Postmates ipo filing

Lyft Hires Former Uber Exec, Walmart Stops Deliv, And IPO’s Are Coming

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This Week In On Demand — Feb. 15, 2019

Not even the most romantic season of the year could put a plug in the gig economy. In fact, it probably made it more eventful. Find out what you missed this week in on demand, below.

Fiverr Makes Another Aquisition With ClearVoice

On Wednesday, news broke that the on demand freelance platform Fiverr is in the process of acquiring ClearVoice. The latter of the two specializes in on demand writer services by connecting freelancers with companies that need professional copy and content writing. While Fiverr hasn’t released the purchase price of the acquisition, ClearVoice has raised $3.1 million over two funding rounds.

The move marks Fiverr’s third acquisition. At this time last year, the company announced it bought And Co, a software company specializing in tools for contractors. In 2017, the company also acquired the video production platform Veed.me in an effort to expand its freelance videographer offerings.

Postmates Files for IPO While DoorDash Chases More Funding

Late last week, Postmates secretly filed for IPO with the Securities and Exchange Commission. After the information leaked, the on demand delivery service confirmed the news. The company announced a $100 million Series F funding round last month, and the unicorn is now valued at around $1.85 billion.

Postmates’ step toward the public market seems to have inspired one of their competitors to make a move. On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that DoorDash has its sights set on a $500 million Series F round. The company raised nearly $800 million just last year in Series D and E, bringing their total investments to $971.8 million and their valuation to upwards of $6 billion. After reaching the 50-state landmark last month, it’s only a matter of time before DoorDash completes their own IPO filing.

Lime’s Appeal Denial Prevents San Francisco Market Entrance

In terms of San Francisco’s e-scooter pilot program, another one bites the dust. After Lime’s initial permit request to enter the city’s market was denied, the company applied for an appeal. On Wednesday, another denial was issued for the request, meaning the business can’t legally offer scooter rentals in the community.

Lime isn’t the only one to be left out of the San Francisco market. Last week, Jump’s appeal was also denied, which also happened to Ford-owned Spin two weeks ago. Now, all three on demand e-scooter companies have to hope to be selected in the pilot program’s second phase in which more openings are expected.

Lime Scooter
Lime S Scooter

 

Lyft Welcomes Former Uber Employee and Celebrates Black History Month

On Tuesday, Lyft announced its welcoming a new team member. Michelle DeBella is joining the rideshare company as the Vice President of Finance Strategy. In the past, DeBella served as the Global Head of Internal Audit at Uber.

Also this week, the rideshare powerhouse launched a Black History Month initiative. Throughout the rest of February, the company is offering free rides to certain historical and cultural landmarks. Passengers in qualifying markets are limited to one ride up to $10.

Walmart and Deliv End Partnership

Since it first started offering on demand grocery delivery in 2016, Walmart has maintained an on-going partnership with Deliv. Now, the retail giant has chosen to end the deal, which comes after dropping both Lyft and Uber deliveries last year.

Oddly, the move comes just a month after Walmart announced it plans to double the number of stores providing same-day delivery. However, they also recently opened new partnerships with other outfits, like Point Pickup and Roadie, which stand alongside long-standing deals with Postmates and DoorDash.

Airbnb Faces $14 Million Lawsuit

Airbnb is no stranger to legal battles. The company has faced various lawsuits around the U.S., along with local government pushback in places like Las Vegas and Palm Beach County. Now, the peer-to-peer home-sharing platform is facing court proceeding in France.

On Monday, the city of Paris filed a claim against the company for $14 million. The city government alleges that the rental platform is an accomplice to 1,000 illegal rental listings. Currently, property owners are limited to 120 days of activity per year to qualify as a short-term rental. According to Airbnb, the responsibility lies with homeowners as the company has made multiple moves to ensure listers follow all legal requirements.

While the company may be headed back to court, they also have a focus on their impending IPO. Beginning in June, the move is expected at any point through the rest of the year into 2020. After demonstrating another profitable year, it’s likely it’ll occur sooner rather than later as long as the market steadies.

That’s it for the Valentine’s Day edition of our on demand news roundup. Stop by next week to ensure you keep up with the latest gig economy happenings.

 

Uber passenger using car seat

10 Things To Avoid Doing As A Lyft Or Uber Passenger

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For those who have driven for Lyft or Uber, it may be easier to empathize on the occasion that you’re a passenger. However, for those who haven’t been in the driver’s seat, consider these tips during your ride in order to have the most pleasant experience possible.

1. Ignore Your Driver

While you might have a few things to get done en route to your destination, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least greet your driver and ask how their day is going. While every driver and passenger has their own preference for conversation, if your driver tries to engage in polite conversation, chat with them!

Nothing is more awkward than a 20-minute (or longer) ride in complete silence (aside from some music in the background).

2. Bother Your Driver

At the same time, you don’t want to be labeled as a backseat driver – literally. Distracting your driver by trying to tell them how to drive and where to go doesn’t help either of you. Depending on the driver and their experience, it may make them uneasy, causing them to make a mistake while driving. Let them do their job and drive you safely to your destination.

3. Overshare

While it’s great to feel comfortable with your Lyft driver, it can also be easy to suddenly feel like your anonymity transforms your ride into a therapy session. While it’s fun to engage in conversation and share a little bit about your life, don’t use this time to ask life advice from the driver or tell them your life story. In some instances, this might be appropriate, but that would be an exception to the rule. Generally, your driver simply wants to get you to your destination as pleasantly and painlessly as possible.

4. Drink Alcohol in the Car

You may think this is a no brainer, but don’t think that it hasn’t happened. Since passengers are not driving, they decide to bring the pre-game to the backseat of their Lyft ride. Quite simply, don’t do it – it can get both you and your driver in trouble if you get pulled over by the police. The driver takes even more responsibility since they are the one driving and it’s their car.

5. Get Sick in the Backseat

After a fun night out, you might not be feeling great on the way home. Once you realize what might happen, alert your driver so they have time to pull over. If you don’t think you can help it, perhaps… puke in the bar before leaving, especially when using Uber or Lyft.

6. Request One Too Many Extra Stops

While both Lyft and Uber offers the convenience of adding a stop into your ride, don’t ask your driver to make a bunch of unexpected stops to pick up friends or stop at the store. While many drivers are happy to make these stops for passengers, it’s not appropriate to cut into your driver’s time, during which they could accept more rides and increase their earnings instead.

7. Leave Items in Your Driver’s Car

It happens – in the shuffle to get out of the backseat of your Lyft, someone may forget a phone, purse, or other important items. While Lyft has a process for drivers and passengers (as this happens quite often), it can be tricky figuring out where to pick up an item from a driver. In some cities, there are hubs where drivers can leave lost items, but ideally, just don’t do it – take an extra second before getting out to make sure you have all of your belongings with you, so your driver doesn’t have to go out of their way to return the item.

Lost item Uber and Lyft

 

8. Leave Trash in the Car

Whether it’s leftovers from the restaurant or simply an empty water bottle, nothing is worse than leaving your trash rolling around your driver’s backseat, unbeknownst to them. Even if it was from another passenger, let your driver know so that others don’t have to deal with it and potentially give the driver a bad rating because of it.

9. Forget The Car Seat

If you have an infant or toddler, and you call for an Uber or Lyft, make sure you have a car seat with you.

Justifiably, many drivers will flat out refuse to take an infant or toddler if you don’t have a car seat. It’s simply not worth the liability.

10. Forget to Tip Your Driver

Similar to tipping a server in a restaurant, if you can’t afford to tip your driver even a dollar or two when using the service, it may be better that you don’t use the service until you can afford it.

It may sound extreme, but you wouldn’t not tip a server when you eat at a restaurant, right? The only exception might be if the service is really bad, but even then, its’ relatively rare. It’s the same with using Lyft. While your driver may receive most of the money you paid for the ride, consider if they’ve gone the extra mile, figuratively speaking. Are they kind and courteous? Does their car look and smell nice? Go ahead, give them a few dollars for ensuring your ride was pleasant.

If any of these scenarios sound all too familiar – don’t fret. As a passenger, you can now be more diligent with these tips in mind in the future, and enjoy your ride with Lyft!

 

Via, Lyft, and Uber driver tips.

How to Get More Tips on Uber, Lyft, Juno And Via

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Whether you drive Juno, Lyft, Uber, Via, or another service, tips can really make or break you when it comes to maximizing your earnings.

Sometimes even the smallest gestures can make all the difference for your passengers, helping you earn more and higher tips on average. Below, we’ve put together a list of our top insider tips for earning more and better tips on Uber, Lyft or whichever rideshare services you’re driving for.

1. Listen to your passenger.

The first and most important way to earn higher tips on Uber and Lyft is to listen to your passenger. If they ask you to take a certain route or give you directions for where they’d like to be dropped off at their final location, listen to them and do your best to meet their demands. This shows the rider that you are willing to do what it takes to provide them with a pleasant rideshare experience.

When it comes to chatting, you should also listen more than you talk. Let the passenger set the pace for the conversation. While some riders like to make small talk on the way to their destination, others would rather sit quietly. By letting the passenger take the reins when it comes to conversation, you can make sure that they are comfortable for the entire ride.

2. Anticipate your passenger’s needs.

One way to earn higher tips is by anticipating and accommodating your passenger’s needs. Heading out to pick up riders from the bars and clubs at 2 a.m.? Having water bottles in your car is a great way to ensure that you can keep your passengers comfortable on their ride home.

Working on a particularly cold night? Make sure you have the heat on so it’s warm when they enter the car and always ask if the temperature is comfortable.

Another great way to go the extra mile in anticipating your rider’s needs is keeping different phone chargers in your car at all times. Many passengers will accept your offer for a quick phone charge during their ride. This is the kind of thoughtful touch that will encourage them to leave a tip when they arrive at their destination.

3. Double-check any strange navigational directions.

Technology makes our lives easier, but it sure isn’t perfect. If you notice any strange directions coming up on the navigation, be sure to double-check to make sure this is the quickest and safest route to the rider’s destination. Taking a moment to double-check directions can save you from taking an unsafe or longer route, which may result in no tip and even a lower rating. You can plan ahead for this by having multiple GPS applications loaded on your phone.

Waze navigation horizontal mount - Uber
Image credit: She-Hulk / Shutterstock.com

 

If there are multiple ways to get to the passenger’s destination, you may also want to ask them if they have any preference on the route you take. For example, if one route requires you to get on the highway, which may result in a longer trip, it can be worthwhile to ask the passenger if they’d rather have you take the back roads. If one route requires tolls, make sure you ask the rider about their preference given they are charged for these tolls.

4. Keep your car clean.

This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s so important. All passengers will appreciate a clean car that smells nice. Not only does this make their trip more pleasant but it shows them that you take your job seriously. You don’t have to detail your car in between every passenger, but having a clean car that’s vacuumed and free of dirt and smudges helps you make a better impression and provide a positive ride experience.

When it comes to making sure your car is smelling great, avoid using products that contain strong perfumes as your rider may be sensitive or allergic. Instead, opt for non-offensive, fresh scents that are subtle but effective. Keeping some Febreze or another light air freshener on hand is a good idea in case you need to freshen up your vehicle in between rides.

You may also want to keep some light cleaning supplies in your trunk in case a passenger makes a mess during their ride. Having a small hand-held, battery-powered vacuum and some basic cleaning solutions like window cleaner and sanitizing wipes in your car at all times is always a good idea as it allows you to ensure that your vehicle is always clean and passenger-ready.

5. Play neutral music.

When it comes to creating an exceptional experience for your passenger, you want to make the environment in your vehicle as peaceful as possible. Rather than playing your favorite radio station or playlist, opt for neutral music. Find a station or playlist that plays songs that won’t be considered jarring or offensive no matter what the rider’s personal music tastes may be.

Additionally, you may want to ask your passenger what type of music they would like to listen to, especially if they have a longer ride ahead of them. This type of personal detail shows the rider that you care about their experience and are serious about providing exceptional customer service. These are the kinds of details they will remember when it comes time to leave a tip.

In the end, your tip potential comes down to one thing – providing exceptional customer service. If you want to earn more and higher tips, you need to go the extra mile to make sure that your passenger is happy and comfortable while they are in your vehicle. Do everything you can to create a positive ride experience, and your riders will show their gratitude by leaving you a tip.

 

Eaze driver

Being An Eaze Driver: What You Need to Know

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In today’s busy marketplace, you can get nearly anything delivered to your home – restaurant meals, groceries, alcohol, pet supplies, online store orders, and more. But did you know that there is now a service that makes it possible to get marijuana and CBD products delivered right to your door?

Eaze offers marijuana delivery in California, and also ships hemp derived CBD products to 41 states and the District of Columbia through Eaze Wellness.

And for those (in California) who are looking to make some extra cash in their spare time, becoming an Eaze delivery driver is a great way to make extra money while helping local patients get the different cannabis products they need.

Below, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand what Eaze is all about, how it works, what benefits it can provide, and how you can get started with the company as a marijuana delivery driver.

We’ve also included an Eaze coupon link below if you wanted to try out Eaze or Eaze Wellness (CBD oil) as a customer.

$20 Eaze Coupon Code 2019

While you can only get cannabis products delivered in California, Eaze ships and delivers legal CBD products to most states. 

Click one of the buttons below to get $20 off your first Eaze marijuana delivery, or $20 off your first Eaze Wellness CBD delivery.

$20 Off Eaze CBD

 

$20 Off Eaze

 

Are there any Eaze promo codes for existing users?

Unfortunately, the available Eaze codes are for new users only.

What Is Eaze?

Launched in 2014, Eaze is a company that delivers medical marijuana to patients. The company offers a mobile app that allows users to purchase products from cannabis dispensaries and arrange on-demand delivery to their home. The company itself does not grow or sell marijuana, but rather serves as a way to quickly and conveniently connect patients and licensed retailers.

They have a great video that runs you through their business model.

 

Given state laws and regulations, Eaze currently only offers on-demand delivery of cannabis products in California.

The Eaze Wellness Program

However, they have grown their business by also providing other services such as their Eaze Wellness Program, which provides shipment of hemp-derived CBD products to customers in most U.S. states. The Eaze Wellness Program currently operates in 41 states.

Much like any other online store, customers add products to their cart, check out, and arrange for delivery to their home.

Eaze Venture Funding Rounds

In April 2015, Eaze received $10 million in Series A funding from multiple venture capital firms. Five investors provided $13 million in Series B funding in October 2016, and the company raised another $27 million in venture funding in September 2017. Most recently, the company announced a $65 million Series C round of funding in December 2018.

This steady increase in funding over its history has made Eaze “the highest-funded startup in the history of the cannabis industry, as well as the fastest-growing one,” according to Forbes.

Eaze Marijuana Delivery – Is It Legal?

One of the most common questions people ask about Eaze is whether or not the service is legal. This is a fair question given that delivery drivers would be in possession of the cannabis products as they deliver them to the customer’s home. The question of legality really has a two-part answer.

As far as the federal government is concerned, marijuana is illegal. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.

However, recreational and medicinal marijuana is legal in California where Eaze operates. This means that as long as you are delivering the cannabis products in the state of California, it is legal, according to state law at least. Technically speaking, the feds could still bust you, but it’s pretty unlikely.

How Much Do You Make Driving For Eaze?

And how much is Eaze driver pay vs. other delivery driving services?

Driver pay for delivery specialists that work through Eaze works differently than pay for other delivery driving services like DoorDash, Postmates, GrubHub, or others.

Unlike other on demand delivery jobs, when you work as a delivery driver with Eaze, you are a W-2 employee, which means that standard taxes are automatically deducted from your paycheck. You are also reimbursed for the miles that you drive, making each delivery more profitable.

The federal mileage reimbursement rate for 2019 is $0.58 per mile.

Eaze Driver Pay

Eaze delivery specialists make a flat hourly rate of $15/hour, plus mileage reimbursement, and 100% of tips made during their shift.

According to Eaze, this can even out to about $18-$26 per hour, but it varies based on location. With the hourly rate, this means you are not paid per delivery, but rather from the start to the end of your shift.

When you compare this to other on demand delivery driver jobs, you might initially think that the pay is less given that some delivery apps boast hourly rates over $20/hour.

However, most delivery positions pay you per delivery and much of your earnings are dependent upon delivery efficiency and customer tips. Also, in many areas, delivery jobs pay closer to $12 – $15/hour. That makes a reliable $15/hour plus mileage look pretty good!

Also, given the guaranteed hourly rate from Eaze, you are not dependent on tips for the bulk of your earnings.

Anecdotally however, some drivers have reported a lack of available shifts on the Eaze platform.

How to Get Started Driving for Eaze

Driving for Eaze is not only a great way to make some extra money, but it allows you to positively impact people’s lives across California. When you become a delivery specialist, you are joining a fast-growing industry as well as becoming part of a community that improves access to safe, legal, and high-quality cannabis products across the golden state.

Eaze CBD Delivery

 

Eaze drivers don’t work for Eaze directly. Instead, you are employed by a third-party staffing agency that works with licensed local cannabis retailers in California to deliver their products to customers’ homes. These retailers use the Eaze platform to connect with local customers and fulfill their orders.

As mentioned earlier, these retailers pay their delivery drivers an hourly rate in addition to mileage reimbursement.

Driver Requirements

In order to become a delivery driver for licensed cannabis retailers in California, you need to meet these basic requirements:

  • Be 21 years old
  • Have a vehicle that is 2004 or newer
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be on the vehicle’s registration
  • Have car insurance in your name
  • Consent to a criminal background check

Again, you are not employed by Eaze, but rather, by a licensed dispensary in California. For this reason, you may also have to meet some additional qualifications above these basic requirements, depending on the retailer you are working with.

Applying to Be a Delivery Specialist

The application and hiring process is a bit different than other types of on-demand delivery jobs given the nature of the deliveries and your status as a W-2 employee for a third-party company. Here are the general steps you’ll take to apply as a delivery specialist through Eaze:

1. Fill out the application.

The application asks basic questions such as details about your car, location, and availability. You will also be asked to verify your identity by providing a photo of your driver’s license.

2. Sign up for an interview opportunity.

After your application has been accepted, you will get a confirmation from Eaze, which asks you to wait for the opportunity to sign up for an interview session with a dispensary. This can take several days or longer. The sooner you sign up for a slot after being notified of open opportunities, the better your chances are for securing an interview.

3. Complete an initial phone interview and in-person interview.

Once you have signed up for an interview slot, you’ll have the chance to complete a one-on-one phone interview with the HR director of the staffing agency. They will ask you some basic questions to make sure you are able to perform the necessary job tasks and understand the responsibilities of the job. You may then be invited to a second in-person interview with the dispensary.

4. Complete onboarding.

After the in-person interview, you may be invited to complete the onboarding process to become a delivery driver. This requires you to fill out a variety of new hire paperwork as well as visit the local police department to get photographed and fingerprinted. Onboarding also includes a group training to cover equipment and policies. Then, you will be asked to visit the police department again for a vehicle inspection.

Delivery specialists working through Eaze are required to use a mileage tracker in their vehicle to record delivery mileage as well as a small dashboard camera. During onboarding, drivers get further details on how to secure the products being delivered and what documentation they’re required to have in the car at all times, including driver’s license, car registration, insurance, and Eaze staffing documentation.

Once you have completed the onboarding process, you’re ready to start taking deliveries. Unlike other on-demand delivery jobs, you are expected to work a set scheduled shift. Though you can choose your own hours, you are required to show up to shifts you are scheduled for, and if you cannot make a shift, you have to find a replacement to cover your shift.

Final Takeaways

Though becoming a delivery driver through Eaze is certainly a different experience than working for other on demand delivery apps, it does offer some important benefits to the driver. In addition to specific shifts, you’re also guaranteed an hourly wage and reimbursed for your mileage. Not to mention, figuring out your self-employment tax is a thing of the past.

If you take comfort in having specific shifts with guaranteed pay, then being a delivery specialist for dispensaries through Eaze may be a good fit for you. Since it takes a little while to go through the application and interview process, the sooner you get started, the sooner you can start delivering!

Check out the Eaze service areas to see if they operate near you, or open an account and get $20 off your first Eaze or Eaze Wellness order by clicking one of the Eaze promo code buttons below.

 

$20 Off Eaze CBD

 

$20 Off Eaze

 

Gig Economy Worker

Uber Boats, Lime Ripens, And Jump Leaves Its Heart In SF

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This Week In On Demand — Feb. 8, 2019

From scooters to eco-friendly rideshare, the gig economy’s biggest players came out to play this week in on demand. Here’s what you missed.

Lime Announces $310 Million Funding Round and Team Expansion

On Wednesday, Lime announced a successful Series D round. Led by Bain Capital, the on demand scooter company raised $310 million, bringing their total to $855 million. Earlier in the week, the startup also welcomed two new team members to their c-suite — Duke Stump as CMO and Li Fan as CTO. Previously, Stump worked as EVP of Brand and Community at Lululemon, and Fan served as Lime’s head of engineering.

With the latest announcements, Lime is starting out 2019 in a much better position than it ended 2018. The company faced various struggles over the last year, including scooter recalls and a connection to a controversial PR firm. Despite the setbacks, their Series D round showcases there’s still an incredible amount of interest in the e-scooter company.

Jump Faces Another Setback In San Francisco

While Lime moves forward, one of their biggest competitors remains stuck in place. On Tuesday, Jump’s appeal to enter the San Francisco market was denied. Currently, the city’s Municipal Transporation Agency (SFMTA) has full control over which e-scooter companies are allowed to operate in the community through their recently enacted pilot program. They also restrict the number of scooters on the streets.

After the agency rejected Jump’s permit request last year, the Uber-owned business filed an official appeal. The company claims their rejection is a result of the past grievances between Uber’s ridesharing service and the city. However, the SFMTA disputes that claim. Now, Jump is hoping to be added to the pilot program’s expected expansion in the spring.

Uber Expands Pro Program, Combats Mumbai’s Traffic Problem, and Sets Sights On Middle East Market

Late last week, Uber announced its driver recognition program is expanding to two more cities. Uber Pro is now available in Washington, D.C. and Boston, bringing the total to 10 markets. Seasoned drivers with Gold, Diamond, and Platinum statuses that reside in those areas are eligible to take advantage of the program’s many perks, including tuition coverage.

While U.S. Uber drivers enjoy well-earned recognition, commuters in Mumbai now have an option to avoid the area’s infamous traffic backups. The ridesharing company has officially launched Uber Boat in the city. This on demand transportation option allows passengers to book seats on speedboats or charter a full watercraft to bypass the congested roadways.

Without a doubt, Uber is an international player in the ride-hailing industry, but in some regions, like Southeast Asia, the company has allowed competitors to buy them out. Now, the business is using the exact opposite strategy in the Middle East. Reportedly, Uber is in talks to buy industry rival Careem. The potential acquisition move matches up with their decision to focus on expansion in regional markets, like Saudi Arabia, ahead of their impending IPO.

Turvo Snags Uber Freight Co-Founders

Uber Freight, the ridesharing company’s trucking segment, has lost two of its first employees to Turvo. The cloud-based SaaS business specializes in real-time logistics for shipping and freight companies. Charlie Bergevin joins Turvo as the enterprise partnerships executive while Brian Cristol serves as the head of enterprise partnerships. Another Uber Freight team member, Bin Change, is also heading to Turvo.

While Bergevin and Cristol were the original driving forces behind Uber Freight, the on demand hauling service isn’t likely to be affected considering its substantial growth in the last year. The platform expanded its offerings in October to include Powerloop — a trailer rental service.

Lyft Goes Green

Uber has been consistently present in on demand news roundups in 2019, but Lyft has mostly laid low in the new year. Now, the rideshare company is making waves once again with the announcement of its new Green Mode option. The latest service launch allows Lyft customers to request rides in electric vehicles.

Right now, Green Mode is only available to riders in Seattle, but the company has plans for expansion, with a noticeable focus on its California markets. To increase passenger options, Lyft is providing free charging to drivers that rent Chevrolet Bolt EVs. The incentive is available to Lyft fleet members through the company’s Express Drive program.

Instacart Hit With Wage-Based Lawsuit

As the ridesharing industry moves to more sustainable practices, a top player in the on demand delivery sector is facing more legal hurdles. On Tuesday, Instacart was hit with a class-action lawsuit regarding its wage practices. The company advertises a minimal earning of $10 per hour for its independent contractors, which are known as Shoppers. However, the lawsuit is claiming the company misrepresented the figure by using tips to reduce contractors’ actual wage earnings.

While Instacart has yet to release a public response, this isn’t the delivery service’s first legal wage issue. The company settled a 2017 lawsuit after questions arose regarding the accuracy of their Instacart Shoppers’ contractor classification. They’ve also received pushback in recent months after changing their pay structure, which many drivers have alleged cost them earnings.

That’s a wrap for this week’s gig economy roundup. Want to stay in the know? Check back next week for another on demand headline breakdown.

 

Side Hustle Taxes: Learn The Ropes, Avoid Penalties, Save Money

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The gig economy has exploded in recent years as workers from all walks of life take up a side hustle. In the US, almost a third of paid workers have a side hustle in addition to their main job.

They’re a great way to supplement your income, but you shouldn’t forget that the IRS wants their slice of the pie. The money you make on your side hustle may be taxable income, and if you don’t declare it, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when the IRS catches on.

Our latest infographic reveals what you need to know about tax and the gig economy. Learn what you should declare, what will happen if you don’t declare your side hustle income, and — the best part — what you could save with side-hustle deductions.

Any good financial advisor will tell you that having more than one income stream is a good idea. Whether you’re earning to save or to spend, making a few extra dollars in your downtime can make a difference to your lifestyle.

Unfortunately, 33% of millennials aren’t giving the IRS its due, often because they’re unfamiliar with the tax rules for independent contractors, which is how side hustles like ride-sharing are categorized.

 

 

Declare everything

If you make money as an independent contractor, the IRS wants to know about it even if it’s just pocket money. It all counts and should be included in your income tax returns. Independent contractors should fill in a 1099 form to declare all the income earned on a side hustle.

Keep accurate records

If you want a smooth ride when tax season comes around, record everything you earn, as you earn it. You don’t want to have to spend hours sifting through receipts, invoices, and expenses as the deadline looms. There are many apps to help you track your side hustle income and expenses. Quickbooks Self-Employed and Hurdlr are among the best.

Don’t forget about deductions

Many of your side-hustle expenses are deductible. Track your business expenses throughout the year and declare them.

Tracked expenses can make a significant dent in your tax liability, so it’s vital that you keep good records. For ride-sharers, mileage is the big one, but you can also deduct other vehicle-related expenses, including insurance, depreciation, and maintenance. Other business expenses are deductible too, including tolls, health insurance, and parking fees.

Declaring your side-hustle earnings is an important part of running a business, however large or small it might be. The consequences of not declaring can be serious, with penalties that could wipe out a big chunk of your total income.

 

Instacart Shopper Tips

5 Tips To Be an Efficient Instacart Shopper

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The key to getting the most out of your experience as an Instacart shopper is learning to work more efficiently. The faster and more accurate you are, the more earnings you can gain using the app. Whether you’re just picking up some part-time work on the side or you shop with Instacart as a full-time gig, use the tips below to become a more efficient Instacart Shopper.

1. Be Careful About Which Orders You Accept

Most Instacart Shoppers have gotten orders that required them to lug around a bunch of heavy items like cases of water, firewood, cat litter, and other bulk items. Though this may not be too difficult to maneuver when the items are in the store cart, getting them into your car and delivering them to the customer’s home is another story.

Heavy items are not only physically demanding but can really drag down your shopping and delivery times, which gives you less time to pick up other orders.

For this reason, look carefully at orders before you accept them. Orders from places like Costco, Sam’s Club, or pet stores like Petco often yield heavy bulk purchases that are difficult to carry and even more challenging to deliver, especially if there are stairs involved. A quick way to see if the order contains bulk buys is to look at the number of items vs. units. If you see 10 items and 120 units, there’s a good chance that you’re picking up cases of water or soda.

2. Get to Know the Stores You Shop In.

The most important efficiency tip for Instacart shoppers is to know the stores you shop in. No two stores are exactly the same, even if they belong to the same chain. Getting to know the different sections of the store, such as deli, produce, and bakery, as well as getting to know what’s located on the different aisles, will help you improve your speed and accuracy.

During your first few trips to a new location, be aware of your surroundings and make note of any major differences of locations of items. If you have a hard time locating an item in a new store, don’t waste time desperately searching. Instead, utilize the help of store employees to locate it.

The more you shop at the same locations, the better you will get to know where items are located. The better you get to know the stores, the more efficiently you can shop.

3. Scan the List Beforehand to Plan Your Shopping Route

Before you start a shopping trip, look at the list so you know which areas of the store you need to visit and which you can skip. Looking at the list ahead of time also allows you to put together a quick plan of action to ensure your route around the store is as efficient as possible.

As mentioned previously, no two stores are the same, even if they are in the same chain. Sometimes sections of the store will be in a different order or items will be located in different aisles. It’s best to shop in the order of the sections as they are laid out in the building. This saves you time from running back and forth across the store.

In addition to keeping in mind the order of sections, you’ll also want to prioritize the type of items you pick up first. For instance, you’ll want to save cold and frozen items for last so they remain cold when they get to the customer. Deli orders and other customized items may take longer, so shop for items near this section while you’re waiting for your deli number to be called.

Instacart shopper efficiency

 

4. Keep Multiple Orders Organized

One of the best ways to maximize your earnings on Instacart is to pick up multiple orders at one time. However, the more orders you accept, the more complicated the shopping trip can be. For this reason, make sure you have processes in place to keep multiple orders organized in the store and in your car.

A popular tip is to use baskets in addition to the shopping cart. This is a great way to keep items separated while you are shopping for multiple orders in the same store. You’ll also want to make sure you look over both orders carefully so you can tackle them at the same time.

In addition to keeping your order items separated in the store, knowing the location of different orders in your car makes it much easier to get the delivery to the customer faster and more accurately. It will save you time and confusion in trying to sort it out later.

5. Take Advantage of the Opportunity to Get Help to Your Car

Yet another way you can work to save time during your Instacart shopping trips is by getting help when you need it. At a few grocery stores, the bagger will offer to help take your items to the car. If you are only dealing with a few items, it won’t be worth the trouble. However, if you have a large haul or bulk items, you can save time by getting help loading these into your car.

Be careful if you are picking up multiple orders and accepting help to your vehicle. Remember that you want to keep different orders separated in your vehicle. Let the store employee know where you would like items to go as they are helping load your car.

These are just a few insider tips you can use to become a more efficient Instacart Shopper. Remember, it’s not just speed that matters, but also accuracy. Make sure you are not sacrificing your attention to detail, as picking up the wrong items for customers can affect your ratings and your tips. The better you get to know where things are located in the store, the faster your shopping times will be.

 

Rideshare Advertising - Vugo

Rideshare Advertising – Is It Worth It For Lyft & Uber Drivers?

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The marketing industry is finally seeing the potential of the rideshare industry. As a result, there are a number of in car advertising options available to Lyft and Uber drivers.

Take a closer look at rideshare advertising and if it can work for your pockets, below.

What Is Rideshare Advertising?

Using a combination of print and digital media, advertisers pay to promote their ads or products to reach the desired audience. But, with rideshare advertising, this process is catered to the unique environment of peer-to-peer transportation.

The material is displayed on tablets in the cabin or through externally-mounted graphics and decals.

Are Uber and Lyft Drivers Allowed Advertise In Their Cars?

Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, so neither company can technically control a driver’s other sources of income. However, the real answer lies in the type of rideshare advertising you choose. Both companies have stipulations as to the type of vehicles that they accept on their platforms. Since Uber prohibits vehicles with commercial branding, drivers who break the rules and advertise in their vehicles risk losing access to the service.

Why Utilize Rideshare Advertising?

As a Lyft or Uber driver, you already have a built-in audience. Whether it’s other drivers on the road or passengers inside of your vehicle, your daily interactions provide a direct connection between businesses and consumers. Such an arrangement opens up a whole new world of money-making opportunities for you, so why not take advantage of them?

Are There Rideshare Advertising Legal Restrictions?

Some municipalities restrict external advertising, especially when it comes to private for-hire transportation services. If there’s a restriction in place, you could face large fines and even lose the ability to work your side hustle. Because these restrictions vary on where you are, check local, county, and state regulations beforehand to avoid significant out-of-pocket costs.

How Does Rideshare Advertising Affect Auto Insurance?

Most of the internal advertising systems are multi-functional in that they offer entertainment alongside the business-related features. The well-rounded approach means that such systems serve as supplements to the ridesharing experience. As a result, the offering is covered by most rideshare insurance plans and personal policy riders.

However, external features are focused solely on advertising, which places them into the commercial-use category. If you’re involved in an accident, you risk forfeiting coverage from both the rideshare company and your insurance provider because commercial coverage falls outside of each plan’s protections. Before choosing external advertising options, check with your company to find out if you can add a policy endorsement to cover the risks.

7 In Car Advertising Options For Lyft & Uber Drivers

There are rideshare advertising services popping up left and right. Here are the top seven choices.

Vugo

Vugo is an in-car entertainment device. Using a smart tablet that’s mounted to the headrest, the device offers passenger entertainment separated by short ads. The company’s algorithm caters ads to the specific location of the vehicle, so riders end up viewing ads for nearby stores and eateries. The system also fine tunes the information based on the viewer’s interactions with the tablet.

Currently, Vugo is only servicing New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. If you’re chosen from the waitlist, Vugo will send all of the equipment to you for free.

 

Earning Potential:

While there are speculations of earning potential between $100 and $200, there’s no concrete evidence. Vugo hasn’t released averages for their drivers or fleets, so it’s hard to estimate how the potential take-home earnings.

Surf

Surf offers one of the most well-rounded approaches to rideshare entertainment. From music to videos, passengers have the opportunity to personalize their viewing experience with a variety of content options. These selections are offered along with advertisements and a built-in directory highlighting local companies.

Earning Potential:

As long as you make 150 rideshare trips per month, the service and use of Surfs tablet are free. Drivers are paid $0.35 per session, which involves four-minutes of passenger engagement. The company also claims that rideshare drivers who utilize Surf report a boost in tips and ratings.

TripCam

TripCam is an advertising and monitoring system rolled into one. However, drivers are in control of the advertising aspect of the system. You’re responsible for recruiting local businesses to advertise on the platform in the form of local event highlights, Yelp deals, and Groupon offerings. While there’s more footwork involved, there’s a higher potential for earnings as well.

Along with advertising and entertainment, the system offers enhanced safety for drivers with a built-in recording function that monitors passengers and stores the footage for two weeks. TripCam also offers a tipping feature, so passengers can tip drivers directly through the tablet instead of relying on the Uber or Lyft app.

Earning Potential:

Your earning potential is based solely on your ability to sell and the number of businesses in your area. While the app is free, you do need to provide your own tablet with a card reader attachment for tipping purposes.

Play Octopus

Play Octopus is another rideshare advertising device. However, the company differs slightly from Vugo in a few ways. First, they require that all drivers provide at least 100 trips per month to enjoy the service and equipment for free. Secondly, they also offer prizes for passengers. If a rider earns a top score on any of their device’s games, they’re sent a $25 Amazon gift card via email.

Earning Potential:

Play Octopus advertises potential earnings of $100 per month, but they don’t outline how they pay drivers (mileage, trips, etc). All payments are processed on a monthly basis using direct deposit.

Octopus For Uber & Lyft Drivers
Octopus Tablet

 

Viuer

Viuer offers in-vehicle and external rideshare advertising. For in-cabin use, the company sends drivers a smart device and accompanying hardware. The advertisements are chosen based on location and time of each trip. Lyft drivers can also take advantage of their decal wrapping advertising. While their service area is growing, Viuer is limited to rideshare drivers in most large metropolitan areas, like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver.

Earning Potential:

Drivers are paid per passenger impression. Viuer advertises potential earnings of up to $600 per month, but per-impression pay rates are determined by geographical location. Payments are sent via PayPal quarterly, but drivers can keep track of their impressions through the app and from the monthly reports Viuer sends.

Firefly

Firefly is an external advertising system, but instead of ad wrapping, it utilizes a roof-mounted visual display. The system connects to a temporary base, so drivers have the option to remove it when needed. As with Wrapify, this opportunity is limited to Lyft drivers.

Earning Potential:

Firefly only officially launched recently. The service is currently available in Los Angeles and San Francisco, which is where the beta testing occurred. Drivers in the beta program reported around $300 per month with bi-weekly payouts, but there hasn’t been any information released regarding post-launch rates.

Is Wrapify An Option For Uber Or Lyft Drivers?

With Wrapify, drivers have the opportunity to earn money by showcasing a single panel, partial, or full-vehicle ad on the outside of their vehicle.

Unfortunately, Uber expressly prohibits the use of vehicles with commercial decals.

After signing up, Wrapify tracks your mileage through the app and then matches you with campaign options.

Earning Potential:

The company advertises average estimated earning between $84 and $452 per month. Earning potential is location and campaign-specific. There are also income variations between the size of the advertisement, but they make the weekly amount of each campaign visible when providing matches. Payouts are sent via direct deposit on a bi-weekly basis.

Start Earning Today

Rideshare advertising falls right in line with most drivers’ goals by allowing them to boost their income.

If it is compatible with your driving service, it’s can be a win-win-win scenario for drivers, passengers, and businesses. However, you’re probably better off with a service that has no upfront costs.