As Baedal Minjok (hereinafter Baemin) begins to overhaul its delivery fee system, there is some backlash among riders surrounding the newly implemented 'New Delivery Master Club'.
The operator of Baemin, Woowa Brothers, stated that it has increased supplemental benefits for riders while lowering the social expense associated with delivery. In contrast, the riders argue that the amount set as compensation (reward) has decreased and that it only fuels competition.
According to industry sources on the 7th, this year's revamped Baemin 'New Delivery Master Club' has been in effect since the 5th. The Delivery Master Club is a regular monthly promotion system tailored for riders. It provides additional rewards and benefits for riders who wish to complete more deliveries.
The newly introduced New Delivery Master Club is one of the plans to revise Baemin's rider delivery fee system. A representative from Woowa Brothers noted, "This is a measure to secure the economic stability of riders," adding that it is the result of various considerations and designs to lower the social expense associated with delivery.
Like the existing Delivery Master Club, the New Delivery Master Club allows riders to receive rewards corresponding to four grades based on the number of deliveries. The size of the compensation rewarded upon achieving the target has decreased from 1 million won to 150,000 won for the highest grade. However, a stable dispatch bonus will be added.
Riders are expressing their discontent. A Baemin rider, Mr. A (39), stated, "In the existing Delivery Master Club, I received 100,000 won for completing the lowest grade delivery mission, but now even entering the highest grade only yields an additional 150,000 won, so ultimately, it's a loss."
Kyu-Kyuhyun, Commissioner of the Riders' Union, commented, "Providing additional rewards and benefits through promotions only fuels competition among riders, increasing the risk of accidents," adding, "The basic delivery fee should have been normalized before implementing promotions."
Previously, on the 24th of last month, the Riders' Union and delivery platform unions claimed that the minimum delivery fee, which is the basic delivery fee, has been cut by 500 won in the overhaul of Baemin's delivery fee system. The basic delivery fee for immediate delivery in the existing system was 3,000 won. However, with this revision, immediate delivery will be abolished, and the minimum delivery fee integrated into section delivery has been set at 2,500 won, which is a reduction of 500 won per delivery.
On the other hand, Woowa Brothers maintains that one should not look at it merely from a monetary standpoint. A representative from Woowa Brothers stated, "In addition to monetary compensation, we are increasing additional benefits such as providing stable dispatch services, support for rider delivery materials and maintenance, and cooperative support funds."
There are opinions that we need to keep an eye on another revision of the delivery fee system that will come into effect on the 1st of next month. According to Woowa Brothers, the minimum delivery fee will increase by 10% by region. The payment cycle for rider delivery fees will also be shortened, increasing from once a week to five times a week.
The long-distance surcharge system will also be strengthened. Currently, the delivery fee for a rider making a delivery of 4 km, which is classified as long distance, is 5,260 won, but starting in March, it will rise by 12% to 5,900 won. The delivery fee for a 5 km delivery will be set at 6,900 won starting in March, which is a 14% increase from the current delivery fee of 6,060 won.
An industry source stated, "Since both sides have differing positions regarding the revision of the delivery fee system, some turmoil is expected for a while," adding that "it is necessary to monitor the situation until the full implementation of the revision plan."