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This is what Uber thinks for the tipping option

2K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  JSM0713 
#1 ·
https://medium.com/@UberPubPolicy/our-approach-to-tipping-aa0074c0fddc#.9zxi0a4jt


Uber Under the Hood
yesterday2 min read

Our approach to tipping

Last week, we settled two class-action lawsuits in California and Massachusetts. As part of that settlement, we agreed to clarify our approach to tipping, so here goes.

When we started Uber six years ago, we thought long and hard about whether to build a tipping option into the app. In the end, we decided against including one because we felt it would be better for riders and drivers to know for sure what they would pay or earn on each trip - without the uncertainty of tipping.

That's still the case today. Tipping is not included, nor is it expected or required. In fact riders tell us that one of the things they like most about Uber is that it's hassle-free. And that's how we intend to keep it.

In addition:

  • Studies have shown that the connection between tipping and quality of service can be weak. Many people tip because it's expected - even if service is bad. And tipping is influenced by personal bias. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we tend to tip certain types of people better than others. This means two people providing the same level of service get paid different amounts. With Uber, drivers know that they earn the same for doing the same trip, no matter who they are or where they're from.
  • Tipping could give drivers an incentive to spend more time where tips are likely to be highest - typically the wealthiest neighborhoods. We've worked hard to provide a service that reliably serves entire cities and is not just concentrated in central business districts.
All that being said, some riders want to tip their drivers. While we estimate it happens on only a very small percentage of trips in the U.S., riders are free to offer tips and drivers are welcome to accept them. Again there's nothing new here.

We're more than happy to explain how we think about tipping. But it's important to note that last week's settlement has not changed our approach in any way. In it, we simply agreed to "clarify [our] messaging regarding tipping … that tips are not included on Uber's platforms (except on UberTAXI), and that tipping is neither expected nor required" within 180 days after the settlement receives final approval.

Other ridesharing apps do have a built-in tipping option. That competitive pressure means that we have to demonstrate Uber offers more stable, reliable opportunities to earn money than the alternatives. And that's what we are focused on: ensuring that Uber is the best experience for drivers across the world.
 
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#3 ·
https://medium.com/@UberPubPolicy/our-approach-to-tipping-aa0074c0fddc#.9zxi0a4jt


Uber Under the Hood
yesterday2 min read

Our approach to tipping

Last week, we settled two class-action lawsuits in California and Massachusetts. As part of that settlement, we agreed to clarify our approach to tipping, so here goes.

When we started Uber six years ago, we thought long and hard about whether to build a tipping option into the app. In the end, we decided against including one because we felt it would be better for riders and drivers to know for sure what they would pay or earn on each trip - without the uncertainty of tipping.

That's still the case today. Tipping is not included, nor is it expected or required. In fact riders tell us that one of the things they like most about Uber is that it's hassle-free. And that's how we intend to keep it.

In addition:

  • Studies have shown that the connection between tipping and quality of service can be weak. Many people tip because it's expected - even if service is bad. And tipping is influenced by personal bias. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we tend to tip certain types of people better than others. This means two people providing the same level of service get paid different amounts. With Uber, drivers know that they earn the same for doing the same trip, no matter who they are or where they're from.
  • Tipping could give drivers an incentive to spend more time where tips are likely to be highest - typically the wealthiest neighborhoods. We've worked hard to provide a service that reliably serves entire cities and is not just concentrated in central business districts.
All that being said, some riders want to tip their drivers. While we estimate it happens on only a very small percentage of trips in the U.S., riders are free to offer tips and drivers are welcome to accept them. Again there's nothing new here.

We're more than happy to explain how we think about tipping. But it's important to note that last week's settlement has not changed our approach in any way. In it, we simply agreed to "clarify [our] messaging regarding tipping … that tips are not included on Uber's platforms (except on UberTAXI), and that tipping is neither expected nor required" within 180 days after the settlement receives final approval.

Other ridesharing apps do have a built-in tipping option. That competitive pressure means that we have to demonstrate Uber offers more stable, reliable opportunities to earn money than the alternatives. And that's what we are focused on: ensuring that Uber is the best experience for drivers across the world.[/QUOTE
 
#4 ·
Sorry, submitted without my message:

Studies also show that people with names that don't sound Anglo or traditionally white are less likely to be hired and people with more "ethnic sounding" names are less likely to get job interviews. Therefore all Uber drivers names will appear as a unique 6 digit code (7 digits in New York, San Francisco, LA, Chicago, and Miami) for example Driver 718786. Alternatively, in other markets drivers will all be identified as "John Smith" "Craig Jones" "Jane Smith" or "Ashley Johnson" Uber is now introducing virtual reality (VR) headsets that drivers appear as non-threatening avatars of varying racial makeup. Choices of avatar include, "William H. Macy" "Wayne Brady" "Sanjay Gupta" "Dr. Oz" "Dennis Haysbert" "Gayle King" "Mindy Kaling" "John Cho" "Kal Penn" "Neil Patrick Harris" and "Ellen DeGeneres". Studies on the use of VR avatars have found that unconsciously people will tip higher for celebrities that appear friendly or non-threatening. Because some of the foregoing names appear "ethnic" drivers will be identified by their respective 6 or 7 digit identifier or by their anglo sounding, Uber assigned moniker.
 
#5 ·
Sorry, submitted without my message:

Studies also show that people with names that don't sound Anglo or traditionally white are less likely to be hired and people with more "ethnic sounding" names are less likely to get job interviews. Therefore all Uber drivers names will appear as a unique 6 digit code (7 digits in New York, San Francisco, LA, Chicago, and Miami) for example Driver 718786. Alternatively, in other markets drivers will all be identified as "John Smith" "Craig Jones" "Jane Smith" or "Ashley Johnson" Uber is now introducing virtual reality (VR) headsets that drivers appear as non-threatening avatars of varying racial makeup. Choices of avatar include, "William H. Macy" "Wayne Brady" "Sanjay Gupta" "Dr. Oz" "Dennis Haysbert" "Gayle King" "Mindy Kaling" "John Cho" "Kal Penn" "Neil Patrick Harris" and "Ellen DeGeneres". Studies on the use of VR avatars have found that unconsciously people will tip higher for celebrities that appear friendly or non-threatening. Because some of the foregoing names appear "ethnic" drivers will be identified by their respective 6 or 7 digit identifier or by their anglo sounding, Uber assigned moniker.
Interesting... Uber still will tell them 'You Do Not Have to tip your driver 654321Johnson'
 
#8 ·
https://medium.com/@UberPubPolicy/our-approach-to-tipping-aa0074c0fddc#.9zxi0a4jt


Uber Under the Hood
yesterday2 min read

Our approach to tipping

Last week, we settled two class-action lawsuits in California and Massachusetts. As part of that settlement, we agreed to clarify our approach to tipping, so here goes.

When we started Uber six years ago, we thought long and hard about whether to build a tipping option into the app. In the end, we decided against including one because we felt it would be better for riders and drivers to know for sure what they would pay or earn on each trip - without the uncertainty of tipping.

That's still the case today. Tipping is not included, nor is it expected or required. In fact riders tell us that one of the things they like most about Uber is that it's hassle-free. And that's how we intend to keep it.

In addition:

  • Studies have shown that the connection between tipping and quality of service can be weak. Many people tip because it's expected - even if service is bad. And tipping is influenced by personal bias. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we tend to tip certain types of people better than others. This means two people providing the same level of service get paid different amounts. With Uber, drivers know that they earn the same for doing the same trip, no matter who they are or where they're from.
  • Tipping could give drivers an incentive to spend more time where tips are likely to be highest - typically the wealthiest neighborhoods. We've worked hard to provide a service that reliably serves entire cities and is not just concentrated in central business districts.
All that being said, some riders want to tip their drivers. While we estimate it happens on only a very small percentage of trips in the U.S., riders are free to offer tips and drivers are welcome to accept them. Again there's nothing new here.

We're more than happy to explain how we think about tipping. But it's important to note that last week's settlement has not changed our approach in any way. In it, we simply agreed to "clarify [our] messaging regarding tipping … that tips are not included on Uber's platforms (except on UberTAXI), and that tipping is neither expected nor required" within 180 days after the settlement receives final approval.

Other ridesharing apps do have a built-in tipping option. That competitive pressure means that we have to demonstrate Uber offers more stable, reliable opportunities to earn money than the alternatives. And that's what we are focused on: ensuring that Uber is the best experience for drivers across the world.

AHHHH, bullshit. The rates were 37% higher last year, I hope yall feel good exploiting your driver base, alienating pax with pool[Worst POS I have ever seen] and making drivers do things just to possibly make a wage a little higher than minimum.

The karma bus will make a stop @ UBER, it is inevitable, you will be assimilated, we are BORG!!!!!
 
#9 ·
As for the Uber "explanation" of its policies on tipping........ I say with much disrespect, that you guys at Uber (the ones that monitor this chat) that your explanation carries ZERO weight. Uber created this "no-tip" culture quite intentionally to grab a higher market share of the business. Going back a while I gather that when fares were higher, most of the drivers paid zero attention to this. Over the intervening years, the prices started falling. From what i understand, the rider wasn't complaining about the pricing and had grown accustomed to good service. convenience, clean cars, nice drivers..... and still the prices fell. Until recently, as I understand it, Uber riders were being fed that the tip is included in the fare.... that's where Uber fell off the rails and into the abyss of disrespect for for the drivers.... and in the end, it will cost them dearly in the end. When Uber comes up with its IPO one day, I may consider shorting it.

The karma bus will make a stop @ UBER, it is inevitable
Python, you are sooooo right!
 
#11 ·
Our very own AintWorthIt's response:
https://medium.com/@bobsmith_94090/...a-few-things-straight-81fd01e4fb2c#.7sfioylr6

Good lord Uber, you guys are someLet's get a few things straight:

-You all LIED about tipping from the start saying "it's included" (which it never was)

  • Tipping would not be necessary if the rates were acceptable. How do you all expect drivers to earn when rates are at 1970 cab levels; throw in the fact the driver is using their own vehicle and gas and basically they are below minimum wage and losing money on minimum fare trips.
  • You all have no problem raising the "trust and safety fee" whoops I mean the "booking fee" damn those pesky lawsuits. God forbid you throw your drivers a bone and bring rates back to 2014 rates. Heavens forbid they get a tip option, Lyft has it and it works seamlessly in the app.
  • There's a reason you all constantly recruit drivers: BECAUSE EVERYONE QUITS! They get a taste of this scheme and realize it's bullshit and the pay is a joke. There is more money in referring drivers than there is with actually driving. Uber is nothing more than a digital pyramid scheme.
"Tipping could give drivers an incentive to spend more time where tips are likely to be highest - typically the wealthiest neighborhoods"

The above statement is an absolute crock of shit if I have ever seen one. In my experience as a former driver, it's the exact opposite! The "poor" tip more frequently than the rich, and it's not even close!

Other ridesharing apps do have a built-in tipping option. That competitive pressure means that we have to demonstrate Uber offers more stable, reliable opportunities to earn money than the alternatives. And that's what we are focused on: ensuring that Uber is the best experience for drivers across the world.

Again, more BULLSHIT. Drivers earn more per ride on average with lyft with slightly higher rates and a tip option. Please uber, explain how a driver earns more with lower rates and no tip option? You guys lie more often than you screw over drivers. You want to provide the best experience for drivers? Raise the ****ing rates to acceptable levels: it's a win win for drivers and the customer. Enough with all this surge pricing BS.

There are numerous reasons why there are so many lawsuits currently pending against Uber, but the main one is this: THEY LIE. They have lied to customers and they have lied and screwed over drivers across the United States. Uber is a fantastic idea, there is no denying that, but something has to change with driver wages and treatment.

Karma is a *****, and Uber will get theirs.

I tweeted his response. Please Retweet:

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#13 ·
"Tipping could give drivers an incentive to spend more time where tips are likely to be highest - typically the wealthiest neighborhoods"

......... In my experience as a former driver, it's the exact opposite! The "poor" tip more frequently than the rich, and it's not even close!
Yeah...I was ROFLOL when I read that one too! :rolleyes:
 
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