Uber Drivers anyone?

Julian · Jun 4, 2021

I've been considering doing some Uber driving as a hobby because 1) I like to drive, 2) I like people, 3) I'm sometimes bored.

I figured there is very little cost to get into the game (only thing I'd buy would be a 2 way dash cam), and if I dont like it, I'll use the dash cam anyway. I can also write off the dashcam, and depending on how much I end up driving.....maintenance and depreciation costs too?

Anyone drive for Uber? Thoughts? Do they have a referral program (if so I'm happy to be referred by you!)

Thoughts on Uber vs Lyft? I was thinking uber just because I think most wealthy people lean towards Uber....so bigger tips.

Betik · Jun 5, 2021

Why are you troubling yourself with such thoughts!!!
I used to tow for fun on weekends and I can tell you it is not worth the headache. Especially dealing with people.

deubank1776 · Jun 5, 2021

Ubering can definitely be scary at times. Probably should invest in some sort of self defense. 1 in 48 are involved in violent and or property crime in Raleigh.

Julian · Jun 5, 2021

deubank1776 said:
Ubering can definitely be scary at times. Probably should invest in some sort of self defense. 1 in 48 are involved in violent and or property crime in Raleigh.

Where did you get this data?

deubank1776 · Jun 5, 2021

Julian said:
Where did you get this data?

The most powerful book in the world, google. Raleigh, NC Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout.

Julian · Jun 5, 2021

deubank1776 said:
The most powerful book in the world, google. Raleigh, NC Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout.

I don't see any data there that shows crime by job or crime stats on ride share workers. Maybe I'm missing it?

deubank1776 · Jun 5, 2021

Julian said:
I don't see any data there that shows crime by job or crime stats on ride share workers. Maybe I'm missing it?

Oh! That isn't data for Uber or Lyft just general crime in Raleigh. I just want you to be careful.

BigN8 · Jun 5, 2021

I think the novelty of it would wear off within a week. I’d find another hobby/pastime. Maybe door dash??

GTBRMC · Jun 5, 2021

BigN8 said:
I think the novelty of it would wear off within a week. I’d find another hobby/pastime. Maybe door dash??

I think you are on to something re another hobby/pastime.

I was going to suggest boating.

2kwik4u · Jun 5, 2021

I drove Uber in my Sierra from August to December of 2019. It wasn't fun for me, it was covering some financial missteps and keeping the lights on. I have a sheet that I can upload that tracked all my expenses, hours, trips, miles, and other pertinent data. I had some days that were negative dollars, and other days that were as high as $50/hr.
I only drive on Friday/Sat/Sun nights in the Louisville Metro area. I ran both Uber and Lyft apps simultaneously, and would take work from either as it came in. It's a VERY precarious situation in terms of money. A slow day will see your hourly wages below federal minimums. A busy day will see windfall level cash.

I kept the truck in immaculate condition, as well as dressed and acted professionally. I attribute a big part of my success with tips on this. I made more tips than I did wages typically. This was NOT the norm of you check the Uber Driver Forums.

the good parts are exactly like you said. You meet interesting people, you get drive and it's really not difficult work, and you can honestly make acceptable side money.

It is NOT a way to pay the mortgage. You would to work 80+hrs a week to make even close to a living wage and the wear/tear on your vehicle is higher.

I had several drunks pass out in the back seat. Called the cops and an ambulance on one. Had a dog (dude had an 80lb bull dog he said was a service animal, and you can't deny rides for those) crap in the back seat. That sucked. I had some people that accused me of taking longer routes to score extra cash, so I always had GPS up and running in plain view, often being told it was wrong and there was a faster way. I did what the customer wanted, even if it was more expensive for them.

PIcked up a hooker one night at the local casino and she offered me $500 to be a personal driver for 5 hrs. Turned off the app and took her cash. Ended up driving her on errands like the grocery store and to her mom's house, finally ending back at "work" at a low rent strip club. In hindsight it was dumb as I didn't have any insurance coverage since it was outside the app. Landscape at the time for me was cash accrual not covering my ass though.

Overall, it wasn't a terrible side gig. I made some money, had some experiences, and came through without major issue. I'll most likely not do it again though, the risk to person and property isn't worth the cash. I was backed into a corner financialy and essentially trading equity in the truck for cash in hand, by way of risky public encounters. It cost nothing to get started and I could set my own hours which was imperative for my situation.

If you just want to meet some people, and you want to drive.....find a local car club or enthusiastic group.

2kwik4u · Jun 5, 2021

Oh yea, let me know if you have specific questions.

Adrian @ JB Solutions · Jun 5, 2021

If you want to meet people and make some cash, charter your boat. $500 for your license and you’ll make that back on one trip.

drewkaree · Jun 6, 2021

deubank1776 said:
Oh! That isn't data for Uber or Lyft just general crime in Raleigh. I just want you to be careful.

@Julian you don't have time to drive for Uber or Lyft, you've got to spend your time working on your escape plan from Raleigh, based on those numbers! C'mon man, ONE IN FORTY EIGHT! THINK OF THE CHILDREN!

So about those trips to Israel...

?

sunbyrned · Jun 6, 2021

I just started driving as a side thing for a bourbon distillery touring company. You might consider driving for a company in your area. It fits your criteria. You like to drive and meet people. This company uses 15 passenger vans so you don’t have to get a special license. Pay is $150 a trip plus tips. They say the tips are better than the pay. They hire you as a driver and they send out a notice when they need drivers and you can accept or decline. I haven’t had my first trip yet so can’t speak from experience.

Ronnie · Jun 6, 2021

You won’t meet as many people but Door Dash has been good for my son. He only works dinner hours on the prime days of the week Friday through Sunday and averages $22 an hour, sometimes as high as $50. You will likely see and get to know other dashers and Uber eats drivers. Door dash has a minimum compensation formula, so you get paid for your time waiting in line and while driving to deliver the food. You also keep all of your tips.

My son hates it when he has to deliver to a apartments not on the first floor especially when there is no elevator. Other than this his worst/weirdest delivery was to a homeless person living out of her Durango parked at Levi stadium. He thought he was delivery to parking attendant, not some lady in a car with four flat tires. She paid $13 for a milk shake and gave him a $5 tip.

Crob83 · Jun 6, 2021

I did it for about 3/4 months a few years back just to try out. Everybody I met was pretty cool, but it got old quick.

zipper · Jun 6, 2021

No experience driving for Uber. However, we use Uber a couple of times a year when we launch/haul out the Beneteau. The marina is in Burlington and the shipyard is in Shelburne, pretty sure you, @Julian , know the land/seascape. It has worked well for us in the pre-covid era. Three weeks ago, May 15, we tried the same thing, drive to the marina and call an Uber to take us to Shelburne, 20 min. ride, where we pick up our boat that was launched the previous day, and motor over to Burlington Harbor Marina and put her in her slip.

This year was different. I opened the App to request a ride and it showed, "no drivers available". We arrived at the Burlington marina to find another couple with the same failed plans. We tested out the vaccine that day by putting the four of us with the marina manager in HIS Lincoln and taking us to Shelburne. He saved me $42 + tip. Anyway, that was our latest experience trying to use Uber.

haknslash · Jun 6, 2021

If you do it I hope you’re CC’er. The tips don’t put weight the risk factor for me. The country is in a pretty messed up place right now. At a minimum I’d buy a reliable beater and install a plexi wall between you and occupants...or find a better hobby for your past time

Julian · Jun 6, 2021

haknslash said:
If you do it I hope you’re CC’er. The tips don’t put weight the risk factor for me. The country is in a pretty messed up place right now. At a minimum I’d buy a reliable beater and install a plexi wall between you and occupants...or find a better hobby for your past time

Cc'er???

I'm vaccinated if that is what you mean?

I still may give this a try. Its not for the money.

@zipper yes....the lack of drivers is the one thing that made me curious....seems like it would be easy to get riders these days.

I'm getting sick of my current company, and have enough to retire. This would just be gravy. If it feels unsafe or boring....I'll go build more houses with habitat (meaning spend more time doing that)

haknslash · Jun 6, 2021

Concealed carry (CCW) is what I’m referring to.

I just don’t see the desire to put yourself in vulnerable transitional spaces to keep yourself busy or to talk to people. This world is evil these days. Below are examples of what I mean. Plenty of these videos and stories out there. Stick to building homes IMO.