Uber Eats is making a remarkable impact on Taiwan’s economy, generating substantial economic value for local businesses and enhancing the dining experience for consumers. According to a recent economic impact report done by a respected  third party research agency PublicFirst, in the year ending September 2024, Uber Eats created an impressive NTD 86 billion in direct, indirect, and induced economic value for delivery people, restaurants and other businesses.

The report highlights that every NTD 1 spent on the Uber Eats platform translates into an additional NTD 0.79 in economic value for local businesses, restaurants, and suppliers, illustrating the platform’s role as a catalyst for economic activity.

Supporting Local Businesses

Uber Eats is committed to empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), helping them reach a broader customer base and boost their revenues. In the past year, the platform generated NTD 15.5 billion in additional revenue for restaurants and merchants that would not have been realized through other channels. Tens of millions of orders were placed for SMBs during this period, underscoring the platform’s critical role in their growth.

A significant 69% of merchants reported that the primary benefit of using Uber Eats is the ability to connect with customers from a larger geographic area. Additional advantages include the ability to customize menus to adapt to market demands (37%) and savings on staffing costs by utilizing Uber Eats for deliveries (36%).

Why Choose Uber Eats?

Merchants favor Uber Eats for several reasons:

  • Superior User Experience: 52% of merchants cite the platform’s user experience as a key reason for their choice.
  • Reliable Delivery: 46% appreciate the reliability of Uber Eats delivery partners.
  • Customer Support: 44% value the quality customer support provided by the platform.

Notably, Uber Eats enhances the visibility of small, family-run businesses, with approximately 70% of users choosing to order from these establishments.

How Merchants See Uber Eats?

Chen Yongzhong, founder of “THEFREEN Burger,” pointed out that in the early stages of opening their store, they found it challenging to expand their customer base solely through their physical location. “With only a brick-and-mortar store, it’s hard to break geographic limitations. With Uber Eats, we can reach more consumers and let them enjoy the freshest local burgers.” After joining the platform, THEFREEN Burger successfully expanded its visibility and attracted new customers through delivery.

Merchants like “Shiyuan Salt and Crispy Chicken,” a family-run business, mentioned that after six years of collaboration with Uber Eats, they confidently leave promotions to the platform and focus on winning customers with quality food. Thanks to Uber Eats’ effective support in enhancing brand visibility, Shiyuan has been able to stand out based on product quality, rather than merely relying on advertising budgets. “You have to compete with 1,000 rivals at once. Your product has to be good enough to rank among the top restaurants on mobile screens.” Shiyuan also mentioned trying various delivery platforms but ultimately decided to focus solely on Uber Eats, explaining, “Using multiple platforms requires managing different customer service systems. For example, if an item is sold out, you need to update across all platforms, which can lead to errors.”

Another small business, “Sweet Chestnut Healthy Meal Box,” founded by a postpartum caregiver, initially struggled but found significant assistance in their early development through exposure on Uber Eats. “As time passed, more and more customers discovered us through Uber Eats.” With Uber Eats’ support, Sweet Chestnut Healthy Meal Box became the third small business brand in Tainan to surpass one million orders. “With Uber, if one person knows about you, soon ten people will know!”

Maximizing Convenience Through Technology

Consumers also benefit significantly from the convenience offered by Uber Eats. The report indicates that 65% of users believe delivery apps have transformed their dining experiences more than any other innovation. Over the past year, Uber Eats has produced an estimated NTD 17 billion in consumer surplus, equating to 0.07% of Taiwan’s GDP.

Uber Eats prioritizes user satisfaction, with four in five users expressing a positive or very positive perception of the platform. Compared to other delivery services available in Taiwan, Uber Eats excels in food options, delivery efficiency, customer support, and pricing.

As Uber Eats continues to expand its reach and support for local businesses, the platform is poised to play an even more significant role in Taiwan’s economic landscape.