We’re in a period of migration, product evolution and rapid growth of both hosts and guest; while we’re working hard to resolve all issues, here’s what you need to know:
🔧 BYOD Updates
• Primary GPS goes live in DM app 15th Oct. Support, hosts* and guests* can view GPS location via OBD dongle [* at appropriate times, to maintain security and privacy]
• Secondary GPS already live to Drive mate admin (for recovery, not pick-up/drop-off) – will not be visible to guests or hosts.
• Otoplug & Lockboxes are live. If yours isn’t working, contact DM support via online chat (app and web), WhatsApp chat (app), support@drivemate.au or 03 4160 2205
📦 New Devices
• For those not choosing BYOD, we have already sent the ROI form to you via email. In case you haven't received/ completed the form please complete here to confirm your address and timing. NB only for those who are not BYOD.
• Otoplug Installation: Starts 28th Oct (we’re aiming for sooner). Costs $100 per install.
• GPS Shipping: Starts 13th Oct, with tracking details provided. Each shipment costs a flat rate of $29 for all requested devices.
⛽️ Fuel Policy
• We will move to a the UCS charging (per km charge) & payout system (monthly payout to hosts with monthly statements) from first week of December ’24 – this will supersede the current 150kms per day included.
⏰ Trip Length & Extensions
• On Oct 15th we’ll switch on hourly trips for everyone who has not already selected, to help maximise earnings – this is easily switched off if you don’t want, but is recommended.
• Glitches on Trip extensions that we are truly sorry for – fixed by end Oct latest.
☎️ Support
• We know this is an area where we need to (and will) do better.
• As our fleet and borrower numbers are now growing fast we are expanding our support teams accordingly.
• We have onboarded and are training five new members over last fortnight with at least five more joining over next fortnight, in addition to our existing team – the Drive mate family is now over 50-strong.
• You will be pleased to know that we already have brought on board senior folks from UCS’s operations team from Oct 1.
💹 Marketing
• Our paid Meta and Google ads continue to expand reach and conversion rates.
• We’re working on enhanced creative right now.
• Booking numbers are growing steadily, in line with increased booking inquiry numbers we shared this week.
• Our host printables portal will fully launch this week, but PM us or email ben@drivemate.au to request early access.
We hope this helps clear up your concerns. Please, please bear with us, consider the significant progress we have made recently, and rest assured all issues flagged are or will be addressed.
Thank-you all so much for your patience and support,
Drive mate team.
PS Please join our next Host Q&A 6pm Monday October 21st here.
