Over the past year, Uber has been breaking into more and more small markets. I always considered places like Orange County small but today’s guest hails from Muncie, Indiana with a population of just over 70,000 people. Now that is a small market!
Although the job itself is still the same regardless of where you drive, there are definitely some challenges associated with driving in a small market. On today’s episode, Kyle shares what he’s doing to not only make it work but also take full advantage of the situation. Enjoy!
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
Intro
- Interview with Kyle Reninger, who drives in a super small Uber market: Muncie, Indiana
- Challenges and opportunities in driving in a small market
- Xero smartphone app that helps you track your business expenses right from your phone
- Xero Tax Touch – will help you figure out taxes and save a bunch of money on your taxes too
- Missed an episode of one of our podcasts? Click here
Interview with Kyle Reninger
- Muncie, Indiana and driving since February
- 70,000 people in Muncie
- Uber launched in 2015 in Muncie
Driving in a Small Market
- Many short rides
- Occasionally longer rides, but even many short rides end up being profitable
- Traffic isn’t as much of an issue in small markets
- Muncie Facebook group
- 12 drivers
Opportunities in Smaller Markets
- Know fellow drivers
- Are able to network and attend events together
- Midwest hospitality
- Networking for business too: Sea Salt & Cinnamon Bakery
- Local business owners supporting each other
Challenges in Smaller Markets
- Hard to make it as a full-time driver
- Finding passengers and staying busy
- Overall, you need to have that personal touch and be willing to network and hustle
Support from Uber?
- Basically no support from Uber
- Guarantees offered elsewhere aren’t valid in Muncie
- People in Muncie still discovering Uber
Outro
- Only 12 drivers!
- Lack of support from Uber unsurprising, so you really do need to reach out and network
- Still have the freedom and flexibility to do what you want – treat it as your business
- Important to really treat your customers well, especially in small markets
- Feel free to reach out to me at harry[at]therideshareguy.com
- Leave comments, questions and feedback below!
Show Notes
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
Drivers, what do you think about the small market Uber experience? Are you a small market driver? Any tips or tricks you’d like to share?
-Harry @ RSG
