Boost Profits in Saudi Arabia and Cut Aggregator Dependency

Saudi Arabia’s food industry is booming, but with rising operational costs and high aggregator commissions, many restaurants are seeing profit margins shrink. Platforms like Jahez, HungerStation, and The Chefz offer convenience and customer reach, but their steep commission fees—often up to 30% per order—limit long-term sustainability.

At the same time, Saudi consumers are changing their habits, with an increasing preference for digital-first, mobile-friendly, and direct ordering experiences. With Vision 2030 driving digital transformation, restaurant owners have a unique opportunity to take back control of their profits, own customer relationships, and reduce dependency on aggregators without losing visibility.

This blog explores practical, data-backed strategies to help Saudi restaurants increase direct orders, strengthen customer engagement, and build a profitable, independent business model.

1. Why Saudi Restaurants Need a Stronger Direct Ordering Strategy

While aggregators bring exposure and convenience, over-reliance on them comes with significant downsides:

Profits Lost to Commissions

Every aggregator order takes 20-30% of revenue, limiting a restaurant’s ability to:

• Reinvest in higher-quality ingredients & better service.
• Improve customer experience and in-house operations.
• Offer competitive pricing without sacrificing margins.

No Direct Access to Customer Data

Aggregators own customer interactions, making it difficult for restaurants to:

• Build personalized loyalty programs.
• Analyze customer behavior for better marketing.
• Create data-driven promotions that drive repeat business.

Brand Control & Customer Experience Issues

Since customers interact with the aggregator’s platform, restaurants lose control over:

• Pricing strategies—restaurants may need to increase prices to cover fees.
• Customer service—aggregators dictate how refunds & complaints are handled.
• Brand identity—restaurant branding is often overshadowed by the platform.

Operational Challenges

Aggregator platforms prioritize order volume over restaurant efficiency, leading to:

• Delayed deliveries & customer complaints, even when issues aren’t the restaurant’s fault.
• Logistical limitations, where restaurants must rely on third-party couriers instead of in-house efficiency.
• Limited upselling options, reducing the ability to increase order value.

The key takeaway? Restaurants that invest in direct ordering systems gain greater control, higher profits, and a more sustainable customer base.

2. How to Reduce Dependency on Aggregators in Saudi Arabia

A. Create an Irresistible Direct Ordering Experience

Restaurants must make direct ordering a better experience than ordering via an aggregator.

• Offer Better Prices: Provide exclusive discounts or cashback for direct orders.
• Improve Convenience: Ensure fast, frictionless mobile checkout & multiple payment options.
• Enable Pre-Orders & Scheduling: Allow customers to plan meals in advance, especially for Iftar & Suhoor during Ramadan.

B. Reward Customers for Ordering DirectlyLoyalty programs and gamification can significantly boost repeat direct orders.

• Cashback & Rewards Points: Encourage customers to collect points with every direct order.
• Referral Discounts: Give incentives to customers who invite friends to order directly.
• Gamified Offers: Use spin-the-wheel discounts, surprise vouchers, or milestone-based rewards.

C. Promote Direct Ordering Through Every Channel

• WhatsApp & SMS Marketing: Send personalized offers & reminders.
  
• Geo-Targeted Ads: Run localized campaigns to attract nearby customers.
• Aggregator-to-Direct Conversion Strategy: Add QR codes & exclusive promo codes inside aggregator deliveries.

D. Enhance the In-Restaurant Digital Experience

QR menus & contactless payments streamline both dine-in and takeaway orders.

• QR Code Ordering: Customers can scan, browse, and order without waiting for staff.
• Tap-to-Pay & Split Bills: Faster checkout with Apple Pay, Mada & other digital wallets.
• Keep Orders Open Until Checkout (Exclusive to Weevi): Customers can continue ordering throughout their meal before final checkout—increasing order size.

E. Leverage Data to Drive Smart Decision-Making

Restaurants with direct customer data can:

• Analyze best-selling menu items & optimize pricing.
• Predict peak ordering times & adjust staffing accordingly.
• Create highly targeted marketing campaigns based on real customer behavior.

3. Balancing Aggregators & Direct Ordering: The Smart Approach

Restaurants don’t have to abandon aggregators completely—but they should use them strategically while making direct ordering the preferred method.

• Keep Aggregators for Exposure: Many customers discover restaurants through aggregator platforms.
• Convert Aggregator Customers into Direct Customers: Offer better deals & rewards on direct orders.
• Print QR Codes & Offers on Takeaway Packaging: Guide customers to scan & reorder directly next time.

This hybrid model allows restaurants to maintain visibility while shifting long-term customer habits towards direct engagement.

4. How Weevi Helps Saudi Restaurants Increase Direct Orders?

Weevi provides a commission-free, fully integrated online ordering system that helps Saudi restaurants maximize profits, improve efficiency, and build stronger customer relationships.

Why Choose Weevi?

• 0% Commission Model – Stop losing revenue to aggregators and keep 100% of your earnings.
• AI-Driven Customer Insights – Get real-time analytics on customer behavior, peak ordering times & menu performance.
• Integrated Loyalty & Referral Programs – Create VIP tiers, cashback rewards & gamified experiences to retain customers.
• Seamless QR Menus & Tap-to-Pay Solutions – Offer frictionless dine-in & takeaway ordering.
• POS & Delivery Logistics Integration – Sync orders directly with kitchen operations for maximum efficiency.
• Pre-Order & Reordering Features – Allow customers to schedule meals & reorder in one tap.

With Weevi, Saudi restaurants can take control of their business, increase direct sales, and create a sustainable, profitable future—without relying on third-party platforms.

-------

Aggregator platforms may offer convenience, but long-term success requires direct customer relationships, lower costs, and full brand control. Saudi restaurants that invest in direct ordering, digital marketing, and loyalty programs will see higher profits, greater efficiency, and stronger customer retention.

Ready to take control of your restaurant’s future? Contact Weevi today to discover how our commission-free online ordering solutions can help your business thrive in Saudi Arabia’s competitive F&B industry.