When it comes to starting your own business or joining Uber, there are many things to consider. Although the two might seem similar, in that you can earn a living ferrying customers around, there are a few differences that you should be aware of. Here is a short guide to help you decide if you should become an Uber driver or if you should start your own taxi business.
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Taxi Driver VS Uber Driver
So, what actually is the difference between the two? The concept of taxi cabs has been in existence for centuries, with horse-drawn carriages hitting the streets in the early 17th century. Nowadays, people can hail a taxi directly on the street or over the phone. In many countries there are private hire taxi services where passengers must pre-book their taxi, as well as taxis which passengers can only pick up by hailing as they go by. For Uber taxis, passengers can ‘request a ride’ digitally via the app and can pay immediately. This can reduce wait time for the passenger, the rates are also dependent on a number of factors which means that riding with Uber can be cheaper than riding in a conventional taxi.
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Pros and Cons of Owning Your Own Business
With your own business, you are in charge of your own insurance, and you need to make sure everything is in check. Furthermore, prospective taxi drivers should be prepared to wait at taxi ranks. On the other hand, if you know your local area well, you won’t need to rely on GPS – which is the case for Uber drivers. Although it is a good idea to have it on in the background, you probably know quicker routes to get your passengers from A to B. Additionally, you will have a diverse range of passengers who do not rely on apps to hail a taxi. As a reputable taxi driver, you need to have a reliable vehicle which is suited to being a taxi – firms such as Cab Direct specialize in taxi cab sales and have a range of vehicles on offer at cabdirect.com.
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Pros and Cons of Being an Uber Driver
Uber drivers have the ability to pick up passengers close to their current location, which helps reduce emissions and makes the job more efficient. The hours are flexible too, which is great for a work-life balance. Not only can you choose your hours, but you can also charge more depending on the time of day and the conditions of the road, for example, during a major event or during rush hour. Not to mention, the cashless system means that you don’t have to worry about losing out to passengers who decide they do not want to pay or do not have enough money for their journey. On the other hand, Uber drivers who really want to profit need be prepared to work unsociable hours. You also need to keep an eye on your Uber rating if you want to pick up more passengers. Finally, Uber takes a cut of your fee, and so you may not take home as much as a taxi driver with their own business.