The tips to bring in the tips
As an Uber driver, getting tipped is the goal but it isn’t always easy. Especially when compared with other service-sector jobs such as hospitality, hair and beauty salons. Since Uber introduced in-app tipping in 2017, research has found that almost 60% of Uber riders never tip and only 1% always tip. This makes the average tip per ride just 50 cents (or less than 50p). So, what can we do to get more tips?
We’ve read many studies that look into tipping behaviour and there are simple things that can affect how often or much customers tip. For example, male riders tip more and female drivers get tipped more. But we’re here to find answers that can help everyone.
The longer the trip, the larger the tip
A study that looked into tips received by taxi drivers found that riders were more likely to tip on medium (5-10km) or long (>10km) length rides compared to shorter ones (less than 5km).
Making conversation
If your riders are up for a chat, be sure to engage with them to get those tips coming in. And the studies show that this tactic could be more successful if you tailor the experience, such as calling them by their first name. When all else fails, talk about the weather.
Play happy music
If your riders don’t feel like talking much, positive-sounding music has been proven to encourage higher rider tips. This means music with ‘prosocial’ lyrics, maybe based around themes of friendship, love or empathy. If you would like us to put a playlist together on Spotify for you, click below to let us know.
Put the hours in when it’s sunny
A study into cab drivers in NYC found that there is a direct correlation between daylight hours and the amount of tipping. The more direct sunlight there is, the more chance you’re going to get tipped more! Maybe this is because people are in a good mood. We definitely think it’s worth sticking with those night shifts too if that’s your preference, especially based on our next tip…
Date night makes the rate right
This one is a bit odd so bear with us here… It’s been proven that customers who wear ‘chic’ clothing are more likely to tip their driver. If they decide to sit on the back seat (not that they’ve got a choice anymore), they are also more likely to tip. And finally, although men are found to tip more than women, if there is both a man and a woman present, the chances of tipping are at their highest.
We’re raising awareness of the importance of tipping drivers and being mindful when catching an Uber to encourage mutual respect from riders. Share your tips to get tipped with other drivers and your friends on social media using the hashtag #RespectYourRide to help.
Sources:
The Verge – Uber tipping by gender study
Tipping field experiment – PDF
Science Direct – Investigation of tipping behaviour
