Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-26 09:59Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the "Basic Requirements for the Management of Delivery Platform Services" draft standard marks a new phase in the governance of food delivery platforms, aiming to address issues such as platform fees, promotional behaviors, and the overall service quality of these platforms [1][6][7]. Group 1: Regulatory Context - The draft standard was developed by the State Administration for Market Regulation and is open for public consultation, focusing on key issues like platform fees and promotional activities [1][3]. - The standard aims to alleviate the burdens on merchants and promote fair competition among platforms, responding to the intense competition characterized by significant subsidies and promotional offers [1][6]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The current competitive landscape has led to "involution" in the restaurant market, with platforms engaging in aggressive subsidy wars, which has raised concerns about transparency and fairness [1][8]. - Issues such as "ghost deliveries," insufficient protection for delivery personnel, and opaque fee structures are highlighted as critical problems that the standard seeks to address [1][6][7]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The draft standard is seen as a non-mandatory guideline that, if adopted by platforms in their agreements with merchants and delivery personnel, could create legal obligations for compliance [6][12]. - It emphasizes the need for platforms to enhance transparency in fees, ensure compliance in promotional activities, and establish a mechanism for balancing the interests of platforms, merchants, consumers, and delivery personnel [6][8][12]. Group 4: Expected Outcomes - The implementation of the standard is expected to lead to improved service quality, better protection for consumer rights, and a shift from a focus on traffic to an emphasis on service quality and user experience [11][12]. - The standard aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that promotes high-quality growth in the food delivery industry, moving away from low-price competition that undermines long-term interests [8][11]. Group 5: Implementation Challenges - The practical application of the standard may face challenges such as technical execution difficulties, complex interest coordination among stakeholders, and the need for multi-departmental regulatory collaboration [17][19]. - Solutions proposed include the use of technology to streamline processes, establishing effective communication mechanisms among stakeholders, and phased implementation starting with larger platforms [21][22].