When it comes to driving for Uber, the only authority one possesses is the ability to accept or decline ride requests. Besides that, the ride-sharing firm controls everything else, from pickup and drop-off to everything in between, except for the driving, of course.
It's imperative to understand that not every offer that they send you is profitable. Putridity abounds, and experienced drivers are aware that the only way to minimize their losses is by rejecting them. Late-night pickups in high-crime areas is but one example of why not to accept an offer.
Ultimately, the drivers must "watch their own back" and prioritize their safety and financial objectives when making these decisions. This brings us to the main topic of this article: stop accepting the following offers right away.
UBER VIP
Uber VIP is a premium service that matches riders with top-rated drivers. That means the driver has consistently provided high-quality service and is committed to providing a safe and comfortable ride.
The first VIP offer I received was about six months ago. I was excited because VIP usually means exclusive (even though I had yet to learn what it was.) Since my driver rating was: 4.97, 2000+ trips, 2022 Tesla Model 3, I felt like "a member of the club." That meant higher earnings (so i thought,) so I blindly accepted it (dummy.)
The trip paid $35.00. It consisted of picking the rider up in Missouri City and dropping them off in Downtown Houston - a distance of 32 miles. It took almost 1 hour to complete - adding the pickup time, 1 hour and 20 minutes. Doing the math equals $26.00 per hour or $1.09 per mile. Which is okay, but for such a long trip, that is not good either. The only saving grace is that the drop-off was in a hot spot.
En route, I curiously ask the rider what Uber VIP is. He explained that as American Express cardholders, they get complimentary status and ride discounts. Satisfied with the answer, I delivered them without a hitch and picked up the next rider.
Over the next few months, other VIP offers came in, and they paid even less, which is why I did not accept them. Finally, this past week (3-8-2023), a VIP offer came in: $14.05, 38 minutes, 24 miles. That equates to $22.00 per hour or $0.58 a mile.
What the heck? That offer is on par with Uber X; nothing is VIP about that service.
"Why did i not see it sooner!" It was then that it became clear to me. They designed Uber VIP as a program for the rider, for they are the ones who benefit. It means that they are VIPs, not you, the driver.
So that means veteran drivers with newer vehicles do not get paid extra yet donate their knowledge by accepting these trips. For those reasons, Uber VIP is a hard pass for this driver.
Summary
It's crucial to understand that Uber VIP is a program designed to provide exclusive benefits and discounts for riders who are American Express cardholders. As such, it's not necessarily a program designed to benefit drivers directly.
That being said, it's understandable that one would expect to receive higher pay for providing premium service to riders who are part of the VIP program. Unfortunately, the pay is not higher than for regular Uber trips. That being the case, the driver is the on who has to absorb the "discount."
There could be many reasons why a driver would accept these trips. This article does not explain why one should take them. Instead, it explains why one should not!
What do you think about Uber VIP? If you would like to share your thought with us, please comment below or Start/Join a discussion in the Houston Rideshare Forum
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