Qi Lu Wan Bao·2025-09-04 09:29Core Insights - The ongoing competition among food delivery platforms has led to significant changes in rider earnings and consumer behavior, with a notable shift towards the "blue tide" of Ele.me overtaking Meituan in order volume [2][4][9] Group 1: Rider Earnings and Order Volume - Riders reported a decrease in order volume by 20-30% compared to peak levels in July, with earnings dropping from over 1,700 yuan per day to around 1,800 yuan in August [2][4] - The average earnings for a rider in July were approximately 19,000 yuan from Meituan and 2,000 yuan from JD, totaling over 20,000 yuan [2][4] - Riders have observed a significant drop in order prices, with some deliveries now earning only 4-5 yuan compared to previous rates of 15-16 yuan for short distances [4][6] Group 2: Merchant Experiences - Merchants have experienced a mixed impact from the delivery wars, with increased order volumes but reduced profit margins due to higher discounts and platform fees [6][7] - A coffee shop owner noted that while order volume doubled during the peak of the competition, the profit per order has significantly decreased, leading to a situation where 30% of orders result in losses [7][8] - Merchants are now often compelled to participate in promotional activities despite the risk of incurring losses, as failing to do so could result in a loss of orders [7][8] Group 3: Consumer Behavior Changes - A survey indicated that 80% of consumers have changed their dining habits since July, with 44% increasing their frequency of ordering takeout and 75% opting for delivery due to lower prices [9][10] - Consumers have reported a preference for platforms offering better discounts, with many now using Taobao's flash sales for food delivery, which they find more cost-effective [9][10] - Despite the current trend towards cheaper delivery options, some consumers express a likelihood of returning to Meituan once promotional subsidies end [10] Group 4: Financial Impact on Platforms - The three major delivery platforms (Meituan, JD, and Alibaba) have reported significant declines in net profits, with Meituan's profit dropping by 89% and JD's by 50.8% in the second quarter [9][10] - Analysts predict that the ongoing competition could result in a loss of 92 billion yuan over the next year, with the three platforms already having lost a combined 20 billion yuan in the second quarter [10]