Hello Rideshare Royalties!

Buckle up and get ready for another exciting edition of The Gig Life. We're serving up some dynamite tips and tricks to help you unlock the secret to 5-star glory in your rideshare gigs. 

On top of getting your riders from point A to B, it’s also about making sure your passengers have a stellar experience while cruising with you. 

But that’s not all! Also in this issue:

• 🤑 Earn stock-back on everyday purchases with Stock Rewards^§

• 🔔 Health Insurance Marketplace is open and other gig economy updates

  
  

Rev up your rideshare ratings for 5-star success

You're committed to providing the best rideshare experience for your passengers. Your customer ratings play a significant role in your ability to earn, retain customers, and even access exclusive programs and incentives. 

Here's a quick guide on how to become a 5-star driver.

Why are 5-star ratings important?

Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft, and more rely on them to rate driver quality.

A 5-star rating means excellence, while lower ratings could limit rides or lead to deactivation.  

Here's why maintaining a high rating is essential:

✨ Attract customers: Passengers tend to favor drivers with high ratings for a better experience, especially given the free 2-minute cancellation window.

🚪Open doors: Many platforms offer additional perks, incentives, and access to better-paying jobs to drivers with high ratings.

🛡️Job security: Consistently low ratings can result in deactivation. Your livelihood as a driver hinges on the quality of your services.

Let's dive into the steps you can take to become a 5-star driver.

1. Vehicle quality matters

An important part of becoming a 5-star driver is the quality of your vehicle. Passengers expect a comfortable, clean, and well-maintained ride. Here's how to excel in this aspect:

Interior cleanliness: Make sure the inside of your care is clean, and odor-free. Avoid snacking while you're driving. Get rid of any mess or clutter. 

Adding a nice air freshener can keep your car smelling fresh. Don't forget to give your seats a quick once-over with a lint roller between rides, and consider using inserts in your cup holders. 

Remember, that first impression matters, and a tidy car sets the stage for a positive experience.

Exterior cleanliness: Give the outside of your car a regular wash to keep it looking clean and neat. Waxing and using paint protection will add some extra shine and keep it safe. 

You can also apply a water-repellent coating to your windows, which will help with those pesky rain smears.

Choose the Right Vehicle: It's worth thinking about whether upgrading to a newer model aligns with your needs and timing. 

Many newer cars tend to receive better ratings, and larger vehicles like SUVs and sedans are favored for their extra space and storage. So, if the timing and your personal circumstances make sense, it might be something to consider.

2. Be a polite and professional driver

Your conduct and interactions with passengers are critical in achieving high ratings. Here's what you can do to maintain professionalism and politeness:

Polite and respectful conversation: Just be yourself and be respectful when chatting with passengers. Maintain a friendly and polite demeanor, like you're chatting with a friend.

Navigation apps: Rely on trusted GPS tools for navigation, but also feel free to ask passengers about their preferred routes. 

Consider using apps like Waze to navigate around traffic. Enhance the passenger experience by turning off voice instructions on your GPS, allowing for uninterrupted conversations.

Local knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the local scene so you can serve as a tour guide, especially for out-of-town passengers. 

Talk about local events and attractions—it's a fantastic way to connect with your passengers. 

Share tips about the best places to eat, and who knows, you might even get a recommendation in return.

Comfort and entertainment: Check if the car temperature works for your passengers before hitting the road. Ask them about their audio preferences – music, news, or maybe just a quiet ride. Small considerations like these make a difference.

3. Provide a smooth and safe ride

Your passengers' comfort and safety are top priorities when it comes to providing a smooth and safe ride. Here's how you can excel in this area:

Smooth Driving: Aim for a smooth ride that avoids abrupt stops, sharp turns, and aggressive diving. The goal is to provide a comfy and bump-free experience.

Stay focused: Save personal calls for emergencies – your passengers don't need to hear your personal chats. Let them know you're fully focused on keeping the ride safe.

Pick-up and drop-off: Make the pick-up and drop-off process as easy and hassle-free as possible. Effective communication is key, especially when the pick-up location isn't crystal clear.

Know your way: Be familiar with the best routes to popular destinations in your area, such as airports, train stations, hospitals, and shopping centers. 

Knowing about local events and traffic patterns can also help you avoid jams and find clever shortcuts. 

Ask for preferred routes: Ask your passengers if they have a preferred route. This is a nice gesture and can help them feel more in control and relaxed during the ride. 

4. Go the extra mile for your passengers

Go the extra mile for your passengers to earn those coveted 5-star ratings and truly stand out.

Suggest convenient drop-off spots: If you know of better drop-off locations that would make your passengers' lives easier, share them. It's all about providing a more convenient experience.

Assist with luggage: Give your passengers a helping hand with their luggage (so long as it's safe and in line with COVID-19 guidelines). Passengers appreciate this thoughtful gesture, especially with those bulky bags.

Keep passengers dry: Carry a big umbrella to shield your passengers from the rain during drop-offs. This shows that you care about their comfort, rain or shine.

Assist special needs passengers: Pay extra attention to passengers with special needs. Offer more help, like getting as close to their destination as possible. Be considerate and make their ride a breeze.

5. Offer in-car extras

Enhancing the ride with some extra goodies in your car. Here's what you can stock your vehicle with:

Charging cables: Keep spare chargers for both Apple and Android devices, and an AUX cord for those who want to charge up and jam out to their favorite tunes.

Tissues and wet wipes: Have tissues and wet wipes on hand for passengers to use. You never know when they might come in handy.

Antibacterial products: Offer hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and disposable masks. This way, passengers can feel safe and comfortable during the ride.

Little luxuries: Surprise your passengers with bottled water, mints, or gum. Ensure that every passenger steps out of your car with a smile with these small touches.

6. Leave a positive impression

End each ride on a high note to leave passengers with a positive impression. Here are some easy ways to do this:

Friendly farewell: As passengers leave, say something pleasant like "Have a wonderful day" or "Enjoy your evening." It's a warm way to wrap up the ride on a positive note.

Lost and found: Before passengers go, double-check for any forgotten items. This prevents hassles, making sure they haven't left anything behind in your car or trunk.

Smooth communication: If there are delays or issues during the ride, keep communication open and courteous. Handling situations professionally fosters trust and shows you care.

Seamless arrival: If you arrive at the destination and it's not what your passenger was expecting, don't leave them to figure it out alone. End the ride on a positive note by keeping them in the car until you've located the best spot for them to exit.

Becoming a 5-star driver is about nailing little things. Keep your car clean and comfy, be polite and friendly, and treat every ride like a VIP experience.

If you’re not earning Stock Rewards^§ on your purchases – you’re missing out!

Stock Rewards^§ is your golden opportunity to become a proud shareholder in the gig companies you work with.

Earn shares in companies like Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, and more, simply by banking with Moves and using your Moves Card.

How it works

1. Download the Moves App.

2. Sign up and get your free Moves Spending Account. 

3. Spend on everyday purchases, and you’ll automatically earn Stock Rewards^§ on all eligible transactions. For more details, see Terms and Conditions. 

4. Redeem your rewards for stock in a gig company of your choice.

5. Own more stock in eligible gig companies you work with spending and redeeming more.

Spend. Redeem. Own. Repeat!

Platform buzz & gig economy updates

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