New rules for restaurants: Mandatory campaign period on food delivery platforms has ended

The Ministry of Trade has scrutinized criticisms regarding the commercial relationships established between e-commerce platforms offering food delivery and restaurants, in line with the increasing number of complaints on social media platforms in recent times. As a result of the examinations and evaluations conducted, it was reported that new regulations were needed in the field.

ALL FEES WILL BE EXPLAINED ITEM BY ITEM

With the decisions taken by the Ministry, it is aimed to increase transparency in electronic commerce and make service fees more understandable. In this context, it has become mandatory for all fees collected by platforms from restaurants to be displayed in detail on seller panels according to service types.

In the statement, the following expressions were used: 'It has become mandatory for all fees collected from restaurants by electronic commerce marketplaces to be displayed in detail on each restaurant's own seller panel, based on service items, in a way that leaves no room for doubt. Thanks to this regulation, businesses will be able to see all cost components clearly, transparently, and in a comparable manner for the first time, thus enabling them to make their commercial decisions in a healthier and more informed way. On the other hand, it is aimed to spread transparency to the entire ecosystem by presenting a general and informative framework to the consumer at the order confirmation stage, stating that the expenses collected during the process of delivering the order from the restaurant to the consumer may consist of commission, transportation, visibility, and similar service fees.'

THE ERA OF ADDITIONAL FEES FOR BASIC SERVICES HAS ENDED

With the new regulation, the charging of additional fees for basic services that marketplaces are obliged to provide within the scope of intermediary services, such as receiving orders, transmitting them to the restaurant, payment, and infrastructure, has been prevented.

Furthermore, the practice of making participation in campaigns a sole justification for charging fees has also been terminated. It was stated that this step aims to alleviate the financial burden on businesses.

PARTICIPATION IN CAMPAIGNS IS NO LONGER MANDATORY

The Ministry has made it mandatory for additional services offered by platforms and the fees related to them to be clearly notified to restaurants before the campaign. It was stated that commission calculations for discounted sales have been made simpler and more understandable.

In the statement, it was said: 'In cases where the discount is made solely by the restaurant, the commission fee will be calculated over the total amount paid by the consumer; if the discount is covered jointly by the restaurant and the marketplace, the commission will be calculated over the amount determined by adding the discount amount provided only by the marketplace to the amount paid by the consumer. One of the most important gains brought by the circular is that the participation of restaurants in campaigns, discounts, advertisements, and similar practices has been tied entirely to a voluntary basis, and forcing them to participate in these practices has been clearly and explicitly prevented. It will not be possible to impose any sanctions on restaurants that do not participate.'

NO ADDITIONAL SERVICES WITHOUT APPROVAL

It was stated that the additional services offered with the regulation will be subject to the approval of the businesses and that this approval can be withdrawn at any time. Thus, it was expressed that the aim is to make the balance between market actors fairer.

The statement also noted that the changes made not only provide solutions to existing problems but also create a foundation that will support long-term trust and stability in the e-commerce field. 'It is evaluated that electronic commerce will continue to develop on a healthier ground in this new era where transparency increases, commercial relations become clear, and the rights of all parties are protected in a balanced manner. Our Ministry will continue to closely monitor new needs that may arise in the sector and, if necessary, will continue to implement additional steps that will increase trust and predictability in the field of electronic commerce with the same determination.'

News Source: 12punto