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In this episode, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of rideshare driving with a driver in Los Angeles. If you’ve ever wanted to learn what a day in the life looks like for a high-earning ($30-35/hr) driver (and get his tips!), this is the episode for you.
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
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Intro
- Today I’m chatting with Sergio, a rideshare driver with 5 years experience in LA and frequent commenter here
- You may notice in the comments that Sergio never fails to ask the tough questions, and I appreciate that
- For a long time, Sergio was hesitant to share his strategies for driving, but I was finally able to get him on the show!
- Sergio is also a driver coach, so if you have questions or want tips on being a better driver, check out our Rideshare Coaching page
- Our newest sponsor is Zum! Zum is a rideshare service for kids – drivers can earn up to $32/hr and many make $750 a week. Check out Zum here!
Interview with Sergio Avedian
- Has been driving for 3 years with Uber and Lyft, around 5,000 trips
- Drives in Los Angeles – with price cuts, drives less now
- Finance degree and worked for a Wall Street firm for 18 years
- Teaches golf
Sergio’s Driving Philosophy
- Not a 9-to-5 job – understand that
- Drive when there is demand – set your own parameters
- If you drive full-time, try to split your shifts and take advantage of surge
Airport Driving Strategy
- Try to avoid the queue!
- Keep an eye on scheduled rides to the airport – check your app and pick up scheduled rides
- Tries to keep himself in the core of the city after rides to the airport
- Get to know business travelers
A Day in the Life of an LA Driver
- Lives outside of the city, uses the destination filter to get into the city
- Makes sure to treat driving as a small business
- Doesn’t chase any bonuses – tries to work only during surge
- Would rather take one passenger for a higher rate than taking many pax in 1 hour
Additional Driving Strategies
- Uses two phones to see where it’s surging
- Waits for surge to build – takes a break, gets a coffee
- Uses destination filters to get downtown, even when working night shifts (burn all of your destination filters)
Thoughts on Uber and Lyft
- Push to become profitable
- The only way they can be profitable? At the drivers’ expense
- Cut rates for drivers – writing is on the wall
- Recommends drivers not accept everything Uber/Lyft throws at them – be thoughtful about how you drive and maximize your earnings
Outro
- Big thanks to Sergio for coming on the podcast, I definitely learned a lot about his strategies – remember: patience is key!
- Even with the rate cuts, Sergio is still earning $30-35/hr – goes to show you if you employ the right strategies, you can keep your earnings up
- Don’t forget to check out our page on Rideshare Coaching if you’re interested in being coached by Sergio or Jay
- Also, check out Zum – Zum is a rideshare service for kids – drivers can earn up to $32/hr and many make $750 a week. Check out Zum here!
Show Notes
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
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I'm Harry, the owner and founder of The Rideshare Guy Blog and Podcast. I used to be a full-time engineer but now I'm a rideshare blogger! I write about my experience driving for Uber, Lyft, and other services and my goal is to help drivers earn more money by working smarter, not harder.
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