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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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- 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.
Latest posts by Harry Campbell (see all)
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- How Much Can You Earn as a London Uber Driver? - October 15, 2019
- RSG109: Bruce Schaller on Why Too Much Uber and Lyft is a Bad Thing for Cities - October 8, 2019
