Uber Drivers! Don’t Let Your Gas Tank Empty Your Uber Gig: The Unwritten Rule of the Road

Hey there, fellow road warriors! It's Levi Spires from "Tip You in the App," and today, we're diving into a story that's been buzzing around our Uber-verse.

Remember when we used to joke about the "I'll tip you in the app" line and the crickets we'd hear afterward? The tables have turned, and this time it's the drivers raising eyebrows. And not in a good way.

You may have heard about the recent Uber Eats saga. It involves a delivery driver with an empty gas tank, a car full of hot food, and a wallet, unfortunately, is just as empty. He decided to ask the customer, Exavier Pope (yes, a prominent Chicago lawyer, no less), for some gas money via Cash App. That's right, a request for gas money smack in the middle of a delivery. You can imagine how that went down.

Now, I totally get the predicament here. I mean, we've all been there, right? You start your shift, and the promise of profits propels you forward. But then, at the end of the day, your earnings are not exactly setting the world on fire. It's tempting to think, "Hey, if the passenger knew about my struggles, they'd surely empathize, right? Maybe even toss me a tip to cover my expenses?"

But here's the hard truth - it's awkward. It's unprofessional. And it's downright rude.

Customers don't get a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes calculation of our earnings. When they order a ride or food, they see the price, pay it, and expect a smooth, hassle-free service. And if they receive good service, they might even tip us. No strings attached, no awkward conversations needed.

We, as drivers, have the autonomy to choose our jobs based on the projected profitability. If you think a trip isn't profitable, it's within your rights to pass it up. But if you accept a job, it's your responsibility to deliver - literally and figuratively. And certainly, there should never be an excuse to make your customer uncomfortable.

The bottom line? If you want to earn more, deliver service worth tipping for. But asking for gas money or any other kind of favor mid-service is a one-way ticket to losing your Uber gig.

Think of it this way: we're not just Uber drivers. We're customer service providers, experience creators, and ambassadors of the Uber brand. Suppose we start putting our customers in awkward situations. In that case, we're not just affecting our reputation but also the reputation of the platform we depend on for our livelihoods.

Let's learn, grow, and thrive together. Speaking of thriving, have you considered enrolling in our Thrive Uber Driver course? In Thriver #20, I give Thrivers 3 specific solutions to the problem of not getting what you want to earn as an Uber Eats driver. Thrive has insights, tips, and strategies to help you become your best Uber driver. Don't wait; subscribe today!

Keep your gas tanks full and your spirits high, and remember - no one likes being put on the spot. Not even when they promise to "tip you in the app." Safe driving, friends!