12 Smart Ways Restaurants in Saudi and the GCC Can Save Money When Dealing with Aggregators
1. Negotiate Commission Rates Based on Volume or Exclusivity
If you have multiple branches, high daily order volume, or are open to partial exclusivity, you can negotiate lower commission rates or better placement packages. Dont just accept the default.
2. Avoid Free Delivery on Low-Value Orders
Free delivery on SAR 2030 orders can kill your profits. Instead, set a minimum order value (SAR 60+), offer free delivery only during slow hours, or tie it to specific combos.
3. Switch Off Expensive Aggregators When You're Busy
Temporarily disable the platforms with the highest commissions during peak hours to reduce cost pressure and avoid overwhelming your kitchen.
4. Encourage Pickup and Curbside Orders
Pickup = lower or zero commission. Promote it with SAR 510 off, fast prep times, and loyalty cards. Curbside pickup is gaining popularity in residential and business areas.
5. Increase Prices on Aggregators to Cover Costs
Adjust your menu prices on aggregators to offset fees. Offer direct customers discounts, free items, or loyalty rewards as an incentive to switch.
6. Create High-Margin Combos for Delivery
Bundle meals such as family platters, iftar boxes, or meal-for-two sets increase average order value and improve profit margins.
7. Keep Your Delivery Menu Focused
Only include high-margin, best-selling, and quick-prep items. Use Arabic names and real dish photos to increase orders.
8. Collect Customer Info Without Violating Aggregator Rules
Drop a card in each delivery bag saying: ‘Missing an item? Contact us directly well fix it ‘. This opens a WhatsApp conversation and builds a direct customer relationship.
9. Use Multiple Aggregators, But Measure ROI
Track commission rates, AOV, refunds, and volume by platform. Focus on those that bring real profit, not just traffic.
10. Offer Loyalty Outside the App
Include in-bag promotions such as stamp cards, QR codes to your site, and special rewards for repeat orders through direct channels.
11. Review Performance Weekly
Spend 1015 minutes weekly reviewing top items, order trends, and platform costs. Small tweaks lead to big savings.
12. Don't Be Fooled by Banners or Top Listings
Promotions can silently increase your effective commission to over 50%. Use a calculator or sheet to track daily net earnings. Cancel low-ROI promos early.
Final Thoughts
In today’s competitive food delivery landscape, especially in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC, aggregators can be a powerful ally—but only if approached strategically. By negotiating smart deals, tracking daily performance, building direct customer relationships, and maintaining control over your pricing and promotions, your restaurant can thrive on these platforms without compromising profits. Remember, technology should serve your business—not control it. Apply these tips consistently, and you’ll be in a strong position to grow sustainably, serve better, and earn more.