Core Viewpoint - The recent "takeout war" has intensified, with major platforms like Meituan and Taobao Flash Sale engaging in aggressive subsidy strategies to attract consumers, reminiscent of the early days of food delivery services [1][3][10]. Group 1: Current Promotions and Strategies - Meituan has launched a "0 yuan purchase" campaign, allowing users to redeem drinks for free if they pick them up, or pay a minimal delivery fee if ordered online [6][15]. - Taobao Flash Sale has introduced a "Super Saturday" promotion, offering substantial discount coupons, leading to a surge in orders and longer delivery times [8][11]. - Other platforms like JD.com are also participating, with promotions such as "one price 16.18" for popular dishes, indicating a competitive landscape [14][21]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and User Engagement - The competition has led to significant increases in user engagement, with Taobao Flash Sale reporting over 80 million daily orders and 200 million active users [19][24]. - Meituan's daily order count peaked at over 1.2 billion, with a significant portion being food delivery orders [21][28]. - The aggressive subsidy strategies have resulted in a notable rise in active users across major platforms, reversing previous declines [24]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Industry Implications - Analysts predict three potential outcomes for the ongoing competition: Meituan maintaining its lead, a duopoly between Meituan and Alibaba, or a three-way competition including JD.com [26][28]. - The financial implications are significant, with projected losses for platforms reaching hundreds of billions in the coming quarters due to ongoing subsidies [28]. - The sustainability of these subsidy strategies is questioned, as they may lead to long-term challenges for merchants and delivery personnel, impacting overall profitability [29][33]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment and Market Challenges - Regulatory bodies have begun to intervene, urging platforms to adhere to e-commerce laws and ensure fair competition, highlighting the need for responsible business practices [34]. - The competition has revealed deeper issues within the industry, such as the pressure on merchants to lower prices and the high workload on delivery personnel, raising concerns about long-term viability [37].
外卖的“疯狂星期六”，还能疯狂多久？