On demand drivers are always looking for ways to maximise their profits. The easiest way to earn more money per trip is by increasing the amount of tips you receive. We have teamed up with Splend to bring you 5 pro ways to earn more tips as an Uber/on demand driver.
Tipping is as old as the service industry itself. The reason is simple, really: we appreciate if someone goes out of their way to make things easier for us, especially if it’s an urgent or important mater.
The good news: as Uber/on demand drivers, we deal with these situations every single day, so opportunities are plentiful.
The bad news: since we get most of our tips via the Uber app these days, it’s as simple as a touch of a button. How is this bad news? Because it’s still more effort to find the option in the app and tap that button than saying ‘keep the change.’ Giving a tip requires a more calculated decision today than in the days of cash payments. In other words: you need to work harder to earn it.
Take advice from our good friends at Splend, and let us know which of these five tips have worked out best for you:
Let them navigate
No one likes a backseat driver and we’d never tell you to encourage that behaviour. However, it’s the small gestures that say the most about you.
Simply asking your riders if they have a preferred route tells them that you’re a true professional. Do this right before pulling away from the pick-up spot—this way you do yourself a favour too, and can even reset the satnav safely if needed.
Destination: candy shop
It’s an investment, but it’s one of the best you can make. It’s hard to be generous on an empty stomach.
It’s in the nature of the job: most of our clients are either stressed, tired, or in a hurry. Perhaps all of the above. There’s not much you can do to make their problems go away, but sometimes a little blood sugar is all they need to get in a better mood. Just be careful when shopping and go for individually wrapped sweets, and stay away from crumbly snacks and liquid-filled chocolate to prevent any accidents. Which brings us to the next tip:
Keep it tidy
First impressions count, and people are hardwired to spot any dirt in a car. You can stick to a schedule and thoroughly clean your car, say, twice a week, but we recommend you to also do touch-ups on a need-to basis. It’s easy to say that a little mud stain can wait until tomorrow, but your next passenger may disagree.
Our tip is to invest in a small cordless vacuum that fits in the glovebox, and also keep some wet-wipes at hand.
Press Play
Your car stereo is a double-edged sword, but once you learn how to turn those knobs, you have a powerful tool in your hand. Turn down the volume or mute the speakers altogether when meeting and dropping off your passengers. Keep the volume at a comfortable level during the ride, so you can hear each other clearly without speaking up.
Moderation is key in any case, and this goes not only for the volume, but the genre as well. Outspoken and controversial lyrics are never worth the risk, but subtle, slightly upbeat instrumental tunes are always a safe bet. Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure, and also remember that sometimes silence is the best music to a tired ear.
Keep an eye on the temperature
You get comfortable in your car after a while and may not even realise it’s too hot or too cold for others. Bear in mind that your riders are most likely dressed for the weather outside, and not an air-conditioned car.
In cold weather, keep the heater just a couple degrees above the outside temperature, and the other way around in the summer. You can always ask and adjust when needed, which is a gesture they will surely appreciate.
About Splend
Splend enables people to make money by driving. They envision a future where every on-demand driver can be successful.
They can set you up with a new-model car on a Rent or Rent to buy plan, plus the training and support you need to become a more profitable, safer, fulfilled driver.
