Skip — status

SkipTheDishes, now commonly known as Skip, is a Canadian online food delivery service that has become a major player in the country's gig economy. Its business model operates on a three-sided marketplace, connecting customers, restaurants, and independent couriers. The company was founded in 2012 by brothers Josh and Chris Simair in Saskatoon with a vision to create a more efficient online food ordering and delivery network. It rapidly expanded to other Canadian cities and was acquired in 2016 by the UK-based Just Eat for $200 million. Skip's primary revenue streams are generated from several sources. It charges commission fees to its partner restaurants, which typically range between 20% to 30% of the order subtotal. These fees compensate Skip for providing access to its customer base, handling payment processing, and managing delivery logistics. In addition to restaurant fees, Skip charges delivery fees to customers, which vary based on factors like distance, location, and demand. The company also earns revenue from advertising by offering sponsored listings and promotions to restaurants that want to increase their visibility on the app. Another important part of its business model is its premium subscription service, Skip+, which gives members benefits like waived delivery fees on eligible orders. For couriers, Skip offers flexible earning opportunities and a pay-per-delivery model. In recent years, Skip has diversified its services beyond food, expanding into grocery and convenience item delivery with a service called Skip Express Lane. This move reflects a broader industry trend to provide "delivery-as-a-service" for a wider range of products. Skip has also leveraged its technology to provide SkipGo, a white-label delivery service for businesses that want to use its courier network for their own online orders, allowing them to maintain their own branding and customer relationships.