Welcome to Japan! If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn an income while exploring the country, becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner is a popular choice. Japan’s gig economy has a unique flavor, with many workers, known as “freeters,” valuing freedom over traditional corporate life. For foreigners, it offers a fantastic opportunity to work on your own schedule. However, success in this role hinges on one critical factor: your driver rating.
This guide is designed for foreigners starting their Uber Eats journey in Japan. We’ll break down the rating system, explain why it’s so important, and provide practical strategies to help you maintain a high score, ensuring a smooth and profitable experience.
Understanding the Uber Eats Rating System
The rating system is the backbone of the Uber Eats platform, designed to ensure quality and trust for customers, restaurants, and delivery partners. It’s a two-way street, but your rating as a driver is what directly impacts your access to the platform and your earning potential.
How Ratings Work
After each completed delivery, both the customer and the restaurant have the option to give you a simple rating: a “;thumbs up” or a “thumbs down”. Your overall satisfaction rating is an average calculated from your last 100 ratings. This score is visible to customers when they place an order and during the delivery process.
According to Uber’s official guidelines, if you’re new, your rating might fluctuate significantly at first because it’s based on fewer trips. As you complete more deliveries, your score will stabilize. Importantly, you will not receive a rating for any canceled or unaccepted delivery requests.
Why Your Rating is Crucial
Maintaining a high rating is not just about pride; it’s essential for your success on the platform. A high score can lead to:
- More Delivery Requests: Uber’s algorithm may prioritize drivers with higher ratings.
- Consistent Earnings: Staying active with a good reputation helps ensure a steady flow of orders.
- Account Security: A consistently low rating can put your account at risk. While the exact threshold can vary by city, some sources suggest that a rating below 90-92% (or 4.6 stars in other markets) could lead to a warning or deactivation.
Before You Start: Key Requirements in Japan
Before you can focus on ratings, you need to get your account set up. For foreigners in Japan, this involves specific documentation. Ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Work Eligibility: You must have a residence status that permits work, such as a Permanent Resident, Spouse of a Japanese National, or Long-Term Resident visa. Working holiday visas are also often accepted. Check Uber’s official page for the full list of eligible statuses.
- Vehicle Documents: If you plan to use a scooter or motorcycle (125cc or more), you will need a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of liability insurance (自賠責保険, jibaiseki hoken).
Core Pillars of a High Rating
Your rating is a reflection of the total experience you provide. It boils down to two key interactions: with the customer and with the restaurant.
The Customer Experience
This is where you can truly shine. Customers value:
- Professionalism and Politeness: A simple “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa) and a smile go a long way. Even if your Japanese is limited, a positive attitude is universally understood.
- Clear Communication: If you’re running late due to traffic or a restaurant delay, send a quick message through the app. Managing expectations is key to preventing a negative rating.
- Speed and Efficiency: Customers appreciate getting their food promptly. Plan your routes and handle deliveries with a sense of urgency.
- Following Instructions: Pay close attention to delivery notes, such as “leave at door” or specific directions for finding an apartment.
The Restaurant Interaction
Your interaction at the pickup point also matters. Restaurant staff can rate you, and a smooth pickup process benefits everyone.
- Courtesy: Treat restaurant staff with respect. Announce your arrival clearly and state the order number.
- Patience: Sometimes restaurants are busy and orders aren’t ready immediately. Wait patiently and avoid showing frustration.
- Preparedness: Have your insulated delivery bag ready to ensure the food stays at the right temperature from the moment you receive it.
Actionable Strategies for 5-Star Service
Knowing the theory is one thing; putting it into practice is another. Here are some concrete steps you can take to boost your rating:
- Double-Check the Order: Before leaving the restaurant, quickly confirm you have the right order. While you can’t open sealed bags, you can check the name and order number on the receipt.
- Invest in Good Equipment: A high-quality, insulated delivery bag is a must. It keeps food hot or cold and shows customers you care about their order.
- Master Your Area: Stick to neighborhoods you know well, especially when you’re starting. This reduces the chance of getting lost and causing delays.
- Practice Safe Riding: Follow all traffic laws. In Japan, this includes wearing a helmet on motorcycles and scooters. Uber Japan has actively promoted helmet safety, and being a safe rider reflects well on you.
- Communicate Proactively: Don’t wait for the customer to ask where you are. A simple pre-written message in Japanese like 「お待たせしております。あと5分ほどで到着予定です。」(Omata seshite orimasu. Ato go-fun hodo de tōchaku yotei desu. – “Thank you for waiting. I expect to arrive in about 5 minutes.”) can make a huge difference.
The Reality of Delivering in Japan
Working as a delivery partner in Japan has its own unique context, shaped by local work culture and platform dynamics.
Flexibility and Driver Satisfaction
Unlike the controversies seen in other parts of the world, the gig work model has been received relatively well in Japan. Many drivers are drawn to the freedom and autonomy it provides. A recent study of 14,000 delivery drivers in Japan found that 63% were “satisfied” with their work, and 82% wanted to continue in their roles. This stands in stark contrast to typically lower satisfaction numbers reported globally.
Earnings, Incentives, and “Whale Hunting”
Your earnings on Uber Eats Japan are calculated based on a fare that includes a base amount (factoring in time and distance) and a trip supplement for things like high traffic or high demand. Uber also offers promotions called “Quests,” which are bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries in a set time. While these can boost income, some critics argue they can encourage rushing and increase accident risks.
More recently, a phenomenon known as “whale hunting” (クジラ案件, kujira anken) has emerged. Some drivers have started to strategically reject smaller, less profitable orders in the hope of landing a high-paying “whale” order. This behavior, reported by media like The Asahi Shimbun, is a response by drivers to changes in Uber’s payment algorithm and adds another layer of strategy to maximizing earnings.
Managing and Recovering from Low Ratings
Even the best drivers can receive a thumbs down occasionally for reasons beyond their control, like a restaurant delay or a customer having a bad day. Don’t panic over a single low rating.
Your rating is an average of the last 100 rated trips, so one bad score won’t destroy it. The best way to recover is to focus on providing excellent service on your next deliveries to bring the average back up.
If your rating starts to approach the deactivation threshold, Uber will typically send you a notification and may provide resources to help you improve. They also have systems to remove unfair ratings, such as those caused by major, unavoidable delays. The key is to focus on what you can control: your professionalism, communication, and service.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Succeeding as an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan is about more than just speed; it’s about providing a professional, reliable, and courteous service. By understanding the rating system and focusing on the small details that create a positive experience for both customers and restaurants, you can maintain a high score and enjoy the flexibility and financial rewards that come with it.
If you’re prepared, informed, and ready to embrace the journey, Uber Eats offers a unique way to experience Japan. Sign up today and start your adventure as a delivery partner.
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