Do you tip uber drivers? Uber tips.
Should I tip my Uber driver? Do you tip Uber drivers?
Tipping and Gratuity have always been points of confusion in the rideshare world — particularly amongst Uber riders and drivers. In our post below, we dig into the debate surrounding the perennial question: do you tip Uber drivers?
Do you tip Uber drivers? Uber’s Long-Standing Tipping Policy
On Uber’s official site, it is stated: “Uber is a cashless experience. Tipping is voluntary — not expected or required.”
It is not mentioned that a driver is welcome to accept a tip at any time, but — because of Uber’s stance on tipping and their interest in being perceived as a ‘new’, time-efficient rideshare company (which minimizes time-consuming practices like paying drivers cash gratuity) — it’s always been clear that customers are not obligated to tip their drivers.
Sign up to drive with Uber or Lyft for a cash bonus!
Conflicting Views and Confused Customers
It’s been stated that, “Uber is fully aware of the confusion that currently exists in the marketplace regarding tips.”
Uber has not yet developed an in-app tipping option (unlike Lyft). If customers do not have cash on them, they are not able to offer their drivers a tip.
Uber Settled Two Class-Action Lawsuits which slightly affected its Tipping Policy
Uber recently reached a $100 million settlement — due to simultaneous cases in Massachusetts and California, which caused the company to slightly re-tool its tipping pollicy.
Now — Uber drivers are considered contractors instead of employees — and drivers can now post signs, encouraging tipping, although it’s possible such signs may lead to lower ratings.
The company has also made it clear that they do not intend to add a tipping feature — so, how will drivers receive their tips?
Uber’s competition, Lyft, does offer a tipping feature, allowing riders to add a tip before they confirm their payment — which is, of course, appealing to drivers. For years, Uber made it seem as if tips were ‘included’ in the fare (but it’s well known that drivers never saw any tangible evidence of ‘built-in’ tip earnings).
Within lawsuit claims, Uber told riders that a tip was included in the fare, and there were even some references made, using a value of 20%. Regardless, the idea that a tip is included, appears to be the notion in which the majority of passengers share. Now, customers are comfortable with the current system, avoiding an additional tip.
Differing Approaches
Although drivers are now free to kindly ask for a tip, this could put riders off. As mentioned, this could lead to lower ratings. So, what do you do? First of all, if you’re providing a great service, then yes, you should get tipped. Taxi drivers receive tips — so why can’t you receive the same incentive?
The Harvard Business Review posted an article arguing against mandatory tips in Uber – sparking a mini-controversy and reigniting the debate over rideshare tipping.
If tips are important to you (and honestly, why wouldn’t they be) you will need to politely educate your passengers. An article in Bloomberg View suggests a driver-made sign, posted on the back of a seat which reads “Tips — Appreciated — Thank You.”
You’re also welcome to tell passengers that drivers used to receive higher wages, but now that rates are lower, drivers often depend on tips to make a decent wage. You may not get a tip that day, because the rider did not have any cash, but you’ll be getting the word out.
There’s one thing for certain — Uber listens to their customers. If passengers start calling or emailing the company, requesting an option to tip, it’s likely that the company will do something about these requests. Without being pushy, you can say just that — although tips are highly appreciated, you would love if they could kindly provide feedback to the company.
At the end of the day, as a driver, you are not in control of many variables, but you are in control of one thing — the service you provide. If you offer quality service, you should be rewarded with a tip, it’s as simple as that. If riders understood that drivers are only receiving a portion of the fare, they may take action.
For now, as a driver, continue to offer the type of service worthy of a tip, educating your customers — especially regular riders. Over time, hopefully the no-tipping concept will fade, helping Uber drivers obtain a more sustainable wage overall.
–