The idea of staying at home all the time and earning money to do it, doesn't sit well for everyone. I remember people telling me how could you do that? Aren't you bored? Don't you miss talking to people? My answer was always no. My hours literally fly by because I'm doing something I love. And secondly I don't really like people so not interacting with them on a regular basis works for my antisocial, grumpy old man hermit ways. LOL But that's Eddy with a y. Some of you want to be able to make money on your own terms but not necessarily be tied to a desk or working for an employer per se. Well if that's you, I think you may enjoy my Lyft.com Review.
So What is Lyft.com?
Lyft.com is a company based in San Francisco, CA and was launched in 2012 by by Logan Green and John Zimmer. The company has a mobile phone app that is used to basically connect passengers needing a ride with drivers who have a car. So it's like a twist on the taxi concept! Lyft is currently operating in about 65 US cities with plans of expanding nationally and internationally. At the time of this review they have a pretty favorable rating with the Better Business Bureau ( BBB ) that can be viewed here if you rely on that to determine a company's legitimacy.
How does Lyft.com work – how do I make money driving?
Since Lyft.com services are only available in certain US cities, you would first need to visit the site for Lyft locations. If your city is included, here are the instructions on how to make money driving your car via the Lyft program:
- Download the free mobile phone apps (App Store for iOS and Google Play for Droid)
- Via the app you will be matched with/connected to passengers requesting a ride
- Passengers pay you through the app: 80% of payment from passengers goes to you (driver). Money is directly deposited into your Lyft driver account per the app.
Lyft Driver Requirements:
- Drivers must be at least 23 years of age
- Drivers must live in location that Lyft.com serves.
- Drivers must have a smartphone.
Drivers' car to be used must be a 2000 or newer and in good working condition
When & How does Lyft.com pay drivers ?
Payment is credited to drivers on a weekly basis. Driver's earnings from the previous week will be deposited into the drivers account by the end of the following week. In order for drivers to receive their pay, they must have direct deposit set up with an ACH transfer compatible checking account.
What are the benefits of driving for Lyft.com?
Drivers get to set their own hours with Lyft.com, as long as it fits within Lyft's hours of operation which can vary from city to city. Even if you have a job already, you can still make decent money driving for Lyft. Some drivers make hundreds of dollars with Lyft driving only on a weekend schedule.
Is it safe to be a Lyft driver, passenger?
Lyft makes safety their top priority for both drivers and passengers. Extensive background checks are run on drivers (DMV based and a basic screening) along with an initial telephone screening and an in-person meeting. Passengers are required to provide a valid credit card and phone number which is used for identity verification purposes. Drivers and passengers will rate each other at the end of the ride. Lyft uses this valuable feedback to ensure high driver/passenger community standards.
Are Lyft drivers insured?
All drivers insurance policies are set up by Lyft, at no cost to the driver. Leading insurance companies are used to provide drivers with: commercial auto liability insurance up to $1M per occurrence, etc.
Lyft.com Hacks, Tips, Perks?
So you're a Lyft Driver and want to figure out how to make more money with the company? Here are some tips to help you do that. Try the following.
- Drivers can make more money by using Lyft's increased Prime Time pricing – driving during peak hours
- Drivers can be part of the Lyft Community – An awesome place to meet, greet friendly people … both passengers and drivers. Share experiences, etc
Lyft.com Complaints:
If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know this is the section you've all been waiting for. On paper driving for Lyft.com sounds sweet doesn't it. But let's dig a little deeper to determine what are the cons of driving for Lyft.com. Please keep in mind every company has complaints. It doesn't mean the company is a scam. But it's good to be aware of some of these complaints against Lyft.com so you can make an informed decision.
B.. better have my money.
Apparently drivers have reported some payment issues with Lyft.com. From what we researched there have been complains of slow credits or in some rare cases some drivers not being credited at all! There are always two sides to claims like this and I've seen this argued with many other opportunities I've covered. I'm only alarmed when I see these reports are more of the norm than the exception.
Where's the helping hand?
Drivers have complained that support from Lyft.com is very limited. As it stands you can't call anyone, everything is done by email. And sometimes the email replies from support take way too long. Some of claimed that Lyft.com shows their drivers a lack of respect.
Ride fee issues
So there have been some instances where there are miscalculations where riders are being overcharged. And unfortunately Drivers are being blamed in some of these cases. Not good a look when you have to explain this to a pissed off passenger.
Is Lyft.com A Scam or Not?
Nope, Lyft.com appears to be a legitimate way to make money. Apparently you can make up to $35 per hour which is better than a lot of the typical work at home jobs I've run into. If you like the idea of getting out the house and earning money on your own terms this may be for you. Personally I'm not about that life for the most part. I'd prefer to make most of money from the comfort of my home so I can lounge around in my boxers and be with my annoying kids. lol If that's what you prefer as well, then be sure to check out some of the ways I have been able to make some real money online. You can personally learn from “Eddy with a y” some of my secrets.
Well enough from me. Now it's time to hear from you. Let me know what you think of Lyft.com and would this be something that would work for you? Post your comments down below. I love to hear from you as always.
Until next time,
Eddy with a y
Great review for Lyft, Eddy. I currently drive super part-time for Uber and the money really is great. I make about $20/hr on average. These trips from the suburbs to downtown is where the money is.
Hey Jason,
Thanks. Great to hear you’re doing well with Uber, it’s definitely getting bigger and a great opportunity to make extra money. Thanks for the tip on how to make the most out of it!
Hey there Eddy,
I live in Seattle, one of the cities that Lyft operates in, and know a couple of drivers for the company. It is pretty popular here.
I even thought about trying it out. I took my 2002 Mazda MPV van to have it checked, but then decided it really wasn’t for me.
The people I know of that are driving with Lyft haven’t had any problems getting paid, as far as I know, and are still using their cars to make money driving people around.
I do like your heading: “B.. better have my money.” Made me laugh, I like that song… pay me what you owe me..
Have a good one!
Hey Veronica,
Thanks for sharing your experience via your friends. I’m glad to hear people are having positive experieneces. It sounds like a good way to make money if you like driving and having strange people in your car. I barely like the people I do know and love so I couldn’t imagine dealing with strangers. But I’m not knocking it for others. Glad you got my Rihanna reference. The damn song is so catchy you can’t get it out of your head. The video was crazy! But that’s expected with Rihanna. lol
With me it seems like it’s always something that stops me. With this, it’s my 1997 Saturn. Runs good, 48,000 original miles… but 3 years too old.
Fortunately in this industry there are many ways to make money. So don’t fret Ana.
I am like you Eddy I like being in the comfort of my home not people standing over me and I don’t have to get all dressed or drive to work..
Amen Debra