Great morning my fellow giggers, freelancers, and rideshare baggers and baguettes; I hope and pray you are being strategic and profitable out here in these streets. Below is a link to my YouTube vlog on the latest and maybe not so greatest rollout by Uber on their new feature Uber Comfort in regards to the infamous change to cancellations. A lot of drivers are up in arms about the matter yet I have not seen one person post an actual issue to the wait time and cancellation fee.
So on July 12th, 2019 Uber Comfort officially rolled out of BETA mode and was full throttle. We got to see it in it’s full glory and I must say thus far it’s not that big of a deal… yet! I have been part of the beta testing for 2 1/2 months and was actually liking the Uber Comfort option as a driver. I noticed a number of things and came to some conclusions, but I will save that for a later write-up. Today I want to focus on my very first Uber Comfort cancellation with the newly implemented changes.
Now, a lot of drivers loathed the fact of the extended wait time and “preference mode” these are two hot topics that got drivers pissed beyond measure, but before I could come to any conclusions I felt the need of first experiencing it in its full glory. Below you will see a series of screenshots of the process of the cancellation and what I suggest you do if you find yourself in this situation.
I got the request which was maybe a mile away from Meghan, I quickly arrived and submitted a text as I always do advising I have arrived. The problem is Meghan had input the wrong pickup location. I asked her to update the address and I could come to her. She hung up on me and clearly had an attitude. I sat and waited, I was not going to take the hit and cancel on my end, she would have to do that. I did my part and fulfilled my obligations. I extended the olive branch, use all modes of communication available. Offered to go above and beyond, and she did not want to do what was needed on her end. Now someone may say, well you could’ve just driven and found her, but mind you I did not have an accurate address, if so and if in close range I would have went the distance. I really prefer to pick people up. Constantly cancelling does not help me and my pockets. I want to give the rider the benefit of the doubt! Also if you noticed, Meghan never responded to the multiple texts and she clearly had read them all. This is an indicator to me that she was avoiding the matter in all for whatever reason. When I see people choose not to respond that usually means they are hoping you cancel the ride prior to them having to pay the cancellation fee.
So after about waiting for 8 minutes and 5 seconds I proceeded with the cancellation process. I was not going to wait a second longer. Yes Uber extended the wait time and I was prepared for that mentally so I just used that time to sit in the car and answer emails from my clients in my consulting and coaching practice. Once I was cleared to cancel the ride WITH FEE option checked I made sure I had all my screenshots in case Uber tries to pull a fast one. I always text because phone calls are not tracked and doesn’t prove what was said, but a text thread can help you in situations if anything is ever questioned. I bid you to please use the texting option if possible, this sets a standard with you and riders. Communication is everything and you must effectively do that on a consistent basis.
So my conclusion is it was worth the wait, due to the payout. Now if I had traveled a long distance this could’ve been a lost. Ten minutes zero miles, $7.20 was a win for me. We must be compensated for our time and resources. Don’t allow your time to be wasted my fellow giggers! I believe if they are subject to the consequences it will condition them (them being the rider) to be more respectful and attentive when using the rideshare platform. I can however see this being a loss at times, but as an Uber Pro Diamond driver I am able to use a number of factors to weigh the the costs of it entirely. But this is the chance we take, the game we play, and in all 95% of riders do their part, they are prompt and ready to take off. This was a late night full of Atlanta nightlifers so I totally expect their to be issues and problem children.
So in closing I say before complaining please due your own trial study. See if it is actually a lost or gain or if it balances out for you. I am always open to giving anything a try and maintaining a positive perspective before solidifying any conclusions. I still have some testing to do with this, but overall I don’t think it will be a big deal.
THE CEO DRIVEHER 