← Business Models: Core (all topics)
Aggregator & platform intermediation
What it is
A platform that aggregates fragmented supply and sells access to demand, taking a commission on each transaction. Hotels, restaurants, taxis, freight, travel and retail all have one
The platform owns discovery and the customer relationship; the supplier owns the asset and delivers the service - which is why the commission is contested
Impact on industries
- Delivers demand a single independent operator could never generate alone, and extends reach far beyond its own catchment
- For fragmented suppliers with no brand or direct channel, the platform is the only route to national visibility
- Commission is a direct claim on a thin operating margin, and the platform owns the customer data that would allow the supplier to build a direct relationship
- Dependence is asymmetric - the platform loses one supplier among thousands, the supplier loses its demand channel
- Scale, brand and loyalty programmes are the counter, which is why chains push direct booking and why fragmented independents cannot
Industries affected
Hotels & Resorts-Small & Regional-Regular-Traded
Hotels & Resorts-Small & Regional-Trade-to-Trade & SME Shells
Restaurants
Travel & Tour
Logistics-Road
Internet Platforms-Marketplaces & Classifieds
Internet Platforms-E-Commerce & Consumer
Internet Platforms-Online Travel (OTA)
Internet Platforms-Logistics & Commerce Enablement
Digital Media, Content & Gaming