Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-04-24 14:06Core Viewpoint - Major e-commerce platforms in China, including Pinduoduo, Taobao, Douyin, Kuaishou, and JD, will abolish the "refund without return" policy, allowing merchants to handle refund requests independently after consumers receive their goods [1][8]. Group 1: Reasons for Policy Change - The "refund without return" policy has led to significant abuse, with one in three orders requesting such refunds, often using frivolous reasons [2][5]. - Reports indicate that some consumers have exploited this policy to obtain products without payment, while merchants have engaged in fraudulent activities to exploit platform subsidies [5][7]. - The decision to cancel this policy is a response to a growing imbalance in the e-commerce ecosystem, aiming to correct the situation rather than undermine consumer rights [8][10]. Group 2: Impact on Stakeholders - The cancellation of the policy will significantly affect "wool party" exploiters and gray market operations, which will face severe challenges [9]. - Consumers may initially find the refund process more complicated and may resist the change due to disrupted habits [10]. - Small and medium-sized merchants will need to enhance service and after-sales quality to remain competitive, as poor service could lead to exclusion from the market [11]. Group 3: Long-term Implications - The change is expected to lead to a reconstruction of trust mechanisms, where malicious refund seekers will be deterred, and honest consumers' rights will be better protected [13]. - Consumer rights will still be safeguarded under existing laws, promoting a more standardized approach to rights protection [14]. - The e-commerce landscape is anticipated to shift from price competition to a focus on service quality, with platforms evolving from rule enforcers to ecosystem managers [15][16].