Bango and Uber Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Uber One Membership through Super Bundling
Bango has announced a strategic partnership with Uber to expand the reach of its membership program, Uber One, by enabling bundling and Superbundling partnerships worldwide. Launching initially in the United States, Uber One will now be available to bundle with mobile phone and broadband plans and an add-on through Bango’s Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™).
This partnership is poised to significantly expand Uber’s subscriber base by leveraging indirect channels to grow its 19 million strong membership. Uber One offers users exclusive benefits such as discounted rides and deliveries, with monthly memberships for $9.99 and annual memberships for $96. Additional perks include a $0 delivery fee, up to 10% off eligible deliveries and orders, and 6% Uber Cash on eligible rides. The program also includes partnerships with third-party offers, providing additional value to its members.
Why This Partnership Matters
Integrating Uber One into the Bango DVM™ is not just a strategic move for Uber but a timely response to the evolving subscription landscape. According to Bango’s 2024 consumer survey, the subscription economy is undergoing significant changes, with the average subscriber managing 4.5 subscriptions and 10% holding more than 10. This surge in subscription services has driven consumers to seek more flexible and bundled options to manage their expenses and maximize value.
Key Insights from Bango’s Survey:
- High Subscription Penetration: 76% of subscribers have at least one video streaming subscription, highlighting the widespread adoption of subscription services.
- Rising Costs: The average annual spend on subscriptions is $924, with some subscribers paying over $2000, underscoring the financial burden on consumers.
- Preference for Indirect Subscriptions: 20% of subscribers exclusively use indirect methods, such as bundles and third-party sales. This indicates a growing trend toward cost-effective and convenient subscription options.
The partnership with Bango allows Uber One to tap into this demand for indirect subscriptions. By integrating with the Bango DVM™, Uber can easily establish direct relationships with telecoms and other reseller partners. This enables Uber One to be included in Super Bundling content hubs and other bundled offers, providing a seamless and efficient way for consumers to access multiple services.
The Rise of Super Bundling
Super Bundling transforms the subscription landscape by offering consumers greater flexibility, transparency, and convenience. Centralized content hubs, like Verizon’s +play and Optus SubHub, are emerging as popular solutions, allowing subscribers to manage multiple subscriptions through a single platform. This approach enhances the user experience and provides opportunities for content providers to reach new audiences and increase subscriber retention.
Demand for Centralization:
- Consumer Frustration: Nearly half of the subscribers express frustration with managing multiple subscriptions, driving demand for centralized content hubs.
- Flexibility and Transparency: Over a third (35%) of subscribers regularly pause and restart subscriptions, citing flexibility as a top priority. Furthermore, many subscribers desire more transparency in their subscription bills, with 32% consistently frustrated with how they currently manage and pay for their subscriptions.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Bango and Uber exemplifies the growing trend of Super Bundling, providing a win-win situation for subscribers and content providers alike. By leveraging the Digital Vending Machine®, Uber One can seamlessly integrate into various subscription bundles, offering consumers a convenient and cost-effective solution. This partnership expands Uber’s reach and aligns with the shifting consumer preferences highlighted in Bango’s survey, making it a forward-thinking move in the competitive subscription economy.
