Building Alternative Economies for Working-Class, Hispanic Immigrant Communities
Create alternative economies where working-class communities don't rely on extractive brands. Fair income for drivers (100% of delivery fees), transparent service fees for platform access, viable logistics for restaurants-without VC extraction.
Functional dispatch platform, Spanish-first interface, community-driven logistics. Named after the Purépecha word for "rabbit" (agility, intelligence, ancestral wisdom). Brand colors reflect Michoacán avocado hues-cultural and economic pride.
Savior brand, moralizing platform, cheap gimmick, VC-driven growth machine, commission-based extractor.
Simultaneous US (DMV) and Mexico rollout with Spanish-first interface. Courier service in Uruapan, Michoacán + dispatch in Ecatepec/Mexico City.
Regulatory barriers, partnerships, operational issues forced Mexico postponement. Technical challenges in payments, distance calculations, APIs required single-market focus.
DMV-only launch (MD/DC/VA) to validate model. Mexico ready but paused. Soft launched Nov 15, 2025. First paid trip completed.
Currency: USD/MXN • Metrics: Miles/km • i18n: Spanish UI/English admin • Security: Fixed double-submit • Maps: Business names + addresses • Firewall: Resolved AJAX blocks
Finding: 99% of users are on mobile devices. Long single-page forms created friction.
Method: User testing, form analytics, mobile behavior patterns.
Impact: Rebuilt as 5-step wizard form with progress indicator, back navigation, step validation. Smooth transitions optimized for touchscreen.
Finding: Manual onboarding + WhatsApp groups build trust faster than digital-only in working-class markets.
Method: Ethnographic field work, driver interviews, community engagement.
Impact: Temporary manual driver onboarding during launch. WhatsApp Business API integration deferred until driver network stable.
Finding: Users don't always know street addresses-they say "pick up at Starbucks" or "drop off at Walmart."
Method: Form submission analysis, user testing, Google Places API types configuration.
Impact: Fixed autocomplete to accept both addresses AND business names/POIs. Country restrictions prevent international suggestions.
Finding: Working-class clients prioritize clarity over complexity. Hidden fees create distrust.
Method: Pricing display testing, user feedback, competitive analysis.
Impact: Price breakdown shows delivery fee (driver) separate from platform fee (AUANI). Desktop color contrast fixed for visibility.
| Decision Point | Options Considered | Choice Made | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Geography | Multi-city Mexico vs. Single US market | DMV-only | Reduce operational complexity, validate model in controllable environment |
| Service Priority | Launch both rideshare + delivery vs. Sequential | Rideshare first | Build driver supply before adding restaurant complexity |
| Tech Stack | Custom build vs. API integrations | Hybrid (Shipday API + custom) | Speed to market without sacrificing control |
| Language Strategy | English vs. Spanish vs. Bilingual | Spanish UI, English backend | Match end-user needs while maintaining operational efficiency |
| Growth Model | VC funding vs. Bootstrapped | Bootstrapped | Maintain non-extractive model, avoid growth-at-all-costs pressure |
¿Por qué pagar 25-40% de comisión cuando puedes quedarte con el 100%? Auani te conecta directamente con clientes que necesitan viajes y entregas.
Solo necesitas tu información personal y de tu vehículo. Todo se gestiona desde tu celular.
Recibe pedidos o viajes directamente a la app. Tú decides cuáles envíos o viajes aceptas, sin penalizaciones automáticas.
Tú decides cómo y cuándo cobrar: antes, durante o después del servicio. La tarifa de conductor siempre se paga completa, y puedes recibir propinas directamente.
$0/mes
$199/mes
Autonomía Total: No necesitas pagar nada para usar la plataforma. Tú eliges cuándo y qué trabajos aceptar, sin metas obligatorias ni algoritmos que presionen. Tu tarifa de conductor nunca se reduce.
Soporte: Atención rápida si surge algún problema con clientes o pagos.
Nada. Ser conductor es gratis. Solo pagas $199/mes si decides unirte a La Tribu para tener mantenimiento mensual y acceso a un fondo de emergencia sin intereses.
Si eres parte de La Tribu por 3 meses seguidos, recibes un servicio mensual: cambio de aceite, filtros, parabrisas y rotación de llantas en talleres certificados. Lo que pagas regresa a tu vehículo, tu herramienta de trabajo.
Tu información personal, datos del vehículo y un teléfono con buen internet. Se hace todo desde tu celular.
El sistema usa Google Maps: $5 por las primeras 3 millas y $1.25 por cada milla extra. Si hay demasiada demanda, puede haber tarifa dinámica.
Directo a tu cuenta: Cash App, Venmo, Zelle o efectivo. Tú decides cuándo cobrar: antes, durante o después, dependiendo de tu estrategia y del cliente.
No. Lo que el cliente paga es para ti. Las funciones premium no afectan tu tarifa.
Sí. Y van completas para ti.
No. Tú eliges qué tomar. No hay penalizaciones automáticas, pero si cancelas demasiado, lo hablamos.
No. Entras y sales cuando quieras. No hay presión ni algoritmos castigándote.
Principalmente viajes al inicio. Después comida. Más adelante podrás elegir tu preferencia.
Es una comunidad nueva. Crece conforme tú te muevas, tus contactos y familiares.
Claro. Entre más conductores responsables, más se mueve la comunidad. En un futuro corto, se les va pagar comisión por recomendaciones de conductores que se unan a La Tribu. Tendrás más oportunidades de ganancias.
Hay soporte local, sistema de fotos y registro en la app. Si alguien abusa, se suspende. Si algo rebasa a AUANI, se escala a las autoridades.
Si tienes prueba del servicio, recibes el pago igual.
Sí. Eres un contratista independiente.
La mayoría de las plataformas te quitan 30% por cada venta. Aquí no. Con tu menú tú mandas. $3 por orden. Sin comisiones ocultas.
Conecta tu perfil de Google Business. Si ya existe en Google Maps, es más rápido aprobar tu aplicación.
AUANI usa Stripe Connect. Pagos directos a tu cuenta cada semana, menos los costos de la tarifa de servicio por pedido.
Sube tu menú y recibe pedidos por correo electrónico; no necesitas tableta. AUANI provee la plataforma para conectarte con más clientes hambrientos.
$0/mes
$299/mes
Transparencia: Tú eliges los precios de tu menú. La tarifa de servicio es $5 por pedido en línea pagado con tarjeta y $3 por pedido por menús completos con fotos. Cobras directo, controlas tu menú y mantienes lo que ganas. Solo pagas el impuesto del 10% de comida y las tarifas normales de Stripe (2.9% + 30¢).
Flexibilidad: Puedes seguir usando UberEats o Grubhub. Usa AUANI para que los clientes te pidan directo sin regalar tu ganancia.
Nada. El registro es gratis. Solo pagas la tarifa por pedido cuando vendes.
Fotos, precios y un correo electrónico dedicado donde recibir pedidos.
Nada a la fuerza ni compromisos raros.
Si tu menú no tiene fotos completas, la tarifa es $5 por pedido. Si subes fotos para todos tus platillos, baja a $3. Es simple: las fotos venden.
Stripe procesa los cobros. Tus depósitos llegan semanalmente sin que hagas nada.
No. Solo pagas el impuesto de las tarifas de Stripe cuando alguien paga con tarjeta.
No. Solo un email. Eso es todo.
Sí. Usa AUANI para que los clientes te pidan directo sin regalar tu ganancia.
Hay soporte local. Te ayudo a resolver situaciones razonables.
Sí. Tú decides. Y ellos cobran directo, sin costo para ti, ya ganancia de ellos.
Mientras tengas cuenta bancaria en línea, puedas manejar pedidos y mantener calidad, estoy para brindarte mi conocimiento de mercadeo digital para avanzar tu negocio.
Predictable income, autonomy, alternatives to extractive apps
WhatsApp chaos, inconsistent gigs, lack of unified dispatch
AUANI provides structure without extraction-reliable demand, transparent pricing
Reliable delivery, clarity in pricing, sustainable margins
30–40% commissions on big apps, opaque fee structures
AUANI offers transparent, lower commissions with direct restaurant relationships
Affordability, speed, convenience
Minimal loyalty-will use whatever platform works and is cheapest
AUANI competes on price and reliability, not brand affinity
WhatsApp group, word-of-mouth, community referral
Phone call or in-person meeting, explain fee structure
Driver app download, account configuration, test order
Shipday push notification, driver accepts, navigates to pickup
Mark complete in Shipday, customer receives tracking link
Customer pays via CashApp/Venmo/Zelle/cash, driver gets 100%
Name, email, WhatsApp number
Google autocomplete (business names + addresses)
Google autocomplete with country restriction
Optional delivery notes
Price breakdown: delivery fee + service fee, Stripe authorization
Submitted to Shipday, driver assigned, tracking link sent
Direct restaurant contact, pitch transparent fee model
Self-service merchant dashboard, menu upload capability
Items, pricing, images, availability hours
Internal testing before public launch
Customer orders via site, auto-dispatch to Shipday
Primary
#2C3E50
Accent
#3498DB
Success
#27AE60
Alert
#E74C3C
Warning
#F39C12
Body text - Roboto Regular. Used for most content across the app. Optimized for readability on mobile devices.
Functional alternative. Non-extractive. Pragmatic. Spanish-first.
AUANI is not a lifestyle brand or a savior narrative. It's a working system that respects working-class people's economic realities. The brand communicates context over blame, action over rhetoric, and Inteligencia Artesanal-the resourcefulness that built these communities in the first place.
"Auani" comes from the Purépecha word for "rabbit"-representing agility, intelligence, and ancestral wisdom. The Purépecha people of Michoacán built sophisticated economies long before Spanish colonization.
Brand colors reflect the hues of the Michoacán avocado-a symbol of cultural and economic pride. Green represents growth, resilience, and the region's agricultural heritage.
We don't moralize about extractive platforms. We acknowledge the system and offer an alternative.
No manifesto. No virtue signaling. Just a working platform that pays drivers fairly.
The DIY resourcefulness of working-class communities-modular, adaptive, honest.
This is an economic experiment. Can we build viable logistics without VC extraction?
DIY, modular approach-nothing overly polished. Reflects the resourcefulness of working-class communities. Material Design principles for familiar Android-first UX.
Purépecha symbolism without caricature. Michoacán avocado green as primary accent. Typography and imagery that feels familiar to Latino markets.
Honest working-class imagery. Real drivers, real restaurants, real neighborhoods-no stock photo gloss. Spanish-language interface screenshots.
Spanish-first landing pages targeting drivers and restaurants with direct, practical messaging.
Headline: "Conduce tu propio camino con AUANI"
Translation: "Drive your own path with AUANI"
Sub-Headline: "¿Por qué pagar 25-40% de comisión cuando puedes quedarte con el 100%? Auani te conecta directamente con clientes que necesitan viajes y entregas."
Translation: "Why pay 25-40% commission when you can keep 100%? Auani connects you directly with customers who need rides and deliveries."
"Calcula Costos" & "Registro para Conductor" - Buttons leading to a cost calculator and registration form.
Focus on economic empowerment and community-driven logistics.
Headline: "Vende en línea sin comisión por precio del pedido"
Translation: "Sell online without commission on order price"
Sub-Headline: "La mayoría de las plataformas te quitan 30% por cada venta. Aquí no. Con tu menú tú mandas. $3 por orden. Sin comisiones ocultas."
Translation: "Most platforms take 30% for each sale. Not here. With your menu, you're in charge. $3 per order. No hidden commissions."
"Calcula Costos" & "Registro para Restaurante" - Buttons leading to a cost calculator and registration form.
Side-by-side comparison: AUANI $3-5 flat fee vs. DoorDash/Uber Eats 30-40% commission on $50 order.
Primary audience is Spanish-speaking working-class drivers and restaurant owners. All landing pages, forms, and communications in Spanish. English is secondary.
Lead with numbers. Show exact costs, comparisons, and savings. Working-class audiences make practical economic decisions-respect that.
No corporate jargon. No tech startup hype. Direct, honest, peer-to-peer voice. "We" not "our platform."
Show all fees upfront. Explain how the platform works. No fine print tricks. If there's a catch, say it.
Role: Driver & Rider interfaces
Tech: React, Material-UI, Google Maps API
Language: Spanish UI, English backend
Role: Routing, dispatch, driver management
Integration: RESTful API, webhooks for real-time updates
Role: Geocoding, routing, distance calculation
Challenge: Imperial vs. metric conversion for pricing
Role: Transaction handling, driver payouts
Challenge: US banking infrastructure, Latino banking habits
Role: Menu management, order processing
Role: End-to-end food delivery and pickup checkout flow.
Components: Delivery and Pickup checkout wizards, integrated with Stripe and Shipday.
Role: Manual community engagement, dispute resolution
Human Layer: Not fully automated-personal touch critical
Why WordPress + WooCommerce: Familiar ecosystem for managing complex multi-sided marketplace. WooCommerce handles payments/orders out of the box. WCFM allows restaurant self-service menu management without custom admin builds.
Why Shipday: Avoid reinventing dispatch/routing logic. Focus energy on UX and economic model, not logistics algorithms. API integration gives control without operational overhead.
Why Stripe: Robust payment infrastructure with support for split payments (driver payouts), recurring billing potential, and Latino banking integrations (prepaid cards, remittances).
Why Custom Plugins: Core marketplace logic (driver onboarding, trip matching, payout schedules) requires custom WordPress plugin development. Not achievable with off-the-shelf solutions.
Why Spanish UI + English Backend: End users need native language. Admin/dev work is faster in English. WordPress allows clean separation via translation files.
The integration of the **WhatsApp Business API** has been put on hold indefinitely. The team is currently focusing on optimizing the existing dispatch and payment infrastructure (v3.2.0) and will revisit this feature once business registration and core operations are fully stabilized.
Current driver communication continues via direct phone support and non-API WhatsApp groups.
Calculates the driver fare based on distance, implementing the $5 base fare for the first 3 miles and $1.25 per extra mile logic.
/**
* Calculates the driver fare based on distance (miles).
* $5 for the first 3 miles, $1.25 for every extra mile.
*
* @param float $distance_miles Distance in miles.
* @return float Calculated fare.
*/
public function calculate_driver_fare( $distance_miles ) {
$base_fare = 5.00;
$base_distance = 3.0;
$rate_per_mile = 1.25;
if ( $distance_miles <= $base_distance ) {
return $base_fare;
}
$extra_distance = $distance_miles - $base_distance;
$extra_fare = $extra_distance * $rate_per_mile;
return round( $base_fare + $extra_fare, 2 );
}
Submits a new order to the Shipday dispatch API using WordPress's HTTP API (wp_remote_request) for driver assignment.
/**
* Submits a new order to the Shipday dispatch API.
*
* @param array $order_data Order details (pickup, dropoff, items).
* @return array API response.
*/
public function submit_order_to_shipday( $order_data ) {
$api_key = get_option( 'auani_shipday_api_key' );
$endpoint = 'https://api.shipday.com/orders';
$args = array(
'headers' => array(
'Authorization' => 'Basic ' . base64_encode( $api_key . ':' ),
'Content-Type' => 'application/json',
),
'body' => json_encode( $order_data ),
'method' => 'POST',
'timeout' => 15,
);
$response = wp_remote_request( $endpoint, $args );
if ( is_wp_error( $response ) ) {
// Log error and return
auani_log('error', 'Shipday API Error: ' . $response->get_error_message());
return array( 'error' => $response->get_error_message() );
}
$body = wp_remote_retrieve_body( $response );
return json_decode( $body, true );
}
WordPress plugin structure with modular component loading and Stripe feature flag:
/**
* Main AUANI Plugin Class
* Initializes all plugin components and manages lifecycle.
*/
class AUANI_Plugin {
private static $instance = null;
/**
* Check if Stripe is enabled
*/
public static function is_stripe_enabled() {
return get_option('auani_enable_stripe', 'no') === 'yes';
}
/**
* Get single instance (Singleton pattern)
*/
public static function get_instance() {
if (null === self::$instance) {
self::$instance = new self();
}
return self::$instance;
}
/**
* Constructor - Initialize the plugin
*/
private function __construct() {
$this->load_dependencies();
$this->init_hooks();
auani_log('info', 'AUANI Plugin initialized - Version ' . AUANI_VERSION .
(self::is_stripe_enabled() ? ' (Stripe ENABLED)' : ' (Stripe DISABLED)'));
}
/**
* Load plugin dependencies
*/
private function load_dependencies() {
// Core utilities (must load first)
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-logger.php';
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-utilities.php';
// Core functionality
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-pricing-calculator.php';
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-shipday-api.php';
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-wcfm-integration.php';
// Stripe payment integration (only if enabled)
if (self::is_stripe_enabled()) {
$stripe_files = array(
'class-auani-stripe-handler.php',
'class-auani-order-payment-tracker.php',
'class-auani-payment-interceptor.php',
);
foreach ($stripe_files as $file) {
$file_path = AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/' . $file;
if (file_exists($file_path)) {
require_once $file_path;
}
}
}
}
/**
* Initialize hooks
*/
private function init_hooks() {
// ... (hooks for admin, frontend, etc.)
}
}
AUANI_Plugin::get_instance();
WordPress plugin structure with modular component loading and Stripe feature flag:
/**
* Main AUANI Plugin Class
* Initializes all plugin components and manages lifecycle.
*/
class AUANI_Plugin {
private static $instance = null;
/**
* Check if Stripe is enabled
*/
public static function is_stripe_enabled() {
return get_option('auani_enable_stripe', 'no') === 'yes';
}
/**
* Get single instance (Singleton pattern)
*/
public static function get_instance() {
if (null === self::$instance) {
self::$instance = new self();
}
return self::$instance;
}
/**
* Constructor - Initialize the plugin
*/
private function __construct() {
$this->load_dependencies();
$this->init_hooks();
auani_log('info', 'AUANI Plugin initialized - Version ' . AUANI_VERSION .
(self::is_stripe_enabled() ? ' (Stripe ENABLED)' : ' (Stripe DISABLED)'));
}
/**
* Load plugin dependencies
*/
private function load_dependencies() {
// Core utilities (must load first)
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-logger.php';
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-utilities.php';
// Core functionality
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-pricing-calculator.php';
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-shipday-api.php';
require_once AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/class-auani-wcfm-integration.php';
// Stripe payment integration (only if enabled)
if (self::is_stripe_enabled()) {
$stripe_files = array(
'class-auani-stripe-handler.php',
'class-auani-order-payment-tracker.php',
'class-auani-payment-interceptor.php',
);
foreach ($stripe_files as $file) {
$file_path = AUANI_PLUGIN_DIR . 'includes/' . $file;
if (file_exists($file_path)) {
require_once $file_path;
}
}
}
}
}
// Initialize the plugin
auani_init();
Plugin activation sets defaults for both US (miles, USD) and Mexico (km, MXN) markets:
/**
* Plugin activation - Set market-specific pricing defaults
*/
public function activate() {
$defaults = array(
// US Market defaults (DMV)
'auani_us_base_rate' => 5.00, // USD
'auani_us_per_mile' => 1.25, // USD per mile
'auani_us_platform_fee' => 2.00, // USD
'auani_us_surge_multiplier' => 1.0,
'auani_us_free_orders' => 'no',
// Mexico Market defaults (Uruapan/Ecatepec - future)
'auani_mx_base_rate' => 40.00, // MXN
'auani_mx_per_km' => 2.50, // MXN per kilometer
'auani_mx_platform_fee' => 35.00, // MXN
'auani_mx_surge_multiplier' => 1.0,
'auani_mx_free_orders' => 'no',
// Enable logging by default
'auani_enable_logging' => 'yes',
);
foreach ($defaults as $key => $value) {
if (false === get_option($key)) {
add_option($key, $value);
}
}
// Create Stripe payment tracking table if enabled
if (self::is_stripe_enabled()) {
$tracker = new AUANI_Order_Payment_Tracker();
$tracker->create_table();
}
flush_rewrite_rules();
}
WordPress hooks system for initializing shortcodes, WCFM integration, and Stripe features:
/**
* Initialize plugin components
*/
public function init_components() {
// Initialize shortcodes for pricing display and customer forms
AUANI_Pricing_Display::init();
AUANI_Customer_Form::init();
// Initialize admin settings
if (is_admin()) {
AUANI_Admin_Settings::init();
AUANI_Dashboard::init(); // Improved dashboard
AUANI_Admin_Debug_Logs::init(); // Debug log viewer
}
// Initialize WCFM integration if WCFM is active
if (AUANI_Utilities::is_wcfm_active()) {
AUANI_WCFM_Integration::init();
auani_log('info', 'WCFM detected and integration initialized');
}
// Initialize user registration prompt
AUANI_User_Registration::init();
// Initialize Food Delivery/Pickup Checkouts
AUANI_Food_Delivery_Checkout::init();
AUANI_Food_Pickup_Checkout::init();
// Initialize Stripe components (only if enabled via admin settings)
if (self::is_stripe_enabled()) {
if (class_exists('AUANI_Payment_Cron')) {
AUANI_Payment_Cron::init();
auani_log('info', 'Stripe Payment Cron initialized');
}
if (class_exists('AUANI_Shipday_Webhook')) {
AUANI_Shipday_Webhook::init();
auani_log('info', 'Shipday Webhook initialized');
}
if (class_exists('AUANI_Payment_Interceptor')) {
AUANI_Payment_Interceptor::init();
auani_log('info', 'Payment Interceptor initialized');
}
}
}
The core rideshare functionality received significant upgrades to improve stability, logging, and payment handling, paving the way for the new food delivery module.
AUANI_Debug_Logger class and admin interface for surgical troubleshooting, replacing generic auani_log function.AUANI_Payment_Interceptor class ensures all Stripe payments are correctly tracked and linked to WooCommerce orders before final processing.class-auani-dashboard-improved.php) for better operational oversight.auani-dispatch-manager/ # WordPress plugin root (v3.2.0)
├── auani.php # Main plugin file (v3.2.0)
├── includes/ # Core PHP classes
│ ├── class-auani-logger.php
│ ├── class-auani-utilities.php
│ ├── class-auani-pricing-calculator.php
│ ├── class-auani-pricing-display.php
│ ├── class-auani-customer-form.php
│ ├── class-auani-shipday-api.php
│ ├── class-auani-wcfm-integration.php
│ ├── class-auani-user-registration.php
│ │
│ ├── class-auani-food-delivery-checkout.php # NEW: Food Delivery Wizard
│ ├── class-auani-food-pickup-checkout.php # NEW: Food Pickup Wizard
│ ├── class-auani-debug-logger.php # NEW: Dedicated Debug Logger
│ │
│ └── stripe/ (conditional loading if enabled)
│ ├── class-auani-stripe-handler.php
│ ├── class-auani-order-payment-tracker.php
│ ├── class-auani-payment-interceptor.php
│ ├── class-auani-payment-cron.php
│ └── class-auani-shipday-webhook.php
│
├── assets/
│ ├── css/
│ │ ├── auani-frontend.css
│ │ ├── auani-stripe-frontend.css
│ │ ├── auani-wizard.css
│ │ └── auani-admin.css
│ │
│ └── js/
│ ├── auani-frontend.js # Google Maps autocomplete
│ ├── auani-wizard.js # 5-step form navigation
│ └── auani-stripe-frontend.js # Payment processing
│
├── admin/
│ └── class-auani-admin-settings.php
│
└── languages/ # i18n translation files
AUANI does not take commission from driver earnings. Drivers receive 100% of the trip fare they charge. The platform is funded by a separate service fee charged to customers for access to the dispatch system.
This is fundamentally different from Uber/Lyft, which take 30-40% commission from the driver's earnings. AUANI's model treats drivers as independent service providers who set their rates and keep what they earn.
| Trip Fare (to driver) | $12.00 |
| Platform Service Fee (to AUANI) | $3.00 |
| Customer Pays Total | $15.00 |
Driver receives: $12.00 (100% of trip fare)
AUANI receives: $3.00 (service fee, sometimes waived)
Note: Service fee covers platform operations, insurance, support. Driver payout is never reduced-even when service fee is waived, driver still gets $12.
| Order Subtotal (to restaurant) | $25.00 |
| Delivery Fee (to driver) | $5.00 |
| Online Order Service Fee (to AUANI) | $3.00 |
| Customer Pays Total | $33.00 |
Restaurant receives: $25.00 (100% of order value)
Driver receives: $5.00 (100% of delivery fee)
AUANI receives: $3.00 (service fee for online card payment processing)
Note: $3-$5 service fee charged to restaurant for accepting online card payments. Driver keeps full delivery fee. No commission taken from restaurant sales.
| Platform | Driver/Restaurant Payout | Platform Revenue | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUANI | 100% of trip/order value | $3-$5 service fee (separate) | Service fee model, no commission |
| Uber / Lyft | 60-70% (commission taken from driver) | 30-40% commission from driver earnings | Commission-based extraction |
| DoorDash / Uber Eats | 60-70% (restaurant) | 30-40% commission from restaurant sales | Commission-based extraction |
Key Difference: AUANI does not reduce driver/restaurant earnings through commission. The service fee is a separate, transparent charge for platform access-not a percentage cut of what workers earn.
US Market (DMV):
Base Rate: $5.00 USD (first 3 miles)
Additional Distance: +$1.25 USD per mile
Platform Service Fee: $3.00 USD (fixed)
Mexico Market (future):
Base Rate: $40.00 MXN (first 1 km)
Additional Distance: +$2.50 MXN per km
Platform Service Fee: $35.00 MXN (fixed)
How It Works for Drivers:
Drivers view available orders in Shipday app with distance and delivery fee pre-calculated. They choose to accept or ignore orders. Drivers do not set their own rates-rates are calculated automatically based on distance.
Testing Mode: 300 free orders/month allocated for testing. Service fee can be waived without affecting driver payout.
Surge Pricing: Feature available but not currently in use. Will be introduced transparently as demand requires.
The new food delivery module introduces a custom, 3-step checkout wizard to handle the split payment model and ensure a smooth mobile-first experience.
Restaurant Payout: 100% of food subtotal.
Driver Payout: 100% of the calculated Delivery Fee (paid by customer directly to driver).
AUANI Revenue: Service Fee ($3.00 - $5.00) + Sales Tax (collected and remitted).
| Food Subtotal | $30.00 |
| Sales Tax (6%) | $1.80 |
| AUANI Service Fee | $3.00 |
| Total Paid via Card (Stripe) | $34.80 |
| Delivery Fee (to Driver) | $5.00 |
| Total Customer Cost | $39.80 |
Key Feature: The custom checkout wizard ensures the customer only pays the food subtotal, tax, and service fee via card, while the driver's fee is clearly separated for direct payment upon delivery.
No Commission: AUANI does not take a percentage of what drivers or restaurants earn. They keep 100% of their earnings.
Transparent Service Fee: Customers see exactly what they're paying for platform access. No hidden fees.
Flexible Waivers: Service fee can be waived without affecting driver/restaurant payouts. This allows for promotions and community support.
Driver Autonomy: Drivers set their own rates based on distance, time, and market conditions. Platform doesn't dictate pricing.
No Surge Pricing (Yet): Keeping it simple for MVP. Dynamic pricing may be introduced later with full transparency.
Input: # of trips/day, avg service fee collected, operational costs
Output: Monthly revenue, platform sustainability, break-even analysis
| Scenario | Trips/Day | Avg Service Fee | Monthly Revenue | Driver Payouts | Platform Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 50 | $3.00 | $4,500 | $18,000 | $4,500 |
| Moderate | 100 | $3.00 | $9,000 | $36,000 | $9,000 |
| Optimistic | 200 | $3.00 | $18,000 | $72,000 | $18,000 |
Note: Driver payouts shown separately to emphasize that drivers receive 100% of trip fares. Platform revenue comes entirely from service fees.
Break-even: Platform needs ~$5-7k/month to cover ops, insurance, support, infrastructure.
Conservative scenario: Achievable with 10 active drivers, 5 trips/day each. Service fee revenue: $4,500/month.
Driver economics: At 5 trips/day × $12 avg fare = $60/day per driver = ~$1,800/month (part-time). Drivers keep every dollar they earn.
Scaling challenge: Service fee model requires higher volume than commission model to be viable. But it preserves driver/restaurant economics.
Not VC-viable: This model doesn't scale to billion-dollar exits. Growth is constrained by community trust and operational capacity. That's intentional.
Unlike app-only competitors, AUANI treats human relationships as core infrastructure. Drivers don't just download an app-they join a community with direct support.
Pay Transparency: Drivers see exactly how much each trip pays before accepting.
Weekly Payouts: Consistent schedule, detailed breakdowns.
No Arbitrary Deactivations: Disputes handled through direct conversation, not algorithmic bans.
Respect for Autonomy: Drivers set own schedules, decline trips without penalty.
Current System: Shipday API handles routing, driver matching, real-time tracking.
How It Works:
Current Status: Backend ready, restaurant testing in progress.
How It Will Work:
Tangible outputs from the project-design systems, code libraries, research docs, calculators.