Best products from r/Lyft

Ok. I'll give that to you. As a person who works in a field closely related to advertising and Marketing, I can see how something like that would mislead a person.

The thing is, is that Lyft is a business, and they don't have a business without drivers. Technically the information in that ad is correct, as they are describing the best possible scenario in the most active city in order to lure drivers to drive. I mean, they need to make it sound nice to get as many quality drivers as possible.

Yeah, it is a bit misleading, but it's not technically wrong. Also, that's probably a blanket ad, that is generic for each and every city. So the algorithms aren't off, they're just generic.

Since Denver is probably a somewhat newer city to be introduced to Lyft, I would think they are desperate to get as many drivers on the streets as possible.


SO. Solutions:

• Print off a ton of passenger referral "business cards" either design your own, or if you PM me your PAX referral code I can PM you a sheet of cards with your info on it that you can print out yourself. Print out as many cards as you can afford, then download the Official flyer and put a stack of cards at as many bars as possible around your house. Blanket your area, bars, stores, malls, Starbucks, donut shops, anything. haha I've even heard about people handing out carts outside of music venues and events, but I think that's just a waste of cards and time.
  
  This gets you two good things: A) You get $10-$15 per person who uses your free code, B) You expose your community to Lyft and when there's more passengers, there's more work.
  
  
• Second, be smart about where you pick up. As I said in my previous response, think like this:
  
  >I mean schools and college areas in the morning, airports all day and night, neighborhoods on early Friday Nights, bar districts late Friday nights, be in the city during rush hour(more traffic, longer fares), and suburbs and neighborhoods in the morning.
  
  
• Third, if you need to run an errand to the other side of the city and you don't have a time limit you need to get it done by? Just turn on the app and pick up people on the way there. I live in LA and I drive to and from Orange County and San Diego a few times a month, and I just turn on the app and I make up to $200 by the time I make it to and from.
  
  
  
• Fourth! Tips. Try to maximize tips by being as cool as possible. Personally, I work on movie sets so I take snacks and stuff from Craft Services and stuff my glove compartment with snacks, gum, mints, mini-water bottles, aspirin, etc. 99cent store is another really good place to buy snacks. I bought a car converter so PAX's can charge their phones and laptops or whatever. So I do make quite a bit extra in tips for having a snack bar and complete charging station. I also have a few generic Spotify playlists saved depending on what kind of PAX I'm driving, but usually I just play movie scores since I'm in the Burbank area. I also have a small trash can in the back(with a 5lb disk weight so it doesn't get knocked over) to keep things clean.
  
  
  Point is, it's a business, yes they mislead, be creative and learn to work the system, and nothing in life is truly that easy, yes you will have to work for it.

I struggled finding a good water bottle/solution. Every bottle I tried was too small, or they leaked, and the water ALWAYS tasted like plastic or rubber, even if they swore it wouldn't or it was BPA-free, etc.

Then I got a stainless steel Contigo brand 24oz autosealing water bottle/thermos. If I put ice in there along with the water, the ice will still be there unmelted two days later.

I LOVE this guy. It's thin and tall so it fits easily in my cupholder. With this and a smaller thermos of coffee, I have a good amount of liquid to drink but if I run out, I can go into a fast food joint and refill. It's easy to sip, easy to clean, it's fun for flipping if you feel like fidgeting when you're out of the car. It's like 18-19 bucks but should essentially last you forever. Tremendous quality. It's durable. Once fell off the roof of my SUV onto the street and it was fine, although I don't recommend doing that. Well worth it's value.

Here's the Amazon link for it

https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Stainless-Bottle-Monaco/dp/B01N7LKY1F

(Be careful, once a passenger who was mad at me grabbed it out of the cupholder and acted like he was going to hit me with it. It has a little bit of weight to it.)

The most invaluable thing is for you, not passengers, and that's a phone mount. I got this one and I think it's great! You need it because you need to know where you're going and easily follow directions, but you don't want to be holding your phone or looking at your lap. I did my first day (~2 hours) without the mount and then got it the next day. It was great. I'll never not use it.

For pax, I have water, mints, chocolate, and dum dums, but tbh I've been eating most of the lolipops haha! Get what you want and just be friendly. Most (not all, some people are still assholes) pax know that anything beyond a ride and friendly smile is extra and not expected.

I keep Starburst and mints in my car, and a lot of people seem to be really delighted by the Starburst. I do go through a lot of them, but I am also delighted by Starburst and will pop a few throughout the day, so it's possible I'm the one who's the problem.

The phone charger is definitely a popular amenity; I've had many pax express gratitude for having one available. I got one from Amazon that has interchangeable ends to do Android or iPhone.

I got an air freshener after a few smelly pax got in my car. I didn't want the next pax to think I was the smelly one. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Fabreze-Car-Vent-Clip-Freshener/dp/B00DPXO33Y/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YSQMA0823JXB6G8DRY7K and got tons of compliments on the scent. I was a bit worried because I thought it was too strong, but people seemed to really love it.

For music, I usually just do classical or jazz. A few times I've done the Beatles or the Beach Boys, and people seem to like those a lot.

I always confirm with Line pax that they've chosen Line and what that means. I don't want them getting angry at me for following Line rules.

One sore spot with me is parents who will try to bring their children without a proper seat. I'm not getting a ticket or possibly having a dead child on my conscience just to make a few dollars on a Lyft ride. I keep a booster seat in my trunk that works for toddlers and up - if they have an infant without a seat, no way are they getting in my car. It was $20 and I keep in bungied to the side so it's not in the way if people have luggage. I've used it enough that it's paid for itself. I got frustrated with driving to people and then having to turn them down when they had a kid and no seat. I feel like providing the seat is a kinder way to educate them that they are supposed to be providing one because rideshare doesn't have the same carseat exemption taxis do, at least not in my state.

I would love to say you are just being silly but the truth is, you have to be observant and aware of where you are and who you are allowing into your car. The area you are in and the esthetic of your would be pax all have to be considered in a quick and efficient manner. You stay out there long enough and eventually you will run across someone NO BUENO.

Get yourself in the habit of keeping your doors locked when rolling up in sketchy areas and chat with them with your window down about 4-6 inches and your finger on the powerup button and the car in gear. Make eye contact - they are usually indicating they are your ride and are walking towards you.

Obviously you don't just assume they are your ride and allow them to take control.

Hi, I'm a Lyft driver picking up - are you waiting on a car? may I have your name please? (Do not just volunteer your name)

Or - Did you call for a LYFT? - may I have your name please?

if you sense a need for more information. Just remember to smile and keep smiling - a good pax will not get angry at reasonable questions, they can see the sketch too and should attempt to assure you they are ok. Bad pax will be quick to anger and try to intimidate you.

Questions you can ask before you let them in:

How many are travelling? Just you? Where to? (if they ask why you are asking, you tell them the truth , you don't get to see their destination until you have started the ride)

Do you need assistance with any luggage or service animals?

How's your day? Howyadoin? You doing ok? - this can be used in the car to feel them out a little more and clear the uneasy in the air and get them chatting just a little. good ice breaker, ectc

(by the way, I am not saying use ALL of these or in any particular order, ONE should be enough- it's just a list, folks)

If they indicate there are more than one and you can see plain as day there are multiple peeps, size them up and confirm what you see is what you get - some folks will put one or two IN the car and then the REST will come out and now you have a overcapacity problem when you have 6 people jammed in your 5 seat car.

You can ask: are all your passengers here? I can only take a MAX OF FOUR PLUS ME. Make them answer that they are 4 or less. If they hesitate and eyeballs start clicking , you know there is a problem. Best to move on.

Or you can stall a little more and keep chatting.

If they seem OFF, EVASIVE, or play the DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM? card before or after they get in and you feel even a little unsafe -

How's your day? You all doing ok?

Feel them out. If a dude blurts out ' I was FINE until that lying WHORE of a girlfriend screwed my best friend and then has the nerve to lock ME out? F-ing BITCH! '

Maybe you just need to move along if they are not already in the car. If you goofed and they are in the car, now you know the root cause and can govern your chat accordingly, adopt a sympathetic tone.

They may not be that obvious though and you can't stall forever. You do hit a point where either you are going to have to make the decision to let them in or not. Unless there is a straightup objectionable issue, you will probably move forward and load your pax.

If you DO have a dealbreaker of an issue, it's up to you if you want to allow them to correct it, or just move on. Many veteran drivers will just cancel the ride, tell them they will not be charged and call another car who maybe doesn't care - but you DO. Example, unaccompanied minor pax, no baby seats, etc.

IF YOU CANCEL THE RIDE YOU CAN NOT RATE THEM AND THEY CAN NOT RATE YOU.

But if you allow them in the car, EVEN THEN you can still maintain some control so long as you are not afraid to be assertive and exercise a little guidance while remaining polite. Think of yourself as the captain or cabin crew on a aircraft. IT'S YOUR SHOW TO RUN.

If they are alone, ask them to get in the backseat over on the right side and manually reach back and only open that lock vs using power locks to open all the doors and leave it up to them.

All you do is point to that door. They should understand. If not - and they are pulling the door handle on the door behind you "hop in - over there please - thank you!

NOTE: I usually roll up with the right side front seat all the way FORWARD so they can stretch out but when I direct traffic, it's also to see if they are compliant or looking for a problem. If they ask why I am directing them, I say they will be more comfortable in that spot because I put the seat in front of them all the way up.

Meanwhile - always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes and head on a swivel.

If you have been maneuvered close to a wall or bushes , check your mirrors, keep all doors locked except the one you are directing your pax to use. Once pax is moving to that door, my window goes up. Have your finger on the lock button and keep your head on a swivel. If you see anything ALARMING like (suddenly 2 or 3 dudes jump out from behind a dumpster, another car etc. ) that you have somehow been maneuvered next to, , your car is in gear already, hit the power lock button and move along.

Little tips like this will stall and stretch the window you have to make a judgement and help you sniff out the bad pax or a trap that has been set for you.

You should have some sort of defensive spray on your person. I bought a little neck wallet for my ID and a backup phone + a knife + glass break and defensive spray and I keep it around my neck.

I'm 6'3 and 280 pounds. I could not imagine going out there any other way. Day or night.

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PRO TIP - get a dashcam , ideally one that backs up to the cloud, have stickers on your doors that alert pax you are recording. That really cuts down on the riffraff and keeps everyone minding their P's and Q's.

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TL;dr THE LINE: It is what it is. It's your life, your car, your rules, your line. You can be just a little assertive and weed out the BS without being hypersensitive and creating problems. Just remember to smile and keep it light.

Don't chase the heat on the map, you'll get burned every time. Even being in an area that's lit up does NOT mean you'll get a ride.

I give pax 5 minutes if I can't contact them, then, I cancel and move on.

Personally, I keep my car stocked with water (40 pack at Sam's Club for $~$3.00), and I have multiple charging cables for pax (links below). My charging cables for the rear pax are plugged in inside my armrest, so it's virtually impossible for them to be stolen.

After I verify the pax, I give them a friendly greeting, the ask them how their day is going. After that, I wait for them to continue conversation, if they choose to do so. About half of my pax don't say anything the whole ride, and I won't force them to, it's totally ok with me. If they want to talk, I'll engage in convo.

You'll learn over time when and where are the best times and places to get rides. For me here in Phoenix, it early AM, like 4ish till 9ish during the week, and weekend evenings.

I've been driving for 3+ years, and I have 2,000+ Lyft rides, and 1,500+ Uber rides. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

3-in-1 charging cable - for pax https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07333J3P4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L4aTAb92T2W96

Magnetic phone mount (for my personal phone) Any phone mount is a must. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I9I8WGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t6aTAb2ZMM2CW

Magnetic charging cable -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073PRLV5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_d8aTAbS3E6QG7

Having the magnetic phone mount and charging cable allows me to quickly exit without messing with a clipped in phone and unplugging a cable, just grab and go.

I'll use 1 yankee candle air freshener. those are always good.

or

i like spraying this every few hours on the back seat :https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-Stripper-Freshener-Eliminator/dp/B004CMMFK0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502205618&sr=8-2&keywords=chemical+guys+air+freshener

despite the interesting name...its actually a great smell. it's not too bold (like creepy old man smell), and its not too citrus-y. i always get good reviews on the scent.

the hardest part is knowing that soon, you wont be able to smell your scents, so just be aware that less is best.

The Kenu Airframe+ is pricey ($30) but came highly recommended & after 2 weeks, love it. I promptly threw out my previous holder attached to the windshield - it is sooooo much nicer to have yr phone to the right of your wheel without having to reach! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU5LWQK

I'm passing on this NYE, as well. I'd much rather be with my friends that night.

It's a little late to recommend vomit bags, but CareBags are among the best: they have a draw string to close and keep the stench out and an absorption pad built in.

Also, if you're taking care of drunks- while it might not get you any additional tips- water and something for them to munch might help them stay somewhat coherent.

I saw that at best buy and thought it was interesting. I don't trust magnets near screens of any kind though (I'm sure modern screens don't have the same magnet effect old CRT TVs had), but I'd still give it a shot. I ordered one earlier today though. It was this one. It looks like the button on the side opens it up per click, then you squeeze it back to fit your phone. I figured "hell, it's only $10, why not?" Will update on my opinions after I use it a while.

I think they have special mounts you can buy for larger devices like that. But you will want to make sure that your ipad is the one that takes a sim card capable of cell service or it wont work. It relies on cell signal or Wifi in order to use the GPS. Heres a link to a cupholder mount on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075G4KRM5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5VCBDb3NAWGV9

i use this one with my iphone 6 plus and its perfect (even works with my bulky otterbox defender on it)
http://www.amazon.com/iOttie-Holder-iPhone-Samsung-G4-Retail/dp/B00JRGOKQ8

With that said tho, does anyone actually drive without a mount? God I can't even imagine driving while holding my phone in one hand and the other on my steering wheel and taking requests/navigating gps that way lol.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E3F2KPK

That's what I have. It only works because I have a completely flat, non textured surface over 3" wide to mount the suction cup to my dash. The Qi coil is smaller than it should be, and it won't work unless your windshield is at a reasonable angle or you have a perfectly flat (not at all textured) area on the dash on which to mount it.

But it works great in a 2nd gen Prius above the shifter.

Get a better charger. As others have noted, those cheapos only put out 1-2 amps, and it's split among the ports. A good 2.4amp charger will be less than $20.

Something like this will put out 3.0 amps on each port, easily keeping most mobile devices charged even while running and even when using both ports.

Not Lyft related, but I do rely a lot on walking and mass transit. Have you considered getting a rolling grocery cart like this one to make your grocery trips easier and/or buy more stuff so you have to make less trips?

Try clear vinyl! This is what I used and it worked perfectly: http://www.amazon.com/Grafix-9-Inch---12-Inch-Cling-6-Pack/dp/B002J6CO9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463115378&sr=8-2&keywords=clear+vinyl+sheets

The Little Green Machine/Bissell Spot Cleaner or anything of the like is worth every single penny! My dad has the Little Green and I subsequently bought the Bissell version. I haven't used it too much in my car but it got puppy urine stains out of my white carpet (previous owner installed, worst floors in my house) like it never happened. Wow, I should get sponsored by these guys.

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Here is the one I got

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DBRFBK/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wait for it to go on sale, I'm sure it does periodically. Anything on amazon you can track prices on camelcamelcamel.com btw. Free site.

Yeah, that would be awesome if you could send the one you use. I'm always worried I won't have noticed it is frozen and miss recording something important. I keep a push pin in my car to reset it when I do notice.

A Samsung was actually the first one I used that froze all the time. I even got the really nice one that met all of Transcend's requirements.

Currently I'm using this Lexar 633x. One thing I read is that Samsung doesn't provide warranty support when you use theirs in a dash cam while Lexar still does, and some people recommended this one on the dash cam sub. I've not had great luck with either. I guess maybe my cam is the problem but it never freezes with the card that came with it.

To be fair, I can't say for sure they were both formatted in FAT32, but that's what I thought they came with. I should try reformatting my card to be sure.

I've used one of these for years and it's worked great. It's simple, doesn't take up much space, I don't need to fumble around clipping it like a traditional mount.

Edit: typo

My Lyft car has two accessory outlets which I have double USB 3.0 chargers (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01K9MQ8WW/) - I keep USB C, micro USB and Apple Lightning cables in the car. One of the double chargers I use for my own electronics, the other is used for charging PAX's phones or tablets. Works great, and has more than paid for itself in extra tips, especially since it will quick charge most phones.

iOttie Easy One Touch 2

I've got this one and really like it. It mount it on my window but it does have an adhesive base for mounting on the dash.

Not sure how wide the Note 4 is but this mount is at least half again as wide as my EVO.

Magnetic Mount, WizGear [2 PACK] Universal Air Vent Magnetic Car Mount Phone Holder, for Cell Phones and Mini Tablets with Fast Swift-Snap Technology, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G0X56YU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_1NIDjc46vFkBH