2021 Consolidated Discussion of Tipping Ride Services Drivers
Apr 4, 2021, 1:18 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,489
Agreed. And my company requires us to use the corporate Uber or Lyft direct bill account and will not reimburse for tips or rides done outside of it. I explain to the drivers I will tip them (why would I not - I'm not paying it out of pocket) but I must do so in the app because that is the only way my company will pay it. I understand it's my choice to be in a role that requires travel for my job, but I think it's unreasonable for drivers to get bent out of shape or give a low rating if someone doesn't hand over cash. That can be $40-50 over a couple days easily. I'm already paying a pet sitter (plus tip) at home when I'm gone that I'm not getting back. If company is going to pay, I'm gonna use the app.
Jul 25, 2023, 8:36 am
#17
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NYC suburbs
Programs: UA LT Gold (BIS), AA LT Plat (CC SUBs & BD), Hilton Dia (CC), Hyatt Glob (BIB), et. al.
Posts: 3,299
To Tip or Not to Tip ?
I think we’d all agree that Uber/Lyft frequent cancellations are outrageous and should be unacceptable, in many other industries cancellations lead directly to bankruptcy. Frequent cancellations also make the tipping decision more challenging.
Live and Let’s Fly recently described a ride which was exemplary of that challenge. Uber’s performance was terrible and unsatisfactory and (in most people’s eyes) worthy of rate reduction and customer service compensation. The driver’s performance (wrong turn decision aside) was basically fine and deserving of a generous tip.
How do you balance the evaluation, and tip, of the driver and the company? Does concern for your rating (from the driver) factor into that decision. How do you balance cash tip with earning points or miles (for a tip on a CC)?
(FWIW, my thoughts: I was taught to be a generous tipper. I used to tip almost every ride, unless the driver did something egregious, 20-25%. After many wildly inaccurate pick-up times and many cancellations (and delays) getting to an airport during the past year, I’ve changed my thoughts. Now my default tip is 10%, maybe be higher if the driver does something exceptional. Additionally, after fighting with Uber recently about an increased charge for a ride where the driver ended the ride on the App 3-4 miles AFTER he dropped me off which I didn’t notice until I saw the charge (and tip) post to my CC, I now tip to result in an exact even $ amount charged to my CC which makes it easier to notice an erroneous charge.)
Live and Let’s Fly recently described a ride which was exemplary of that challenge. Uber’s performance was terrible and unsatisfactory and (in most people’s eyes) worthy of rate reduction and customer service compensation. The driver’s performance (wrong turn decision aside) was basically fine and deserving of a generous tip.
How do you balance the evaluation, and tip, of the driver and the company? Does concern for your rating (from the driver) factor into that decision. How do you balance cash tip with earning points or miles (for a tip on a CC)?
(FWIW, my thoughts: I was taught to be a generous tipper. I used to tip almost every ride, unless the driver did something egregious, 20-25%. After many wildly inaccurate pick-up times and many cancellations (and delays) getting to an airport during the past year, I’ve changed my thoughts. Now my default tip is 10%, maybe be higher if the driver does something exceptional. Additionally, after fighting with Uber recently about an increased charge for a ride where the driver ended the ride on the App 3-4 miles AFTER he dropped me off which I didn’t notice until I saw the charge (and tip) post to my CC, I now tip to result in an exact even $ amount charged to my CC which makes it easier to notice an erroneous charge.)