Ride-sharing services are becoming popular in the Philippines and this is the reason why the government has been developing regulations for this app-based transportation services. Many commuters were enjoying the benefits of Grab and Uber.
For riders, using these transport services is more convenient and safer. It’s because before a commuter chooses a Grab and Uber service, he or she will know the plate number of the car and the picture of the driver. Another advantage of these ride-sharing services is that you will know the car’s GPS position.
The potential earnings in Grab and Uber can exceed the monthly salary of an ordinary employee. But, there are expenses involved such as toll fares, fuel expenses and salary of the driver in case you hire one.
Here are some factors to consider if you’re thinking to be a Grab or Uber driver or operator:
Carwash
The operator of Uber or Grab ensures that the vehicle is in good condition so that they can provide high quality service. To keep the vehicle clean, an operator spends about Php400 for monthly carwash expenses. But, if you have time you can do the car washing yourself to save the cost.
Food
If you hire a driver, you need to provide daily food allowance. This is important to ensure that your driver has the energy needed for the day. The food allowance may cost you a minimum of Php100 a day and Php 2,400 a month.
Salary
The salary for the driver depends on the agreement between the operator and driver. Before you decide to hire a driver you should think about your driver’s compensation.
Internet
If you will operate an Uber or Grab vehicle, you’ll need Internet access because the service is entirely app-based. It is important to ensure that the data connection or Internet are strong and stable to avoid losing potential customers. For the Internet, you need to budget around Php 600 to Php1,000 per month.
You can also opt for a Pocket wi-fi that is faster than mobile data, but it will also add to your expenses.
Maintenance
To guarantee that your vehicle will run efficiently, regular maintenance should be provided. Make sure that the vehicle is running smoothly and the air-conditioning unit is highly operational. Let a mechanic check your vehicle every month including the tires, oil and light. The monthly maintenance will cost you approximately Php1,200 a month.
Considering all the expenses, see to it that you earn profit after deducting all the expenses. Operating an Uber or Grab is a good source of income as long as you’re earning a profit.