Rideshare might be more flexible than retail or food service, but it’s still a customer service industry. You know your ratings matter, and you know your efficiency and customer service directly play into those ratings.
But let’s face it. Uber and Lyft don’t give you a lot in the way of materials to make a great rideshare vehicle. That’s all up to you. So what do you need in your car? So glad you asked.
1. Phone mount
We all know we’re on our phones too much, and we all know it can be dangerous to use a phone while driving. But as a courier, what choice do you have? Your phone is your connection with new and current customers. And, unless you’re really good at directions, it’s your only way to do your job.
A phone mount allows you to reference your phone with a quick glance while you’re driving—especially handy when navigating in an unfamiliar area. It’s an essential piece of courier gear.
One word of caution, though. Some phone mounts clip into your car’s vents, which is great if you live somewhere where you’ll always have the AC on. In addition to having hands-free access to your phone, the air from the vent will keep your phone cool. However, a vent mount will backfire on you if you turn the heat on. The warm air directly on your phone is likely to fry its circuits.
2. Mileage log
As a rideshare driver, you’re on your own for gear and taxes. That means you have to keep track of deductions, especially mileage. You can do this the old fashioned way with pen and paper, or check out our list of top mileage tracker apps.
3. Car charger for your phone
It doesn’t matter how great your phone’s battery is. If you’re using it for GPS, checking platforms, texting customers, and the occasional game of Candy Crush, you’re going to need a charger. Besides one for yourself, it can be a good idea to have an extra Android and iPhone cable in your car for customers. They’ll appreciate your customer service, and your tips will, too.
Check out our list of the best iPhone and Android chargers.
4. Auxiliary cord
Unless you have some amazing radio stations or an impressive CD collection, you’re probably going to want to play music from your phone. When purchasing an aux cord to connect your phone to the car’s stereo, consider getting one long enough for your customers to plug in their phones, too. The thoughtful customer service could go a long way.
5. Water
There are so many reasons for rideshare drivers to keep bottled water in their car. First off, if you get a drunk passenger, giving them water makes them a lot less likely to leave you with a mess to clean up when they get out. Secondly, it’s basic customer service again. Third, you need to drink water, too. Fourth, you can deduct it from your taxes.
Convinced yet?
When you start stocking the water, though, consider purchasing a mini cooler to keep it in. No one likes lukewarm water.
6. Paper towels
You know why you need these. Kid spills ice cream. Passenger gets sick. Someone tips over their coffee.
7. Barf bags
You hope you never need them, but when you do, you’ll wish you’d have had them.
8. Pen and paper
You’ll use it. Your customers will use it. Everyone will be happy.
9. Gum or mints
Freshen your breath. Offer to your customers.
Warning: do not buy these if you have no self control. It doesn’t help your customer service if you eat all the mints.
10. Towel
Rideshare drivers have to let passengers bring their service dogs in the car, so make sure you’re prepared. Keep a big old towel stashed in your trunk to protect your seats and floors from muddy dog pawprints.
11. Sunglasses
Because sunshine is pretty, but driving blind is not.
12. Your favorite coffee app
You don’t even have to buy this one! Seriously, though, if your favorite coffee stop has an app or a rewards program, take advantage of it. Chain coffee places like Starbucks offer coupons and discounts inside their apps as well.
13. Air freshener
Unless you want your car to smell like wet dog, body odor, some customer’s lunch and a half a dozen different kinds of perfume by the end of the day, you need an air freshener. Don’t go crazy with this one—some customers are going to be just as annoyed by an overly strong air freshener as they would be by stale car smell—but do consider some kind of freshener for your car.
14. Book or Kindle
You can scroll Facebook between rides, or you could expand your knowledge by reading a book. Picking a bestseller could also allow you to offer some reading material to a customer, too.
Conversely, you could just read this blog.
15. Spray cleaner
For when paper towels just aren’t going to cover the mess.
16. High power flashlight
This one can be helpful for seeing address signs when it’s late at night. You can always use your cellphone, too, if it’s bright enough.
17. Hand sanitizer
It will keep you healthy, and your germophobic customer will be eternally grateful.
18. First aid kit
You never know when a customer might just need a bandage or an aspirin. Keeping a mini first aid kit in your glove compartment is a great call regardless of whether you’re driving passengers or family members.
19. Dash cam
Dash cams protect you and your passengers, and they’re an absolute must for rideshare drivers. They cover you legally, and can provide a pretty leakproof case in the event of an accident where you are not at fault.
Check out our list of the best dash cams.
20. Disposable gloves
These might be in your first aid kit, but if they’re not, you’ll want to get some. While rideshare drivers hope they never have to clean up someone else’s body fluids out of their care, it’s bound to happen sometime. Make sure you don’t clean up unprotected.
