Releasing F&B Vendors from Excessive Commission Fees
With the rise of online food aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, the eating landscape has changed significantly. While these services make ordering food easier, they also present difficulties for restaurateurs, especially when it comes to high commission fees. uEngage, a Chandigarh-based company, offers online ordering solutions to solve this problem and free restaurants from the high commission trap.
Difficulties Restaurant Owners Face
Restauranteurs are frequently at risk of sudden increases in commission fees levied by food aggregator platforms. These platforms account for a third of their revenue, which is a substantial amount, according to a JM Financial analysis from 2023. Furthermore, the inability to share client data hinders the development of customer connections and the personalization of services.
Introducing uEngage: The Hyperlocal Space’s Shopify
In an effort to spare restaurants, grocery stores, cloud kitchens, and meat/fish vendors from aggregator commissions, Sameer Sharma founded uEngage in 2018. uEngage offers a comprehensive approach to restaurant operations by enabling personalized ordering apps, effective delivery management, and automated marketing campaigns through the use of tools like Edge, Flash, and Prism.
The uEngage Philosophy
With a purpose to transform the foodtech sector, uEngage charges a transaction fee of 2% + GST and runs on a zero-commission approach. Through active participation in the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), uEngage enables companies to connect with an open network for digital commerce, promoting order convenience and flexibility.
The Tech Stack for uEngage
Users can use a variety of direct ordering tools under the uEngage EDGE banner, including as mobile apps, SEO-optimized websites, WhatsApp ordering, and Kiosk ordering. While Flash uses AI-powered technologies and real-time tracking to streamline delivery operations, PRISM improves marketing techniques and cultivates consumer loyalty. Moreover, Arc, a salon management software that streamlines processes and promotes customized interactions, is provided by uEngage.
Collaborations and Prospects
Seeking greater ease and reach, uEngage collaborates closely with logistics companies such as Dunzo, Zomato Xtreme, and Rapido. Within 18 to 24 months of its founding, uEngage achieved profitability and shown notable revenue growth, with projections of a gross merchandise value (GMV) of over INR 310 Cr. In order to compete with companies like Shopify and Dotpe, uEngage wants to increase its presence in the business tech market by aiming to open 50,000 outlets in the next three to four quarters.
Applications in the Market
The Indian online meal delivery market is predicted by Statista to expand from $43.78 billion in 2024 to $92.50 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of more than 16%. This offers uEngage and other creative solutions a significant chance to flourish and change the foodtech scene.
UEngage’s creative strategy emphasizes empowerment, efficiency, and growth while addressing the difficulties experienced by restaurant owners and paving the road for a more sustainable and customer-focused food delivery environment.