How to build a successful delivery app in Iraq: from idea to your first thousand orders

Start small on purpose

The biggest mistake is launching in every governorate for every merchant type at once. Delivery is an operations business before a software one: you need enough drivers and committed merchants in a defined area. Start with one district or city, prove repeat demand, then expand.

The three local problems

• Addresses: descriptive text + map pin + phone number, and saved repeat addresses.
• Payment: cash on delivery alongside e-wallets.
• Cash: custody per driver and a clear daily settlement in the admin panel.

Metrics to watch from day one

• Average delivery time
• Cancellation rate and reasons
• Share of customers who reorder
• Orders per driver per hour
• Customer acquisition cost vs order margin