Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "takeaway war" among delivery platforms is creating a vicious cycle for many restaurants, where participation in subsidy programs leads to losses, while non-participation results in reduced visibility and order volume [2][4]. Group 1: Impact on Restaurants - Many small and medium-sized restaurants are caught in a dilemma of whether to engage in the delivery business, facing significant pressure from high commission fees and low profit margins [5][6]. - For example, a restaurant selling a noodle dish priced at 21.8 yuan ends up with only 11.33 yuan after subsidies and fees, resulting in a meager profit of just 1 yuan [5][6]. - The phenomenon of "increased order volume but stagnant revenue" is prevalent, with many restaurants experiencing a surge in orders without a corresponding increase in income [17][19]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The competition among platforms is not just about consumer acquisition but also about controlling the market dynamics, which is affecting the livelihoods of millions of workers in the industry [4][16]. - The "takeaway war" is leading to a concentration of resources among large brands, creating a scenario where smaller brands struggle to survive [20][22]. - The market is witnessing a shift where platforms are prioritizing large chain brands, leading to a "big brand breaks price, small brand goes bankrupt" cycle [20][22]. Group 3: Regulatory Response - Regulatory bodies are taking steps to address the irrational competition by proposing rules to protect pricing autonomy for businesses and promote transparency in platform operations [23][25]. - The government is advocating for a shift from price competition to quality competition, suggesting improvements in platform algorithms and reducing the burden on businesses [23][25]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Experts suggest that while the current environment is challenging, there is hope for a future where platforms may compete for merchants as well as consumers, potentially alleviating some pressure on small businesses [8][12]. - The long-term effects of the "takeaway war" could lead to a more balanced market if platforms adopt fairer practices and support smaller businesses [35][39].
外卖大战,战而不休为哪般?