Core Viewpoint - The recent price protection controversy involving DJI highlights the challenges in promotional pricing strategies, particularly during major sales events like "Double 11" [1][2] Group 1: Price Protection Mechanism - Price protection has become a common practice in the promotional landscape, aiming to mitigate consumer dissatisfaction due to price fluctuations [1][2] - Various platforms and channels have different price protection policies, which can lead to consumer confusion and feelings of unfair treatment [2][3] - The inconsistency in price protection mechanisms can amplify the disappointment of early purchasers, questioning their perception of brand value [1][2] Group 2: Retail Market Dynamics - The Chinese retail market is characterized by numerous channels and rapid changes, with consumers often placing trust in brands and platforms rather than distinguishing between different store types [2] - Price protection is often a joint decision between brands and platforms, with platforms sometimes holding more power in determining pricing strategies [2] - The complexity of the channel system can lead to a paradox where price protection, intended to build consumer trust, may instead create a rift in brand image [2] Group 3: Operational Challenges - Promotional strategies, including price protection, are influenced by operational costs, inventory management, and pricing authority among platforms, distributors, and brands [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the challenges and complexities of price protection mechanisms in the retail sector, particularly during promotional events like "Double 11" [1][2] - Price cuts during promotions can lead to consumer dissatisfaction, especially when price protection is not uniformly applied across different channels, creating a sense of betrayal among consumers [1][2] - The inconsistency of price protection policies across platforms and channels can amplify consumer disappointment, questioning the brand's value and trustworthiness [1][2] Group 2 - Price protection is a competitive strategy that varies by platform and channel, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Chinese retail market [2][3] - The relationship between brands, platforms, and consumers is complex, with price protection intended to build consumer trust but potentially leading to brand image fragmentation due to channel discrepancies [2][3] - The operational costs and inventory management challenges faced by platforms and dealers will continue to influence the evolving dynamics of pricing strategies in the retail industry [3]

Core Insights - The promotional activities for "Double 11" have begun immediately after the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, with platforms and merchants eager to attract consumers through early and substantial discounts [1] - DJI's recent promotional strategy has led to consumer dissatisfaction due to significant price drops shortly after purchases, highlighting the issue of "price betrayal" in the promotional landscape [1] - Price protection mechanisms have been introduced by various platforms to mitigate consumer disappointment caused by price fluctuations, but inconsistencies in these mechanisms can amplify feelings of unfairness among early buyers [1][2] Group 1 - Price betrayal has become a common issue in promotions, with brands and platforms frequently altering pricing strategies, leading to consumer frustration and calls for protection [1] - Price protection is a complex decision-making mechanism that varies across platforms and channels, reflecting a competitive strategy that brands must navigate carefully [2] - The Chinese retail market is characterized by numerous channels and rapid changes, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate between self-operated and authorized stores, often leading to misplaced trust in brands and platforms [2] Group 2 - The presence of price protection is more pronounced during major promotional events like "Double 11," but it remains a rare concept in decentralized offline stores due to operational efficiency and cost pressures [2] - Consumers often blame brands for discrepancies in price protection across channels, viewing it as unequal treatment, which can damage brand perception [2] - Price protection is evolving from a mere marketing tactic to a critical test of a brand's ability to achieve price coordination and service integration across online and offline channels [2][3]