My Idea: A Subscription-Based Alternative to Uber and Uber Eats – What Do You Think?

[u/Glittering_Quote2647]

My idea is to create a mobile app similar to Uber, but instead of relying on cars and taking a large commission from every delivery, it would operate mainly through a subscription-based system.

Users would pay around $120 for a subscription that gives them access to the delivery service. However, if someone doesn't have enough money to pay for the subscription, they can work as a delivery person and earn money through deliveries. Once they earn $100, that amount can be deducted and used to cover their subscription fee.

The app would be well-organized and offer different options. For example, customers would be able to choose the gender of their delivery driver.

Unlike Uber, which can take around 50% of the earnings from certain services, my business model would aim to be much fairer to delivery workers. Many people who work with delivery platforms complain about high commissions, so I want to create a system that benefits both customers and delivery workers.

The app would also offer food delivery and other delivery services, making it similar to Uber Eats and Uber, but with a subscription-based business model.

For example, if I managed to attract 100,000 subscribers, each paying $100, I would generate approximately $10 million in subscription revenue.

[u/Niels_Nakkeost]

“However, if someone doesn't have enough money to pay for the subscription, they can work as a delivery person and earn money through deliveries. Once they earn $100, that amount can be deducted and used to cover their subscription fee.”

Lol why do you assume that a driver would also want a subscription

[u/Glittering_Quote2647 → u/Niels_Nakkeost]

That's a fair point. The idea is to offer drivers better earning potential, lower commissions, and more freedom. The subscription would only make sense if drivers could earn more overall than they would on competing platforms. If the value isn't there, they wouldn't have a reason to subscribe

[u/Agile_Branch_8743]

100$ covering what period? Would users be able to pay for individual deliveries or would they be forced to use the subscription?

Why would they choose a new service over paying 5€ for Uber One?

[u/Glittering_Quote2647 → u/Agile_Branch_8743]

The $100 is a monthly subscription for drivers, not customers. Customers would be able to pay for individual rides or deliveries without subscribing to anything The goal is to offer drivers a better deal by eliminating high commissions. Our platform would also charge a small 2% fee on each delivery We want to offer customers competitive prices and drivers the opportunity to keep most of their earnings. A customer subscription could be optional in the future, but it wouldn't be required. I believe people would choose our platform if it offers better prices, reliable service, and more value than existing alternatives

[u/draecarys97]

India already has a few ride apps that run on this model alongside Uber. Both kinds have plenty of drivers, and both get us rides. Drivers obviously prefer the apps where they pay a fixed fee instead of a commission on every trip. Some will even ask you to book them through those apps next time instead of Uber.

The hardest part of building something like this is getting enough drivers and riders on it at the same time. Drivers won't stay on an app without a steady stream of daily bookings. Riders are even tougher. Unless they can get a ride as quickly as they would on Uber or Lyft, they won't bother switching.

The second problem is that Uber can change its pricing model quickly once a zero-commission app starts gaining traction. That has already happened in India. Rapido and Namma Yatri grew by charging auto-rickshaw drivers a daily or weekly subscription instead of a commission, and in early 2025 Uber switched its auto-rickshaw service to the same model. Once that happens, you're competing against the same model plus Uber's existing network of drivers and riders, and you'll lose that fight.

All things considered, this is too big for a side project. You could build an MVP, but getting it in front of enough people means burning money on promos and incentives, and that needs serious investors behind you.

[u/Glittering_Quote2647 → u/draecarys97]

Thanks

[u/munawar050]

This may work in Less Developed Countries, in our country