Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding the pricing and quality of fruits sold by Baiguoyuan, highlighting the company's stance on consumer education and its implications for customer satisfaction and loyalty [3][14][22]. Pricing Issues - Baiguoyuan's fruit prices are perceived as high, with examples showing that their lychee is priced at 39.9 yuan per 500 grams in Beijing, compared to 16.8 yuan at a competitor [3][10]. - Consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of Baiguoyuan's fruits, stating that they often receive fruits that are not fresh or of poor quality, leading to a decline in membership renewals [11][12]. Consumer Education Stance - Baiguoyuan's chairman, Yu Huiyong, emphasized that the company aims to "educate consumers" rather than cater to their preferences, which has drawn criticism from consumers who feel this approach is condescending [14][15]. - Many consumers reject the notion of needing education on fruit quality, arguing that they are willing to pay for high-quality products and expect the company to meet those standards [14][15]. Return Policy Concerns - The "three no-return" policy introduced in 2009 has faced criticism, with complaints about difficulties in obtaining refunds for unsatisfactory products [4][21]. - Franchisees have reported financial losses due to changes in the return policy, which now requires them to bear a larger portion of the costs associated with returns [21][22]. Financial Performance - Baiguoyuan's financial performance has shown a decline, with a reported revenue growth rate of only 0.69% and a pre-tax loss of 391 million yuan in 2024, marking the first net loss in five years [22]. - The chairman's salary has also decreased, with a reported total compensation of 1.097 million yuan in 2023, down approximately 7.38% from the previous year [4].