Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the owner for providing me with this platform to voice my opinions freely. In the future, I plan to delve into various topics such as music and entertainment. However, today I feel compelled to address an ongoing concern surrounding Uber, a service that is utilized by individuals across the spectrum, including celebrities.
Last weekend, after dedicating some time to my work at IRMIX Radio, I decided to venture out and join the ranks of Uber Eats drivers. Friday night proved to be financially rewarding, as I managed to earn $200.00 for a six-hour shift. Despite feeling tired, I pushed through and made it happen.
However, my excitement was short-lived when I received an email from Uber the following day. The email claimed that certain orders made between March 31, 2023, and April 1, 2023, had been overpaid. Confusion washed over me as I pondered the meaning behind this unexpected message.
Without wasting any time, I immediately reached out to Uber to seek clarification on this matter. A representative named Shoan assured me that there was no cause for concern and that my account would remain unaffected. Strangely enough, it seemed that even the Uber representative was unaware of the issue at hand.
After speaking with Shoan, he advised me to provide a screenshot of the message I had received and email it to him. Following his guidance, I promptly took the necessary steps to send the screenshot as requested. To my dismay, within a mere 10 minutes, I noticed a negative balance of $65.24 on my account. The frustration I felt at that moment cannot be overstated. Determined to resolve this issue, I immediately contacted Uber and emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation and returning the funds.
Imagine the predicament of attempting to recover the lost amount and striving to maintain one’s usual earnings within a single day. This scenario may be difficult to comprehend unless one is an Uber driver. Unfortunately, it became apparent that I was not the sole individual impacted by this predicament. Thousands of drivers across the United States and Canada found themselves in the same situation. As I aspire to become a partner at IRMIX Radio, every dollar holds significance, especially when it comes to fulfilling my obligations.
Regrettably, this incident occurred at an exceptionally inconvenient time, coinciding with the beginning of the month when crucial responsibilities, such as rent payments, come due. It is disheartening to observe that Uber exhibited an apparent lack of concern, evident through their inadequate responses or lack thereof.
Instances like these underscore the importance of companies prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of their customers. Swift and effective resolution of issues is crucial, particularly when financial matters are at stake. It is my hope that Uber recognizes the gravity of this situation and takes immediate action to rectify the matter and restore the trust of its drivers.
As a dedicated driver and aspiring professional in the media industry, I have come to appreciate the significance of timely and reliable financial transactions. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that accountability and responsiveness are fundamental aspects of any reputable organization. Uber’s response, or lack thereof, has left much to be desired in terms of their commitment to addressing and resolving driver concerns.
The influx of frustrated drivers seeking answers about their missing funds overwhelmed Uber’s phone lines. Like many others, I found myself in this predicament. Attempting to reach a representative proved to be a lengthy process, with hold times of at least 20 minutes. Eventually, when I managed to connect with another representative and requested an update, I was informed that “Everyone is experiencing this problem, that it is not just you, Cyn.” In response, I firmly expressed that my primary concern lies solely with the status of my own funds, rather than the experiences of others.
Being an Uber driver has its moments of ease, and I have often regarded it as one of the best jobs I have had, alongside my work at IRMIX. The income I generate from driving with Uber is relatively satisfactory, especially when compared to the challenges I encountered in my previous corporate office job. However, recently, there has been a shift in the dynamics, and it appears that Uber is taking advantage of its drivers, in addition to the questionable glitch that occurred last weekend.
Changing Policies at Uber
Lately, in my perspective, Uber has engaged in questionable practices that put its drivers at a significant disadvantage. Just yesterday, I completed a delivery, only to discover that the customer has the option to modify the tip amount within a 24-hour window. I couldn’t help but question the validity of such a policy. The series of unfortunate events following the glitch indicates a pattern of concerning actions from Uber.
It appears that Uber places greater emphasis on prioritizing the needs of its customers over those of its drivers. This skewed focus may stem from the sheer volume of drivers they employ, leading to a high turnover rate that diminishes their concern for individual driver experiences. However, as an Uber driver, I am deeply invested in this role and have no immediate plans to pursue alternative employment options. The flexibility of my schedule, combined with the opportunity to work here, motivates me to continue driving with Uber for the time being.
Lately, I’ve been bombarded with a slew of measly $2.00 orders from Uber, and quite frankly, I don’t even bother accepting them. When I come across such orders, it’s an instant indication that the customer has zero regard for my time. Let’s do the math: Uber takes $4.25 out of a $12.25 fee, leaving the driver with a meager $7.48.
As a Diamond Driver, I expect to be offered higher-paying orders when I’m out there on the road, especially during adverse conditions like rain, late nights, lunch rush, or dinner rush hours. And don’t get me started on driving during rush hour traffic. I’ve come across some posts and comments suggesting that we shouldn’t rely on tips to make a living.
Well, here’s my take: If you offer so little, don’t expect the world in return. If you can’t be bothered to cook at home and live within a two-mile radius of a restaurant, get off your lazy ass and pick up your own damn food. I hold myself to certain standards, and if you’re ten miles away from the restaurant, your tip should be a minimum of $10.00. Gas prices are through the roof, hovering above $3.00 a gallon right now. Show some consideration, be generous.
And let’s talk about specific scenarios. If you reside in a third-floor apartment with no elevator, tip your driver well. If you’re the type of needy customer who incessantly calls the driver before they even arrive at the store or restaurant, demanding last-minute add-ons, show your appreciation with a generous tip. We’ve got a lot on our minds, such as ensuring you receive everything you ordered, managing the wait time at the store, dealing with potential busy periods, and handling other orders that may come through while we’re waiting on yours. Show some thoughtfulness and generosity. Oh, and be kind. Respect has always been a two-way street, my friend.
Let me make this clear: what you just read was a rant, and I fully acknowledge that. I don’t anticipate anyone else to give a damn except those who are fellow drivers or work in the service industry.
Here’s the deal: we are not employees of Uber; we are partners who are here to provide a service to you.
