Aside from repairs, gas, insurance, payments and other fees, interior care will cost a lot more if you're a rideshare driver. Here's a few tips and things to consider:
- Covers Abound - Seat Covers are a great way to protect your original interior. Riders are pretty used to this too, so none should be too offended that you don't want them in and out, wearing and tearing your seats up.
- Carry in, Carry out - Putting up some fun signs is a good way to remind people they are in someone's actual vehicle. Although direct confrontation is best avoided, simple signs will remind people to be very careful with any food or drink they bring in the car. Much like our precious national parks, you can have some common sense "policies" posted.
- Cleanliness - Practice good hygiene, and encourage customers to do the same. Some nice dispensable wipes and/or complementary hand sanitizers will do the trick, prevent illness and encourage good reviews!
- Organize - Keep your personal items separate. Maintain a simple backseat organizers for the items your customer may use. Also, a good trunk organizer to keep all your cleaners, wipes, trash bags and other car care items in good order and ready to use after any unsavory riders.
- Pay Attention to the Weather - This isn't just about A/C and heat. If you have snowy winter months, accommodate the snow and melt with deep dish floor mat liners. For the summer, supply cling-on side shades for your riders.
- Timeliness with Unfortunate Situations - Yeah, the nightmare rides do happen! People can get sick with vomit or other human fluids. Like any stain or spill, the faster you clean the more damage is prevented. Have your carpet cleaner, baking soda and stain-spot remover at the ready in your trunk or backseat compartment.
- Make it Comfy - The list isn't all about the negatives, and cleaning chores. Let yourself and your riders enjoy modern comforts. People will appreciate optional memory foam cushions, or even seat warmers and coolers in the winter. Wooded bead cushions and plug-in massagers (12V) can create an absolute 5-star rider experience.
- Candies and Meds - A lot of drivers like to have mints (bad breathe can travel pretty far in an enclosed area like a care). But consider other convenient "goodies" as well - Ready to alleviate any situation. Cough drops, advil, bottled water, throat lozenges and antacids top the list.
- Smell is the Strongest Memory - Don't let it be a bad one. Always have an air freshener at work - but not too many, test the smell and ask a friend or family member if it's overpowering or not enough. Also, have some spray like febreeze for heavier jobs, or riders who may have forgotten to shower for a few days.
- Safety First - OK, in this case we wrote it last. But seriously, always have a spare tire, booster cables and a first aid kit in your vehicle at the ready.