Part 4/10:
James, despite being full-time, has been stuck at the Ruby tier for over a year due to the platform’s opaque algorithm that assigns orders and shifts. The system favors higher-tier riders for prime time slots, effectively creating a cycle where part-time or lower-tier riders struggle to secure steady income. This structure creates an uneven playing field, where effort alone does not guarantee higher earnings.
Challenges Beyond Incentives
A typical day involves early mornings at McDonald's in Woodlands, waiting for orders within a 4-kilometer radius, and navigating the complexities of stack orders—multiple deliveries combined into a single trip. Despite working several hours, earnings may only total around $37 for an entire day, highlighting the job's low profitability.