Being a rideshare driver may seem like a straightforward and uncomplicated business. You turn on the ridesharing app and wait for a passenger to book you. But a lot of things go into this. You have to have excellent customer service skills on top of your reliable navigation capabilities (there are maps, anyway). And you will need to improve your skills further.
You may already be used to driving, but driving for a paying passenger may be a different territory. What you should do is give yourself a thorough assessment and spot the possible blunders and bad habits that you must stop. Always look for a room for improvement.
If you want to start now, here are some of the things to keep in mind.
Take care of your car.
You’d be surprised by how many drivers neglect their cars. But remember, you are not driving for yourself. You are driving for a customer, so give them a great ride by making your vehicle comfortable. Always keep it clean and fresh. Have it repaired and get necessary equipment from an auto shop to upgrade certain features, such as air conditioning and speakers. When you give your customers a comfortable ride, they may tip you or give you a five-star rating.
Sell supplemental products
When driving around the city, you will never know what your passenger will need. They may be hungry, thirsty, or they may even need to clean up themselves for some reason. So, consider converting your car into a mini-convenience store. You may sell snacks and drinks, such as chips, candy bars, and water. Or if you think that selling is too much, you may choose to offer free use of a charger for passengers who need to charge their mobile phones. Such little acts of kindness may even earn you a tip or a five-star rating.
Consider driving for two companies.
At the start, you may only drive for one rideshare company. Understandably, you are still getting the hang of how the trade and the industry work. But when you have already had the experience, consider driving for tow ridesharing apps. You may be driving for Uber, but you may try driving for food delivery companies, such as DoorDash and Instacart. That way, you will have two sources of income. Just learn how to manage your time.
Be friendly, but not too much.
Being a driver is also a service for the customer. So you should be friendlyF, but also respectful. You can ask questions and start a conversation, but do not intrude into their privacy. Many passengers prefer to think on the way to their destination, so make sure to be polite but still respect their privacy.
Drive for success.
Being a rideshare driver is a business or livelihood that does not only offer excellent earning potential. It also helps you meet new people and build your network, which may aid you in pursuing a specific career goal. If you want to pursue it as a full-time job, you need to be aware of how much your customer service skills need to improve and keep your car in tiptop condition.
