3 6 Ke·2025-04-27 05:35Core Viewpoint - Major e-commerce platforms in China have announced the cancellation of the "refund only" policy, which was initially aimed at protecting consumer rights but has led to significant issues for merchants [1][12][15] Group 1: Background of "Refund Only" Policy - The "refund only" policy was introduced by Pinduoduo in 2021, inspired by Amazon, primarily to address issues with perishable goods [2][4] - Initially, the policy was beneficial for both consumers and merchants, allowing for a more convenient transaction process without the need for returns [2][4] Group 2: Expansion and Impact of the Policy - The policy quickly became standard across major platforms like Taobao, JD.com, Douyin, and Kuaishou, leading to a competitive advantage for those offering it [4][5] - Pinduoduo saw a 135% increase in repurchase rates after implementing the policy, demonstrating its initial effectiveness in attracting consumers [5] Group 3: Issues Arising from the Policy - The policy has been exploited by some consumers, leading to a rise in fraudulent activities and significant losses for merchants, with some reporting losses exceeding 600,000 yuan [9][10][11] - A black market emerged, with individuals taking advantage of the policy to profit from "zero-cost purchases" [9][11] Group 4: Cancellation of the Policy - Platforms like JD.com and Taobao have begun to phase out the "refund only" policy, with JD.com starting on April 30 and Taobao planning to follow in July [1][12] - The cancellation aims to restore fairness for merchants, allowing them to negotiate refunds directly with consumers [13][15] Group 5: Future of E-commerce - The industry is expected to evolve, focusing on balancing consumer and merchant rights while improving product quality and service [15][17] - Regulatory bodies have shown interest in addressing the misuse of the "refund only" policy, indicating a shift towards more equitable practices in the e-commerce sector [15][17]