Uber’s unique business model have countlessly challenged different cultures, morals, and principles. The Uber mobile app is currently operating in over 300 cities worldwide. The biggest concern about the service? Is tip included in the Uber payment?
Tip is Not Required, As Per Uber
In most countries where tipping forms part of the riding culture, especially those where taxis prevail, people become greatly concerned about having some spare cash whenever they avail of this ride hail service. However, in the company’s default policy, it was stated loud and clear that there is no need to tip the driver.
Type in your question about tipping an Uber driver to any search engine and this will be the top result that will go back to you: “You don’t need cash when you ride with Uber. Once you arrive at your destination, your fare is automatically charged to your credit card on file – there’s no need to tip.” That came straight from Uber Technologies’ own website.
How Uber Drivers Get Paid
Clearly, there is no need to tip the driver. The ride you book gets charged to your bank account that the company have on file. You do not need to worry about not having spare cash when you get in an Uber car service because you can well get off without any hassle. But is tip included in the Uber charges that you pay through your account? Well, no.
Technically, the driver only gets his share of the trade. 80% of your ride’s worth goes to the driver while the company gets to keep the remaining 20%. That’s always the case, fair and square.
Although they do not encourage it, Uber does not strictly prohibit their drivers to accept a tip. But they were instructed to reject the offer and only take it if the passenger insists. It is therefore, the passenger’s call to tip or not to tip.
To Tip or Not to Tip?
Some Uber passengers are actually willing to tip. However, some of them believe that the tip is already included in the fare. To clear off the dust clouding the impression, it had to be known that the amount charged to a passenger’s bank account only constitutes the exact fare they are due in the first place, calculated according to time and distance. If they want to leave a tip as a form of gesture to the quality of service they were given, they are free to do so.
The impression that the tip is included in every Uber payment is sourced from the fact that Lyft, a top rival, does that. Lyft has a built-in tipping system. When you get to the part where you need to pay for your ride, an “add tip” button can be found. Uber drivers would love to have the same in their system. A similar in-app gratuity feature to receive the same perks is most welcome. But it’s quite a long shot because the company’s success is owed largely in fact to the walletless experience it offers.
If you are accustomed to offering a tip to your driver, nothing is telling you that it is wrong. Your driver would definitely appreciate the gesture. But you do not need to be pressured doing so. Tip if you feel like it and don’t if you feel your driver doesn’t deserve it.
If you believe that to get the most of this ridesharing service requires that you leave a tip, you can give your driver any amount that you feel is right for the occasion. There is no requirement what amount to tip as there are no requirements to tip in the first place.
Let’s face it. Most Uber drivers do this gig as their main source of income. Receiving a good amount of tip, especially when they pass on a satisfactory performance, would help them a lot financially in the long run. It will also help them inspire to do better each time. If both causes are weighty, if they appeal to you enough for you to give what you can share, tip your Uber driver as generously as you feel is right. Remember, you do not need to tip your Uber driver but you can.