Anybody use Uber or Lyft ridesharing? (1 Viewer)

[Brady Marino]

Uber phone will be in my possession on Tuesday, per FedEx tracking.

dhockster, I read that they're starting to charge Uber drivers a fee to have their phone. Have you been charged yet?

Yes, $10 per week. However, about 2 days after they implemented this, they gave drivers the option to turn in their uber phones, and have the driver app loaded onto their personal phones, and not pay the fee. I will be doing this in a couple weeks when I get my family's phones upgraded and situated. You have to have a Iphone 4S or higher to load the driver app (I currently have an Iphone 4)

Meh. Basically means I have to give one person a ride per week to keep the phone. Still a good deal.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

The great thing about driving for Uber so far is they pretty much leave it up to you to try and be as successful as you want. They encourage you to be as customer service oriented as you can be. This includes offering riders water, use of cellphone charge, etc. One driver, I was told, was giving out blowpop lollipops to his riders. I am open to any thoughts on what would be something good/useful to offer to riders.

Love the free-water and cellphone charger offerings. Maybe offer gum instead of candy? Especially if its a weekend a guy might be on a date and have some beer breath.

I took one last week that had a cooler full of Miller Highlife beers....Guy let us get as many as we wanted. It worked because we called him to come and get us.

That's awesome. I have yet to see one offer us beer, but most are cool and will let us bring a "roadie."

How can you do this and make a profit it no tips are allowed? I would probably tip 3 to 4 bucks per beer drank.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Used über a lot this summer. It was about 1/3 the cost I used to spend on cabs, the exclusion of tipping being a big part, imo...although I still tipped at times.

 

[dhockster]

Used über a lot this summer. It was about 1/3 the cost I used to spend on cabs, the exclusion of tipping being a big part, imo...although I still tipped at times.

Speaking for all Uber drivers... We appreciate that.

 

[Brady Marino]

I think I'll end up being a Uber man.

We are opening up the opportunity to drive in Oxford again this weekend!

We are expecting HUGE demand, as Memphis plays Ole Miss in football this Saturday night. Top partners who traveled to Oxford last weekend made over $900 in incentives and fares! Incentives will continue this weekend and be communicated by Thursday. Only the first 50 partners to sign up will be eligible to drive in Oxford.

dhockster, does this happen often?

Meanwhile, it'll cost me a bit more to drive in Memphis if this passes.

 

[Bucky86]

Met an old friend who drives for Uber. He loves it is doing really well on it.

He also mentioned that drivers write notes on each passenger that is visible only to other uber drivers.

I'm really curious as to what mines says.

 

[dhockster]

I think I'll end up being a Uber man.

We are opening up the opportunity to drive in Oxford again this weekend!

We are expecting HUGE demand, as Memphis plays Ole Miss in football this Saturday night. Top partners who traveled to Oxford last weekend made over $900 in incentives and fares! Incentives will continue this weekend and be communicated by Thursday. Only the first 50 partners to sign up will be eligible to drive in Oxford.

dhockster, does this happen often?

Meanwhile, it'll cost me a bit more to drive in Memphis if this passes.

I think how often this happens depends on the city and the demand. Uber is very aggressive in trying to meet the demand so they will give out incentives pretty freely when they need to get drivers.

 

[dhockster]

Met an old friend who drives for Uber. He loves it is doing really well on it.

He also mentioned that drivers write notes on each passenger that is visible only to other uber drivers.

I'm really curious as to what mines says.

As an Uber driver, I know nothing about writing notes on riders. At the end of each ride, we get asked to rate the rider on a 1-5 basis. Other than that, nothing has been communicated to me about logging information about riders. Maybe that is not done in Houston.

 

[Bucky86]

Met an old friend who drives for Uber. He loves it is doing really well on it.

He also mentioned that drivers write notes on each passenger that is visible only to other uber drivers.

I'm really curious as to what mines says.

As an Uber driver, I know nothing about writing notes on riders. At the end of each ride, we get asked to rate the rider on a 1-5 basis. Other than that, nothing has been communicated to me about logging information about riders. Maybe that is not done in Houston.

He said where we see the drivers rating, they see a customer rating, but can also click on it and see notes.

 

[dhockster]

Met an old friend who drives for Uber. He loves it is doing really well on it.

He also mentioned that drivers write notes on each passenger that is visible only to other uber drivers.

I'm really curious as to what mines says.

As an Uber driver, I know nothing about writing notes on riders. At the end of each ride, we get asked to rate the rider on a 1-5 basis. Other than that, nothing has been communicated to me about logging information about riders. Maybe that is not done in Houston.

He said where we see the drivers rating, they see a customer rating, but can also click on it and see notes.

I will have to look into this the next time I drive.

 

[Bucky86]

Met an old friend who drives for Uber. He loves it is doing really well on it.

He also mentioned that drivers write notes on each passenger that is visible only to other uber drivers.

I'm really curious as to what mines says.

As an Uber driver, I know nothing about writing notes on riders. At the end of each ride, we get asked to rate the rider on a 1-5 basis. Other than that, nothing has been communicated to me about logging information about riders. Maybe that is not done in Houston.

He said where we see the drivers rating, they see a customer rating, but can also click on it and see notes.

I will have to look into this the next time I drive.

Yeah. I'm curious. Maybe I misunderstood what he meant by notes.

 

[strykerpks]

Used Uber for the first time this past weekend. I probably saved about 25% on one ride and about 50% on another ride compared to cab rates. Good stuff here

 

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Brady, could ya check out my uber rating next time you're in the system?

 

[Mario Kart]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

 

[Brady Marino]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

89 of those reports were probably filed by cab drivers.

 

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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

89 of those reports were probably filed by cab drivers.

Yep. I love Uber / Lyft. Have used them 12 times with a great experience every time.

 

[whoknew]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

89 of those reports were probably filed by cab drivers.

Yep. I love Uber / Lyft. Have used them 12 times with a great experience every time.

Seriously. That has to be a joke. Sabotage by cab drivers.

Uber is awesome.

 

[The General]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

Last time I used Uber it made me acknowledge surge pricing was in effect and then enter the multiplier that I would be charged. Hard to complain that you don't understand.

Uber's explanation of surge pricing is lame though: We will charge you more to provide you better service! Gee thanks guys.

 

[Mario Kart]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

Last time I used Uber it made me acknowledge surge pricing was in effect and then enter the multiplier that I would be charged. Hard to complain that you don't understand.

Uber's explanation of surge pricing is lame though: We will charge you more to provide you better service! Gee thanks guys.

Why are you attacking me? I saw the article, posted the link here since people are talking about their service. I've never used either however for those that have, they might want to know more about the service. Have a nice night.

 

[The General]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-flunks-better-business-bureau-195708123.html

Last time I used Uber it made me acknowledge surge pricing was in effect and then enter the multiplier that I would be charged. Hard to complain that you don't understand.

Uber's explanation of surge pricing is lame though: We will charge you more to provide you better service! Gee thanks guys.

Why are you attacking me? I saw the article, posted the link here since people are talking about their service. I've never used either however for those that have, they might want to know more about the service. Have a nice night.

Just commenting on the story and my experience with Uber. Wasn't directed at you other than you posted the story that I read.

 

[sbonomo]

I was charged 1.75x surge pricing this weekend for a late night cab ride. Not very happy about that. Does lift have the same charge?

 

[r0llin_game]

Today/yesterday was a pretty interesting day here in Vegas. Uber attempted to start ride sharing today but after a few hours and five people getting their cars towed, they've been ordered that they can't pick up any rides until after a hearing on Nov. 6th. I'll post more later today/tomorrow if no one has as I'll be doing a bunch of traveling.

 

[avoiding injuries]

A friend of mine from college works for an upscale car service company. They've obviously been affected by Uber and he is constantly posting links and stories about how dangerous Uber is.

It's comical.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Friday's between 4:30-6 there is always surge for Uber... It makes more sense to get a black car instead of UberX at these times IMO.

 

[jon_mx]

Seems that Uber is the ride of choice for Ebola sufferers.

 

[Annyong]

A couple weeks ago I was standing outside my brothers apt trying to get a cab to the Chicago Marathon. Had an Uber Car there within 2 minutes after I called him. Pretty incredible.

 

[NCCommish]

Friday's between 4:30-6 there is always surge for Uber... It makes more sense to get a black car instead of UberX at these times IMO.

Everyday between 4-6 at a minimum cabs are generally surge priced as well. Uber didn't invent that taxis did.

 

[Bucky86]

I've seen a few purchased anti-uber ads on my feed lately. Seems like the cabs are getting really aggressive now...theyre just looking out for our safety.

Also, last week a my friend, his gf, my girlfriend and I went to dinner and were going to hit up some bars afterwards. My buddy orders a lyft, first of all they were 8 minutes out. Then the guy gets lost, buddy tries guiding him (he doesn't speak english very well) after 15 minutes we tell him to just cancel the ride. Not more than 1 minute later he pulls up after I was just going to order an uber. He tells us he canceled the ride and to re-order. We do this. Someone else snags us before him(10 minutes away) and the guy gets mad an then drives off! We cancel the 2nd lift and I get on uber. Car is only 2 minutes away. Gets there fast...doesnt need to be guided to the corner of Lincoln and Rose(for those that know the area) and off we go. Uber wins hands down.

 

[dhockster]

Being an Uber driver, my biggest concern with Uber's service is a lot of cab drivers becoming Uber drivers and giving the same bad service they did when they were cab drivers. I have only been an uber rider once about a month ago, and we got an African immigrant who didn't speak very good English, got lost getting to us, and it was hard giving him directions because English was his second language. He said he was not a former cab driver, but I am skeptical. Hey, I don't really care who drives for Uber as long as they give good service. I don't want my reputation tarnished by idiots who can't provide good service.

 

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had my first "moderate" experience with Uber last weekend. Was at a buddy's house a few miles away but was in no shape to drive after a day of football/beer. It was 1am ish. Fired up the lyft/uber apps and went with uber based on proximity of drivers. The driver arrived in 4-5 minutes (not bad for a residential area far from downtown) but was in a beat up old car... squealing fan belt, etc.

No biggie... got me home (with some minor guiding) and everything worked out. But the ride was a bit sketchy. Not sure how he got approved to drive with that ride.

 

[dhockster]

One driver frustration: Drunk people don't always use technology right and then don't always give good directions. About 20% of the time the rider enters the wrong address or moves the pin on the app and I end up at a place where the rider isn't. Usually when I call the rider, they are drunk, and have a difficult time telling me where they are. I am just thankful that no one has yakked in my car yet.

 

[Brady Marino]

had my first "moderate" experience with Uber last weekend. Was at a buddy's house a few miles away but was in no shape to drive after a day of football/beer. It was 1am ish. Fired up the lyft/uber apps and went with uber based on proximity of drivers. The driver arrived in 4-5 minutes (not bad for a residential area far from downtown) but was in a beat up old car... squealing fan belt, etc.

No biggie... got me home (with some minor guiding) and everything worked out. But the ride was a bit sketchy. Not sure how he got approved to drive with that ride.

Unlike Lyft, no one else sees the car before approval. With Lyft, you're assigned a mentor that inspects your vehicle and does a test drive with you. Nothing like that with Uber.

Taking a break from driving, mostly over this. Oxford fares >>>>>> Memphis fares.

 

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Taking a break from driving, mostly over this. Oxford fares >>>>>> Memphis fares.

Can you unpack this a bit? I get the PITA factor but it seems like they're outlining a clear/cheap way to get certified in oxford.

Also..whatcha mean about the fares? Is it the premium that Uber is paying there? Or the type/distance of fares there?

 

[Brady Marino]

Taking a break from driving, mostly over this. Oxford fares >>>>>> Memphis fares.

Can you unpack this a bit? I get the PITA factor but it seems like they're outlining a clear/cheap way to get certified in oxford.

Also..whatcha mean about the fares? Is it the premium that Uber is paying there? Or the type/distance of fares there?

The PITA factor means I get arrested for driving down there. I also sort of feel like a pawn for Uber since they're of the opinion that, as long as they pay fines, we can keep driving down there. We've been told repeatedly by Uber to "let them work it out".

Uber also pays its drivers $75-$100 just for making the trek down there, on top of per-ride bonuses. On football weekends, I can be down there for 3-4 hours and easily pull in $300-$400 a night. Meanwhile, I may have made $25 in three hours Friday night driving in Memphis because there's so many drivers that have signed up, there's less requests. Memphis passengers are also less patient as I got cancel after cancel after cancel, which bumps me to the back of the line. So I've gone from what I was making in Oxford to struggling in Memphis. Not worth it.

 

[[icon]]

Taking a break from driving, mostly over this. Oxford fares >>>>>> Memphis fares.

Can you unpack this a bit? I get the PITA factor but it seems like they're outlining a clear/cheap way to get certified in oxford.

Also..whatcha mean about the fares? Is it the premium that Uber is paying there? Or the type/distance of fares there?

The PITA factor means I get arrested for driving down there. I also sort of feel like a pawn for Uber since they're of the opinion that, as long as they pay fines, we can keep driving down there. We've been told repeatedly by Uber to "let them work it out".

Uber also pays its drivers $75-$100 just for making the trek down there, on top of per-ride bonuses. On football weekends, I can be down there for 3-4 hours and easily pull in $300-$400 a night. Meanwhile, I may have made $25 in three hours Friday night driving in Memphis because there's so many drivers that have signed up, there's less requests. Memphis passengers are also less patient as I got cancel after cancel after cancel, which bumps me to the back of the line. So I've gone from what I was making in Oxford to struggling in Memphis. Not worth it.

That is an interesting issue. I've never cancelled a ride because I was under the impression there was a penalty for doing so.

Uber is definitely going nuts trying to flood the streets with drivers, Upside is that means very fast response times improving the customer experience. Though it seems that may backfire if the drivers start struggling to make good money.

how much time/money would it take to get cleared in Oxford?

 

[NCCommish]

So I have been driving for Uber for a couple of weeks now. This has been my experience.

I was really surprised by how hands off they are. I was told there would be a vehicle inspection and training. But neither happened. This cost me some money my first shift as I had a minor issue with the app. I figured it out though and haven't had a problem since. I don't tend to work super late. For instance on Saturdays I start around 11 AM and go to 12 AM or so. I feel like I miss the worst of the drunk riders that way and still get plenty of rides. I have maintained a full 5 star rating so far. Of course my car is relatively new and I make sure it is clean as possible before starting each shift. I also have driven cabs, limos and delivered pizza. I know how to drive from a make money standpoint. I have had two first time riders so far and they were both very complimentary. I wish there was a way for people to request a driver as both wanted me to pick them up but I couldn't guarantee that of course. All about who is closest when they get in the system. I have gotten turned around one time and gotten a little away from where the fare was going but they had some responsibility for it with their directions which they admitted. I also ended the ride on the app and then took them where they needed to be without charging them as a customer service thing. Was only a block or two away but still he appreciated it. I also make sure to not start rides until we are actually on the road. I never start them in the parking lot or driveway. I make sure we discuss where we are going, I ask if they prefer a particular route to get there and I get us started before clicking it on. I have yet to have a bad rider. Closest I came was some semi-drunk frat types leaving some trash in the car after they got out but it wasn't a big deal. So for me other than some early minor hiccups it's been good here in Charlotte. No harassment from the cab commission or cab drivers. No getting towed or fined. None of that stuff.

And now we are at Halloween. They are offering huge incentives to drive the this weekend. Guaranteeing up to 25 an hour for certain shifts. And pretty much every shift includes some kind of guarantee of at least 20 an hour. Can't wait to make some bucks.

 

[NCCommish]

As a fare comparison between Charlotte cabs and Uber. I took an 8 mile ride a few months ago in a Charlotte cab. I was charged 35.00. On Saturday I took someone on a 25 mile ride and their fare was 35.00.

BTW if you haven't tried Uber and you are thinking of doing so this referral code will get you a 20.00 credit - MOWHR - when you sign up. That is my code and I know it works in Charlotte I assume it would elsewhere. Full disclosure I get 5.00 when you use it to sign up.

 

[BRONG]

Love uber but I did get a driver who couldn't find my address (total idiot - the next driver had no problem), and I ended up still being charged. WTF? I called the driver not long after and he said he'd cancel it...but never did.

So my question, what's the best/easiest way to dispute this? I think going through paypal, which is what I pay on, will be too long, no? I'm not doing all that.

 

[dhockster]

Love uber but I did get a driver who couldn't find my address (total idiot - the next driver had no problem), and I ended up still being charged. WTF? I called the driver not long after and he said he'd cancel it...but never did.

So my question, what's the best/easiest way to dispute this? I think going through paypal, which is what I pay on, will be too long, no? I'm not doing all that.

Contact Uber directly by email. They should take the charge off.

 

[Rick James]

Commish, how much do you pull in from working one regular Saturday?

 

[NCCommish]

Commish, how much do you pull in from working one regular Saturday?

I was around 100 gross but I didn't get to work the full day with Uber. I had another commitment already. I'll know better tomorrow as it will be the first full Saturday I am going to do. I will get online around 1100. Take a break around 4 to eat and get out of the car. Then get back online about 5 and go to 12. I'll let you guys know how I do.

Also it seems they are pretty light on drivers here. If I could have driven last night they were guaranteeing 30 an hour for driving after the game. They were so busy they were in surge pricing a lot of the night. And there are a crap ton of guarantees for this weekend as well. I should do real well.

 

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Brady Marino,

You driving in MEM tonight? May be grabbing an Uber/Lyft from downtown to east Memphis around 1 or 2am (me + 3 girls). Inbox me if you'll be driving tonight and I can text ya direct around that time to see if you'll be in the area.

 

[dhockster]

Tonight is supposed to be a huge night for Uber in Houston. If you are a rider be aware of the surge pricing. You may have to pay pretty high rates. As a driver, there are guaranteed hourly rates all night going up to $30 per hour from 11PM to 2 AM and then up to $35 per hour from 2 AM to 4 AM.

 

[Bucky86]

Tonight is supposed to be a huge night for Uber in Houston. If you are a rider be aware of the surge pricing. You may have to pay pretty high rates. As a driver, there are guaranteed hourly rates all night going up to $30 per hour from 11PM to 2 AM and then up to $35 per hour from 2 AM to 4 AM.

It's going to be raining tonight in LA. Uber and Lyft are going to be

 

[Brady Marino]

Brady Marino,

You driving in MEM tonight? May be grabbing an Uber/Lyft from downtown to east Memphis around 1 or 2am (me + 3 girls). Inbox me if you'll be driving tonight and I can text ya direct around that time to see if you'll be in the area.

Got plans myself, so I won't be on the roads.

 

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Brady Marino,

You driving in MEM tonight? May be grabbing an Uber/Lyft from downtown to east Memphis around 1 or 2am (me + 3 girls). Inbox me if you'll be driving tonight and I can text ya direct around that time to see if you'll be in the area.

Got plans myself, so I won't be on the roads.

have a good time! we were gonna grab dinner down in your neck of the woods but now looks like south main is the spot. Have a good one!

 

[McGarnicle]

Thinking about driving for Uber a couple nights per week. Curious to see how much I can make around here.

 

[shader]

I just signed up to drive for Lyft. I have a good friend that has done it for a few months. I live in Nashville. He said that on hockey nights and concert nights, you can make a lot of money. Last Saturday he made 400 and worked 10 hours. Granted, this isn't normal, but I'm looking to make about an extra 1,000-1,500 a month, work 2-3 days max per week.

I think there is a limited life expectancy for this. More and more drivers are signing up. I'm assuming that at some point they would stop accepting application. I mean you couldn't have 1,000 drivers around Nashville, as no one would make anything.

I don't think I'll be approved until early next week, but I'm looking forward to making a little extra cash.

 

[dhockster]

I just signed up to drive for Lyft. I have a good friend that has done it for a few months. I live in Nashville. He said that on hockey nights and concert nights, you can make a lot of money. Last Saturday he made 400 and worked 10 hours. Granted, this isn't normal, but I'm looking to make about an extra 1,000-1,500 a month, work 2-3 days max per week.

I think there is a limited life expectancy for this. More and more drivers are signing up. I'm assuming that at some point they would stop accepting application. I mean you couldn't have 1,000 drivers around Nashville, as no one would make anything.

I don't think I'll be approved until early next week, but I'm looking forward to making a little extra cash.

You are right that eventually they will stop taking drivers. But for now as long as they keep signing up new riders there will be a need for new drivers.

 

[Brady Marino]

I just signed up to drive for Lyft. I have a good friend that has done it for a few months. I live in Nashville. He said that on hockey nights and concert nights, you can make a lot of money. Last Saturday he made 400 and worked 10 hours. Granted, this isn't normal, but I'm looking to make about an extra 1,000-1,500 a month, work 2-3 days max per week.

I think there is a limited life expectancy for this. More and more drivers are signing up. I'm assuming that at some point they would stop accepting application. I mean you couldn't have 1,000 drivers around Nashville, as no one would make anything.

I don't think I'll be approved until early next week, but I'm looking forward to making a little extra cash.

You are right that eventually they will stop taking drivers. But for now as long as they keep signing up new riders there will be a need for new drivers.

Plus drivers will get tired of it and/or get to the point where they don't need it.If I get in a financial pinch, Uber and Lyft will be there. I will probably ride once in a while to stay active, but I'm not really "needing" to drive at the moment.