3 6 Ke·2025-05-06 23:48Core Insights - The competition in the food delivery market has intensified since JD.com entered the sector in February, leading to aggressive strategies from both JD.com and Meituan, including significant subsidies for consumers [1][4] - Taobao's "Xiaoshida" has been upgraded to "Taobao Flash Purchase," supported by Ele.me, focusing on consumer benefits and substantial subsidies, achieving over 10 million orders within six days of launch [1][4] - The ongoing battle is not just about food delivery but is expanding into the broader instant retail market, indicating a shift in strategic focus among major players [1][12] Company Strategies - JD.com has implemented a "100 billion subsidy" program to attract consumers, which has resulted in increased orders and revenue for participating merchants, although it also imposes significant costs on the platform [5][10] - Merchants have reported mixed experiences with JD.com's platform, appreciating the subsidy but facing challenges with system usability and operational difficulties [9][10] - Meituan has launched its "Flash Purchase" brand, aiming to enhance delivery efficiency and expand its product offerings, indicating a strategic move to compete directly with JD.com in the instant retail space [12][14] Merchant Experiences - Merchants have noted that while JD.com's subsidies have increased order volumes, the platform's operational challenges, such as slow price adjustment processes and system instability, remain significant issues [8][9] - Some merchants have found that participating in subsidy programs is almost mandatory to gain visibility and traffic on the platforms, despite the voluntary nature of these programs [10][11] - The profitability of merchants is being affected as subsidy policies evolve, with some reporting that their earnings are stabilizing as competition intensifies [11][12] Market Dynamics - The food delivery market is experiencing a "three-way battle" among JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me, with each platform vying for market share through aggressive subsidy strategies [4][12] - Analysts suggest that while subsidies can drive short-term order growth, long-term success will depend on factors such as delivery efficiency, supply chain capabilities, and customer retention [17] - The expansion into instant retail signifies a strategic pivot for these companies, as they seek to redefine their market positions beyond traditional food delivery services [12][17]