How to Reduce Aggregator Commissions by 40%

Strategies to reduce dependency on delivery aggregators: own channels, customer conversion, hybrid model.

Article

Aggregator commissions are one of the biggest pain points for restaurant businesses. With average commissions of 25-35%, margins drop to a minimum. But there are proven strategies to reduce these costs.

## How Much You're Really Paying Aggregators

Let's break down real costs using a restaurant with 3,000 monthly orders through aggregators:

- Average check: $6.40

- Revenue through aggregators: $19,200/month

- Commission 30%: **$5,760/month**

- Per year: **$69,120**

This is money that could go toward business development, marketing, and product improvement.

## Strategy 1: Launch Own Channels

The first and most important step — creating alternative sales channels with zero commission:

- **Own website** — SEO traffic, contextual advertising

- **Telegram bot** — cheapest acquisition channel in Uzbekistan

- **Mobile app** — for loyal customers

- **Instagram** — direct sales through Direct and Shopping

Cost of own channels: $24-64/month instead of $5,760.

## Strategy 2: Convert Aggregator Customers

A customer who came through an aggregator can become your regular customer:

- **Flyer in every delivery** — "Order through our website and get 10% off"

- **QR code on packaging** — leads to your Telegram bot

- **Loyalty program** — available only through own channels

- **Exclusive items** — some dishes only on your website

Average conversion rate: 15-25% of aggregator customers switch to own channels within 3 months.

## Strategy 3: Negotiate with Aggregators

If you're a major partner, you have leverage:

- Request lower commission with 1,000+ orders/month volume

- Participate in joint promotions (aggregator covers part of the discount)

- Optimize your rating (high rating = more orders = better terms)

- Consider exclusivity with one aggregator for reduced commission

## Strategy 4: Menu Optimization on Aggregators

- Increase prices on aggregators by 10-15% (covering part of commission)

- Remove low-margin items

- Promote high-margin dishes

- Create high-margin combo offers

## Strategy 5: Hybrid Model — Step-by-Step Plan

1. **Month 1-2:** Launch own channels (website + Telegram)

2. **Month 3-4:** Start customer conversion (flyers, promo codes)

3. **Month 5-6:** Launch loyalty program

4. **Month 7-12:** Scale — mobile app, targeted advertising

Expected results after 6 months:

- Aggregator share drops from 100% to 40-50%

- Commission costs fall by 40-50%

- Overall profitability grows by 15-20%

## Conclusion

Reducing aggregator commissions by 40% is achievable in 6 months. The key is launching own channels and systematically converting customers. This doesn't mean leaving aggregators — it means stopping being dependent on them.