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7 Things You Should Know About Ride Sharing Companies
Most people today dream of being their own boss. Some people do realize it while others fear it. If you love driving around the city, then being rideshare driver is one great way to earn. Get ready to ditch the 9-5 lifestyle and be prepared for more excitement at work. But before you start your career as a rideshare driver, what should you consider?
We have compiled 7 things you should know before you start:
1. Tax Responsibilities
If you are an employee, the income tax is usually taken from your salary. When you are a rideshare driver, you have to take care of your own tax responsibilities. You are not an employee because you are considered as an independent contractor when you sign up. There are many online tools to help track your miles and estimated tax payments. If you need more help, online social media groups are ready to help.
2. It is Tempting to Work 24/7
Since you work on your own schedule, it is easy to set the hours of your work. It is common for Uber drivers who work part-time hold another paid job. Flexible hours help to choose the right hours for you. It is hard to set a limit to your working hours and avoid being overworked. When you are in the groove of making money, it is tempting to work without turning off the app. Doing this could deteriorate your driving skills and health. Time management is key. It is important to socialize and make time for oneself when you work.
3. Rating Matters Most
The driver rating in the rideshare app matters most. The rating encourages good driving habits and customer service. If you have poor customer ratings, there is a possibility that the company could fire you. A clean car, good rapport with customers, and on-time pickups and drops help you get a higher rating. You could also offer small treats or extras for customers to boost good rating.
4. Plan Your Driving Time
It is important to plan and strategize your day as a rideshare driver. Some drivers show interest in short rides and take many rides in a day. On the other hand, some pick up only longer rides. It is important that you plan your driving time and stick to the style that suits you. This avoids frustration as a driver.
5. Not All Routes Are Clear
One of the worst nightmares of all rideshare drivers is getting lost in an unknown place. When an Uber passenger requests a ride, the GPS location of the user reflects in the driver’s system. It makes it easy to pick them up. In some cases, the location can be misleading. Uber allows customers to edit the location mid-ride for a perfect location. It is always a good idea to call your customer before picking up to save precious time.
6. Hourly Income Could be Low
When you start out, you could have some expectations on your pay. The hourly income for most drivers fluctuates from $5 to $40 per hour. It depends on where you work and what your expenses are. If you are a downtown driver, you can always expect more perks compared to a driver in the suburbs. However, the expenses that incur also vary. Remember that you have to pay for the fuel when you rideshare.
7. Passengers Matter Most
When you are a rideshare driver, you would meet many different types of people. Some are difficult to handle while some are friendly. Most drivers admit that the hardest part of the job is to handle people. Generally, you could face rudeness or people getting sick in your car. Some companies like Lyft offer rating customers in the app. When a customer goes below a certain rating, they are not allowed to use the app.
While working for a rideshare company can be a great way to earn cash, it is not as lucrative as it seems. Do not deter though. If you think you would enjoy the job, then go for it. These are just few pointers to help you succeed as a rideshare driver. Being polite and professional never go out of style. Be a great driver, and it will sure pay. Set realistic goals and work on them.
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