"30% of Delivery Sales Paid to Platform"
"Exclusive Sales Operation Unavoidable"
Lunchbox franchise 'Hansot Dosirak' (Hansot) will operate separate prices for delivery platform sales going forward. In other words, even for the same product, prices on delivery applications (apps) such as Baedal Minjok, Coupang Eats, and Yogiyo will be higher than in-store prices.
Earlier, Hansot stated in a notice on its website on the 26th of last month, "Recently, the three aforementioned delivery platforms have continuously increased various costs related to free delivery services," adding, "All these costs are being borne by franchise stores, resulting in about 30% of delivery sales being paid to the delivery platforms, leaving no profit for the franchise stores."
As competition among delivery apps has intensified recently, some companies like Baemin are offering 'free delivery' benefits. However, Hansot claimed that the cost of these free benefits has been passed on to its franchise stores. The company added, "We have no choice but to operate dedicated prices for delivery apps," and "We kindly ask for your understanding."
Hansot did not specify exactly how the menu prices on the three delivery app platforms differ from the existing prices. However, comparing the prices registered on the current website with those on the delivery platforms, some menu items are priced about 800 KRW higher when ordered through delivery apps.
After this news became known, controversy arose among netizens. On the previous day, several online communities posted multiple explanations regarding Hansot's introduction of dual pricing under the title 'Today's Hansot Dosirak Notice.'
Some consumers expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Even considering the delivery burden, it's too expensive," and "I'd rather stop ordering delivery and just pick up the lunchbox myself." However, some voices also sympathized with Hansot's measures. One netizen, who identified as a self-employed person, lamented, "Including delivery fees and VAT, 25% of sales are lost to delivery."
Previously, well-known hamburger franchises such as McDonald's and Lotteria, as well as coffee chains like Mega MGC Coffee and Compose, have also officially introduced dual pricing systems.
The issue of delivery app commissions has long been a hot topic within the industry. To resolve conflicts between delivery apps and franchise owners, a government-led delivery platform-merchant win-win council was launched in July. As of the 24th of last month, the council has held five meetings but has yet to come up with a clear win-win plan.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
