Uber Eats Driver Tips & Tricks To Make More Money

If you’re on the lookout for a simple and flexible way to pad your wallet, you might be considering diving into the world of UberEats driving.

UberEats is a widely-used food delivery platform available in thousands of cities globally. This service allows you to bring delicious meals from local eateries directly to the doorsteps of eager customers, using your preferred mode of transport—be it a car, bike, scooter, or even on foot.

Now, you might be wondering, “How much cash can I really earn as an UberEats driver?” Plus, you’re likely curious about the best uber eats tips and tricks to ramp up your earnings and make every minute count.

This article is going to give you all the things you need to make more money on Uber Eats and more. We will share a collection of top Uber Eats tips for Uber Eats drivers, chock-full of strategies to help you hike up your income, cut down on costs, and polish your customer service skills.

This guide is tailor-made for both rookies and seasoned pros in the UberEats driving arena. Packed with insights on how to make the most money on Uber Eats, it’s designed to elevate your delivery skills to new heights.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to make more money with Uber Eats and become a master of the trade, let’s dive in!

Understanding Your Earnings

If you’re aiming to earn more as an Uber Eats driver, it’s crucial to get a grip on how you get paid.

Unlike a regular job where you get a steady paycheck, your earnings as an Uber Eats driver come from each delivery you make. This pay includes a few different parts: base pay, extra money for the trip, special deals, and tips from customers.

Let’s break it down:

1. Base Pay:
   • This is what you get for each order you deliver. It’s made up of three parts:
   • Base Fare: A set amount you get for each delivery.
   • Pickup Fee: Money for the time and effort you spend picking up the order.
   • Drop-off Fee: What you get for bringing the order to the customer.
2. Trip Supplement:
   • This is extra money added to each delivery. It changes based on a few things like how busy it is and what the roads are like. If a delivery is longer or tougher, you’ll get more money.
3. Promotions:
   • Uber Eats sometimes offers ways to make extra money. There are two kinds:
   • Surge: When it’s really busy, Uber Eats pays more.
   • Quests: These are like challenges. If you complete a certain number of deliveries in a set time, you get a bonus.
4. Tips:
   • These are extra dollars customers might give you for good service. You get to keep all of this money.

Understanding Supplemental Pay

As you saw above, your total Uber Eats earnings aren’t just the base pay; they also include the extra trip money, promotions, and tips. Some drivers say they make over $20 an hour by focusing on these extras. In fact, most of those who believe Uber Eats is worthy of your time make over 50% of their earning from supplemental pay, especially tips.

For instance, a driver shared how they made a lot in a month by grabbing those extra opportunities like quests and busy times and getting more tips with handwritten thank-you notes.

Strategies for Maximizing Earnings

Now you know that you get per delivery, you need to optimize so that you can do more deliveries each hour with minimal expenses and earn more money from each delivery.

It might seem like too much at first but it is possible by creating a standard routine that is designed to boost your earnings.

Here are the things you should include in your daily work routine asap to make Uber Eats worth it side gig.

1. Choosing Your Deliveries Wisely

As an Uber Eats driver, you have the power to pick which orders you want to take. The trick is to go for the ones that pay enough and aren’t too far away.

Picking Deliveries Based on Pay and Distance

When you see a delivery request, check how much it pays and how far it is.

Some drivers say you should look for orders that pay at least $1 to $3 for every mile you drive including driving back to the hotspots because you don’t want to end up far away with no orders.

Why Skipping Some Fast Food Orders Is Smart

It’s a good idea to steer clear of orders from fast-food places that tend to take a long time.

If you’re waiting around, you’re not making money. Plus, if the food gets cold or late, customers might not be happy, which could mean lower ratings or tips.

A tip from drivers: Remember which restaurants are slow and avoid their orders. Some drivers specifically avoid places like McDonald’s or Popeyes because of the wait times. However, this can depend on where you are, so it’s worth trying out different places to see what works best for you.

Extra Reading: How to get more orders on DoorDash.

2. Timing is Key

When you’re an Uber Eats driver, the time you choose to deliver can make a big difference in how much you earn.

By picking the right hours and days, you can get more orders, better tips, and even extra pay during busy times. Here’s how you can smartly plan your time:

1. Deliver During Busy Hours:
   • The busiest times are usually lunch (11 am to 2 pm) and dinner (5 pm to 11 pm) on weekdays, and from 10 am to 11 pm on weekends. That’s when lots of people order food.
   • Look at the Uber Eats app to find areas where lots of people are ordering and where you can earn more for each delivery.
2. Work When the Weather’s Not Great:
   • If it’s raining or snowing, more people will order food since they don’t want to go out. Uber Eats might even give you extra money for delivering in bad weather.
   • Just be sure to drive safely and wear the right clothes for the weather.
3. Plan Your Breaks Smartly:
   • It’s important to rest, but try to take breaks when it’s not so busy, like after the afternoon lunch rush hour is over or late at night.
   • Use the app to let Uber Eats know when you’re taking a break. One driver says to turn down your volume when you’re near someone’s house, so you don’t miss new orders or bother the customer.

3. Smart Area Selection

Choosing where to deliver is also key to making good money with Uber Eats. Here’s how you can pick the best spots:

• Go to High-Demand Areas:
  • Places with lots of people wanting food delivery are great, like city centers, business areas, college campuses, and neighborhoods.
  • Use the app to see where lots of orders are coming from. Your own knowledge of the area can also help you find busy spots.
• Stay Away from Slow Restaurants:
  • Some restaurants take a long time to get your order ready. This can slow you down and cut into your earnings.
  • Use the app to see how long it’ll take at a restaurant. If it’s usually slow and the pay isn’t great, it might be better to skip it.
• Deliver Near Lots of Restaurants:
  • Areas with many restaurants close by, like shopping centers or food courts, are great. You can get more orders without traveling far.
  • With the app, you can choose deliveries that are close by, so you don’t have to go far for each one.

Extra Reading: Is Instacart worth it job after gas?

4. Leveraging Promotions and Surge Pricing

Making the most out of Uber Eats promotions is a top tip for Uber Eats drivers looking to boost their income. Uber Eats offers various special deals, based on how many drivers and orders are around. Here’s how you can use these to earn more:

1. Promotions, Boosts, and Quests:
   • These are special bonuses for completing a set number of deliveries within a certain time or area. For instance, you might earn an extra $20 for doing 10 deliveries from 7 pm to midnight on Friday.
   • To find these deals, check the ‘Opportunities’ section in the Uber Eats app. You might also get messages about new offers.
   • Some drivers say taking a break from driving or being picky about deliveries can lead to more promotions. For example, one driver on Reddit, u/paniclogic, noticed better quests after not driving for a week or two. Another, u/Affectionate_Day8350, mentions only accepting orders over $7 and avoiding slow restaurants to get good quests and boosts.
2. Surge Pricing:
   • This is extra pay added when there’s a high demand for deliveries and not enough drivers. Surge areas are shown in the app with red shades and a dollar amount – the darker the red, the higher the surge.
   • If you get a delivery request in a surge area, your payout increases. For example, a $5 delivery with a $2 surge would pay $7. As Uber Help explains, the surge amount shown in your app is exactly what gets added to your payout.
   • Reddit user u/TalkingToPlanets says they often see surges during bad weather or big events. Another user, u/nickthegreat1127, shared an experience of getting a $6.50 surge on a $7 order.

Extra Reading: How to bypass DoorDash waitlist?

5. Investing in the Right Equipment

Investing in the right equipment and tools can also help Uber Eats drivers earn more. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Insulated Food Delivery Bag:
   • This bag keeps food hot or cold and safe during delivery. It can lead to better customer ratings and tips. A user, u/BrilliantAssociate32, on Reddit mentioned getting more tips and positive feedback when using the bag.
   • You can buy one online or get a free one from Uber Eats after completing a certain number of deliveries. Another Reddit user learned the hard way about the importance of a bag after delivering a cold pizza.
2. Professional Delivery Route Planner:
   • This app helps plan the best routes, considering traffic, road closures, and weather. It saves time and fuel, helping manage multiple deliveries smoothly.
   • Reddit user u/duuudewhat recommends the Circuit Route Planner app, which optimizes routes and integrates with navigation apps. Another user, u/HabitFit3884, praises the Upper Route Planner app for its features like importing deliveries and proof of delivery.
   • There are many route planner apps like Circuit, Upper, Route4Me, and AntsRoute. Choose one that fits your needs.

By using these Uber Eats tips and tricks, including promotions, surge pricing, and the right equipment, you can learn how to make more money with Uber Eats efficiently.

Extra Reading: Does DoorDash pay for gas?

Financial Aspects

When you are working for Uber Eats, you are a contractor and need to take care of financial aspects yourself.

6. Understanding Taxes

As an Uber Eats driver, you’re your own boss, which means you handle your taxes and track your income and costs. This setup lets you claim tax deductions, reducing what you owe to the IRS and saving money.

Understanding Mileage and Expense Deductions:

• Mileage: This is a big one. You can deduct driving costs when you’re picking up and dropping off food. The IRS lets you choose between two ways:
  • Standard Mileage Rate: For 2023, it’s $0.655 per mile. Just track the miles you drive for Uber Eats and multiply by this rate. An app like Circuit Route Planner can help track these miles.
  • Actual Car Expenses: Here, you keep track of all car-related costs like gas, repairs, and insurance. Then figure out what percentage of your car use was for Uber Eats.

You pick the method that saves you the most money, but you have to use that method for the whole year. Keep good records and receipts.

Other Deductions:

You can also write off costs like:

• Phone bills and mobile data plans.
• Delivery bags or backpacks.
• Uniforms or branded items.
• Car inspection fees, tolls, and parking.
• Health insurance premiums.
• Productivity software.

Just remember, only deduct costs related to your Uber Eats work.

You’ll get a Form 1099-NEC from Uber Eats showing your earnings. There’s also a tax summary with approximated mileage and other details. Use these for your taxes on Schedule C and Schedule SE of Form 1040.

7. Earning More by Working on Multiple Platforms

Another tip to make more money with Uber Eats is to work with several delivery services. This is called multi-apping. It can get you more orders, help you avoid slow times, and let you benefit from various surge pricing and incentives.

Popular Platforms for Multi-Apping:

• DoorDash.
• Grubhub.
• Postmates.
• Instacart.
• Amazon Flex.

By joining these, you can see more orders and choose the best-paying ones. Using apps like Waze for traffic or SpeedyRoute for multi-stop deliveries helps too.

Things to Consider with Multi-Apping:

• Scheduling and Availability: Some services need you to book shifts and stay within certain areas.
• Acceptance and Completion Rates: Platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub track how often you accept and complete orders. High rates keep you in good standing.
• Customer Service and Ratings: Good service is key. Mistakes or delays can hurt your reputation.

Multi-apping can be profitable, but it needs planning and organization. Here’s what other drivers have said:

• “I usually make decent money… getting paid to listen to music or podcasts is definitely better than working in a grocery store.”
• “Driving for multiple delivery apps is pretty straightforward… UberEats and DoorDash will not penalize you for a low acceptance rate.”

By understanding taxes, tracking expenses, and diversifying with multiple delivery platforms, you can make the most out of being an Uber Eats driver.

Extra Reading: List of best food delivery apps.

Providing Excellent Customer Service

8. Communication and Professionalism

Providing top-notch customer service is key to earning more as an Uber Eats driver. Great service leads to higher ratings, more tips, and repeat customers. Here are some customer service tips to help you boost your tips:

1. Be Friendly and Polite:
   • Greet customers warmly, smile, and always say thank you. You can also use the Uber Eats app to message or call the customer if there’s an issue with their order.
2. Communicate Well:
   • Good communication is essential. Keep customers updated about their order, especially if there are delays. Double-check the order and the delivery location before leaving the restaurant.
3. Stay Professional:
   • Remember, you represent Uber Eats and the restaurant. Dress neatly, keep your vehicle clean, and follow safety guidelines. Respect the customer’s delivery preferences, like contactless delivery.

9. Handling Problems Effectively

In the world of food delivery, encountering issues is inevitable. As an Uber Eats driver, how you handle these challenges can significantly impact your earnings and reputation. Here are some effective strategies for managing problems:

Stay Calm and Communicative

When a problem arises, whether it’s a wrong order or a delay at the restaurant, the key is to remain calm and professional. Inform the customer as soon as you’re aware of the issue.

A simple message explaining the situation can go a long way in maintaining their trust.

Know When to Contact Support

For issues beyond your control, such as a closed restaurant or an incorrect menu item, don’t hesitate to contact Uber Eats support.

They’re there to assist and can often provide a quick resolution, which is beneficial for both you and the customer.

Master the Art of Apologizing

If something goes wrong, a sincere apology can be powerful. Acknowledge the inconvenience caused to the customer and assure them of your efforts to rectify the situation.

This can help preserve your rating and even lead to tips for your professionalism.

Smart Handling of Stacked Orders

Stacked orders can boost your earnings but require careful management. Always double-check that you’re delivering the correct order to the right customer. Prioritize orders based on proximity and delivery time to ensure each customer receives their meal promptly.

Cancel Orders Judiciously

Sometimes, you might find yourself needing to cancel an order – if a restaurant is unexpectedly closed, for example. Use this option sparingly and follow the app’s protocol for cancellations to avoid negatively impacting your driver rating.

Turn Mishaps into Opportunities

Mishaps can sometimes be turned into opportunities for exceptional customer service.

For instance, if a customer reports a missing item, offering to contact support on their behalf or explaining how they can request a refund or redelivery shows your commitment to their satisfaction.

Keep a Record

Documenting issues, especially repetitive ones, can help you identify patterns and avoid problematic restaurants or areas in the future. This proactive approach can save you time and hassle, increasing your overall efficiency and earnings.

By mastering these problem-solving skills, you’ll be equipped to handle the challenges of food delivery with ease, ensuring a positive experience for your customers and maintaining a steady flow of income.

Extra Reading: Which pays more Instacart or DoorDash?

Some Additional Tips from Experts

Being an Uber Eats driver involves more than just choosing when and where to deliver. There are other handy tips and tricks that can really help you do well. Here’s a rundown of some useful ideas:

10. Deliveries on a Bike to Save Costs

Using a bike instead of a car can save you money on things like gas and parking.

Bikes are also good for the environment and can get through traffic easily and you get paid to exercise. But, you’ll need a state ID, a helmet, a phone mount, a flashlight, and a bag for food.

Being fit enough to ride for a long time and in different weather is important too. You can easily earn $15 an hour as a bike courier, depending on your city and tips.

11. Carrying a Flashlight for Night Deliveries

Delivering at night can be tricky when you have to spot house numbers or walk down dark paths. Carrying a flashlight makes things safer and easier.

One Reddit user mentioned, “A flashlight is handy for finding house numbers and lighting up walkways at night.” Your phone’s flashlight can work too, but remember to keep it charged.

12. Avoiding Parking Tickets

Getting a ticket while parking illegally during deliveries is a big no-no. It’s expensive and time-consuming.

Always find a legal and safe place to park, even if it means walking a bit more. Apps like SpotAngels or Parkopedia can help find parking. If you do get a ticket, contesting it might help, but Uber won’t cover the cost.

Extra Reading: Apps that pay you to drive.

13. Taking Photos at Drop-offs

If a customer says they didn’t get their order, having a photo of the order at their place can help. It shows you did your job right.

Uber Eats also has a Proof of Delivery feature where customers confirm receiving their order with a PIN code.

14. Referring Friends for Extra Cash:

Referring people to drive for Uber Eats can earn you bonus money. You’ll find your referral code in the Uber Eats app.

Share it on social media or with friends and family. It’s a good way to boost your earnings and get others to join Uber Eats.

By following these uber eats tips and tricks, you can learn how to make the most money on Uber Eats and handle your deliveries like a pro.

Extra Reading: Best places that pay for referring friends.

Final Words About Uber Eats Driver Tips

If you’re driving for Uber Eats, you’re already on a path to make extra cash. But how much you earn is really up to you. It’s not just about driving around and delivering food. It’s about being smart with your choices.

Think about it like a game where every good move you make adds more dollars to your pocket. Choose the right orders, drive during busy times, and be nice to your customers. These things might seem small, but they add up and can really boost your earnings.

So, keep these tips in mind and make them part of your routine. It’s all about making smart choices, saving time, and doing your best. With a bit of effort and smart thinking, you can earn more than you might think.

Good luck out there, and happy earning with Uber Eats!

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