每经评论员 王郁彪 近日，广东、浙江等地多家快递公司对电商客户启动调价，其中广东作为重点调价区域，单件快递调价 幅度在0.3元至0.7元之间，同时还设定了1.4元/单的底线价。这一变化直接影响到了下游商家——社交 媒体上有商家反馈，此前谈定的每单1.3元快递费上涨0.4元，经营成本明显增加。 商家增加的成本最终会由谁承担？从市场传导逻辑来看，大概率会间接转移至消费者。在此背景下，笔 者认为，快递涨价不应是最终目的，服务提质才是关键。这里的"质"包含两层内涵：一是消费者能直接 感知的快递服务质量，二是支撑行业运转的基层网点生存环境与一线从业人员待遇。 由此可见，推动重点区域快递价格理性回归、减少非理性低价件量，只是解决行业问题的"表面功夫"； 真正的"里子"，在于让上涨的快递价格与提升的服务质量相匹配，实现"价质相符、表里如一"，这才是 对消费者、商家与行业都负责的做法。 近期出台的税收新政，更从实际层面为快递企业减负、支持服务升级提供了空间。日前，财政部、国家 税务总局发布新规，明确快递服务统一按6%的税率征收增值税。此前，尽管快递服务增值税基准税率 为6%，但因政策存在"模糊地带"，跨区域运输环节有时会按9 ...

在我们看来，一些行业"内卷式"竞争的确表现为五花八门的价格大战，不过卷价格始终还是表象。 "反内 卷"更关键的是找到病根子对症下药。 除了病根，价格战也就打不起来了。如果治标不治本，低价竞争总 会卷土重来。 我们理解，当下强调"反低价竞争"的本意不是涨价，而是推动恢复市场的公平竞争机制。 对一些行业来 说，如果强化市场优胜劣汰机制，畅通落后低效产能退出渠道，价格确实会掉头向上，企业利润水平也可 能提升。这会激励企业寻求创新增长，赢得更大的市场空间。它是整治"内卷式"竞争期待的成果，也必然 是市场意志的体现。 这不是一道简单的"涨价令"就能够实现的。甚至可以说，如果 只盯住价格可能适得其反——价格是市场供需的信号，不当干 预价格会释放错误的供需信号，延迟产能市场化出清的节奏。 作者： 经观社论 封图：图虫创意 近日，西安市交通管理部门以全面停止低价营销为名叫停了网约车的"一口价""特惠价"；在全国范围内， 多个行业协会在相关反内卷倡议书或者自律公约中，都提及了抵制低价竞争、抵制恶意压价以及低于成本 的倾销行为，有的还形成了所谓的"最低价"机制。 与此相关的是，部分行业在"反内卷"的过程中开始涨价。价格上涨的推手 ...

近日，西安市交通管理部门以全面停止低价营销为名叫停了网约车的"一口价""特惠价"；在全国范围 内，多个行业协会在相关反内卷倡议书或者自律公约中，都提及了抵制低价竞争、抵制恶意压价以及低 于成本的倾销行为，有的还形成了所谓的"最低价"机制。 与此相关的是，部分行业在"反内卷"的过程中开始涨价。价格上涨的推手既有政府部门，也有行业协会 和头部企业组成的部分自律组织。市场显然乐见其成，一些论者更将这种现象作为"反内卷"见效的佐 证。 如果说光伏下游尚且有 "五大六小"等国有电力集团，有可能在多方意愿下，消化部分涨价成本，那么 面向终端消费者的电商、快递等行业，消费者是否有意愿、有能力承担价格的上涨？ 在我们看来，一些行业 "内卷式"竞争的确表现为五花八门的价格大战，不过卷价格始终还是表象。"反 内卷"更关键的是找到病根子对症下药。除了病根，价格战也就打不起来了。如果治标不治本，低价竞 争总会卷土重来。 我们理解，当下强调"反低价竞争"的本意不是涨价，而是推动恢复市场的公平竞争机制。对一些行业来 说，如果强化市场优胜劣汰机制，畅通落后低效产能退出渠道，价格确实会掉头向上，企业利润水平也 可能提升。这会激励企业寻求创新 ...

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "takeaway war" driven by massive subsidies from platforms is creating significant operational pressure on restaurants, leading to a decline in profitability despite an increase in order volume [2][11][13]. Group 1: Impact on Restaurants - Many restaurants are facing a dilemma: participating in platform marketing activities can increase sales but decrease profit margins, while not participating risks lower visibility and fewer orders [3][11]. - A survey indicated that restaurants may pay up to 40% of the order value in various fees, including service and promotional costs, which severely impacts their profitability [2][11]. - The owner of a rice bowl restaurant reported a drastic drop in daily revenue from 6,000 yuan to around 1,000 yuan after the subsidy war began, highlighting the unsustainable nature of current operations [5][6]. Group 2: Financial Strain - The financial burden on restaurants is exacerbated by fixed costs such as rent and labor, which remain high even as revenues decline [6][9]. - For example, a restaurant selling a dish for 21.8 yuan ends up with only 4.11 yuan after deducting various fees, while the total cost of providing that dish is around 10 yuan [6][9]. - The overall profitability of many restaurants has decreased, with some reporting a 10% drop in dine-in revenue compared to the previous year [11]. Group 3: Industry Response - The China Chain Store & Franchise Association has called for a halt to the price subsidy wars, citing the negative impact on market fairness and the sustainability of the restaurant industry [13][14]. - Multiple industry leaders have expressed concerns that the current low-price competition model is damaging the quality of service and products, ultimately harming consumer interests [13][14]. - The government is also taking action by urging major platforms to comply with existing laws and promote fair competition to ensure a healthy ecosystem for consumers, merchants, and delivery personnel [14]. Group 4: Long-term Considerations - Despite the short-term appeal of low prices, consumers ultimately prefer high-quality products and services, indicating that the current strategy may not be sustainable in the long run [15][16]. - Restaurants with both dine-in and takeaway services tend to perform better, as consumers feel more secure ordering from establishments they can physically visit [15].

Core Viewpoint - The ride-hailing industry is experiencing intense price competition, leading to regulatory scrutiny and calls for better market practices to protect drivers' rights and ensure fair pricing [1][2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - Multiple cities, including Qingyuan, Yingtan, and Ningbo, have held meetings to address low-price competition among ride-hailing platforms, indicating a growing concern over market practices [1][4]. - The Qingyuan Transportation Bureau has specifically called out platforms like Didi and Huaxiaozhu for receiving numerous complaints from drivers regarding low order prices and high commission rates [2][3]. - Regulatory bodies are urging platforms to establish reasonable pricing systems and to stop using unfair pricing tactics to gain market share [3][4]. Group 2: Market Conditions - As of May 31, 2025, there are 385 licensed ride-hailing platforms in China, with a 5.9% increase in order volume to 7.70 billion orders [5]. - The ride-hailing market is facing oversupply issues, with platforms resorting to low-price strategies during off-peak times, which has led to a decline in operational levels [5][6]. - The average hourly income for ride-hailing drivers has dropped by approximately 12.9%, from 31 yuan to around 27 yuan, reflecting the impact of increased competition [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The industry is transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to one of market saturation, with warnings issued about oversupply and the need for drivers to be cautious about entering the market [6][7]. - Companies are exploring new growth avenues, including autonomous vehicles and international market expansion, despite many still operating at a loss [7]. - Analysts suggest that the reliance on low-price competition is unsustainable, and the market may evolve towards oligopoly, service differentiation, and intelligent capacity management [7].

Core Viewpoint - The company Romoss is facing unprecedented challenges due to a recall event of its power banks, leading to significant employee layoffs and consumer refund issues [1][3]. Group 1: Company Situation - Romoss announced a six-month suspension of operations, retaining only employees to handle product recalls, with 90% of its workforce affected [1][6]. - The company's official stores on major e-commerce platforms have been closed, with only a few remaining products available for sale [1][3]. - Employees reported a drastic reduction in salaries, with wages being cut to 80% of the local minimum wage, resulting in take-home pay of just over 1,000 yuan after deductions [6]. Group 2: Consumer Impact - Consumers are facing significant delays in refunds, with reports indicating that refund requests are queued up to 170,000 positions [2][3]. - Some consumers have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from customer service regarding their refunds, with one user stating they incurred additional costs for returning the recalled product [5]. Group 3: Management and Operational Issues - The company has experienced frequent changes in its legal representatives, raising concerns about stability and management continuity [7]. - Key management personnel have reportedly become unresponsive, with all major leaders exiting communication channels [7]. Group 4: Industry Challenges - The power bank industry is characterized by intense price competition, with many companies relying on low-cost production that compromises quality [8]. - Approximately 60% of companies in the power bank sector operate on an OEM basis, focusing more on design and marketing rather than quality control [9]. - Safety issues, such as battery fires and explosions, are attributed to various factors, including the quality of raw materials and compliance with manufacturing processes [9].

Core Viewpoint - The recent crisis faced by ROMOSS, a well-known power bank brand, highlights significant safety risks in the power bank industry, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and a potential shift away from low-price competition towards improved product quality and supply chain transparency [1][7]. Company Summary - ROMOSS announced a six-month suspension of operations starting July 7, 2025, due to changing market conditions and business needs, with employee wages being paid at a reduced rate after the first month [3]. - The crisis originated from a recall of 491,700 defective power banks due to potential fire risks, marking one of the largest recalls in the domestic power bank industry [3]. - The recall faced challenges, including refusal from multiple courier companies to accept returns due to the products being classified as "flammable and explosive," complicating consumer rights protection [3]. - ROMOSS's direct losses from the recall are estimated to exceed 40 million yuan, with monthly losses reaching 100 to 200 million yuan due to product removals from online platforms [4]. Industry Summary - The power bank industry is experiencing intense competition characterized by a "price war," where many companies resort to low pricing strategies, leading to compromised product quality [5]. - The non-compliance rate for power banks sold online has surged from 19.8% in 2020 to 44.4% in 2023, indicating a significant deterioration in product safety standards [6]. - The cost of battery cells, which account for over 50% of total production costs, has been a primary area where companies cut corners, often opting for cheaper, lower-quality materials that increase safety risks [6]. - The recent incidents have prompted calls for the industry to abandon the "low price equals justice" growth model, emphasizing the need for improved supply chain transparency and product quality as core competitive advantages [7].

Core Insights - The instant retail sector is experiencing rapid growth, with major platforms like Meituan, Taobao, and JD showing significant increases in daily order volumes, indicating a competitive landscape [1][2][3] - However, the industry is facing challenges due to a price war, leading to unsustainable low-price strategies that threaten long-term profitability and brand integrity [2][3][4] Group 1: Industry Growth - Meituan's non-food instant retail surpassed 18 million daily orders in Q1 2025, with core categories like 3C appliances and daily necessities growing over 200% year-on-year [1] - Taobao's flash purchase service achieved over 60 million daily orders within two months, with a year-on-year retail order growth of 179% and a punctuality rate of 96% [1] - JD's food delivery service has exceeded 25 million daily orders since its launch on March 1, with over 120,000 full-time delivery personnel [1] Group 2: Price Competition Challenges - The industry is dominated by low-price strategies, forcing merchants to lower prices to attract price-sensitive consumers, which compresses profit margins [3][4] - Platforms encourage low-price promotions to enhance competitiveness, leading to a cycle of unhealthy competition that harms long-term sustainability [3][4] - Over-reliance on low prices results in reduced product quality and brand damage, as merchants may resort to inferior goods to cut costs [3][4] Group 3: Need for Differentiation - The current low-price competition model fails to meet the evolving demands of consumers who seek quality, service, and speed [5][6] - Platforms must shift focus from low prices to high-quality offerings and services to attract discerning customers, as exemplified by Sam's Club and Costco [7][8] - A strategy of customer segmentation targeting high-end clients with premium products and services can create a competitive edge [8][9] Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Platforms should develop robust customer analysis systems to identify high-end consumer segments based on purchasing behavior and preferences [9] - Strengthening partnerships with suppliers to ensure high-quality product offerings is essential for long-term success [9] - Building a strong brand image through quality service and products will help attract and retain high-end customers, moving away from the low-price model [9]

Core Viewpoint - Luckin Coffee has introduced a promotional price of 6.9 yuan for various drinks, which is perceived as a response to competitive pricing from Kud Coffee, despite the company stating it is a promotional offer rather than a price reduction [4][5][6]. Group 1: Pricing Strategy - Luckin Coffee has initiated a promotional campaign offering drinks at 6.9 yuan, a significant drop from the previous minimum price of 9.9 yuan [4][5]. - The company claims this pricing strategy is part of a dual holiday promotion for the Dragon Boat Festival and Children's Day, rather than a permanent price cut [4]. - Kud Coffee has aggressively reduced its prices to 3.9 yuan and 4.9 yuan per cup, intensifying the competitive landscape in the coffee market [5][6]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The coffee and tea industry is experiencing a price war, primarily driven by Luckin Coffee, which previously set the trend for lower prices in the market [5][6]. - Kud Coffee's rapid sales growth, achieving a tenfold increase in orders shortly after launching on Taobao, highlights the effectiveness of its low-price strategy [5]. - The competition is not limited to coffee, as new tea brands like Mixue Ice City are also influencing pricing strategies across the beverage sector [6]. Group 3: Management Changes - On April 29, Luckin Coffee announced a change in leadership, with Li Hui taking over as chairman, while Guo Jinyi remains as CEO [7][8]. - Li Hui, the new chairman, has a strong background in finance, having previously worked at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and is currently the largest shareholder through Dazhang Capital [8]. Group 4: Financial Performance - In the first quarter of 2025, Luckin Coffee reported total net revenue of 8.865 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 41.2% [8]. - The company's GMV reached 10.4 billion yuan, with a GAAP operating profit of 737 million yuan and an operating profit margin of 8.3% [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that increased business activity does not necessarily equate to profitability, highlighting the competitive pressures in the restaurant industry and the impact of pricing strategies on overall market dynamics [2][7]. Group 1: Market Conditions - The restaurant industry is experiencing a significant decline in revenue, with many establishments reporting a drop of one-third to two-thirds compared to the previous year [1]. - The introduction of low-priced meal packages has led to increased customer traffic for some restaurants, but this has resulted in lower profit margins, with some establishments seeing a drop in gross profit margin to as low as 15% [1][4]. - The overall sentiment in the market indicates that while some restaurants are busy, the competition is fierce, leading to a potential decrease in profitability across the sector [7][8]. Group 2: Competitive Dynamics - The rise of budget meal options has forced other restaurants to lower their prices to remain competitive, which can lead to a race to the bottom in terms of profit margins [4][7]. - The phenomenon of "price wars" is evident, where established restaurants are pressured to adopt similar pricing strategies to attract customers, impacting their long-term sustainability [2][5]. - The market is characterized by a shift towards lower-priced offerings, even among previously high-end establishments, indicating a broader trend of cost-cutting in response to economic pressures [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable shift in consumer dining habits, with a decline in business-related meals and an increase in family gatherings, which has altered the demand landscape for restaurants [5]. - Consumers are increasingly opting for value-driven dining experiences, as evidenced by the popularity of family meal packages and discounted offerings [5][8]. - The perception of value is changing, with consumers willing to wait for lower-priced options rather than paying a premium for convenience [5].