2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-05-16 06:18Core Viewpoint - The intense competition in the food delivery market has prompted regulatory scrutiny, with major platforms like JD, Meituan, and Ele.me being urged to ensure fair competition and compliance with relevant laws [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The State Administration for Market Regulation has conducted discussions with major food delivery platforms to ensure compliance with the E-commerce Law, Anti-Unfair Competition Law, and Food Safety Law, indicating potential consumer complaints regarding false advertising or unreasonable conditions imposed on merchants [1][2]. - In 2018, similar regulatory actions were taken against these platforms for unfair competition practices, including forcing merchants into exclusive agreements and extreme marketing tactics [1][2]. Group 2: Subsidy Dynamics - The current subsidy war involves significant financial commitments from platforms, with JD pledging 100 billion yuan, Alibaba potentially allocating up to 20 billion yuan for Ele.me, and Meituan planning to invest 100 billion yuan over three years to stimulate demand [3][4]. - Merchants often share the burden of promotional costs, with some platforms requiring them to lower prices or participate in promotional activities, which can lead to operational challenges for the merchants [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer and Merchant Impact - The aggressive promotional strategies have raised concerns about potential impacts on food safety and service quality, as platforms may pressure restaurants to reduce costs, potentially compromising delivery standards [6][8]. - Instances of delivery system failures have been reported, leading to order cancellations and financial losses for merchants, highlighting the operational risks associated with high-volume promotional activities [8][10]. Group 4: Market Competition and Practices - The controversial "choose one" practice, where platforms allegedly force merchants to choose between them, has been a point of contention, with past legal rulings against such practices [9][10]. - Despite the competitive landscape, many merchants are now operating across multiple platforms, indicating a shift in market dynamics where exclusivity is less valued [10][11].