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Amazon·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Senior

Senior
Apr 2026

Summary

PM case question for Amazon, framed around an Uber scenario where drivers are pushing riders off the app to collect cash. One question, product strategy flavor, decent amount to unpack if you actually think it through.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

You're a PM at Uber. Drivers are increasingly convincing riders to pay cash directly instead of through the app. How do you handle this?

Product StrategyProduct Analytics & MetricsPricing & Monetization
Author's notes

My first instinct was to go straight to enforcement but that felt too narrow.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by framing the problem as a leakage in the marketplace that threatens trust, safety, and revenue. Then, propose a structured approach: diagnose root causes, quantify impact, and prioritize solutions that balance driver incentives, rider experience, and platform integrity. Finally, recommend a phased rollout with clear success metrics and contingency plans.

Pro tip: Acknowledge the tension between driver earnings and platform rules—drivers may feel cash deals benefit them short-term, so solutions must address their underlying pain points (e.g., high commissions, payout delays) while reinforcing the value of staying on-platform.

1. Diagnose the Problem

Identify why drivers and riders are opting for cash: driver dissatisfaction with fees/payouts, rider incentives (discounts, convenience), or lack of enforcement. Gather data from support tickets, driver forums, and transaction patterns.

2. Quantify Impact

Estimate the scale: what percentage of trips are affected? What is the revenue loss, safety risk, and impact on platform liquidity? Use metrics like cash trip rate, driver churn, and rider complaints.

3. Generate Solutions

Brainstorm interventions across three areas: (1) driver incentives (e.g., lower commissions, instant payouts), (2) rider incentives (e.g., loyalty points, discounts for in-app payments), and (3) enforcement (e.g., detection algorithms, penalties).

4. Prioritize and Test

Evaluate solutions by impact, cost, and feasibility. Run A/B tests or pilot programs in select cities to measure effectiveness. Consider unintended consequences like driver backlash.

5. Implement and Monitor

Roll out successful interventions, monitor key metrics (e.g., cash trip rate, driver satisfaction, revenue), and iterate. Communicate changes clearly to drivers and riders to maintain trust.

Key Points to Mention

  • Root causes: driver earnings concerns, rider desire for discounts or privacy, and gaps in enforcement.
  • Metrics: cash trip rate, driver retention, rider lifetime value, and revenue leakage.
  • Driver-centric solutions: reduce commission, offer instant payouts, or bonus programs for in-app payments.
  • Rider incentives: loyalty programs, discounts, or gamification to encourage in-app payments.
  • Enforcement: use data to detect off-platform trips, implement penalties, and improve reporting.
  • Safety and trust: emphasize insurance, support, and accountability that cash trips lack.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.