Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-01 23:25Core Insights - The intense "burning money war" in the food delivery sector has led to significant financial losses for major platforms, with nearly 800 billion yuan spent in just six months, resulting in a dramatic increase in daily orders from 100 million to 200 million [2][4][14] - The financial strain is felt most acutely by small and medium-sized businesses, which are unable to cover costs due to high commission fees and subsidies, leading to widespread closures [2][3][11] - Delivery riders face increased workloads and risks, with a significant rise in accident rates and insufficient social security coverage, despite some achieving high daily earnings through excessive labor [2][3][11] Financial Impact - Major platforms like Alibaba, Meituan, and JD.com have collectively invested over 1 trillion yuan, with Alibaba alone reporting losses exceeding 500 billion yuan [4][14] - The profitability of small businesses has been severely impacted, with some reporting net losses despite high sales due to the costs associated with platform fees and subsidies [2][3] Market Dynamics - The competition has devolved into a destructive cycle where platforms prioritize market share over sustainable business practices, leading to a structural crisis within the industry [6][10] - The ongoing battle for market dominance has resulted in a zero-sum game, where the focus on short-term gains undermines long-term innovation and service quality [11][14] Future Outlook - The current state of the industry is unsustainable, and potential outcomes include market consolidation and a shift in focus from price competition to value creation [12][13] - Regulatory changes and a focus on protecting labor rights may reshape the competitive landscape, pushing platforms to adopt more sustainable practices [13][14] - The future success of the industry will depend on the ability to transition from reliance on subsidies to enhancing service quality and operational efficiency [14]