17 replies to this topic

[fouroheight68]

So I have been using Lyft and Uber for a couple years now, and I always had great experiences, so I actually signed up to be a driver a couple weeks ago. I already work downtown Sacramento, and have a 45 min commute home stuck in traffic, so I decided to turn it on around 6 on Friday night. It was nonstop rides until I finally turned it off at 8:30 - I ended up meeting really fun people, having some pretty funny conversations, and I pocketed about $100 for about 2.5 hours "work". I turned it on Saturday, did a couple rides and made another $50 (all within a few miles from my house in Briggs Ranch). I have a pretty good job (Sr. Project Engineer), so don't really need the money, but I think it's pretty fun, and I've been putting the money aside for my wife and I do splurge on something fun. I decided I'm going to try to hit the Friday "pre drunk" crowds after work a few times a month. I am especially impressed with the tips - some of the people tipped the full value of the fare, sometimes $10 in just one tip. People seem to enjoy themselves, and appreciate riding in a new Lexus versus a beat up taxi. Plus, I think I play pretty good music and I'm fun to talk to. Shoot, I made $28 in just tips Sat night doing 6 or 7 rides.

 

Does anyone else use Lyft or Uber? Do you have a preference? I think I'll sign up as a driver for Uber too, they offer $500 if you come over from Lyft. If you want to give it a try, you can use my code for a $10 free ride https://www.lyft.com/invited/JW8DTH

PS this isn't a promo or anything, I'm just trying to see who actually uses ride sharing platforms and what you guys think. My friends think I'm crazy to be a driver, but I've met some pretty cool people and I have a fun time talking with them. If you call a Lyft in Folsom, there is a chance you might get me!

[Rich_T]

I was toying with the idea, but I had the impression from articles I've read that, after expenses and given the growing competition, that you actually end up making about minimum wage when all is said and done.  Your experience seems to suggest otherwise.

[fouroheight68]

I was toying with the idea, but I had the impression from articles I've read that, after expenses and given the growing competition, that you actually end up making about minimum wage when all is said and done.  Your experience seems to suggest otherwise.

 

It probably depends on where you are, and where you drive. I drove Friday/Saturday nights which are peak times. Example - I did a ride from downtown to McCllean at 6pm and it was $40. I received 80% of that, and she tipped me $10 (all of which is mine to keep). I averaged probably $40/hr, BUT I'm not driving 40 hours a week. If I depended on the income, that would be scary. I'm just doing it in my spare time when I would be sitting on the couch anyways. 

Here's a $20 free ride code if anyone is interested in trying (passenger or driver) https://www.lyft.com...ed/STEVEN343965

[Rich_T]

 

It probably depends on where you are, and where you drive. I drove Friday/Saturday nights which are peak times. Example - I did a ride from downtown to McCllean at 6pm and it was $40. I received 80% of that, and she tipped me $10 (all of which is mine to keep). I averaged probably $40/hr, BUT I'm not driving 40 hours a week. If I depended on the income, that would be scary. I'm just doing it in my spare time when I would be sitting on the couch anyways. 

Here's a $20 free ride code if anyone is interested in trying (passenger or driver) https://www.lyft.com...ed/STEVEN343965

 

Yes, it makes sense to focus on the heavy-traffic times, for secondary income.  But if too many people start doing that, it could be slimmer pickings.

[fouroheight68]

 

Yes, it makes sense to focus on the heavy-traffic times, for secondary income.  But if too many people start doing that, it could be slimmer pickings.

 

Right, I take that back - it's terrible and a waste of time! (I'm one of three Lyft drivers in Folsom). 

[Rich_T]

 

Right, I take that back - it's terrible and a waste of time! (I'm one of three Lyft drivers in Folsom). 

 

:-)

[nomad]

Uber guy in SF said he could make 100k a year if he worked 60 hours a week driving.

 

Also said no tips as that was all factored into the ride and also that way he carries no cash. Is Lyft different?

[fouroheight68]

Uber guy in SF said he could make 100k a year if he worked 60 hours a week driving.

 

Also said no tips as that was all factored into the ride and also that way he carries no cash. Is Lyft different?

 

Lyft is also cash-less. When I drop a passenger off, they have the option to leave a tip though their phone. All funds are direct deposited into my account. I recieved tips on all of my rides except a couple which was really cool and thoughtful. Some of the rides were 5, 7, 10 dollar tips! In San Francisco drivers can easily make 700 dollars on a Friday night. 

[Steve Heard]

That sounds like something I'd for for fun and profit! I am so busy right now with selling houses, and volunteering and myfolsom and everything else, but if I had a few hours free on a Friday or Saturday night...

[cw68]

That sounds like something I'd for for fun and profit! I am so busy right now with selling houses, and volunteering and myfolsom and everything else, but if I had a few hours free on a Friday or Saturday night...

 

I would love it, but, as a woman, I just don't feel like it would be a very safe thing for me to do.

[fouroheight68]

That sounds like something I'd for for fun and profit! I am so busy right now with selling houses, and volunteering and myfolsom and everything else, but if I had a few hours free on a Friday or Saturday night...

 

Steve, the guy I "mentored" (a requirement takes an hour) with is or was the VP at Voit Real Estate in Roseville. I met him at his house in Granite Bay (probably close to $1m), and was a little surpised. I asked why he drives for Lyft? He said his GB house is his main house (weekends), but weekdays he works in SF. He said he does it to meet people, especially clients, and he has had several tech startup founders in his car who were looking for office space. He was closing one deal which he claimed to net him several hundred thousand in commission, based on someone he met in his car. Not a bad way to network! He also was making about $2500 a month on the side. 

 

I would love it, but, as a woman, I just don't feel like it would be a very safe thing for me to do.

 

I had a girl in my car last weekend who also drove for Lyft. She had some stories which would make me think being a woman driver is not the best idea. 

[Robert Gary]

When you're driving for those companies your personal car insurance is not valid. So you're relying on their insurance. I"m not sure I'd feel comfortable with that.

 

-Robert

[fouroheight68]

When you're driving for those companies your personal car insurance is not valid. So you're relying on their insurance. I"m not sure I'd feel comfortable with that.

 

-Robert

 

Right, I feel the same way, I'm a little weary. Their overall policy is $1M, but the bodily injury is substantially small (I think 50k?). I asked about insurance, and my mentor told me "well, its a grey area, don't tell your insurance company you're driving - details are still being worked out". 

[FolsomEJ]

It sounds like this is perfect for someone with nothing to lose, but a potential land mine if you are established.  

[fouroheight68]

It sounds like this is perfect for someone with nothing to lose, but a potential land mine if you are established.  

 

Exactly, I was thinking that back in my college days this would have been no risk. Now I have $500k in assets and a little nervous!