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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Apr 9, 2016 15:53:29 GMT
Does anybody here drive for Uber or any other company like Uber?
I am seriously thinking about driving for Uber. They make good money and It is something I can do with my back problems. Because I can work my own hours. I can also get out of the car in between fairs and walk around if I need to.
And heck the drivers make killer money.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,378
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Apr 9, 2016 15:58:54 GMT
I don't drive Uber, but I use it a lot. And all of the drivers really enjoy it--although some refuse to drive at night when the drunks are out (but some said they even enjoy that--they just keep a throw up bucket handy).
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,709
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Apr 9, 2016 16:03:29 GMT
I believe that you must carry about $2M of liability insurance as well as other requirements. Also must have a clean driver abstract & a Police background check done. Good luck.
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Post by PolarGreen12 on Apr 9, 2016 16:06:53 GMT
I use Uber a lot for weekend nights out. Had some great drivers and they seemed to like it in general. Literally it's as simple as turning on their available status in the app if they feel like taking some fares. But they also usually say they stop at around 1am before the bars close and they get the stupid drunks. There are particulars about your insurance, driving record, and your car itself. They will send someone to inspect your car initially to make sure it's up to Uber standards, no dents, no torn up seats, and not older than 4 years.
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Post by scrapsotime on Apr 9, 2016 16:10:16 GMT
Some states require you to have a commercial drivers license.
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Apr 9, 2016 16:19:15 GMT
I have been researching it and my car qualifies. it is safe and not damaged. Everything is in good shape and it runs and drives good. Here in Oregon they supply insurance for each fair from start to end. but You still need full coverage car insurance. Which I have. We do not need to have a CDL so my normal driving license is good. I just have a couple things I need to do to be ready to drive. I am getting the seat belt replaced in the middle back seat this weekend. Just have to get new battery now. I know that the battery in the car is the original and it is worn out.
Daughter knows a Uber driver and he gave her his Uber Number so that we can use him as a reference and he will get credit.
I was just wondering if anybody had any experience driving for them.
I also have the address to the Uber office here in Portland so I can go down there and talk to someone to get more information and get started.
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Lisa
Junior Member
Posts: 58
Jun 27, 2014 14:23:39 GMT
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Post by Lisa on Apr 9, 2016 16:36:36 GMT
My daughter is considering driving for Lyft this summer. I'm not crazy about the idea, but it's what she wants to do. She claims that Lyft pays more and are better to their drivers than Uber. I don't know the validity of her claims, but you may want to look into both so that you can compare if you want.
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Post by scrapsotime on Apr 9, 2016 16:39:30 GMT
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 5:35:34 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2016 16:40:16 GMT
My husband used to drive for them. It doesn't rake in the big bucks as much as they would lead you to believe, especially once you factor in the cost of your fuel, and the hefty tax liability.
The minimum fare was $4.80, I think. And I think he got to keep $3-$4 of that. He received lots of fares that were only the minimum--college kids wanting to go from one end of campus to the other, drunks wanting to go from one bar to another, carless people wanting to go to the grocery store. In traffic (especially through university traffic, down bar-row on a weekend night, etc), it could take almost 15 minutes to go that 1 mile. So he would turn 4 $3.50 fares in an hour = $14. Less 20% (minimum) for taxes = $11.20. Minus fuel. Minus insurance cost. In the end, he averaged $10-$12 hour. Uber riders almost never tip. He worked nights a lot so he ended up with pretty salty riders.
It's good if you need flexibility and you wouldn't be making money during that time anyway. We approached it with, "I'd otherwise be watching TV right now so some money is better than no money." When it no longer made sense, he stopped.
On the other hand, during big events and holidays, you can make serious bank. Even if you got approved and kept your status active but then only drove those times, you could do well and invest a lot less time. He made close to $60 an hour on Halloween. Halloween, New Year's, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Football Games, etc. If you can be flexible and really hunt out those times, it can be lucrative. And it's better than no job at all. And I get that flexibility has value too. So there are pros, but raking in the cash isn't one of them.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 5:35:34 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2016 16:42:01 GMT
My daughter is considering driving for Lyft this summer. I'm not crazy about the idea, but it's what she wants to do. She claims that Lyft pays more and are better to their drivers than Uber. I don't know the validity of her claims, but you may want to look into both so that you can compare if you want. Lyft does treat their drivers better. Uber is rider-centric. Lyft is driver-centric. The problem is that in most places, Lyft is less prevalent. So while your daughter's actual vendor/contractor experience may be better, she will probably turn fewer fares than an Uber driver.
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Post by maryland on Apr 9, 2016 16:46:30 GMT
My friend's 22 yr. old daughter just started driving for uber. She loves it! She has a full time job, but does this in the evenings on weekends for extra money. She is single, and wants to make extra money while she has nothing tying her down.
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Lisa
Junior Member
Posts: 58
Jun 27, 2014 14:23:39 GMT
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Post by Lisa on Apr 9, 2016 17:48:48 GMT
My friend's 22 yr. old daughter just started driving for uber. She loves it! She has a full time job, but does this in the evenings on weekends for extra money. She is single, and wants to make extra money while she has nothing tying her down. Does your friend worry much about her daughter? I tend to be a little on the cautious side and I don't want to worry about my own daughter (24 y/o) picking up strangers when she lives over 600 miles away. I'm sure it's safe, but I can't help myself. And, really, I have no say in the matter...she's going to do what she's going to do.
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Post by 2peafaithful on Apr 9, 2016 17:58:03 GMT
I have a friend that has drove for Uber and did over 1000 rides. She loved it. She had authored several books in past years and would often post things on Facebook of the amazing people she met. It was really interesting. I don't know if she would say she ever had a horrible experience. If she did she didn't write about it. Our cars are all over 4 years old so not an option.
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Post by annabella on Apr 9, 2016 18:41:13 GMT
My daughter is considering driving for Lyft this summer. I'm not crazy about the idea, but it's what she wants to do. She claims that Lyft pays more and are better to their drivers than Uber. I don't know the validity of her claims, but you may want to look into both so that you can compare if you want. My friend's daughter drives for uber and has an app on her phone where if she just touches the side button of the phone it sends an SOS text to her mother with her location. But to ride uber you have to have an account with your credit card number so then can find you if you commit a crime in a car. My typical rides are $4 so I have wondered why it worth it to be a driver. I have to say I'm starting to get tired of uber because I get a lot of drivers that aren't familiar with my city. For instance I can't tell you how many drivers can't find my residence, I look at the map and see them circling around a 2 block radius for 10 minutes before they cancel my ride and I go through this again with the next driver. One driver took 30 minutes to find me Yes they call me and I tell them to read the fucking street signs. If you know I live on Cinnamon street, why are you driving around on other streets? I feel so many people are stuck on their GPS that no one reads street signs anymore. Where I live in very easy to find and clearly marked.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 21:15:32 GMT
I use Uber a lot for weekend nights out. Had some great drivers and they seemed to like it in general. Literally it's as simple as turning on their available status in the app if they feel like taking some fares. But they also usually say they stop at around 1am before the bars close and they get the stupid drunks. There are particulars about your insurance, driving record, and your car itself. They will send someone to inspect your car initially to make sure it's up to Uber standards, no dents, no torn up seats, and not older than 4 years. It may depend on the state, but I think here in CA the car can be older than 4 years old. I had thought about using DH's and it's a 2007 and I think I remember checking on it and it would've been current enough. I have a 2008 and the same thing applied.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 21:19:14 GMT
I have been researching it and my car qualifies. it is safe and not damaged. Everything is in good shape and it runs and drives good. Here in Oregon they supply insurance for each fair from start to end. but You still need full coverage car insurance. Which I have. We do not need to have a CDL so my normal driving license is good. I just have a couple things I need to do to be ready to drive. I am getting the seat belt replaced in the middle back seat this weekend. Just have to get new battery now. I know that the battery in the car is the original and it is worn out. Daughter knows a Uber driver and he gave her his Uber Number so that we can use him as a reference and he will get credit. I was just wondering if anybody had any experience driving for them. I also have the address to the Uber office here in Portland so I can go down there and talk to someone to get more information and get started. DH and I are looking into it although we would need a different car (age of car isn't an issue but other issues are). I would just make sure you know that the realistic net earnings. The gross earnings sound good but there are many things to factor in. You are an independent contractor, so need to set aside money for taxes. You will be responsible for both sides of social security. You will then need to deduct wear and tear, gas, any parking fees (many downtowns do not have free parking while you wait for the next fare). Also car washes, etc. If you know how much they net, I would love to know. It's hard to find that answer online since so much factors in. From what I've heard, Lyft allows for tips while Uber does not. I have used Uber and my DS uses it a lot. When talking to other drivers, they seem happy with it (this was before their lowering their fares). If I did it, I would not do the hours when the bars let out. Too many drunks and scary to be on the road at that hour. That may be where the big $ is though.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 21:22:10 GMT
I have a friend that has drove for Uber and did over 1000 rides. She loved it. She had authored several books in past years and would often post things on Facebook of the amazing people she met. It was really interesting. I don't know if she would say she ever had a horrible experience. If she did she didn't write about it. Our cars are all over 4 years old so not an option. You may want to look into it if you are considering it. I don't think CA has a rule that cars have to be newer than 4 years old. Maybe TX doesn't either.
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Post by AN on Apr 9, 2016 21:22:58 GMT
This will be a disaster. If you do more reading, you will find that it is hard to make decent money once there is any sort of saturation in a city. The fact that you think they make killer money is a big red flag. There are some good threads on Reddit, DC Urban Moms and Dads, and other forums if you Google "I am an uber driver ama" and the forum names or other similar phrases.
Listen though, this is going to go badly for you. Some crap will happen like your car will get damaged and neither insurance will cover it, you'll get some sort of ticket or citation in a city crackdown on uber, you'll end up losing money once you pay for wear and tear, someone will scam you, something. This is not for you right now, from what you've posted, things are too precarious to be putting your car on the line.
I am a big uber user. I love it. And I've done a ton of reading on the business model and specific feedback from drivers. If you think this is going to be good, easy money - run away. If life seems to throw drama at you in otherwise innocuous situations - run away. Not right now.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 21:25:10 GMT
My husband used to drive for them. It doesn't rake in the big bucks as much as they would lead you to believe, especially once you factor in the cost of your fuel, and the hefty tax liability. The minimum fare was $4.80, I think. And I think he got to keep $3-$4 of that. He received lots of fares that were only the minimum--college kids wanting to go from one end of campus to the other, drunks wanting to go from one bar to another, carless people wanting to go to the grocery store. In traffic (especially through university traffic, down bar-row on a weekend night, etc), it could take almost 15 minutes to go that 1 mile. So he would turn 4 $3.50 fares in an hour = $14. Less 20% (minimum) for taxes = $11.20. Minus fuel. Minus insurance cost. In the end, he averaged $10-$12 hour. Uber riders almost never tip. He worked nights a lot so he ended up with pretty salty riders. It's good if you need flexibility and you wouldn't be making money during that time anyway. We approached it with, "I'd otherwise be watching TV right now so some money is better than no money." When it no longer made sense, he stopped. On the other hand, during big events and holidays, you can make serious bank. Even if you got approved and kept your status active but then only drove those times, you could do well and invest a lot less time. He made close to $60 an hour on Halloween. Halloween, New Year's, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Football Games, etc. If you can be flexible and really hunt out those times, it can be lucrative. And it's better than no job at all. And I get that flexibility has value too. So there are pros, but raking in the cash isn't one of them. Thank you for posting that. DH had an idea that he could replace his full-time, professional salary with it. I think it's better for a supplement and not a regular salary. I may still look into it since although I have a new job, I may have a couple weekdays off and would like to make some $ on those days.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 21:27:29 GMT
This will be a disaster. If you do more reading, you will find that it is hard to make decent money once there is any sort of saturation in a city. The fact that you think they make killer money is a big red flag. There are some good threads on Reddit, DC Urban Moms and Dads, and other forums if you Google "I am an uber driver ama" and the forum names or other similar phrases. Listen though, this is going to go badly for you. Some crap will happen like your car will get damaged and neither insurance will cover it, you'll get some sort of ticket or citation in a city crackdown on uber, you'll end up losing money once you pay for wear and tear, someone will scam you, something. This is not for you right now, from what you've posted, things are too precarious to be putting your car on the line. I am a big uber user. I love it. And I've done a ton of reading on the business model and specific feedback from drivers. If you think this is going to be good, easy money - run away. If life seems to throw drama at you in otherwise innocuous situations - run away. Not right now. Thank you for posting that. The commercials make it sound very enticing. Some say as much as $35/hour. It even has DH's attention. I have asked him to research and will tell him about those sites you mentioned. He just wants to jump into it but I want to find out what the net is. Gross income means nothing.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 21:28:58 GMT
I have a friend that recently started driving for Uber. He ended up quitting rather quickly. He said Lyft was better but I don't think he even started with them.
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Post by mimi3566 on Apr 9, 2016 21:33:28 GMT
My Dh is retired from his career but I still have a few years before I can retire so after being home for 6 months he wanted something with flexibility to due during the day so after researching decided to work as an Uber driver. We live down the street from WDW in Orlando so it's been good for him. He mostly works M - F daytime and has made some decent money, especially during spring break. They did do a background check on him but did not have to have his car inspected. He said they told him the car had to be less than 10 years old, clean condition and have 4 doors. He's met some interesting people and really enjoys it.
It's a great job if you need one that offers flexibility and like meeting people
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Post by 2peafaithful on Apr 9, 2016 21:37:42 GMT
I have a friend that has drove for Uber and did over 1000 rides. She loved it. She had authored several books in past years and would often post things on Facebook of the amazing people she met. It was really interesting. I don't know if she would say she ever had a horrible experience. If she did she didn't write about it. Our cars are all over 4 years old so not an option. You may want to look into it if you are considering it. I don't think CA has a rule that cars have to be newer than 4 years old. Maybe TX doesn't either. Good to know. I am not considering it and I think posted that because when I read that I thought LOL that rules us out. We have an 06 and 08! She was widowed suddenly and had a hard time finding work. She was the mom of 7 and doing Uber help keep her afloat for a bit.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090
Jul 8, 2014 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by scrapaddie on Apr 9, 2016 22:21:10 GMT
FYI... Maybe it is autocorrect.... But the term you want is fare.... Not fair. Sorry.... It's just me and my grammar compulsion! Cannot help it.
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Post by txdancermom on Apr 9, 2016 22:32:28 GMT
Not an uber driver, but if you do decide to do this, check your insurance - we got an update on our policy and it specifically excludes coverage for anything that might happen if you are driving for an uber type service. And knowing insurance companies if they found out you were driving without having the right policy could cancel your coverage. I am guessing that the kind of coverage you would need would be expensive
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,421
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Apr 9, 2016 23:00:20 GMT
In CA at least, there is one company that provides insurance specifically for this type of thing. I think more companies are beginning to have policies available but I have heard you need more than your normal policy covers.
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Post by maryland on Apr 9, 2016 23:05:39 GMT
My friend's 22 yr. old daughter just started driving for uber. She loves it! She has a full time job, but does this in the evenings on weekends for extra money. She is single, and wants to make extra money while she has nothing tying her down. Does your friend worry much about her daughter? I tend to be a little on the cautious side and I don't want to worry about my own daughter (24 y/o) picking up strangers when she lives over 600 miles away. I'm sure it's safe, but I can't help myself. And, really, I have no say in the matter...she's going to do what she's going to do. I think it's completely normal to worry about our sons and daughters working in a job where they deal with strangers and they are "alone". But her daughter is an adult so my friend knows that her daughter will do what she wants regardless of what mom thinks. But she is a great young lady, so any parent could feel comfortable that their son or daughter is safe with her in the car! But my friend has an 18 yr. old freshman in college that just got her pilot's license and she flies all over. So I think she worries more about her child flying solo! She also flies people around. So I guess both of her kids are in the "transportation" business!
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Post by annabella on Apr 9, 2016 23:18:46 GMT
Here's a good article that explains the faults of driving for uber including taxes.
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Post by maryland on Apr 10, 2016 0:55:26 GMT
My Dh is retired from his career but I still have a few years before I can retire so after being home for 6 months he wanted something with flexibility to due during the day so after researching decided to work as an Uber driver. We live down the street from WDW in Orlando so it's been good for him. He mostly works M - F daytime and has made some decent money, especially during spring break. They did do a background check on him but did not have to have his car inspected. He said they told him the car had to be less than 10 years old, clean condition and have 4 doors. He's met some interesting people and really enjoys it. It's a great job if you need one that offers flexibility and like meeting people That's great that he found something he enjoys to keep him busy during the day. My dad retired, then worked at a deli doing delivery to businesses for lunch. He was bored sitting home all day after used to being busy. If I had to get a job, that would be something I would enjoy, especially the flexibility and meeting people! But I have no sense of direction, so it wouldn't be a good job for me! I am jealous that you live in FL. It snowed 2 inches today and will be a high of 15 tonight.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
Jun 25, 2014 20:06:48 GMT
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Post by freebird on Apr 10, 2016 1:49:59 GMT
We just bought a limousine and one of the first questions the insurance companies asked was if we were going to be uber drivers. I think your insurance will probably need to be switched to commercial insurance because if something happens, you WON'T get covered. Our business truck is on commercial insurance and it really wasn't a lot more, however, my husband isn't toting drunk strangers around either.
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