Advice for a Beginner Please?

[steve m]

Hi,

I'm a new rider, working for a fleet. I've only been out twice. The first night I worked for 6 hours, got three rides, and made $35. The second night I worked for 7 hours, got only one ride, and made $5. After the rental on the cab, I actually lost money!

Here's my background:

I've been a dedicated, serious cyclist for 15 years. That's my only hobby. My wife and I have good careers making good money, so I don't need this job. But I'd like to make A LITTLE money to pay off debts and have some extra spending cash. Something like $50 per night, net?

I usually rode around, but sometimes I stopped and waited when there were large crowds. I'm a little shy, but I managed to smile and ask a bunch of people. Here's how I asked:

"Would you like a ride tonight, sir?"
"Care for a lift tonight, ladies?"

The constant rejection was hard to take. People were very nice - Smiling and saying "no thank you," so I don't think I intimidated, scared them, or turned them off. I even got a few nice "looks" from the ladies if you catch my drift.

Now I'm depressed and discouraged, and wondering if it's even worth it. I was super enthusiastic and thought this would be a dream job :( .

Sorry to bother you, and thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[Rick Shaw]

Don't ask, tell! First rule of sales, never ask a "Yes or No" question. People usually say no. Test it for yourself, go into a store and someone will ask if you need any help. You'll often say no, pause, and then say actually do you have...
Your first instinct is to say "no thanks" even if you should say yes. Instead ask your clients a question like "where are you going" or "what are you all up to tonight" at this point you could recommend a restaurant, bar, tour, etc. I've had great success with just telling people to get in the bike for a ride. If you ride for tips, you could mention "no charge" (once they are in the bike, be sure to mention that there is never a charge and that you just ride for tips). You can only make money if they take the ride. Don't worry so much about the money (it will come & average out pretty well), just work on getting the ride. If people acknowledged you and were being polite, you are doing fine. It is the rude ones who ignore you or act as if you have three heads that are more bothersome. You do need extra thick skin for this type of work! If you are "a bit shy" become an actor, you are no longer mild mannered Steve, You. Are. Pedicab. STEVE!!! (cue theme music) Most of these people don't know you and would not recognize you the next day. Come up with a "character" and act the part. You don't have to be load or crazy or strange (but it may help), you just have to be "not you". Once you are "not you", it no longer matters what others think, it can be very liberating! Best of luck!

[Gike]

Being shy just does not cut it with pedicabbers. You have to be "bubbley". People like characters. I had a driver that carried his backpack guitar with him to sing a song for the riders. That got them in the cab easily. As long as it looks like you are having fun, they will want to ride with you...

[cycle_pathic_maniac]

Dont work for tips. Charge and charge lots. You are not the customers bitch, the customer is your bitch. Charge lots.

[kludge]

Dont work for tips. Charge and charge lots. You are not the customers bitch, the customer is your bitch. Charge lots.

ding-ding-ding!!! hot-dog, we have a weiner! $20/mile for 2-3 heads, $10/mile/head beyond that. if they balk, remind them that you don't have an engine or subsidized fuel, and if they still say no, tell 'em to have a nice walk. and as long as you do it with a shit-eating grin, they can't really get mad at you.