虎嗅APP·2025-07-18 14:12Core Viewpoint - The current battle in instant retail, particularly in food delivery, is characterized by a significant increase in subsidies from major platforms, leading to record-high order volumes. However, the underlying reality suggests that the competition is not merely about subsidy scale but rather about the foundational infrastructure capabilities that determine the ultimate victor [3][6][15]. Group 1: Key Factors for Success - The decisive factors in the current food delivery war are fulfillment and supply capabilities, which have become the strongest leverage points [7]. - Recent order data shows that JD's food delivery surpassed 25 million orders last month, while Meituan's peak order volume increased from 90 million to 150 million within a short period, indicating a significant growth potential despite the high subsidy environment [8][9][10]. - Meituan's return on investment (ROI) from subsidies appears to be the highest among the three major platforms, suggesting that its operational efficiency is superior [10][11]. Group 2: Misconceptions in the Market - The misconception that food delivery is primarily a volume-driven business is challenged by the reality that fulfillment and supply capabilities are critical to success. The dynamics of local, non-standardized transactions in food delivery differ significantly from traditional retail [16][19]. - The historical pattern of subsidy wars in various sectors indicates that attracting users through subsidies often leads to low conversion rates and customer lifetime value (LTV), as these users are typically price-sensitive rather than genuinely interested in the service [27][28]. Group 3: The Dangers of Continuous Subsidy Wars - The ongoing subsidy wars are unsustainable and could lead to market distortions, undermining the health of the instant delivery ecosystem. The focus should shift from mere data competition to fostering a healthy development of the entire market [24][28][29]. - The two primary motivations for e-commerce platforms engaging in food delivery are to leverage high-frequency dining demand to drive low-frequency retail demand and to build a comprehensive instant delivery system. However, relying on strong subsidies is not a viable strategy for achieving these goals [25][26].