How to Reduce Aggregator Commissions by 40%

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.