Tips are an essential part of any taxi driver’s income, and with most tips ranging from around ten per cent to a generous round-up of a £15 fare to a £20 note, it’s important to know how to maximise your revenue from each fare. A tip is, of course, still voluntary and you simply can’t expect every customer to tip well, if at all, but if you’re able to go the extra mile for customers, then there is no reason why you don’t deserve a fantastic tip! So read our guide to getting the best possible out of every fare:

Cater for Your Customers

The number 1 law of good service is to cater to the needs of your customers and this can go far beyond just picking them up and dropping them off in the right place. If a customer needs you to wait a minute, do so; if they’re in a rush, make sure you take the fastest route available and if they’re looking for somewhere great to go for a drink after work, make sure you find it for them!

As a taxi-driver, you’re selling your knowledge of the local area, so use it to your advantage whenever you possibly can.

Watch Your Driving

Unfortunately, Hull taxi drivers have a reputation for being somewhat reckless behind the wheel, and while you might think you know the streets like the back of your hand, driving quickly seldom makes for a pleasant ride for your customers. Always stick to the speed limit and keep in mind that any bumps you feel are twice as worse in the back.

You should be especially mindful if you are driving with young children or older people: it’s crucial that they enjoy the ride and that your driving is impeccable!

Keep the Chat Light

Some customers really do love to talk, while others don’t. This is fine, but if you do end up in a conversation with a customer, it’s good practice to keep things at a polite and friendly level. Complaining about the cost of fuel or taxi insurance is not going to endear them to you!

It’s also worth keeping away from potentially toxic subjects such as politics. It is really easy to get pulled into a heated discussion and, presuming you don’t know your customers, it’s hard to judge the right thing to say. Therefore, it’s best avoided in the cab altogether.

Go the Extra Mile

Not literally, but if you can help a customer out more than you really need to it’s worth doing so as it’s great for your reputation and you might well get a tip out of it. An idea would be having a supply of city maps for tourists or some cards for a few nice restaurants can make someone’s day.

Occasionally, you’ll also get the chance to really help somebody out. Waiting with the meter off for 5 minutes or agreeing to pick up a couple of friends so they can all share the same taxi can be worth your time in tips alone. Take the opportunity when it arises and you might not just be rewarded on the initial trip, but you could also be called on again for future rides.

Be Sensitive to Needs

Finally, nothing is more endearing than knowing what your clients want from their taxi ride. A lot of people do find riding in a taxi with a driver they don’t know a little awkward, so introducing yourself and endeavouring to find out a little more about your clients can often greatly help, particularly for tourists, as it can help them to relax and enjoy themselves.

On the other hand, if you can see someone is obviously in a hurry, wanting to get to a meeting or on the phone, you need to respect that wish. Being a little sensitive to your customers’ needs can really go a long way, especially if you can anticipate them in advance.

There’s a direct link between good service and a good tip, so really focus on providing the best possible service you can. You may find that more customers than not are generous and will really begin to appreciate your work. Go that extra mile where you can, but above all, be sure to try to anticipate what your customers want – it’s the best way to provide a great service.