Delivery platforms serve as intermediaries connecting consumers with various food establishments and restaurants to facilitate the delivery of orders. Globally recognized companies like Glovo, Deliveroo, Rappi, PedidosYa, GrubHub, DoorDash, JustEat, and Uber Eats have gained prominence in this field.
In an exclusive interview with Infobae, Daniel Colunga, the General Director of Uber Eats for Mexico, unveiled a new service tailored for businesses called Uber Direct. This innovative offering enables small and medium-sized enterprises to dispatch their products through a carefully selected group of drivers and delivery partners.
Colunga explained the motivation behind Uber Direct, stating, “Uber Direct aims to address the growing demand for last-mile deliveries. Last year, we experienced a fivefold growth on this platform, but we see immense potential in expanding it to encompass all industries within the country.” He emphasized that small and medium-sized companies will have the convenience of utilizing a self-service option, enabling them to register their information on the Uber Direct Mexico website in less than 10 minutes. This straightforward process involves entering the company’s details, such as name, address, phone number, contact information, email, and credit card information, if applicable.
Notably, businesses can leverage multiple channels, including WhatsApp, telephone, their own website, or the Uber Direct application itself, to interact with the platform. Colunga added, “Requesting an Uber is no more complex than that, and that’s precisely what we aim for – for users to feel at ease while utilizing this service in a simple manner. It is a combination of attentive listening and a commitment to simplicity that drives our project.”
Colunga also shared insights gained through the maturation process and their collaboration with existing business partners. He expressed the belief that the last-mile initiative presented by Uber Direct could bolster small and medium-sized companies in the local commerce sector, providing a democratic approach that empowers consumers to determine their preferred channel for ordering products or services.
When asked about alternatives available to business owners who do not possess a credit card to complete the registration process on the platform, Colunga acknowledged the need for improvement in banking penetration across Latin America. He highlighted Uber’s global presence spanning over 200 countries, which requires tailoring their product to the unique characteristics of each region. Cash management, in particular, poses a challenge. While the self-service option currently relies on credit card payments in Latin America, Uber is actively evaluating alternative solutions to cater to a broader range of users.
Colunga further commented, “We have observed that businesses venturing into e-commerce typically possess a certain level of sophistication and, at the very least, have a bank account or credit card that enables them to conduct transactions.”
In conclusion, Colunga extended an invitation to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, encouraging them to join the Uber Direct platform, which promises efficient deliveries within 30 minutes. By embracing this technology-driven solution, businesses can enhance their reach and streamline their delivery operations, ultimately contributing to their growth and success.
