In recent years, delivery has gone from being a complementary channel to becoming an essential part of Brazilian retail. According to the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), the delivery market generated R$38 billion in 2023, with growth between 7.5% and 8%. Today, 56% of establishments also operate through their own channels. In 2024, iFood already had 380,000 registered establishments in Brazil. Meanwhile, 40% of Brazilians say they order food for delivery, with 11% placing one to two orders per week. In sectors like pharmacies and supermarkets, the use of apps has grown even more rapidly, representing significant shares of revenue.
Every sale made through apps involves multiple variables: commissions, delivery fees, promotional discounts, specific campaigns, and possible advance payment charges. Given this complexity, financial reconciliation becomes a strategic process—not just an operational one.
Imagine a restaurant with R$100,000 in monthly revenue via iFood. Some orders use the platform’s delivery, with a 20% commission; others are picked up on-site, with a reduced 12% fee; and there are also orders with promotional coupons, featuring a 15% commission. If the establishment opts to advance receivables, there is an additional 2% fee. At the end of the month, discounts can exceed R$18,500. Any verification failure or lack of visibility into these margins can compromise cash flow and lead to accumulated losses.
Financial reconciliation, therefore, goes far beyond gathering statements. It is a structured process that involves:
– Daily comparison between the gross order value and the total net amount received;
– Detailed analysis of each line on the platform statement: commissions, delivery fees, coupons, advances, and adjustments;
– Compliance verification with contracts: each modality (pickup, marketplace, dark kitchen, vouchers) has specific rules;
– Recording failures and discrepancies, such as duplicate charges, unreported orders, uncompensated cancellations, or errors in advance fees.
Ignoring these processes is, quite literally, leaving money on the table. The retailer loses margin, loses financial control, and lacks support to contest inconsistencies with platforms. In some cases, the lack of control even leads to abandoning these channels—which means losing market share and opportunities generated by the high demand from apps.
The solution is not to abandon delivery but to professionalize its management. Doing this control manually becomes unviable when the channel represents a significant portion of revenue. That’s why effective reconciliation depends on automated systems capable of capturing statements from platforms like iFood, Rappi, and others, and comparing each line with contracts and sales data registered by the retailer. Specialized tools can identify inconsistencies, audit values, and ensure payouts are correct.
Beyond automation, it’s essential to maintain a disciplined routine: daily sales verification, constant validation of contracts and commercial conditions, structured history, and a clear communication flow with platforms in case of discrepancies. This gives retailers a real view of net margin per channel, the cost-benefit of receivable advances, and the feasibility of participating in promotional campaigns.
In the long run, this control translates into more profit, greater bargaining power with platforms, and more reliable cash flow projections—especially for those who rely on delivery as a significant portion of revenue.
In short: financial reconciliation is no longer an operational task but has become a strategic tool. Without it, the retailer loses resources, accumulates losses, and operates in the dark. Those who invest in processes, technology, and training gain security, predictability, and focus on growth.
*Lucas Castro, Chief Revenue Officer at Boavista, a leader in automated financial reconciliation solutions
