What Marketplaces Don't Tell You About Their 30 Percent Cut

Introduction

If you're a local service provider using big-name marketplaces to get clients, you're probably paying more than you think — not just in fees, but in control and brand value.

That 30% cut they take? It adds up fast. And it's not just money. You're also giving away your customer data, your branding, and your direct relationship with your clients.

Let's unpack what's really going on — and why platforms like Peeptown give you a smarter, more profitable alternative.

The Hidden Cost of "Exposure"

Marketplaces promise you visibility, traffic, and trust. Sounds great, right?

But here's the fine print:

• They take a 20–35% cut of every transaction
• They control the customer relationship, not you
• They decide when and how you appear in search results
• They can remove or suspend your listing without warning

"I was paying nearly a third of my earnings just to stay visible," shared one local makeup artist. "And I still had to run discounts to compete."

You're building their brand, not yours. You're collecting reviews on their site, not your own. That's not business growth — that's platform dependency.

Let's Break Down the Math

Imagine you charge $100 for a service.

• Marketplace takes 30% = $30
• You earn $70
• Add payment gateway fees = -$2–$3
• Final earning: around $67

Now compare it with a fixed, transparent platform like Peeptown:

• You pay $29/month (flat)
• No commissions on bookings
• Accept payments directly via PayPal or Stripe
• You keep 100% of your booking revenue

If you get just 4 clients a month, you've already saved money — and kept your profits.

Who Really Owns Your Customers?

On marketplaces, your customers aren't actually yours. The platform owns the communication channels, the feedback, and often even the repeat booking incentives.

If the platform shuts down or bans your account, you lose everything.

With Peeptown, you own:

• Your client list
• Your reviews
• Your business profile
• Your booking links
• Your communication channel (like WhatsApp or email)

That's real ownership — and long-term growth.

You're More Than a Line on a Listing

Marketplaces list hundreds — sometimes thousands — of similar service providers. Even great businesses get buried under price wars and algorithm updates.

With your own business page, you:

• Control your branding
• Highlight your story, team, photos, and reviews
• Set your pricing and policies
• Make a unique impression

You stand out — not blend in.

What Peeptown Does Differently

Peeptown is built for small business owners who want independence and profits.

Here's what makes it better:

• ✅ No commission cuts — fixed affordable plans
• ✅ You keep your customer data
• ✅ Easy bookings and payments
• ✅ Fully branded business profile
• ✅ Quick to set up — no tech skills needed
• ✅ Integrated with WhatsApp and Google Business Profile

"I made back the monthly Peeptown fee with just one client," said a home baker in Bangalore. "And now I don't have to fight for visibility."

Are You Building Your Business or Theirs?

Every minute you spend building reviews and trust on a marketplace, you're helping their brand grow, not yours.

Wouldn't it be better to:

• Own your own space online
• Keep every dollar you earn
• Build long-term customer relationships
• Get discovered directly through Google and social media

Final Call to Action

Stop paying commissions. Start owning your growth.

You deserve more than a profile in someone else's system.

With Peeptown, you get a complete online presence — on your terms.

👉 Make My Business Live — Launch your Peeptown profile today.