5 Things to Know Before Joining the Rideshare Fleet
In today’s job market, more and more people are taking their work lives into their own hands. As rideshare companies continue to grow, so does the demand for ride hailing in cities across the world. But in order to succeed in the rideshare job market, it’s important to do some research beforehand.
Whether you’ve driven for a delivery service or rideshare company before, the industry is always changing. New technology, growing cities, and surge pricing are just a few of the many factors that are changing ridesharing as we know it. That being said, the industry itself is still unfamiliar to those who have yet to try it out, making it a career switch that requires a good deal of thought.
If you’re considering joining the rideshare fleet, here are 5 things to know before you dive into the world of self employment:
Your Earnings May Not Be Consistent
The advertisements from major rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft promise large paychecks for new drivers. However, when the numbers are broken down, the earnings may not be all that they were guaranteed to be.
Driver earnings can vary dramatically based on location. For example, if you live in a major city such as New York City, your earnings can easily exceed $20 per hour. On the other hand, drivers in cities with less demand such as San Antonio, Texas will make earning consistent hourly payment a struggle. Additionally, peak hours play a huge role in rideshare driver earnings. Researching the most popular ride hailing hours based on your location can easily make or break your earnings.
Not All Rideshare Companies are the Same
Choosing the right rideshare business to drive for comes down to a few different factors. Your location, wage expectations, and driver benefits can all vary based on the company you choose to work for.
The most obvious option is Uber. Operating in over 600 cities across the world, Uber has a strong reputation amongst both drivers and consumers. Aside from setting your own schedule and getting paid weekly, Uber also offers an exclusive partnership plan with automotive dealers to get their drivers cars to use at a deeply discounted price, should they need it.
Another big name in the rideshare business is Lyft. Founded in 2012, Lyft has been offering great support for their drivers and riders alike. For drivers, Lyft offers a similar car provider service to Uber, thanks to their partnership with Express Drive. Drivers gain access to unlimited miles for earning with Lyft, plus insurance and car maintenance coverage.
There are many other rideshare companies in the market, but they won’t be available in as many cities as Uber and Lyft. Some additional options include Via (located in New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC), and Juno (New York City and select areas of New Jersey). Additionally, you can offer your rideshare services by bike instead of car, with the potential to earn some pretty good cash. Companies that offer this type of work include Caviar, UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates, and Doordash.
You Don’t Need to Limit Yourself to One Company
Contrary to popular belief, driving for one rideshare company doesn’t exclude you from driving for another. In fact, doubling up on your rideshare companies can actually increase your earnings. If you’re an organized person and can manage switching apps on the go, then by all means, sign up for more than one service! This is especially helpful for those who mainly drive for food delivery apps, as peak hours and pay rates differ depending on the company.
Recognize the Need for Work/Life Balance
Setting your own work schedule can be a difficult task for many people. Instead of working the typical 9-5, you’ll be solely responsible for your earnings, with no one there to hold you accountable. Your weekly earnings and hours clocked in will all come down to your own motivation and schedule availability.
Again, you’ll need to pay attention to peak hours in order to take advantage of maximum hourly earnings. Even if you aren’t exactly a “morning person,” you’ll want to take the time to work in the peak morning hours in order to provide the greatest number of rides possible at a fair rate. Moving your work schedule around to accommodate for peak hours is crucial for increasing your earnings as a self-employed contract worker.
Be Prepared for Unfortunate Passenger Experiences
Although we’d love 5 stars all around for drivers and passengers, it’s just not realistic. Whether it’s a pickup after a night out, a sick passenger, or a frantic employee running late for work, not every ride will be as smooth as you’d like. Being prepared and knowing how to best handle these situations will ensure that you aren’t caught off guard in the moment and can respond quickly and responsibly.
No matter what company you choose to drive for (or multiple, if you decide to do so), rideshare driving is definitely going to feel like a new work experience. It offers amazing flexibility and decent pay; two things that many employees are on the constant lookout for. You’ll receive good benefits and no two days will ever be the same, keeping things interesting.
Before you hit the road and embark on the rideshare journey, make sure to do your research. Double check that your car meets all of the company's requirements, or that you will be eligible for the car partnerships programs offered. Ultimately, if you feel interested in this line of work, give it a try! Who knows, it might be just what you were looking for.