Hi Everyone, I'm KBecks and I am getting started with Uber in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On Friday I set up the application and yesterday I worked on trying to make my car presentable (more on that later). I have several questions and would love to hear from experienced Uber or Lyft people. Thanks!
1. I drive a 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan. I have 3 kids who are just out of the big bulky car seats. We have not been very clean with our car. I am wondering how clean the car should be for Uber. It's currently at some level between disgusting and brand new...
---> The back bench seat edge is crusty and the fabric is not soft. I could get the car professionally detailed, I could soak the heck out of it and vac it, or I could get a blanket to put over the back bench with cutouts for the seatbelt receptors.
---> The back bumper is not perfect. It has paint issues and a crack in the corner. It's not horrible looking but definitely not perfect and definitely noticeable. The car has a few dings and paint scrapes that are minor to moderate. I would have to get a new bumper or leave it as is. (I'm thinking leave it for now and upgrade after making some money.)
---> The carpet floor mats are destroyed. I could try to clean them but I'm thinking of buying new car mats, either rubber or new carpet.
---> The kids put stickers on the back windows and I need to get those off.
---> Not an appearance issue, but I am thinking of getting audio input to the stereo, this is for my own enjoyment as much as anybody else.
I could spend like $1,000 to make the car nicer. Would you recommend any of this? The car is less gross than it was on Friday but it needs more work. It will never be a new car. I think it will appear as nice as a taxi after some refreshing
My car is not worth a lot of money (maybe $6k-$7k) and that is why I feel it may be good to use it for rideshare work. In fact, if this car gets older and has trouble, I might purchase a similar depreciated vehicle if I like driving for rideshare.
Questions:
--> Do you think the bumper is a big issue?
--> Do you think a blanket will work on the back bench?
--> Would you buy new carpet mats? rubber/plastic or new carpet?
--> Any tips for cleaning car upholstery or removing stickers by yourself?
--> Any other car tips?
2. Motivation to drive / Scheduling -- I am considering driving to make more money for my family, to become financially independent and afford some extras for the kids, possibly take a little weight off my husband. I think I will drive after the kids are in bed -- around 9 p.m. to midnight -- or I could try driving in the early mornings (not bar close) but 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. Tuesdays are my day off, and I could drive anytime on Tuesdays. Otherwise I want to be around for my family and kids. Does part time driving work for you?
3. Smaller market driving -- I think that Milwaukee is a smaller market but I'm not sure. What's it like in the medium size cities? Will I even get rides?
4. What else do I need to know? What am I missing?
Thanks so much,
KBecks
1. I drive a 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan. I have 3 kids who are just out of the big bulky car seats. We have not been very clean with our car. I am wondering how clean the car should be for Uber. It's currently at some level between disgusting and brand new...
---> The back bench seat edge is crusty and the fabric is not soft. I could get the car professionally detailed, I could soak the heck out of it and vac it, or I could get a blanket to put over the back bench with cutouts for the seatbelt receptors.
---> The back bumper is not perfect. It has paint issues and a crack in the corner. It's not horrible looking but definitely not perfect and definitely noticeable. The car has a few dings and paint scrapes that are minor to moderate. I would have to get a new bumper or leave it as is. (I'm thinking leave it for now and upgrade after making some money.)
---> The carpet floor mats are destroyed. I could try to clean them but I'm thinking of buying new car mats, either rubber or new carpet.
---> The kids put stickers on the back windows and I need to get those off.
---> Not an appearance issue, but I am thinking of getting audio input to the stereo, this is for my own enjoyment as much as anybody else.
I could spend like $1,000 to make the car nicer. Would you recommend any of this? The car is less gross than it was on Friday but it needs more work. It will never be a new car. I think it will appear as nice as a taxi after some refreshing
My car is not worth a lot of money (maybe $6k-$7k) and that is why I feel it may be good to use it for rideshare work. In fact, if this car gets older and has trouble, I might purchase a similar depreciated vehicle if I like driving for rideshare.
Questions:
--> Do you think the bumper is a big issue?
--> Do you think a blanket will work on the back bench?
--> Would you buy new carpet mats? rubber/plastic or new carpet?
--> Any tips for cleaning car upholstery or removing stickers by yourself?
--> Any other car tips?
2. Motivation to drive / Scheduling -- I am considering driving to make more money for my family, to become financially independent and afford some extras for the kids, possibly take a little weight off my husband. I think I will drive after the kids are in bed -- around 9 p.m. to midnight -- or I could try driving in the early mornings (not bar close) but 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. Tuesdays are my day off, and I could drive anytime on Tuesdays. Otherwise I want to be around for my family and kids. Does part time driving work for you?
3. Smaller market driving -- I think that Milwaukee is a smaller market but I'm not sure. What's it like in the medium size cities? Will I even get rides?
4. What else do I need to know? What am I missing?
Thanks so much,
KBecks