RIDEGURU
How much should I tip my Uber driver?
I am sure drivers and customers have different opinions. if you can specify in your response, that'd be great.
What is the proper etiquette with tipping an Uber and Lyft driver?
FlutterShy
310
Rider
Posted 6 years, 7 months ago
Posted In
Ask a Driver
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
Flutter Shy (FlutterShy)
310
Rider
Ride Apprentice
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Featured Answers
TonyAlmeida
1149
Rider
I am a rider. I try to tip 15 to 20%, like I used to with taxis.
I also try to keep in mind to tip more for shorter trips because drivers get screwed on those. I know that's a bit counterintuitive because we pay the most on those short trips due to the booking fee, but the majority of that goes to Uber.
If it's a real short trip, just walk. That's my opinion.
TravTravTravis
170
The lack of tipping has been one of the major reasons I liked Uber over Taxis. I feel like people are trying to ruin it.
I would be happy to pay the drivers enough for them to make a living and be happy with their job. I would prefer that Uber's rates would simply reflect this fair wage they deserve. That apparently is not the case however, as the drivers complain about their low wages, while Uber counters with a "if we raise rates, ridership will fall...so you will lose money..
When I take a ride, I want to relax and not worry about such details. I do not want to and should not have to be doing math and gauging and judging the level of service. I take Uber for a ride, and I enjoy the few minutes of solitude. Why am I stressing over meeting some weird social norms that everyone is trying to fabricate.
The concept of tipping is an outdated business model that is entrenched in the US culture, especially in the restaurant industry. I do not appreciate how this is forcefully being pushed onto an emerging new industry. It's like a conspiracy. The drivers are tactically bullying the customers and creating this perception that the tip is necessary. So far, it looks like they are winning.
Comments
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I am a rider. I try to tip 15 to 20%, like I used to with taxis.
I also try to keep in mind to tip more for shorter trips because drivers get screwed on those. I know that's a bit counterintuitive because we pay the most on those short trips due to the booking fee, but the majority of that goes to Uber.
If it's a real short trip, just walk. That's my opinion.
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The lack of tipping has been one of the major reasons I liked Uber over Taxis. I feel like people are trying to ruin it.
I would be happy to pay the drivers enough for them to make a living and be happy with their job. I would prefer that Uber's rates would simply reflect this fair wage they deserve. That apparently is not the case however, as the drivers complain about their low wages, while Uber counters with a "if we raise rates, ridership will fall...so you will lose money..
When I take a ride, I want to relax and not worry about such details. I do not want to and should not have to be doing math and gauging and judging the level of service. I take Uber for a ride, and I enjoy the few minutes of solitude. Why am I stressing over meeting some weird social norms that everyone is trying to fabricate.
The concept of tipping is an outdated business model that is entrenched in the US culture, especially in the restaurant industry.&nb…
The lack of tipping has been one of the major reasons I liked Uber over Taxis. I feel like people are trying to ruin it.
I would be happy to pay the drivers enough for them to make a living and be happy with their job. I would prefer that Uber's rates would simply reflect this fair wage they deserve. That apparently is not the case however, as the drivers complain about their low wages, while Uber counters with a "if we raise rates, ridership will fall...so you will lose money..
When I take a ride, I want to relax and not worry about such details. I do not want to and should not have to be doing math and gauging and judging the level of service. I take Uber for a ride, and I enjoy the few minutes of solitude. Why am I stressing over meeting some weird social norms that everyone is trying to fabricate.
The concept of tipping is an outdated business model that is entrenched in the US culture, especially in the restaurant industry. I do not appreciate how this is forcefully being pushed onto an emerging new industry. It's like a conspiracy. The drivers are tactically bullying the customers and creating this perception that the tip is necessary. So far, it looks like they are winning.
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You sound all noble talking about business models and such, but can we for a second look at the reality of the situation? Drivers are starving and cannot make ends meet. You speak of this emerging industry but the industry won't exist soon if people didn't tip.
This isn't about whether it's Uber's fault or some drivers conspiring to create the new norm. It's about drivers earning a living and making this industry work for all of us.
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I agree, in theory, that the concept of tipping is outdated.
However, I also realize that in practice my server is only getting paid $2.13/hour so I tip every time. If I don't have enough money to tip, I don't eat out.
People either don't realize or don't care how big of a cut Uber/Lyft take and how much it costs to keep our cars running.
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I can't speak for all drivers, but I can speak for myself. I have never bullied a customer into tipping. As a matter of fact, I never even mention tipping unless the customer brings it up. There are no signs or tip jars in my vehicle either. If it is brought up, my simple reply is, "If you feel I deserve a tip, it is greatly appreciated, however, tipping is not necessary". I do believe that tipping should be an option for customers if they feel their driver was exceptional, but I also think that as a driver you should do your best to provide an exceptional experience without the expectation of a tip. I believe overall this allows you to relax and focus providing a better experience for your customer, who ultimately is the reason you are making any money at all.
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I feel the same way. I have had days where every rider tipped, and those where no riders tipped. It does make a huge difference when riders tip just a buck or two. I don't expect tips in general as where I live the locals just don't, period. Most tips come from tourists or those visiting from out of town or are not paying for the trip (Corporate per diem). Uber is now taking a much higher percentage and charging the customer more on short trips to cover the minimum fees (Uber takes more than 50% on those rides). I think the matrix above is laughble, I don't tip on that kind of system, I also don't need a charge cord, gum or anything else. I tip for good service and a good / clean car and driver. There are some sketchy drivers out there too so you can't blanket tip like a restaurant. The driver is the busboy, cook, server and hostess. You are correct you cannot be hald accountble for what Uber does but you can control what you do.
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How can you tell who are locals and who are tourists? Do you live in a small town? Just curious.
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I know where I picked them up, where they are going and ask them if that doesn't tell me. Conversation: I pick them up at a hotel frequented by covention goers. I am driving them to the airport for the first flight out. i.e. United to Denver. I ask them if they are checked in or need to go to the counter, I ask them if Denver is their final destination, when they say no Boston, Tampa, Atlanta etc. I ask them if they are going home from the railroad, IT or microchip convention or somewhere else and their answer tells me all that. Not a small town, I can operate my turn signals and ask questions
![laughing]()
. Area of 250,000 to 750,000 when weather is nice.
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Hmm, while I agree with your views, but not even a tip jar, huh? It's starting to become pretty common. (IMO. Then again I don't ride other Uber cars. LOL)
What do you drive? X or Black?
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Cruel and cold hearted. It's people like you who lacks empathy that Uber counts on to fight the tipping concept. People like you do not deserve to benefit from the service industry because you don't appreciate the services provided.
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Uber pays way too little. In most cities we make below minimum wage. Tip is the only way to make it work. If I make $7 an hour before tip. The tip makes it $8 or 9. Do you see how important that is for us to stay in the profit range.
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While that may be true, this is a matter between you and Uber. I'd be happy to pay a higher rate so you can make a profit in your operation but the business is failing if you are dependent on tips.
It is not my business or responsibility to fix the problem that exists between the drivers and the employer. If you aren't getting paiid enough, quit or complain to Uber. That'll make them fix it. Don't put this on me and other passengers.
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You sound like the asshole who doesn't tip their server because the restaurant should pay them more.
You know they are only getting paid $2.13/hr and you know that's not going to change until congress changes the law.
So until it changes, tip. Don't be an asshole.
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Such simple rule. DNBAA. Do not be an asshole. So simple and straightforward. Too much explanation and arguments. We all know when someone (including yourself) is being an asshole. Just stop.
Reality is reality. Drivers aren't being paid enough. Plus this is a service industry where the quality of service should be commended. It's up to the consumers, and I am okay with that. In fact, I prefer that I have a choice. Say not paying crappy drivers as much.
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The problem is, once the tipping culture is established, we will never be able to revert it back. Nope
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We all have to look at the situation at hand, and stop playing the blame game. Uber isn't paying the drivers enough money, and Uber currently has a monopoly and can dictate how much should be paid by them and how the rest should be paid by the public. It's not a problem of Uber vs. a problem of society thing. It's a problem as a society that we need to solve.
Also, let's give credit to the capitalism, shall we? Does it really matter how much of your extra payment goes tip vs. Uber? Let's pay the driver whawt they need and move on. If you don't go with the socio-norm and you are paying less than everyone else, then maybe it's you who has the problem. (speaking of blame game..)
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Most passengers do not care about how little your making. They want the least for the most and that' why you always must be one step ahead of the game .
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Your a tightwad and you would do us justice by taking mass transit and not worry about this long story of if how when why what.
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On a slow day, us drivers make like $10/hour, and considering that doesn't include overhead like fuel and car maintenance, that is pretty darn low. I try not to expect tips but frankly I appreciate it and we sort of lean on it.
How much to tip? I wish I could tell you from my past experience of 2000 rides, but it varies quite a bit. I'd like to say 15~20, but that is far from the truth. I think when I do the math, it's more like 5% on average. (remember some people don't tip at all, which brings down the average.)
$5 tip would make our day.
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5-20% is a good range IMO.
5-10% for an acceptable ride with minor issues.
15% for a good ride.
20% for an excellent ride.
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Tip as you would a taxi driver!! They are providing the same service. 10-20% is reasonable or a few dollars for a short ride. I know tipping culture can be frustrating but that is the culture we live in so dont be a dick.
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Here are a couple of helpful posts:
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Here’s How Much To Tip Your Uber Driver:
A $1 – $2 dollar tip is perfect for most Uber rides and makes a big difference in the drivers earnings and day. If you take the driver into the middle of nowhere then consider a $10 – $20 tip since they will have a long unpaid drive home.
- The ride was bad: $0
- Standard ride: $1
- Good ride / conversation: $2 – $3
- Made a stop: $1/minute you held the driver up (we get paid about 15 cents a minute otherwise).
- Aux Cord / Water / Candy: $1 per item
- Car is VERY Clean: $2
- Driver is Patriots Fan: $0
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Looks like tips are increasing for Uber drivers. 600 million in tips this past year.
https://ride.guru/lounge/p/uber-drivers-made-600-million-in-tips-this-year
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This heavily depends on UberX vs. UberBlack. With UberBlacks, people tip less and I don't think ti is expected as much. Livery services drivers don't work on tips.
Also remember Uber used to not accept tipcs, with their slogan, "Your own personal driver." (or whatever) It's all about the cashless experience.
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We accept whatever you give us. No driver is entitled to it, and whatever you feel is appropriate will be appreciated.
If you receive a great service, yes, please do tip. If not, don't. I think we should all keep it simple.
We are at an interesting place right now in terms of defining the concept of tipping for future generations. I mean, at somepoint in history, someone or some trend made tipping waitresses the social norm and they started to expect it. and restaurants started to count on it so they stopped paying higher wages.
We are about to define this now as a culture. It looks like we are headed towards accepting the tipping concept for rideshares?
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Intersting indeed. This entitlement for tips creates complacency and hurts the industry as a whole as service workers get lazy and lower the standard for great service. It's like how waitors pretty much expect 15-20, and good service basically went out the door.
I mean, do people remember how it used to be 15%? Then for good service people started to tip 20%? I mean what's happening? It's like a conspiracy, and the service people are winning the war of jacking up the "social norm."
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. Area of 250,000 to 750,000 when weather is nice. 
