This weekend, Sergio shared his data and analysis of his Uber Eats order on X. Sergio's approach offers a fascinating case study on the impact of cherry-picking versus taking all available trips, especially when considering California's Proposition 22.

Cherry Picking vs. Accepting All Trips

Sergio's weekend strategy involved being selective with the trips he chose to accept, a method commonly known as "cherry-picking." He believed that he could increase his earnings per trip by choosing only the most lucrative deliveries. However, analyzing his method compared to accepting all trips has suggested a potentially more profitable approach.

Sergio spent 20 hours and 16 minutes logged in as an active driver, but he was only on the move for 7 hours and 31 minutes, choosing to wait for the best trips. During this time, he completed 21 trips and earned $387.33, including the Proposition 22 adjustment.

I estimate using total time and miles, not just active. The good news is Sergio stays busy when he’s parked. Sergio logically separates the two to help with his CA-22 adjustment. Total time and miles helps me understand my total costs. For the analysis I used my Prius $0.26 per mile cost to estimate the profit.

What if Sergio had accepted all the trips he initially rejected?

Using the average of the trips he rejected, I estimate he would have take 58 trips in 20 hours and 16 minutes.

And the data suggests that had he taken 58 trips regardless of their individual profitability, he would have earned $466.94, even without tips and before adding the Proposition 22 mileage adjustment.

California's Proposition 22 has changed the game for gig workers by ensuring a minimum earning threshold. For Sergio, this meant an additional $215.94 on top of his base earnings, rewarding him for his active time and miles driven.

By staying active and taking all available trips, Sergio's margin per hour would be $19.64, with a margin per minute of $0.33. These figures surpass the earnings from his cherry-picking strategy.

Analysis and Insights

Our examination of Sergio's strategy underlines a crucial aspect of gig work under Proposition 22: being actively engaged and taking more trips can potentially lead to higher earnings than being selective. This is due to the top-off provisions that compensate for active time, which favor a higher volume of shorter, consistent trips over waiting for higher-paying ones.

Conclusion: A Strategy Shift?

Sergio's experience is an invaluable lesson for Uber Eats drivers navigating the intricacies of the gig economy. While cherry-picking may seem reasonable, consistent activity and taking advantage of Proposition 22 adjustments could be the key to earning more.

It's a reminder that knowledge of market dynamics, local regulations, and strategic adaptability are essential for maximizing profitability as an Uber Eats driver in California.

The gig economy thrives on the ability to adapt and strategize. As Sergio's data shows, sometimes the best strategy might be to keep moving, keep delivering, and make the most of the opportunities—big or small—coming your way.