What do I need to account for?

[theblissisback]

I'm going to be a ride share driver by the end of the month.

I've done some research already, but I know the MM eyes will see what I've missed.

So...aside from..

Gas
Car maintenance
Car insurance
car payment
Car cleaning services (washes and details)
Phone chargers
Dash cam
Pepper spray / small weapon

What other expenses am I missing?

My goal is $500/month AFTER expenses.

TIA

[littlemisssunshine]

Have you called your current insurance company and asked for a quote as if you were a ride share driver? I looked into it with mine and it was prohibitively exspensive and I gave up on the idea.

And please don't do it with out out the proper insurance!

[theblissisback]

May 3, 2016 23:10:16 GMT -5 littlemisssunshine said:

Have you called your current insurance company and asked for a quote as if you were a ride share driver? I looked into it with mine and it was prohibitively exspensive and I gave up on the idea.

And please don't do it with out out the proper insurance!

I've got the proper insurance, thank God. Wasn't much more than I'm paying now, so totally worth it.

I should note that I live in a fairly large city with a lot of conferences, large events, festivals, etc.

And my car gets 30+ mpg, even on city streets.

[daisypaloma]

Taxes

Additional gear (headsets, loading dock, etc.). I like it when drivers have our phone chargers.

[theblissisback]

May 3, 2016 23:27:01 GMT -5 daisypaloma said:

Taxes

Additional gear (headsets, loading dock, etc.). I like it when drivers have our phone chargers.

Ooh...taxes, I forgot those. Duh.

Yes, I already have a phone Holder things. And plenty of extra phone chargers...although, I have an andriod, so I'll order some iPhone ones too.

Those are mostly one-time costs vs recurring, so I've added a category for that as well.

[insominac]

After hearing some horror stories, I wouldn't do it without a dashboard cam and some pepper spray, esp if I was going to drive nights.

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 1:11:09 GMT -5 insominac said:

After hearing some horror stories, I wouldn't do it without a dashboard cam and some pepper spray, esp if I was going to drive nights.

Good idea on the dash cam. I'll make sure to add this.

I'm definitely super trusting so this never occurred to me. Especially, considering all the older women I see in my city.

But you're right, I should be prepared for the worst. Thanks for the reminder!

[theblissisback]

What are your thoughts on waters or candy?

Any other extras you like?

[Deleted]

Puke bags

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 10:25:06 GMT -5 @lemonlover said:

Puke bags

Yaaaaaaass!

[Deleted]

My friend does this and she was assaulted with a bag full of taco bell burritos and tacos while driving. She said she was finding lettuce weeks afterwards.

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 10:34:54 GMT -5 @lemonlover said:

My friend does this and she was assaulted with a bag full of taco bell burritos and tacos while driving. She said she was finding lettuce weeks afterwards.

This reminds me of Pitch Perfect. Lol

[theblissisback]

I assumed this thread would blow up like the dog walking thread.

Which, I still want to do but the company I want to work with doesn't have an Andriod app.

[tellmesomethingood]

Have you talked to anyone that does this? I've only used companies a few times and from my chats with the drivers, they don't make a lot of money.

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 15:55:50 GMT -5 tellmesomethingood said:

Have you talked to anyone that does this? I've only used companies a few times and from my chats with the drivers, they don't make a lot of money.

Yes, varies between a couple hundred to a thousand. Depends on so many factors.

For me, I plan to drive during large events / festivals and sporting events. And the occasional weeknight.

I'd like to make $500/month AFTER expenses.

[imojoebunny]

May 4, 2016 15:55:50 GMT -5 tellmesomethingood said:

Have you talked to anyone that does this? I've only used companies a few times and from my chats with the drivers, they don't make a lot of money.

I had an uber on Saturday at noon.  I use them often.  My driver on Saturday said she made $100 a day, after expenses, driving for 4 to 6 hours.  She only drives during the day three days a week.  I don't think she was lying.  She said it is enough for her to stay home, and spend time with her teenagers, and she likes the flexibility of being able to go to her kids games and events, and have enough money to pay for them.  Yes, it is only ~$15 to $25 an hour, but it is better than a lot of jobs, and the flexibility is huge.  I also think it reduces DUI rates dramatically, unlike cabs, which are damn near impossible to get here at any peek time, and very expensive comparatively.  I paid $7 for less than 10 minutes of her time.  As a perk, she said she drives a lot of old people, and feels good about helping people.  

[Deleted]

So my friend who does this says to always follow the app directions. She has lived in LA since the 80s and knows her way around but always follows the app directions so the riders don't accuse her of extra driving for more $.

She's dramatically cut back because of issues like when you pick up in a red zone but take out of the red zone, they don't pay/prorate red zone pricing. And there's no 5 buck minimum anymore. So one ride was like 2.30 before expenses paid.

If you're where I think you are, Task Rabbit might actually not be bad for you. Or looking into being a virtual assistant.

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 16:27:03 GMT -5 imojoebunny said:

May 4, 2016 15:55:50 GMT -5 tellmesomethingood said:

Have you talked to anyone that does this? I've only used companies a few times and from my chats with the drivers, they don't make a lot of money.

I had an uber on Saturday at noon.  I use them often.  My driver on Saturday said she made $100 a day, after expenses, driving for 4 to 6 hours.  She only drives during the day three days a week.  I don't think she was lying.  She said it is enough for her to stay home, and spend time with her teenagers, and she likes the flexibility of being able to go to her kids games and events, and have enough money to pay for them.  Yes, it is only ~$15 to $25 an hour, but it is better than a lot of jobs, and the flexibility is huge.  I also think it reduces DUI rates dramatically, unlike cabs, which are damn near impossible to get here at any peek time, and very expensive comparatively.  I paid $7 for less than 10 minutes of her time.  As a perk, she said she drives a lot of old people, and feels good about helping people.  

This has been my experience as well. I use ride shares pretty regularly, especially when I travel. Recently in Texas I had over 20 rides.

And $15-25 an hour is a perfectly acceptable amount for any job. Lots of people would love to make $15/hr.

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 16:36:30 GMT -5 @lemonlover said:

So my friend who does this says to always follow the app directions. She has lived in LA since the 80s and knows her way around but always follows the app directions so the riders don't accuse her of extra driving for more $.

She's dramatically cut back because of issues like when you pick up in a red zone but take out of the red zone, they don't pay/prorate red zone pricing. And there's no 5 buck minimum anymore. So one ride was like 2.30 before expenses paid.

If you're where I think you are, Task Rabbit might actually not be bad for you. Or looking into being a virtual assistant.

Ya...no, I'm not doing Task rabbit or being a virtual assistant.

Not sure what red zone is....so I'll have to look into that.

[Deleted]

May 4, 2016 16:49:50 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

May 4, 2016 16:36:30 GMT -5 @lemonlover said:

So my friend who does this says to always follow the app directions. She has lived in LA since the 80s and knows her way around but always follows the app directions so the riders don't accuse her of extra driving for more $.

She's dramatically cut back because of issues like when you pick up in a red zone but take out of the red zone, they don't pay/prorate red zone pricing. And there's no 5 buck minimum anymore. So one ride was like 2.30 before expenses paid.

If you're where I think you are, Task Rabbit might actually not be bad for you. Or looking into being a virtual assistant.

Ya...no, I'm not doing Task rabbit or being a virtual assistant.

Not sure what red zone is....so I'll have to look into that.

So like rush hour would generate red zone because  it's crowded, high need, etc. If you drive outside the red zone even an inch for drop off, you don't get paid for driving through the traffic in the red zone. So you lose your higher priced fare. 

I'm surprised you'd want strangers in your car but not willing to sort other people's emails or work on their social media. 

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 16:54:37 GMT -5 @lemonlover said:

May 4, 2016 16:49:50 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

Ya...no, I'm not doing Task rabbit or being a virtual assistant.

Not sure what red zone is....so I'll have to look into that.

So like rush hour would generate red zone because  it's crowded, high need, etc. If you drive outside the red zone even an inch for drop off, you don't get paid for driving through the traffic in the red zone. So you lose your higher priced fare. 

I'm surprised you'd want strangers in your car but not willing to sort other people's emails or work on their social media. 

Oh you mean surge pricing...yes, I'm aware of that. I avoid that when using it all the time by walking 2 or 3 blocks away. Lol.

Ya...I'm not going to sort emails or do social media. That makes me want to claw my eyes out. Strangers in my car doesn't bother me in the slightest.

My biggest concern is someone puking and then me puking because of that and/or someone getting cray.

It's a PT job to escalate debt payoff among other things. Driving people around for 2-6 hours for 4-12 times a month is cake, easy and gets me away from the screen.

It's a no brainer.

[AAM2012]

May 3, 2016 23:16:20 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

May 3, 2016 23:10:16 GMT -5 littlemisssunshine said:

Have you called your current insurance company and asked for a quote as if you were a ride share driver? I looked into it with mine and it was prohibitively exspensive and I gave up on the idea.

And please don't do it with out out the proper insurance!

I've got the proper insurance, thank God. Wasn't much more than I'm paying now, so totally worth it.

I should note that I live in a fairly large city with a lot of conferences, large events, festivals, etc.

And my car gets 30+ mpg, even on city streets.

I am curious as to what insurance company will insure you for rideshare activity? I am in the insurance business and don't know of one company that will provide coverage while you are transporting passengers for a fee.


The people I have talked to who do this do NOT make a lot of money when you consider the wear and tear, gas, etc and the % that uber/lyft take.

Edit: I talk to a lot of uber/lyft drivers in CA and see their income/expenses.....it's like the cool Cali thing to do and they do not make a lot of money due to the increase in drivers. Is this another "I am going to London/France/grad school" post?

[theblissisback]

May 4, 2016 22:47:49 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

May 3, 2016 23:16:20 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

I've got the proper insurance, thank God. Wasn't much more than I'm paying now, so totally worth it.

I should note that I live in a fairly large city with a lot of conferences, large events, festivals, etc.

And my car gets 30+ mpg, even on city streets.

I am curious as to what insurance company will insure you for rideshare activity? I am in the insurance business and don't know of one company that will provide coverage while you are transporting passengers for a fee.


The people I have talked to who do this do NOT make a lot of money when you consider the wear and tear, gas, etc and the % that uber/lyft take.

Edit: I talk to a lot of uber/lyft drivers in CA and see their income/expenses.....it's like the cool Cali thing to do and they do not make a lot of money due to the increase in drivers. Is this another "I am going to London/France/grad school" post?

Here's an idea. The extra cash helps make all those things possible.

But, what do I know. You're clearly the expert on all the things regarding me.

[mich1]

Depreciation on your vehicle. If this is your only car, you'll need to replace it earlier than scheduled.

My brother drives for Uber and makes about $30/hour, but I don't think he accounts for his expenses.  He is putting a LOT of miles on his vehicle. This means that he is needing to do scheduled maintenance sooner than he expected. He says those damn 30k PMs roll around every time he blinks.

[theblissisback]

May 8, 2016 19:51:45 GMT -5 mich1 said:

Depreciation on your vehicle. If this is your only car, you'll need to replace it earlier than scheduled.

My brother drives for Uber and makes about $30/hour, but I don't think he accounts for his expenses.  He is putting a LOT of miles on his vehicle. This means that he is needing to do scheduled maintenance sooner than he expected. He says those damn 30k PMs roll around every time he blinks.

I'll make sure to add maintenance and a future car fund to my expenses. Great tip, thanks!

[AAM2012]

May 8, 2016 19:26:34 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

May 4, 2016 22:47:49 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

I am curious as to what insurance company will insure you for rideshare activity? I am in the insurance business and don't know of one company that will provide coverage while you are transporting passengers for a fee.


The people I have talked to who do this do NOT make a lot of money when you consider the wear and tear, gas, etc and the % that uber/lyft take.

Edit: I talk to a lot of uber/lyft drivers in CA and see their income/expenses.....it's like the cool Cali thing to do and they do not make a lot of money due to the increase in drivers. Is this another "I am going to London/France/grad school" post?

Here's an idea. The extra cash helps make all those things possible.

But, what do I know. You're clearly the expert on all the things regarding me.

You never answered my question.


But thanks for bumping an old thread just to rehash.

[theblissisback]

Here's my math...

2x a week (minimum, will increase during peak periods, ie large events)

My expenses per 4 hour shift: $72.30
This includes one tank of gas (400 miles), insurance, payment, maintenance/future car fund, goodies (water, pepper spray).

I'll need to gross roughly $130 / shift. Which is roughly $30/hr for 4 hours. Or however long it takes me to do $130.

Which would net me $500 / month.

That's a minimum estimate. I could do up to 4 days a week. But Idk, ubless it's a holiday weekend or something.

[theblissisback]

May 8, 2016 20:34:54 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

May 8, 2016 19:26:34 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

Here's an idea. The extra cash helps make all those things possible.

But, what do I know. You're clearly the expert on all the things regarding me.

You never answered my question.


But thanks for bumping an old thread just to rehash.

I just had a chance to hop on and saw you commented.

It wasnt a question. It was a bitchy comment.

[AAM2012]

May 8, 2016 20:41:03 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

May 8, 2016 20:34:54 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

You never answered my question.


But thanks for bumping an old thread just to rehash.

I just had a chance to hop on and saw you commented.

It wasnt a question. It was a bitchy comment.

No it was a legit question. But okay.

[theblissisback]

May 8, 2016 20:43:32 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

May 8, 2016 20:41:03 GMT -5 theblissisback said:

I just had a chance to hop on and saw you commented.

It wasnt a question. It was a bitchy comment.

No it was a legit question. But okay.

You're weird obsession with me is getting old. And just continually makes you seem crazier than me.

I'm here asking opinions, getting valuable feedback, turning that into action and you're just what? Being a snarky bitch following me around when everyone knows you don't like me.

Your continued posts make you look like a fool.

I'm done engaging.