3 6 Ke·2025-04-01 01:15Core Insights - Community group buying, once a hot retail model, has seen a decline with major players like Alibaba's Taobao Mai Cai exiting the market, leaving only Meituan and Pinduoduo as the remaining competitors [1][3][14] - The initial boom in community group buying in 2018 saw over 300 platforms and significant investment, but the market has since contracted due to unsustainable business models and high operational costs [3][7] - Major companies initially invested heavily in community group buying to capture the lower-tier market, but the strategy has proven to be costly and ineffective in generating stable profits [5][6][8] Market Dynamics - In 2018, community group buying attracted 4 billion yuan in funding, with an average investment of 150 million yuan per company, indicating strong initial interest from investors [3] - The competition intensified as companies like Alibaba and Pinduoduo engaged in aggressive market capture strategies, leading to significant financial losses for many players [5][7] - By 2023, major companies began to scale back their community group buying operations, with Meituan's losses reaching 73 billion yuan over four years, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the business [8][12] Operational Challenges - Community group buying relies on "extreme low prices," but the cost structure, including sorting, delivery, and commissions, makes it difficult to maintain profitability without substantial subsidies [8][11] - The role of group leaders is critical, but their income has decreased significantly, leading to reduced service quality and customer engagement [11][12] - Companies like Meituan and Pinduoduo are adapting their strategies to enhance service quality and profitability, with Meituan focusing on a "husband-and-wife store + dedicated BD" model [12][13] Strategic Shifts - Alibaba's exit from community group buying does not signify a complete withdrawal from the retail space, as it continues to focus on direct delivery models to retain customer engagement [14] - The shift towards digital empowerment and supply chain efficiency reflects a broader trend among major companies to prioritize sustainable growth over aggressive market capture [17] - The evolution of community group buying illustrates a transition from rapid expansion to a more mature, collaborative approach within the internet ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of core competencies and synergies [17]