工厂直供听着挺划算，实际藏着不少隐形消费，消费者一定要警惕

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "factory direct supply" marketing in 2024 is misleading consumers into believing they are saving money by eliminating middlemen, while hidden costs may still be passed on to them [1][20]. Group 1: Marketing Trends - In 2024, a marketing trend of "factory direct supply" is emerging across major e-commerce platforms and live streaming channels, promoting slogans like "source low prices" and "eliminate middlemen" [1]. - Consumers are drawn to the idea that removing intermediaries will lead to significant savings, but this perception is often incorrect [3]. Group 2: Misconceptions about Middlemen - The disappearance of middlemen is a facade; their functions and costs have not vanished but have been transferred to brands and consumers [3][5]. - Middlemen play crucial roles in product selection, storage, transportation, promotion, and after-sales service, which are now the responsibility of brands [5][7]. Group 3: Cost Implications - The costs previously borne by middlemen are now reflected in new forms, such as advertising and customer acquisition expenses, which ultimately increase product prices for consumers [9][11]. - In 2024, the customer acquisition cost for beauty brands has risen by 32.7% year-on-year, with monthly advertising budgets now accounting for 18%-30% of GMV, up from 15%-25% in 2023 [9]. Group 4: Live Streaming and Advertising Costs - Live streaming has become a significant area for hidden price increases, with commissions and fees for influencers often reaching 35% of sales, tripling in the last three years [11]. - Brands are increasingly spending on advertising to attract customers, with 2024 internet advertising revenue in China projected to reach 650.9 billion yuan, including 183.2 billion yuan for e-commerce ads [14][16]. Group 5: Consumer Awareness - Consumers are encouraged to be cautious of "low-priced" offers, as excessively low prices may indicate hidden quality issues [18][20]. - The narrative of "no middlemen" is often a marketing ploy, and consumers should remain vigilant to avoid falling into consumption traps [20][22].