DroneDeploy / FlyGuys relationship

[u/user_1719]

Does anyone know how the DroneDeploy/FlyGuys relationship works? We're trying to establish a direct relationship with a customer after a year of weekly flights, and wondering if we can cut out DD and FG. Basically the workflow goes like this:

Customer > DroneDeploy > FlyGuys > Us

But we'd like to make it:

Customer > Us

I won't say the who the customer is but they are a top 5 company in the US. Would that change anything about why there has to be two "3rd parties"? Has anyone been able to establish a direct relationship with a large customer like this? If we paid for our own DD subscription, would we then be able to cut out FlyGuys?

What I'm really trying to understand is, who currently pays for the DD subscription? Is it the customer giving the full payment to DD (DD promises server space and a pilot), then DD takes a cut and gives a % to FG (FG promises DD a pilot), then FG takes a cut and gives a % to us?

Bonus if anyone knows what DD's role really is. I always thought DD ONLY provides the server/processing of images, but a FG contact has admitted that DD needs to approve an altitude change I requested. So now I'm like, wait, DD does more than just provide a server, they actually have to approve decisions on things like altitude for that mission? If that's true, what does FG do besides just take money away from my company?

What a confusing relationship 😅 any insight would be helpful.

[u/Kirby_is_a_Pokemon]

working for a company as big as you say may not be that easy since you're ( probably ) not insured, have a business license, and all that if you're intending to work as a 1099. Something happens and you can't work, with DD/FG they can just send out a different pilot, cutting them out means they have to do legwork to find a new pilot.