5 Tips and Tricks for Success with Uber and Lyft

Intro

The American Gig Economy continues to grow even though some state governments have thrown it a curveball or two. Among the most popular gig opportunities is driving for Uber and Lyft. Statistics from 2021 show that Uber boasts 36 million users and 2.6 million drivers alone.

There’s a difference between a gig opportunity and an entrepreneurial career path.

Here we present five tips and tricks for success with Uber and Lyft.

1. Be at the Right Place at the Right Time

Gig and remote workers are entrepreneurs in their own right. Without a 40-hour a week schedule, it’s up to you to maximize every working minute. To succeed with Uber and Lyft, be at the right place at the right time.

The bulk of your clients require rides in the city. The city is where concerts, live events, and other large gatherings take place. At these events, parking is sparse or expensive. If parking is reasonable, it takes a minute to find a spot and walk to the event’s entrance.

In 2021, venues designate Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up zones. The services are widely accepted.

You can drive around the city, hoping to pick up a user. You can also make yourself available for music festivals, sporting events, and other live shows to cash in on the traffic.

2. Cash In On Referrals and Bonuses

Since driving for Uber and Lyft requires an entrepreneurial mindset, attrition occurs. Therefore both rideshare companies continually search for new drivers to meet demand. 

A non-driving way to succeed with Uber and Lyft is to cash in on referrals and other bonuses. 

Some individuals sign up their friends. Then they operate as a team. Succeeding in the gig economy requires out-of-the-box creativity. 

3. Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Every rideshare driver has a different set of financial goals. For some, it’s the only income they earn. For others, it’s extra income that supplements their hourly wage or salary.

If you want to succeed with Uber and Lyft, adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and become your boss.

Market your services and create an inviting cabin. Since the rideshare services allow users to rate their drivers, offer unique features to increase your score. Consider offering freebies, such as free bottles of water, snacks, and access to a USB charging cable.

Bathroom attendants in nightclubs take this task to amazing heights. For a tip, they provide safety pins, lip gloss, and gum, among several other amenities.  

If you’re diving into this endeavor long-term, print business cards too.

4. Invest in Driving Tools and Tech

Uber and Lyft drivers receive their tasks through the corresponding app. Since it’s a technology-heavy gig, invest in driving tools and tech.

A GPS device, dash cam, and mileage tracker are three tools that optimize your routes and working hours.

You don’t want to get stuck in traffic; neither does your client. If you turn yourself into an expert city guide, you’ll pick up more clients and repeat users.

You want to avoid distracted driving, so a phone mount is a must. Experienced rideshare drivers also recommend obtaining all-weather floor mats, seat covers, and car cleaning supplies to protect your vehicle.

5. Get the Legal Stuff in Order

As a driver for Uber and Lyft, you’re a gig worker. In the eyes of the IRS, you’re an independent contractor. All the responsibilities an employer handles for their employees fall on your lap. Some individuals want this freedom; just make sure you have all your legal ducks in a row.

Your vehicle requires regular maintenance and it needs to undergo a rideshare checkup. Obtain the proper insurance policy and don’t let your driver’s license expire.

The more time you spend driving, the higher your Uber and Lyft accident risk increases. If you’re involved in an accident while driving for the rideshare services, having all your legal documents organized helps you get back on the road promptly.

Conclusion

It’s possible to make a nice living driving for Uber and Lyft. If you optimize your time, you can cash in on the busiest times of the year and relax during the slow ones. If you form a team, every member has the opportunity to contribute during high demand and low supply times in any city.