“外卖大战”仍在持续：“卷”的是谁，又困住了谁？

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "takeout war" driven by high subsidies is reshaping the restaurant market, leading to a complex "butterfly effect" where many small businesses struggle to maintain profitability despite increased customer traffic [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Since April, major platforms have invested nearly 1 trillion yuan in subsidies, resulting in record-breaking order volumes [1]. - The initial benefits of subsidies included increased market competition and consumer savings, but the long-term effects are creating a challenging environment for small and medium-sized businesses [3]. Group 2: Impact on Small Businesses - Small and medium-sized restaurants face a dilemma: participate in subsidies for visibility at the cost of profits, or abstain and risk being marginalized [3]. - The reliance on single platforms for revenue diminishes operational autonomy and increases pressure from low-margin orders [3][4]. Group 3: Market Diversity and Long-term Effects - The ongoing competition may reduce market diversity, as consumer choices become limited to a few large brands, potentially impacting local culinary culture [4]. - The focus should shift from a simplistic "who wins or loses" perspective to understanding the long-term implications for the entire restaurant ecosystem [5]. Group 4: Call for Change - There is a need for platforms to transition from a "traffic-driven" mindset to a "coexistence-driven" approach, ensuring that all types of businesses can thrive and consumers receive sustainable quality service [5]. - The success of platforms should be linked to the overall prosperity of the economic ecosystem, promoting a healthy cycle for businesses, consumers, and delivery personnel [5].