and candy dont bring tips in my experience. Be nice, respectful, friendly, and positive but dont let anyone take advantage of you. Know when to talk and when not to. Good morning then how was your day/night one word answers usually means they dont want to talk. Most people will hold conversation. Some wont say anything until trip is almost over. Some dont say a word other than hi and thank you. You think you are going to get 1 star because they are annoyed about something then a 20% tip pops up:) Try to read your passenger quickly. Stay away from politics, religion, sex, gender, anything you think may be offensive. If rider goes on about something but you may not agree agree anyway. Makes for an easier ride. Music make a few play list. Especially if doing bar pick ups. Music not only makes them happy but makes for good conversation. Puke bags if doing bar pick ups. Dont take unaccompanied minors, kids with no safety seat or booster seat, no cash rides. Those 3 things are really really important. I guarantee drunk guys will hit on you. Know how to get them to back off without pissing them off:) Make sure you know how to use navagation app. I love WAZE seems most drivers do. If not WAZE, Google Maps. Find the one that works best for you. Dont use sound on nav if you need to hear it get earpiece. Always confirm riders name but let them give you their name 1st, confirm destination before you leave. Keep your doors locked when you pull up gives you a few seconds to see who you are picking up, are the puking, filthy dirty, or are you getting a bad feeling. Trust your instincts something seems off leave and cancel. Roll down window confirm you got correct rider then unlock doors. Ask them to put seatbelts on most forget to put them on. Anyone giving you a hard time get to well lit area tell them to get out if they refuse grab your keys & phone get out call 911. Get dash cam very important. Never ever start a trip until your rider is confirmed and seatbelted in your car. Always keep 1/2 tank of gas in case you get a long ride. Make sure you have cash for tolls or ezpass or whatever you use in your cities and states near you. Make sure car is clean. If its your family car lysol or wipe it down when your shift is over. Dont use overpowering airfreshners someone will complain:) I keep chargers in my car for riders. I am sure you know most of this but hopefully something I posted helped. Once that first ride is over it gets a little less stressful:) Keep your ratings high but dont stress too much over them. You cant please everyone no matter what you do. Hope I covered everything. You can always ask questions. Good drivers on here with great tips. Remember this is your business do what makes you happy. Good luck. Stop back after your 1st day/night let me know how you made out. Nice to talk or vent with other drivers who know what your dealing with. Trust me family gets tired of hearing your stories:)
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Not candy bars, but for me, the $0.25 bottle of water does have a positive return on investment. At least I think so. Someone just has to give me a dollar every four rides (bottles).
Jon, I'll share a little study/research I did on tipping in the next few days I'll post that really helped increase my tips. In some markets those things may work. I just found in my market it doesn't help. I think as a new driver you should give it a try for a few weeks and then stop see how things go. I do keep water in my car .17/.25 per bottle & I do keep jolly ranchers, mints, star burst, etc (whatever is on sale). I do a few pick ups from small airport and lots of pick ups to take to the airport. More people take the candy than the water. I dont believe the tips I get are because of the candy as I get if I dont have the candy. It's rare anyone takes the water. When I used to drive in a different area a few more would take the water but again most wouldn't. Sometimes I feel that the people who have no intention on tipping dont take it because then they feel obligated to tip:) I keep candy & water in my car for 3 reasons. If I run out of something…
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Jon, I'll share a little study/research I did on tipping in the next few days I'll post that really helped increase my tips. In some markets those things may work. I just found in my market it doesn't help. I think as a new driver you should give it a try for a few weeks and then stop see how things go. I do keep water in my car .17/.25 per bottle & I do keep jolly ranchers, mints, star burst, etc (whatever is on sale). I do a few pick ups from small airport and lots of pick ups to take to the airport. More people take the candy than the water. I dont believe the tips I get are because of the candy as I get if I dont have the candy. It's rare anyone takes the water. When I used to drive in a different area a few more would take the water but again most wouldn't. Sometimes I feel that the people who have no intention on tipping dont take it because then they feel obligated to tip:) I keep candy & water in my car for 3 reasons. If I run out of something to drink I can reach back and take that water:) I quit smoking or when I am bored or tired I can reach back and grab a piece of candy. Lol The other reason is 98% of my passengers are nice people. I enjoy the conversation and usually have a nice ride so I like to have something back there as a courtesy to my passengers. Last reasons I was always taught not to eat or drink in front of people unless you have enough to share. If I take a drink or eat a mint there are some there for the passenger. Yes I could wait until I drop them off but my rides are mostly 45+ min. I get a decent amount of tips. I feel its mainly how you treat your passengers, car clean & neat, conversation or quiet (preference), music or quiet (preference), help load & unload luggage. Also according to my badges, notes, & ratings on Uber & rating and rider feedback on Lyft that leads me to believe the things I mentioned above is the reason for the decent amount if tips I get. I will say every market, neighborhood, and times you drive may be reason to say people tip because you have snacks and/or water.
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How long have you been driving for, you have such great insight. I love reading your posts. Thanks for all the advice!
Just over 2 yrs. Thank you and you ate welcome. How you making out?
WOW! Thank you, I did my first 2 rides this morning :) Was so nervous when I got my first ride but it was with a single girl going to work who was really sweet. We talked the whole way and I told her it was my first ride ever. Can't complain! I then got sort of flustered when I dropped her off because it was right in the city during rush hour and I was getting another ride request right away and I was still just on such a high I wasn't planning to do another ride but I didn't want to not accept it. It was two guys just going a few blocks though so it was ok. No tips at all though... Then I turned the app off and went home to re-charge a bit LOL I probably sound so silly but my heart was racing! Im going to go back out this afternoon. I need to make a music playlist - that is a great idea. I normally just listen to the radio personally but I bet some good music will be good for both me and the passengers.
Happy to hear things went well. It gets easier with time. Unfortunately you will.passengers that will.drive you crazy. Take a deep breath and just get them to their destination. They are only with you a short time. Keep up the positive attitude it definately helps:)
Keep watch on charging wires, aux cord, and vomit bags they tend to disappear if you dont. Just leave one or 2 vomit bags in the back. I buy chargers at Five Below if they get stolen or broke no big deal.
As a frequent rider I don't see anything wrong with letting the passenger know. Most will think it is kind of exciting and ask what you think so far, etc.