Ride-hailing app launched in Johannesburg allows for bargaining
Cutting out transaction fees and other costs associated with higher commission rates, payment is cash only.
Jozi-based ride-hailers can now bargain for a fair price with inDriver, a newcomer to the local e-hailing scene, according to inDriver spokesperson Rifqa Carr.
Following on from a successful Cape Town launch, the app made its debut in Johannesburg on May 16 with a new built-in safety feature for both drivers and riders.
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“Everyone loves to haggle, there’s something deeply satisfying about snagging a ride for a lower fare,” says Carr.
The ride-hailing company not only lets riders decide how much they want to spend on their trip, but also lets drivers barter with potential riders for more money.
Passengers enter the amount they are willing to pay for a trip and drivers then bid on the offer.
The bargaining function on the app makes the ride-hailing service well-suited to longer commutes – from neighbouring suburbs into hubs like Sandton and the CBD.
A safety button for both driver and rider, linked to emergency numbers, has been incorporated into the app.
In addition, both parties can share their GPS location and other details of rides in real time with trusted contacts.
“A unique feature to inDriver is that drivers are not automatically assigned to riders,” says Carr.
Passengers receive multiple offers from drivers in the area and are given the opportunity to select one based on fare amounts, driver ratings, estimated time of arrival and vehicle model.
The trip is confirmed once both parties agree to the fare.
“Drivers are able to see the full fare, from point A to point B and can decide if they want to accept the request – or not.
“We want to give the power of setting prices back into the hands of passengers and drivers.”
Tips on how to get some bang for your buck:
• Information is power – do your homework. The more you know, the better your position. Familiarise yourself with what you’d usually pay for routes that you are familiar with and then offer a lower rate. The driver can always push up their price to reach a happy middle ground.
• Patience pays – time plays a role in negotiations. Don’t leave your request to the last minute as time to spare in any situation is usually an advantage. Planning ahead will give you more driver options to choose from.
• Think win-win – most negotiations are seen as competitive, with each side trying to get the better end of the deal. Shift your mindset from a competitive mode to a cooperative one. Negotiate a deal that is fair to both the potential driver and yourself.
InDriver is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
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