WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT TAPPING INTO THE UBER INITIATIVE?
AUSTIN’S INSIGHTS
With Austin Archibong
This past week, I called the driver of my supervisor to find out if the car was available as I had urgent personal errands to attend to. This was not the first time I would use the car for small ‘runs.’ On taking my call, he said he was at the Ikeja airport.
“Baba, na eveytime you dey play?!” I queried.
I had seen the driver drop my boss after lunch, not long ago. So I was surprised when he said he was at the airport. Upon pressing further, I discovered the driver and my boss were into some kind of deal.
My supervisor’s friend had called my boss and his driver, and told them a way of monetizing the spare time the driver had when my supervisor had no need for him. The source would also produce extra funds for the rising fuel and maintenance expenses as well as extra money for the Friday asun my supervisor enjoyed.
All my supervisor needed was to send the driver to get certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute. He was already a licensed driver, well versed with the Nigerian terrain both on the island and the mainland. Apparently, my supervisor had a smart phone and the car in question was a black Toyota Camry 2010 tear rubber and they were set.
On a reflective note, I’d like to ask why Nigerians are not feeling this UBER thing. I even suggested to a jobless engineering graduate to try this technologically driven taxi initiative. His response was not funny.
“I know say you wan insult me, but I beg no use style.” I looked on baffled.
“A whole engineering graduate like me, with second class upper, as taxi driver?!” He was exasperated while I kept mute.
“How far na? Upper not lower oh,” he added.
I had to sit him down and share the knowledge of how it works. I explained that whilst he pursued his dream of getting a ‘befitting engineering’ job, he could do this as a part-time business if he wanted.
All UBER wants is a 2008 (preferably from 2010) or newer vehicle in great condition, a driver with the right comportment that possesses a valid driver’s license and certified by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute. Also, the driver has to be comfortable using a smart phone. Basic requirements. Easy to get.
You could work as a driver or partner (release your car) with UBER. The driver with the basics would pay to get trained by UBER (N20,000 in five installments), and undergo background checks (police involved) for the sake of the prospective passengers. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, then there would have to be a formal contractual agreement.
The car owner would be required to have insurance. UBER has several insurance companies in partnership (a 2008 Toyota of N1.5 million would cost around 60,000 to 100,000 in most insurance firms annually). Also, the car must have a tracker for security purposes.
Partners would be required to have Certificate of Incorporation as it is a business. UBER has everything planned and offer great service support. You could get a smart phone that works best with the app and even data (there are lots of partners that make service cheaper).
I convinced that my friend to try. He did and today he spends his very early mornings, late evenings and weekends (peak periods) earning money. Drivers do not collect money from the customers. The customers pay via MasterCard using the UBER app. UBER takes 20 percent commission and remits the balance to pre-confirmed bank details every week.
On the average, that my friend makes N250,000 per month. This is true! N250,000 per month. You see why I am surprised many are not tapping into it?
Individual car owners could also partner and make some money when the car is not in use. See here to get started.
CAVEAT: This story was shared for public education only. UBER did not pay me to write this.
IMAGE CREDIT: TechPoint.ng
250,000 ? is this possible? wow