The perceived partnership score for the three delivery platforms—Baemin, Coupang Eats and Yogiyo—averaged 49.1 points. The perceived partnership score is an index in which small merchants on delivery apps comprehensively evaluate cooperation efforts such as commission levels, delivery fees, transaction terms, and dispute resolution. Overall satisfaction with delivery apps was relatively high, but only 28.3% said they were satisfied with the level of usage fees, prompting calls for urgent improvements to the commission structure.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership on Feb. 5 released the results of the 2025 perceived partnership survey of the three delivery platforms and the 2025 perception survey of merchants on delivery apps. The surveys were conducted to check the level of shared growth between delivery app companies and merchants and to explore creating a fair delivery culture, as delivery apps have become primary consumer platforms.
The perceived partnership survey of the three delivery platforms was conducted in Dec. 2025 via a contactless questionnaire of 500 merchants. The average perceived partnership score for the three platforms was 49.1 points, far below the average score of large companies participating in the Shared Growth Index evaluation (73.47 points). By company, Yogiyo scored 49.5, Coupang Eats 49.4 and Baemin 48.4.
By category, the score for commission appropriateness was the lowest at 38.2 points, while transaction terms scored 55.0 points and cooperation efforts 50.7 points. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) analyzed that a reorganization of the commission structure is needed first to improve delivery app perceptions.
The perception survey of merchants on delivery apps was conducted face to face with 808 merchants from September to November 2025. The results showed merchants used delivery apps for an average of 45.1 months, with 36% of monthly sales and 34.6% of orders coming through delivery apps.
The number of delivery apps used by merchants averaged 2.3, and the average order amount in the 10,000 won to under 30,000 won range accounted for more than 80% of the total. For delivery methods, the use of delivery apps' own riders was overwhelming at 90.9%, and in such cases the average amount borne by merchants was 3,333 won, higher than when using local delivery companies (2,808 won).
While 63.2% said they were satisfied overall with delivery apps, only 28.3% said they were satisfied with the level of usage fees such as brokerage commissions and delivery fees. Merchants viewed the appropriate brokerage commission on delivery apps as an average of 4.5% and the maximum appropriate delivery fee as an average of 2,300 won, indicating a prevailing perception that the current expense level is excessive.
Lee Eun-cheong, director general for Win-Win Cooperation Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), said, "We conducted these surveys to assess perceptions of delivery apps and to encourage shared growth at a time when fees and other costs place a heavy burden on merchants," and added, "Based on the results, we will foster an environment where delivery app companies and merchants can grow together."