狂开门店8000家，蜜雪“平替”甜啦啦加盟商的血与泪

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid expansion of the tea beverage brand Tienlala, which has adopted a strategy of imitating its competitor Mixue, focusing on lower prices and aggressive store openings, but this growth has come at a significant cost to its franchisees [5][7][8]. Group 1: Franchisee Survival Dilemma - Tienlala is perceived as a "substitute" for Mixue, with its founder having previously been a franchisee of Mixue, leading to a strategy of selling similar products [10][11]. - As of 2024, Tienlala has over 8,000 stores across 318 cities, including international locations in the Philippines and Cambodia [11]. - The initial investment for a Tienlala franchise is advertised at 150,000 to 200,000 yuan, significantly lower than Mixue's 400,000 to 500,000 yuan, attracting many franchisees [14][13]. - However, actual costs often exceed expectations, with one franchisee stating that total expenses can exceed 300,000 yuan due to hidden renovation costs and high fees for mandatory materials [15][16]. - Franchisees report that the promised profit margins of 20-30% are often unrealistic, with many struggling to break even due to low pricing strategies and high operational costs [16][17]. Group 2: Competitive Pressure from Mixue - The tea beverage industry is experiencing intense competition, particularly in site selection, with established brands like Mixue dominating prime locations [20][22]. - New franchisees often find themselves in less desirable locations due to Mixue's existing presence, which further squeezes their profit margins [20][23]. - Franchisees face additional challenges from aggressive pricing strategies and operational pressures, leading to a significant reduction in profitability [22][23]. Group 3: Challenges of Imitating Competitors - Tienlala's strategy of undercutting competitors' prices has led to a lack of product innovation and brand recognition, with a significant portion of its stores located in lower-tier markets [25][27]. - The brand's low-cost model limits its ability to enhance product quality, creating a dilemma between maintaining price sensitivity and improving brand image [27][28]. - Tienlala's future success hinges on its ability to provide unique value to both consumers and franchisees, beyond merely replicating Mixue's model [28].