How much money can you really make with Uber? Well, for some, the answer is not very much. The average driver makes just $364 per month. That’s a pretty good monthly discretionary income, but most of us can’t live on that.
However, some people manage to make driving for Uber a full-time gig. How do they do it? They follow these tips and tricks to maximize how much they make while driving.
Stick Around for a While
The first tip is to stick around for a while. In the early days, Uber offered some pretty impressive sign-up bonuses. Now that they have all of the drivers they need, they are no longer offering the huge bonuses they once were.
Instead, they offer guarantees to their drivers who stick around for a while. As a dedicated driver, you can not only stabilize your income, but you will end up getting more opportunities to drive, which adds up to more money.
Ignore Hot Spots
Many drivers dart to hot spots because Uber surges prices in order to attract drivers to the area. There’s only one problem with this—the area gets flooded with drivers and prices drop. To avoid wasting your time chasing ghostly surges, avoid those areas altogether.
It will take a little time to figure out which areas you should choose, but there are some strategies you can follow. For example, after a game, prices are likely to surge outside the stadium. However, you might find that sitting outside a bar across town is more lucrative.
Sell Stuff During the Ride
There’s only so much you’ll be able to make with Uber because there’s only so much you’re going to be able to drive. In order to maximize your time spent in the car, you would do well to think about other ways you can make money at the same time.
Like this guy who made over $250,000 selling jewelry while driving.
It isn’t just jewelry you can sell in your car. A few other ideas include:
- Snacks and drinks
- Handmade goods
- Magazines
The trick is to make sure your passengers can see the items so they can ask about them. A hard sell by bringing up the items yourself could result in negative reviews.
Use the Passenger App Too
Many drivers use the driver app to find riders. This is of course a good idea, but it isn’t the only option.
You can use the Uber passenger app too. This app allows you to see where other drivers are so you can better choose a location. This app also tends to have more up-to-date information on surge fares, so you can take advantage of them or avoid them, depending on your strategy.
Even though it isn’t very likely that you’re going to get rich driving for Uber, you can make some decent money. With these tips, you can maximize your time in the car and make even more.