This post was sponsored by Uber. 

I often find myself in a similar situation every time I enter an Uber… having as much conversation with the Uber driver-partner as possible. I don’t go as far as prying into people’s personal lives, but I do have a fascination with learning about who people are and where they come from; therefore, it has become so natural for me to start a conversation with anyone and everyone I cross paths with. At some point during the ride, I always find myself asking him/her, “So, how do you like driving for Uber?” The common denominator for this answer is simple, “I love it.”

For those of you that may not have heard of the amazing company, Uber; it is a ride request app that allows you to request a ride from the convenience of your own phone. You are advised of the price ahead of time and can track your driver’s location in seconds. I have personally found it to be the most convenient source to use when I am going to the airport or looking for a safe ride home after one too many glasses of wine. To me, Uber is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Amor Dulatahu, the very first Uber driver-partner in Phoenix, Arizona to talk a little bit about his business, goals, and how he first began his career. Amor will leave you with tips on best strategies to maximize earnings, his favorite thing about being Uber driver-partner and give you the confidence you need to feel like you can do it too.

Born in Kosovo, a small country in southeast Europe, Amor moved to Arizona 7 years ago from Chicago and soon after began his own limo/car service in Scottsdale, AZ called Posh Transportation. He decided to start his own business after quickly noticing a high in demand for reliable luxury car service and partnered exclusively with nightclubs, restaurants, and later with small resorts. Amor was really enjoying his own business, and still drives with the service today, but when Uber announced they were opening their doors in Phoenix, he took it as additional opportunity and was first in line to sign up as a driver. He was more than excited to finally see the app in action vs. simulation mode as he saw plans for it from the beginning. Since his first ride, Amor has expressed how much he loves the flexibility and the ability to turn the app on and off whenever he sees fit. He fills in the gaps with Uber during his work day when he isn’t driving with his service and plans to put all the profits in his business with new fleet, etc.

With that being said, Amor has 5 tips for first time Uber drivers in the area:

1. Continue to check the Uber app to see where most cars are staged and find a pocket where there are fewer cars around to increase the changes of getting ride requests.
2. Sometimes the prices will surge and the rider will blame the driver for those high prices, with the possibility of giving you a negative rating at the end of the ride. Be sure to communicate and have a good relationship with the Uber team at office so these issues don’t impact you.
3. Give 110% customer service. Accommodate the riders and you may gain that extra tip at the end of the drive.
4. Prepare yourself for slow months throughout the year. Summer months can be significantly slow.
5. Familiarize yourself with the area for recommendations and direction.
We ended the conversation with some easy, feel good questions and since I am a big local foodie, I wanted to know what his favorite restaurants were in the city. He listed Los Olivos, Persian Room, and Roka Akor; two of which have sine been added to my must try list.

Amor truly loves his job as an Uber driver-partner and does not plan to stop any time soon.

Photos by aMaes_photography

xoxo
Lola